My Two Bike-Camping Bicycles

[@MLRomo]

My advice is use this ten spot for IPA's! But that's up to you! 😆

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks so much! I will buy Erin and I a good one on the trip and let her know where it came from!!

[@hyperclearphoto6573]

This quickly became my favorite cycling channel just because he doesn’t push the top-of-the-line equipment and is realistic shows and uses midline products. Awesome video.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! I like to think I’m just a dude who rides bike a lot and has a GoPro. 😎

[@chris-lw9sx]

Ultraromance’s snake oil gave me diarrhea

[@hyperclearphoto6573]

@@chris-lw9sx what? 🤣🤣

[@TimFitzwater]

@@chris-lw9sx I would love to hear one thing similarities between this bike to one of Ron's. I love Ron - but you haven't made a point about anything.

[@chris-lw9sx]

@@TimFitzwater This was a comment against ron’s sales tactics.

[@natphillips9164]

Considering all your miles and experience(s), this lack of fussing & I'll just work-with-what-I-got-and-its-more-than-fine approach to a bike pack setup has been today's teaching moment I didn't know I needed!

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! Awesome. I guess since I started with really hack, less than ideal set ups what I have now all seems really nice and fancy!

[@Ron_Boy]

Tim, I've been following your channel, off and on, for a little over a year now. As time's gone on, I found myself tuning in more and more often. I enjoy what you have to say and share, and I really like the way you go about it. It's a welcome, practical change form the high speed, rush-rush way of many other channels. So thanks, and keep up the good work...

[@TimFitzwater]

I really appreciate hearing that!

[@kristamcnamee6029]

Excellent video! Seeing the different ways to setup a bike for touring is brilliant. There’s no “ cookie-cutter” method especially for bikes that are not “cookie-cutter” either. 😎

[@TimFitzwater]

Exactly! Cheers!

[@30bones]

Huge alt bar fan with inner bar ends for other hand positions.

[@joowwwllllll666]

I got a Grizl with suspension for rougher terrain and mountain bike gravel and a Bombtrack Audax with 650b and 47mm tires for road and flat smooth gravel. I love both bikes and they fulfill my needs.

[@jeffandersen6233]

Lots of great advice in this video. I like your experiential approach to cycling. I believe you are correct in needing only 2 bikes. I have 4 and mostly use 2. I especially agree on using a bike that is versatile to let you roam.

[@TimFitzwater]

For sure - of course I have tons of bikes. I only NEED two.

[@jeffandersen6233]

@TimFitzwater additional comment.. your explanation on aerodynamics and Alt bars was the best Ive heard. I find that I do move my hands a lot on my drop bars A good Alt bar sounds like a good idea.

[@wildweav]

15 years ago I rode part of the GAP and the C&O Towpath. I didn’t really care for any panniers so I went with clip on motorcycle saddle bags. It was so worth it because I didn’t have to worry about briar bushes or the tree that fell across the towpath.

[@cassidyarrington4572]

Love your personality and approach to bikes and life❤ keep it up😊

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!🥰

[@vaquerosupreme3189]

I have the same Carradice bag support and use it for the Zeitgeist. Works really well.

[@billyblaze700x9]

I know what you mean about getting down to just a bike or two. I have a full rigid mtb and an aluminum/carbon cx bike... but ever since I bought my Waterford touring bike, it does everything so excellently that unless im putting the mtb in the truck to hit mtb trails, everyday is a Waterford day. The cx bike is up for sale, lol

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! It’s too bad there won’t be any new Waterfords or Gunnar’s. 🥲

[@Mike-vd2qt]

Nice video thoughts on bars and gear. Jay Petervary offers similar positive thoughts and respect for how everyone rides their ride. At 71, touring since 1983, I've toured and commuted with many bikes and types of gear. I'm still humbly learning and changing today. Much of that due to new gear, but also needing and wanting to go slower. ☮

[@rockeastwood]

“A friend’s property” to camp on is always nice. Good setup. & if something breaks you have your infinity tool bracelets to lash ‘em back on 😊 I’m a fan. I wear the black, always.

