Long Haul Truckin in South America: Gear List

Below is a list and description (with links) to our gear we are using on this bike tour. We will try to keep this updated with how the gear is performing and how a general review of things we like and don't like about it.

Bikes and Storage

Surly Long Haul Trucker
Both of us are riding the Surly Long Haul Trucker. We have read many other trip reports and talked with owners of Surly bikes to make sure this was the bike for us. We liked the surly for it's 3 chain ring in the front for good climbing abilities, 2 spoke rack on the chain stay, 3 water bottle locations, Surly Sturdy reliability, and ability to mount surly racks. For all these capabilities (and more) we went with this steel frame touring rig which we consider it a good deal.

Surly Front Rack
The Surly Front Rack is a beast! It may be a bit tough to install, taking some extra time to make sure everything is attached and secure properly. The ability to hold 70 lbs and have a large surface to strap things to makes the extra weight and price for this rack 100% "worth it"!

Surly Rear Rack
The Surly Nice Rear Rack also does the job for holding up to 80 lbs and providing plenty of mounting points on top and on the sides of the rack. The rear rack is a little bit easier to install than the front, but still takes some time and focus!

Ortlieb Pannier Bags
Classic Ortlieb Pannier bags were chosen for

Axiom Pannier Bags
Jandd Font Handle Bar Bag

Bike Seat
Their is lots of research about bike seats and what works and what does not. Our bike seats will be where we spend a majority of our time on this tour so it's an important part of our gear list. Here are the seats we are using: