Here, I’m going to try to list the gear we are carrying and using, or not using, for that matter. I am hoping this will lead into a gear review section. I’ll start with my gear first.
Guy:
Bike: used 2005 Trek 520. I bought it off a young man on Craigslist and drove to Ann Arbor to get it. I had Mike at The Broadway Cyclery replace the chain, cassette, and bar tape. I also got a Brooks saddle, but there was not enough time to break it in before leaving on the tour.
The bike is still wearing its original multi-compound Bontrager tires. I’d love to review these soon!
The bike is steel frame, bar end shift, stock gearing and wheel set.
Racks: front rack is a new Jandd low rider (reviewed). The rear is the stock rack that came with the Trek.
Bags: front bags are two zipped pockets. Vintage. Bought on EBay. Can’t remember who makes them… I’ll check later. The rear bags I bought for last year’s tour. They are Axiom’s Seymour Transit Series (reviewed). All bags are cordura.
Lights: Headlight bought off EBay from a Chinese company names Anqi(?). The magic LED components are made by a company named Cree. The taillight is a Planet Bike Superflash Stealth. These need to be reviewed also.
Fenders: Planet Bike. I believe mine are the Hybrids… A little oversized for my current tires, but that leaves me with excellent coverage and room for larger tires when I need them.
Pedals: the bike came with platforms and cages. I very briefly considered using them, but I soon couldn’t take it, and installed the Shimano SPD 250’s off my old Raleigh. The 250’s seem to be the same pedal as the 520. I love these pedals!
Computer: no name Chinese. eBay. Speed, miles, daily miles, time, elapsed time, maybe something else. It was cheap, and so am I
Camera: I keep a Nikon Coolpix 14Mp strapped to my stem in a small Velcro pouch. I have near instant access to it, even while riding.
Helmet: made by Bell. Don’t remember the model, but it’s way light and has way more air flow than the one I was using from 1984 8-0
Shoes old Shimano road shoes from about five years ago. Just has three Velcro closure straps. I like that.
Gloves: currently Bontrager. Old fashion crochet style with lots of padding. My personal favorite style. Just got them in Mt. Vernon. We’ll see how they hold up. Link

Carolyn:
Bike: NOS 2010 Jamis Aurora. All steel, STI shifting
Racks: front rack is a new Jandd low rider. The rear is an old Blackburn, iirc
Bags: front and rear are vintage, cordura. Fronts are multi pocket Cycle Pro California Series from EBay. Rears are huge, multi pocket Eastpack (remember them?) $5 for the pair at a yard sale some years ago!
Lights: Headlight bought off EBay from a Chinese company names Anqi(?). The magic LED components are made by a company named Cree. The taillight is a Planet Bike Superflash Stealth.
Fenders: Planet Bike. Carol got the 700c appropriate size. Discarded the original plat aluminum stock Jamis’.
Pedals: stock platform with cages
Computer: no name Chinese. eBay. Speed, miles, daily miles, time, elapsed time, etc.

Mutual: this is stuff in the bags that we share, like camping gear. If I can, I’ll post pictures. I have a feeling we may be traveling a little on the heavy side, but we enjoy our comforts and we are packed to camp, stay in motels and with friends and even present well in public.
Our front bags: my fronts hold our sleeping bags and wind jackets, while Carol’s have the Therma Rests and rain ponchos.
My rear bags: in my left rear I have my clothes, walking shoes,U-Lock and Jim Beam traveler in the rear pocket. Right rear the tent, first aid bag (voodoo bag) and…
I need to check and finish up later…
iPad: we bought a new iPad 2 for this trip. We are using it for the internets, our email and to blog from. It’s a really cool and versatile piece. Not quite a computer and not a phone, it land somewhere in between. So far it seems to be the perfect tool.