[@TimFitzwater]

I really love those things. First time I had one on my wrist a friend ripped his rear DR off and I used to to tie it out of the way after I set him up single speed. Cheers!

[@craigthomas8198]

beautiful! I love 'accessorizing" and matching the bike color schemes..it's the little things

[@donparsons1237]

Thanks for Sharing Tim, I just picked up a Old Reighley drop bar... I can't wait too dial in the body🎉ergonomics,,, it will be my runner for a few years in Our America's... She's one big play-ground. Northern Canada Don

[@MrQuestful]

Have a great time at the finger lakes! Cayuga was my favorite of the lakes.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! It’ll be interesting by bike. Only ever hiked there.

[@daniellarson3068]

Lots of good practical stuff in this video. I've noted that the serious bike campers who go the distance seem to jettison the drop bars in favor of a sweep bar like Tim's or maybe a Jones bar.

[@TimFitzwater]

I see it more and more too. Even in my own group. That being said I do like having the drop bar option as I have done some overnighters with faster people. We did back to back centuries a few years ago doing 17/18 mph and I'm glad I was on the Raleigh for that.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@daniellarson3068 Old touring cyclist here, I found the Jones H-Bar, after 2,500 miles on my hardtail mtn bike, put my wrists at a painful angle. If you hold that bar in your hands, and think of rough or steep downhills, every braking or bump, forces your wrist forward at that angle. After half of the GDMBR with H-Bars, I could not ride them more than 10 miles without pain. But, I do have some arthritis and broke a wrist 50 years ago. Also tried Nitto Albatross for one week, nope, not at all. I reverted to drop bars for mtn bike, Salsa Cowchipper; and Salsa Cowbell for road tours. Happy trails☮

[@tonyalewis9053]

My sister and I are going to ride the Katy Trail in 2026. We are credit card touring; we are celebrating her 60th and my 65th birthdays! I need to check out bags.

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice! That one is on my list. Credit card touring is fun - just carrying tools and clothes - I haven't done it for a while now.

[@wescheslak9408]

Nice bikes. It’s nice to have everything in working order . Have some fun rides . 🚲 ❤🚲❤️🚲

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks! 😊

[@garyseckel295]

Handlebar changes coming huge!

[@jered2177]

Good looking bikes,I bet they work even better.

[@donparsons1237]

I'm rigging up a front suspension mtb as my rackless pack bike/ bag-less day rider... 1 bike that does everything... Standard 29 tires... keep it simple/ ride it simple... Thanks for sharing,,, you definitely share some great ideas bro... Western Canada Don

[@TimFitzwater]

Nice!

[@Summitperry]

I like the pink. It’s festive

[@tomsitzman3952]

I see you have top rack in the front. Several years ago, I moved my handle bar bag to the top of the front rack and designed a quick release. My head light and odometer mounted on top the bag. It lowers the center of gravity and improves steering by having weight off the handlebars. I too use roll my sleeping pad inside my dry bag on top of the rear rack the electronics are cushioned in the center of the pad. Where I want to attach items to the frame where there are no welded nuts, I use hose clamps which I like much better than the hose clamps with nuts (which I buy from the cycle shop) Lot of ways to set up a bike not right nor wrong. Maybe more age related.

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup! And so much depends on the individual bike’s geometry. I like the front panniers but last year in Michigan’s sand they weren’t always ideal. I love to keep trying and learning what works best for different situations

[@robbchastain3036]

O man, no fibbing, Tim! You got the Gunner and the Raleigh and the e-bike! Don't be ashamed to be a cheater, lol. And I grin and ha, I agree, I am happy with my cobbled-together bikes these days. And I am having too much fun with my 26" Diamondback MTB with a Green Zone Bikes e-bike conversion kit as an ultimate townie/commuter bike. Keep up the great work, Tim, I really do enjoy your cycling vibe and one of these days I need to return to Ohio to do a big ride you lead, maybe the Akron-Canton Tour or something. 😀

[@TimFitzwater]

Ha! I am not saying I am GOING to make due with two bikes - just that I think I COULD! Cheers!

