DownTheRoad.org
The continuous bicycle touring story since 2002
no plans to stop

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The story of how I saved money, quit my job, sold my possessions, and set off to endlessly travel by bike around the world. My Plan

My 3 Books
I write, self publish and sell books about touring

(see all 3 book)

HOME
Where am I?
Videos
Picture Gallery
Journals
Travel Plan
Finances
Shopping
Equipment
My Books
About Me
Media/Press Room
Contact

Photo Use Info

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Continue My Travels

Places I have been
(How can I afford this?)

India and Neighbors
May 2010 to present

Alaska / Canada / USA
May 2008 to April 2010

New Zealand
Sept 2007 to May 2008

Australia
Sept 2006 to Sept 2007

SE Asia / China
Nov 2004 to Sept 2006

South America
June 2003 to June 2004

AZ, Mexico, and Central America
March 2002 to April 2003

How I started
The 5 years before I left

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Written on the road as I travel around the world on my bicycle

*Help Support this Web Site and Continue My Travels.

Equipment Pages Index

Introduction
How Much to Bring and Weight
Some Advice About Advice
A Note to Perspective Sponsors and Gear Suppliers
(See more about Sponsorship)

START HERE for Touring Bikes and Commuting Bicycles
Custom Touring Bicycles and Bike Upgrade Buyers Guide
Bicycle Touring Frames
The Steel Repair Myth.
Steel and Aluminum Derailleur Hanger Repair.
Bicycle Touring Wheels
Phil Wood: The Best Bicycle Hubs

Panniers / Bike Bags
Cargo Trailers Vs Panniers
Tires for Bike Tours..
Bicycle Touring Saddles.
Women's Specific Bike Touring Saddles
Brooks Leather Touring Bicycle Saddle Care and Conditioning
Bike Computer
Touring Handlebars, Bar Ends, Adjustable Stems, and Padded Grips.
Kickstands
Sealed Cartridge Headsets
How to prevent flat tires
Bike Route Trails and Maps

Camping
Buying Camping Equipment
Tent and Ground Cloth
Sleeping Bag
Sleeping Pad
Camp Stove
Pots and Pans
Water Filter
First Aide Kits
Solar Power for Camp

Clothing
Bike Touring Shorts

Electrical
Short-wave Radio
Computer
Internet
mp3
Bicycle touring lights

Books
Packing list
Pictures of Equipment Failures
Shopping

See My Videos Here

Touring bicycle color, paint job, color, and rust prevention on a steel frame tour bike

The paint job is the least important aspect when shopping for and buying touring bicycles. Usually if a bike frame is high quality then the paint will equal this quality and not have premature problems. Frame paint colors on high end touring bicycles are very limited and tour cycles often come with only one color option. I suggest you find the bike that works for you and learn to like the color, whatever it may be.

I prefer my touring bicycles to be as unnoticeable as possible. A bland bike looks inexpensive. A bright flashy paint job with a well-known logo is the first pick among thieves. Dull colors do not scream money and become obnoxious in poor countries. Dark colors blend in with local bikes.

I often find myself hiding in the woods and camping without permission or security. In these times, it is best be discrete. Most touring cyclists will do this out of necessity. It helps if your touring bike, panniers, and tent are as camouflaged as possible. I like black, grey or any other darkish color. I suppose that olive drab would be an ideal color but I have never seen this.

Rust is a big problem with steel touring bicycles and racks because the bike is usually locked up outside your tent at night in all kinds of weather. On a bike tour it is often necessary to ride in rain, snow, and through deep river crossings. There are a few tips and tricks in the video below that will make a steel touring bike and racks last longer.