Registration is open for RAGBRAI 2025! CLICK HERE for more information, and join Team Duzer for some awesome perks! What We Learned from RAGBRAI 2024 The team from Priority Bicycles reflects on their RAGBRAI 2024 experience, breaking down their gear into three categories: Gear Hits (best items), Gear Misses (items we regretted bringing), and Gear Wishes (items we wish we had). The team includes Will, Daryl, Connor, and Chase, who discuss what worked, what didn’t, and what we’d change next time. Gear Hits (Best Gear Choices) These were the MVP items—gear that worked exceptionally well and made their RAGBRAI experience easier. 1. Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Liner Why It Was a Hit: Provided warmth, flexibility, and acted as a wearable poncho in damp conditions. Use Case: Kept the rider warm at night when temperatures dropped and protected against morning condensation. Buy Here: Sea to Summit Sleeping Bag Liner 2. Voile Straps Why It Was a Hit: These ultra-secure, adjustable straps kept their gear (tent, clothes, food, etc.) locked down while riding. Use Case: Great for drying clothes while riding, attaching camping gear, and securing essentials to the bike. Buy Here: Voile Straps 3. Click Stand Portable Kickstand Why It Was a Hit: A collapsible tent-pole-style kickstand that allowed them to easily park their bikes without needing to lean them on objects or the ground. Use Case: Perfect for heavily loaded bikes, especially when stopping in towns. Buy Here: Click Stand 4. Ortlieb Panniers (Bike Bags) Why It Was a Hit: Made packing and unpacking easier, keeping all gear dry and organized. Use Case: Waterproof and easy to attach/detach, these panniers simplified morning departures and quick stops. Buy Here: Ortlieb Panniers 5. Shimano SPD Sandals Why It Was a Hit: Though they look goofy, they proved to be comfortable and practical—allowing riders to clip into pedals while keeping their feet cool. Use Case: Eliminated the need to change shoes for off-bike activities. Buy Here: Shimano SPD Sandals Gear Misses (Items We Regretted Bringing) These were items that didn’t perform well or weren’t as useful as expected. 1. Certain Voile Straps with Hooks Issue: While great for securing gear, the hook-style Voile straps had a tendency to fly off when under tension, leading to lost gear. Solution: Use non-hook versions or Modal Straps, which are more secure. Alternative Buy Here: Modal Straps 2. Multiple Bib Shorts (Different Brands) Issue: Switching between different brands of bib shorts caused discomfort due to variations in padding and fit. Lesson: Stick with one trusted brand for consistency. Recommended: Gore Wear Bib Shorts 3. Road Cycling Shoes Issue: Though efficient for cycling, road shoes were inconvenient because of frequent stops, requiring constant shoe changes. Better Alternative: A gravel shoe with walkable cleats. Recommended: Shimano RX8 Gravel Shoes Gear Wishes (Items We Wish We Had) These were things we didn’t bring but saw others using and wished we had. 1. Insulated Water Bottles (Instead of Plastic Bottles) Why? Regular bottles heated up too fast, making hydration less refreshing. Better Alternative: Bivo Insulated Bottles CamelBak Podium Ice Bottle 2. GPS Cycling Computer (With Hydration & Nutrition Reminders) Why? We forgot to eat and drink regularly, leading to fatigue. Better Alternative: Garmin or Wahoo computers with alerts. Recommended: Garmin Edge 540 Wahoo ELEMNT BOLT 3. Bone Conduction Headphones (Instead of a Speaker) Why? Shokz OpenRun headphones allow you to hear music while staying aware of surroundings—safer than in-ear earbuds. Buy Here: Shokz OpenRun Final Thoughts & Lessons Learned RAGBRAI is well-supported: Riders don’t need to overpack—water, food, and supplies are available frequently. Test gear before the ride: Breaking in shoes, bibs, and gear before RAGBRAI prevents discomfort. Comfort > Minimalism: While a lightweight setup is tempting, a comfortable and organized packing system is more important.