[@DAMN55117]

What is your thought on front vs rear panniers? I have always gone rear, but am going to experiment with the front this summer. I am sure it is also bike-specific. I just finished the GAP/CO on granola bars...my first non-drop bar tour. I did extensive shakeout rides with no problems, but during/after the ride I got hand nerve pain from the bars. Not blaming the bars, clearly my setup is not as dialed as my Fargo. Looking forward to seeing the other bike setups. everyone on YT loves this content.

[@TimFitzwater]

When I ran rear panniers on a vintage bike it handled horribly and my hands hurt. Front ones are great on the Gunnar for road and gravel but I was also struggling in Michigan’s sand last year with the heavy front end. Old school more classic touring bikes were designed for rear weight - I have found I like more weight on the front of my bikes though. It is very bike dependent - but a balance still helps. I wouldn’t ever go all front or all back again.

[@Mike-vd2qt]

@@TimFitzwater Agree w you, old school tourist here, we used to shoot for 60 percent rear/40 percent front weighted. The older I got the less I toured with. Today with a base weight of 18 pounds not counting food and water, I use four Revelate Nano Panniers, 2 front and 2 rear, they hold 10L each, and I still have space leftover.

[@MickeyTaylor-e6x]

Tim is that photo backwards. I’ve never seen a chain a derailed on the left side and brakes on the right? Really nice bike. Thx.

[@TimFitzwater]

Its just the way the DJI Pocket 3 works in selfie mode or whatever - I need to find where to turn it off.

[@cb6866]

Thanks Tim ...have you ever...........kidding ! Edmund looks good ! Enjoy yourself !

[@TimFitzwater]

lol! Thanks. I just rode to the park with Edmund in a trailer! Vid soon. 🐈‍⬛

[@JDanielFerreira]

Bike, set up. Top👌

[@Cycling_Brian]

I love the ideas for mounting Carradice bags you’ve shared. I’ve wanted to get a couple of those Swift bags, and the paint stick mod seems to solve one of my concerns.

[@TimFitzwater]

They are great. I love that they work in front or back. The plastic insert does give them some rigidity- but the stick makes it even better.

[@zensukai]

Great clip Tim - super informative. I also like that little hook hack. =]

[@robappleby583]

Funny. About thirty, twenty years ago I was all over front and dual suspension bikes. Now I just ride rigid frames. Partly because even a front fork seems overkill for 90% of the gravel I ride, but for me it's also an aesthetic issue. I just don't like the clunky, motorcycle adjacent look of all that tech on my bikes. So I have two bikes, a rigid MTB (Kona Unit from about 7 years ago converted to 1x with Jones bars and an LD stem) and a Surly Trucker with swept back bars. They are both great on gravel and on the road and I hardly feel the need for anything else. My other ride is a recumbent trike which in the flat area of Italy I live in, just north of the Apennines, is a blast to ride on small country roads and even some gravel. All of which doesn't stop me from looking at other bikes of course. But I can't imagine ever getting a suspension bike again - they just seem inelegant somehow. And I'm also older and slower than I was... Great channel, subscribed.

[@TimFitzwater]

Interesting & thanks! I always say(and probably did in the video) if I lived somewhere with awesome trails that would be better on full suspension maybe I'd look into it. Then again I'm not sure I have the skill to take advantage of it anyways. I just got back from riding super chunky stuff in New England and I was fine. I definitely agree about the aesthetics - I don't even like the look of many rigid bikes that are suspension corrected. Cheers!

[@davidjfife]

Great tires, just put a set on one of my tandems. I like the ATB or all road bike. One bike for almost everything. I also like to ride from the house to the trail. The adventure starts sooner that way.

[@TimFitzwater]

100%

[@neilwalton4474]

Good morning Tim. For some reason I can't find the link to your swag store. Can you explain to me where it is? Neil.

[@TimFitzwater]

Its in the description: Swag: www.fitzwatercycles.com/store-2

[@neilwalton4474]

Oh, thanks Tim.. You are up late. 😀

[@zimmejoc]

I was just thinking, "why so much cable?" just as you started telling us why so long.

