Vendors have been supporting touring through their online participation in mailing lists and newsgroups. It only seems right to honour their online committment to the touring community by providing them with a page of their own.
I've purposely looked for vendors who actually participate in the online discussions far beyond a simple "We carry that product in stock and you can order it here".
Examples of the type of participation I am looking for include cases where an online vendor has actually discussed their own touring experiences, shared tips on how to have a successful tour and in general been an active part of the community beyond just selling their products.
In many cases I have also shown my appreciation by purchasing products from them. If they hadn't participated in online discussions then it's very likely that I wouldn't have learned about half the products out there that can help to make bicycle touring such a great experience. It only seems fair to reward their non-spam like efforts with purchases.
This website has an additional page for each vendor who directly sponsors the contributors to this website. Information regarding this can be found here.
Here's my list of online vendors who support touring through their online particpation. Their efforts are deeply appreciated!
Peter White has been supporting touring and icebiking through online participation for years. In addition to enjoying a solid reputation as an excellent wheelbuilder he also stocks numerous hard to find bicycle parts including Nokian Extreme 296 studded tires, TA rings, and SON hubs.
A search of either the Icebike or Touring archives will find numerous knowledgable posts by Peter. I haven't personally purchased anything from Peter yet. I do plan to purchase my next set of touring wheels from him!
Gilbert Anderson has been supporting touring and most other forms of cycling for a long time too. A quick search of the International Touring Bicycle List archives will reveal numerous posts.
I purchased a special tool for removing my rear cassette from Gilbert. He was very knowledgable and a pleasure to work with. Absolutely no problems and someone I will purchase from again in the future.
Todd Kuzma is a regular contributor on the International Touring Bicycle Mailing List. Seldom does a week go by where he hasn't been a part of numerous conversations aimed at helping cyclists have a great touring experience.
Heron offers a number of touring bikes as well as some randonneuring models. Todd also owns an online bicycle shop which should make obtaining hard to find parts much easier to obtain.
I haven't yet purchased something from Todd but at some point in the future I most certainly will.
Superior Tandems
Arlyn almost didn't get mentioned on this page that's how much he's part of the group in a non-commerical feeling way. He always gives people tons of assistance and in all ways supports touring through his online membership in mailing lists like the International Touring Bicycle Mailing List.
Sheldon Brown works at Harris Cyclery. Every year Sheldon publishes information about a brand new imaginery product on April Fool's day. Additionally he has a website that provides tremendous value to all cyclists including an excellent gear calculator and a ton of technical information. It's a website that's well worth an eightieth visit.
I purchased a Cyclotouriste 13 rear cassette from Harris Cyclery. The purchase process went smoothly and the rear cassette continues to work well.
Kent Peterson is a mechanic at this bicycle shop located in Redmond Washington. Kent is well known the touring list for both his advice and for his tendancy to go on long distance, self-supported tours in a short period of time. He also tours using single speed bikes and carry's the absolute minimum amount of gear. He represents the bicycle shop well.
I have not yet had the opportunity to purchase something from this shop.
Chris Phillipo is a regular contributor and participant on the IceBike Mailing List. His Canadian based shop sells a wide variety of cycling gear as well as some specialty items that might be of interest especially for winter riding. One item that I recall offhand is a set of winter goggles that have fans to help prevent fogging.
Crystal Waters from Girlbike.com recommended Susan Otcenas from Team Estrogen. Here's what she had to say:
"I would like to recommend that you add Team Estrogen to your list. Susan Otcenas is the owner, and is very active in women's cycling forums and her own site's community forums.
She is always open with sincere and practical advice, discusses her own extensive tour (and other cycling) experiences, and never does sales pitches on lists. Plus, her store has a great selection of women's products - the best I've seen. It also has a cool selection of tandem-team wear, kids jerseys and shorts, too. "
If you have a vendor that you would like to see on this list then please send me an email with the vendors name, a brief comment on how they support touring and a link to the newsgroup or mailing list that they participate in.
Copyright © 2004 - 2011James Noble All rights reserved.