Touring Equipment

So I am going to NZ for 5 months on tuesday. Here is a pic of my bike loaded up before I go!

^ jealous....

Nice.

NZ is awesome. Spent a long time there. Such a sweet place.

Jealous x10

Enjoy!

It's probably just the angle, but how low does that rider go?

lol it does look a bit like it's dragging on the ground there. It's not that low! Now all i have to do is pack it into a box

Have a good time and stay safe.
Bring a rear view mirror too.

Thanks! I'll do my best, I have heard mixed reviews on nz drivers but hopefully I'll be ok. I've never used a rear view on a bike, do they make a big difference? I could potentially buy one when I arrive, as there is a bike shop just down the road from where I am staying.
I'll be doing a blog too, some may find it interesting/useful as it develops: nicwardnz.tumblr.com

you might like this film, it's a skateboard tour of new zealand by bike. http://vimeo.com/43273929

Bring a rear view mirror too.

How come?

Thanks! I'll do my best, I have heard mixed reviews on nz drivers but hopefully I'll be ok. I've never used a rear view on a bike, do they make a big difference?

You'll be fine, just look back regularly, be assertive, and take the lane when necessary.

The roads are quiet and traffic is light even in Auckland.

Lots of 16 year olds rag noisy jap imports on the loose metel roads though, but you'll hear them coming.

Jealous

+1

Have a great time.

How come?

Based on riding NA roads, some drivers will come closer than others, whether it be on purpose or not. At highway speeds I'd much rather have a mirror than a helmet.

Surely at that situation, you'd know that when you look back regularly, and looking back = communication.

I would do both.
I don't use a mirror in town, but would for touring.

What's the difference?

I never felt the need for a mirror. One of these would be a good solution if you did though. Bar end shifters kinda rule it out I guess.

yeah. I reckon I'll go without but if I find halfway through that I'd like one I'll get one. Can't wait!

What's the difference?

Traffic speed.

Also, people tend to drift off on NA roads, especially through the straight bits on the prairies.

Please forgive the spam: Tent, sleeping mat, sleeping bag liners.
Cheap for you, subsidising my leaving party!
http://www.lfgss.com/thread117630.html

What pump would people recommend to take away touring, something small and light that I can attach to the bottle cage mounts, but still get a reliably good psi?

edit, and preferably with a psi gauge if thats possible

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/topeak-road-morph-with-gauge/?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&utm_source=pla&utm_medium=base&utm_campaign=uk&kpid=5360309700

Topeak's Morph range is just brilliant.

+1 for the 'Morph' range, have a mountain morph without gauge, really pleased with it.