[@Wanderin-Wheels]

Hello Everybody =) Here’s my contribution thoughts of how many bikes to have and since it’s not snowing in Phuket, I felt 2 bikes is good enough. A single speed for doing short rides and grocery shopping and a multi speed with semi off road tires for touring. I just felt since I don’t have much time spend on my bicycle and when I do, I want to ride the favorite bike =) As for those swipe back handlebars…. it gave me the “2 in 1” features and I love the reverse position, something in between the drop n straight level.

[@Cycling_Brian]

What canister are you using in your third bottle cage?

[@TimFitzwater]

That’s a tool keg from Dirty River Bicycle Works. I have my spare tube, levers, and quick link tool in there.

[@limdog5000]

What sweep bars are they? They look so good!

[@TimFitzwater]

Velo Orange Granola Bars

[@limdog5000]

@ I have the Velo Orange Klunker Bars, but I find them a bit too wide. Maybe I give the granolas a try. Thanks for the reply.

[@auringerr1]

Giro Pink nice touch

[@TimFitzwater]

Next thing ya know I’ll be buying anodized Chris King headsets. 😬

[@auringerr1]

@@TimFitzwater bound to happen

[@markday1714]

why am i seeing left-side drive trains? flashbacks I guess. great content

[@TimFitzwater]

The camera is reversing the scenes for some reason - it’s weird.

[@davidsaxby5400]

Threw me for a moment too😂

[@dontipton4570]

Did you do a video on the midnight special you had for a while?

[@TimFitzwater]

There was a problem with the dynamo hub that was dragging and I was going to try it with different tires and saddle but Otis and I didn't get around to it. So I only ended up with this: kzbin.info/www/bejne/eXjEZ5t4aK6jkKs

[@floydharris2808]

When it comes to bikes N+1 😃

[@TimFitzwater]

I mean, that’s how I actually live.

[@bffaris]

Ha ha. I am down to ten bikes. Two in Italy and the rest in the states. I have vintage and road carbon and full suspension. My go To bike is my heavy trekking bike that I can go anywhere on. I agree you should ride what you want and how you want. Racks no racks, who cares. I would ride my road bike on a club ride because I am older and might need the extra Boost.

[@TimFitzwater]

100%

[@fittonbikes]

I have a similar sized rear bag from Wizard Works in the UK (they do some nice bags). But when I hung it off the back of the seat I found, even with adjustment that I could feel it on the back of my legs when peddling down and it became annoying. I wonder if the brooks saddle you have is giving you enough clearance to not knock that larger saddle bag or if you just don't mind a bit of a subtle bump on the back of the legs. I was thinking that while it was happening to me that its not hurting or rubbing it just felt odd getting the little bump on every peddle push and I ended up planning to have the bag on the front of the bike to avoid it. Thanks

[@TimFitzwater]

The spacers help a lot. I still bump a tiny bit but it’s barely noticeable and only when pedaling really hard sitting down. If I’m only running one bag I will put it on the front though as these bikes handle better like that.

[@fittonbikes]

​@@TimFitzwater Thanks, I am going to give it a go. We have had a terrible July so far in the UK, so weather bad. I have my own shake-down ride for camping planned for early August and will also do some test rides before then.

[@telunter]

Which brooks saddle is your favourite Tim? I've just started using a Giles Berthoud and its great

[@TimFitzwater]

B17 on most my bikes. Haven’t tried the Berthound’s yet but they look rad.

[@lydiavidell1711]

what kind of strechy bungees do you use during your bike camping?

[@TimFitzwater]

MODL Infinity Tools are my favorite.

[@lydiavidell1711]

@@TimFitzwater you’re the best! Thank you!! My hubby loves your videos and asked for those for Christmas!

[@TimFitzwater]

@lydiavidell1711 nice! Just got a cyber Monday email from them so there should be a deal!

[@christopherwebb3517]

Speaking of you mostly only needing two bikes: that Marin you have/had with the tri-spoke wheels - how practical are those wheels? Are they too heavy? Are they durable enough for off-road or bike packing? I always thought they looked really cool.

