Gear Talk: GTS Touring Tool Roll

My prized tool roll from CORSette 2014. Thanks, Nikki!

Who doesn't like a peek into someone else's tool roll?

After many miles, I think I've dialed in a field kit arrangement that's portable and can handle all the regular maintenance jobs on the GTS, and then some.

Gear Talk: Alaska Expedition Serenity

The launch date for Alaska is closing in, and you may notice that Serenity looks a bit different for this leg of her journey. Click on for a rundown of work done!

Gear Talk: It's Cold Out There

Stephs are like onions. They have layers.

It's still January which means most places are chilly for riding, but I had a good discussion of cold weather gear that I'd like to collect here. Much of this is from personal experience, trying out gear for riding through New England winters, in addition to living on my bike. Thus, economy of space, durability, versatility, and comfort of movement are all important to me. For the sake of discussion I'm leaving out heated riding gear – I want to focus on items that bridge the biker-pedestrian gap, and electrics can be its own post.

Anyhow, there's such a wealth of options, I'm always curious what others find works for them. Perhaps you prefer natural fibers, or all synthetic – I say wear both!

So, let's revive the Gear Talk posts and talk cold weather riding gear. Read on for my top picks!

Gear Talk: The GTS Tourer

The Vespa GTS 250/300 is pretty cushy for touring straight out of the crate, but here are some small additions that go the distance. I run stock inside, so really this is just a rundown of some luggage and electronic accessories I put on there.

The often-asked, long-awaited breakdown beyond the cut.

Gear Talk: Navigation and Route Planning

Coffee and snacks are key to route planning.

Navigation is an entirely personal process, but I've been asked often enough about my system that here's a post about it!

Gear Talk: Icon Pursuit Touchscreen Women's Gloves from Motorcycle House

Quite tactile. Cradles my hands.

A while back, I was contacted by Motorcycle House to review one of their products. The Icon Pursuit Touchscreen Women's Gloves caught my eye, and I can honestly say they are my new favorite go-to gloves for everyday riding.

1/14 - VHB Repair

Somewhere between San Jose, Palo Alto, Oakland, and San Francisco, I managed to misplace my Satechi Bluetooth Remote. I use it to easily control music while riding, and occasionally as a remote camera trigger. Since my replacement would need a new Velcro backing anyhow, I decided to replace the peeling Velcro on my scooter handlebars with Matt's suggestion of VHB tape – very high bond by 3m. Photos behind the cut.

Gear Talk: What's in the pet carrier?

Mash it under the seat!

The pet carrier is a nickname for the under-seat storage bin on a scooter, because in the US they come with a 'No Pets' sticker. Go ahead and make assumptions based on that information. My pets gave up the ghost years ago, so here's what I keep in mine.

Gear Talk: Sacrifices to the Road

Way better than stock.

This post is dedicated to the bits of my scooter that have broken or fallen off thus far.

Gear Talk: What's in the Cooler?

The title sounds banal, but I've always been interested in how others pack for long hauls on the road. So, I'm thinking this will be a series of posts on just gear and road logistics. Hopefully it will be useful for reference or something.

3/28 - Onboard Technology FTW part 2

3/27 - Onboard Technology FTW

Just tested out custom audio cables for my Nolan N-43 helmet and iPhone. I'm far too excited at the prospect of possibly conversing or commanding Siri around while I'm riding. Thanks so much to Matt for intricate wire soldering skills, and then sealing up the jack ends all neat. Receiving these doctored cables in the mail just made my day. Click on for nitty gritty.