[@TimFitzwater]

To be honest I don't know how practical they are now. I rode the entire C&O and GAP Trails on them on a loaded bike. They are originally MTB wheels. They are lightish - but not as light as modern carbon as they did over-build them a bit since they were for off-road and it was early days of off-road carbon. People told me not to tour on them - Pudgy who gave them to me said they were designed to hold up....

[@ianwilde1800]

iv got a comment i overtake roadies on my mountain bike it really upsets them and like you said each to there own i have a single wheel trailer with i prefer over pannier bags but that's my personal choice and after just using mountain bikes for over 30 years iv baght a 2012 giant and i love it its so much faster on the road anyway all the best from uk nice vid

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks!

[@robertgraves3215]

Awesome builds! I see the Ralegh has new wheels now? ! Please don't be OCD- pissed at me for previous comments from two years ago, ex. like: "Oh, I do 3 week tours to Maine in fall, so I need more luggy thermal gear! " I can indeed be that guy on the internet. That was mule bike shit, Keep that weight low, etc. Trudge riding! Currently, The Bob trailer continues to rock at lugging my insanely heavy fly fishing gear. 60 miles, couple days. I just put kickstands on it, how dorky! Fair amount of climbing. Fun, except when I lose my fucking wallet and camera bag. And get the police involved. Yes, I would lean toward that Raleigh on windy, competitive rides to the way- hip microbrewery. (Joking) . I do keep in mind that you lug insanely expensive photo equipmenrt , and believe it or not, started doing that now, but just local. But all that gear that goes in my sleek Osprey backpack. All padded up and snug and shit. In ziploc bags with silica gel , I need micro dry bags ! You can jack my bike, but my cameras and wallet stay on my bod.

[@TimFitzwater]

100% The Raleigh has the same wheels - but they have been rebuilt with new rims once - just got a new tire on and it turns out I’m closer to needing new ones again. Damnit - I love the looks but they don’t hold up to my riding.

[@bikenejad]

Sick bikes! Your video in selfie mode is mirrored horizontally, and it's quite jarring to watch. The pocket 3 has a menu setting called "selfie flip", which will fix this when turned on. Keep in mind that the screen will still show as mirrored, but the files will be recorded normally.

[@TimFitzwater]

Thanks to both! I will definitely change that setting. I wonder if that is why the camera blacks out for a split second when it flips too. I really haven’t taken the time to learn it yet.

[@rhodeislandhiker4745]

I wanna bring my new mini drone on my next bikepack trip should I bring it or leave it at home ? Don't want it to get wrecked, I'm a solo rider so never seen anyone use one I know u go with alot of people.

[@TimFitzwater]

I don’t bring my drone because of the other people. If I were you I’d bring it. Isn’t this what you bought it for!?

[@MozzMataz]

How wide is the bar on your Raleigh? Thinking of a Zeitgeist but not sure if my bars are wide enough.

[@TimFitzwater]

These are 50s but I ran narrower bars with these bags before. The side pockets can be cinched down.

[@MozzMataz]

@@TimFitzwater Thank you so much! I appreciate it. I have 42s and I think they might be too narrow. Love your content!

[@TimFitzwater]

It will also matter if you have the bag down by the headline or propped up. When I didn’t use a rack the bag was low enough that I could still shift with my brifters on the narrower bars.

[@pironiero]

Why don't you print some mounts for your bike? Or at least mounting points, like the ones clamping around the frame and lash them with zip ties

[@TimFitzwater]

Just no need to. Both set ups work for me. I can see why someone who wanted to use different bags or racks would though. I just look at my Raleigh as a fast gravel bike that I can throw some bags on if needed. The Gunnar has all the mounts and could be outfitted with rear racks too if needed.

[@sjtaylor128]

what's a Gunner Ride?

[@TimFitzwater]

More off road and rough stuff.

[@philiprayner]

your bikes your ride use the set up that works best for you

[@jimmymiller592]

Why is your drive train on the left side of the bike😳🤣

[@TimFitzwater]

I don't know why the DJI is reversing the image - I need to look into whether I can stop that or not.

[@markifi]

nutmeg?

[@TimFitzwater]

Yup

[@jstar1000]

I once read you only need one bike so I stopped reading.

[@TimFitzwater]

😂