How to prepare for a bike tour?

Biking gear list. What to take and what to leave behind?

Whether you use a bike for recreation, sport or transportation, you always need to pay attention to the equipment. The success of a biking tour depends on how well you are prepared for it. The choice of the right gear is determined by the nature of your bike tour.

General guidelines for three types of cycling tours:

*  Fully supported cycling tour
Overnight stops are in the hotels / hostels / lodges and your luggage is transported by a car.
To these trips, you don’t need to bring along extra equipment. Pay attention to the bike, its spare parts and the appropriate clothing.

*  Cycling tours with accommodation
During these tours, you carry your luggage on your bike but overnight stops are in the hotels / hostels and lodges. 

*  Cycling tours with camping
During these tours, you need to carry entire luggage on your bike, including the camping gear (tent, sleeping bag, etc.).
As you will be totally self-reliant, you need to choose very wisely, what to bring along and what to leave behind. On the one hand you need to have all the necessities with you, but on the other hand you also need to carry everything at all times…

Please read the information below. Pay extra attention to that part, which is most relevant to the nature of the cycling tour of your choice. For additional advice, we strongly recommend you to consult with your tour guide.
 
Choosing a bicycle:
*  XC or AM?
XC – bicycle with the front suspension.
AM – bicycle with the double (front and back) suspension.
XC bike is a better choice for the trail with more or less equal number of ascents and descents, AM bike is better on trails with many downhill rides.
Bike with the double suspension weighs slightly more and thus, uses up more of your energy. If the entire trail has an asphalt surface, then you could have lightweight XC bike without a suspension. Yet, don’t forget that bike tour is an adventure and not a competition. Therefore, you would get the best out of unexpected detours riding a bike with suspension.

*  Seat
Comfort is all that matters, as you want to feel good after the trip, as well. It is worthwhile to do few trial tours on your chosen seat prior the cycling tour. Should you opt for a rented bike, it would be a good idea to bring along your own seat.

*  Pedals
Ordinary pedals or SPD pedals?
SPD system – design of clipless bicycle pedals. They are safer and well suited for biking tours where you don’t need to walk much. With normal pedals you can’t pull or push but with SPD pedals that is possible. This feature is important in the mountains.
However, you should first try and get used to this system, before you go to the bike tour. On mountainous trails and on trails which require frequent walking, ordinary pedals with toe clips work better.

*  Water bottles
You need to have 2 water bottles or Camelback hydration system that is like a backpack containing drinking water. The biker carries it on his back and is able to suck out the water from a tube, keeping the hands free. They come in different models and some can fit into your backpack. In order to enjoy the adventure and to maintain good performance level throughout the day, it is recommended to drink regularly after every 30 – 45 minutes. NB! Drink before you feel thirsty! Body’s thirst sensation indicates that you are a bit late…

*  Bags
Saddle bag, front and rear racks and small backpack (max.25 l) distribute the weight and help to balance your loaded bike easier. The less you carry on your back, the better you endure throughout the tour. Small backpack is good for a day-trip but front and rare racks are better options. Even light backpack can cause back pain and makes you sweat. 

*  Bicycle tires
When choosing the tires for your bike, you need to consider two things: durability and tread. The tread should match the road conditions. The smoother the road, the smoother tires you need. Knobby tires like you see on mountain bikes are better on the rough terrain. Smooth tires are thinner and the chances to get a puncture are therefore greater. Changing flat tires is one of the most unpleasant parts of a biking tour.    

Clothing: 
*  Helmet needs to fit comfortably. Always bring your own helmet, even when you decide to      rent the bike. Safety comes first!
* Buff or cap under the helmet protects you from the wind and prevents the sweat from running into your eyes.
* Sports glasses protect your eyes from the sun, insects and other debris.
* Short-sleeved Coolmax shirt is able to move perspiration away from the body through the fabric and therefore have an edge over cotton shirts, which leave the sweat in the fabric.   
*  Arm warmers or long-sleeved Coolmax shirt. Arm warmers are useful on the cooler days. They can be rolled up and down or removed easily and they occupy less luggage space than long-sleeved shirt.
* Bib shorts are special cycling shorts that are padded and held up by a bib. They are best choice for the bike tour, as their design is anatomically correct.  
*  Knee warmers and bib knickers (leg warmers and bib tights).
Knee warmers and leg warmers are very convenient solution for temperature fluctuations and take very little luggage space.  
*  Gore-Tex rain jacket for unexpected rains.
*  Gore-Tex wind vest
After rain, the second enemy for the bikers is wind. Wind vest provides ideal protection for the sweaty body against the wind during ascends that usually follow descends. You can keep the front open during uphill climbs and close it again before the downhill ride. 
*  Footwear
MTB shoes or hiking boots are recommended. The best option would be hiking boots with SPD option. MTB shoes are meant for cycling on the nature trails. The sole has tread, that allows walking and running.
*  Socks must be breathable and dry quickly.
*  Gloves play important role in safety, especially if you should fall. Bare hands tend to sweat and make the handlebar grips slippery. Short gloves are for the warm weather and long gloves for the cool weather.

Outdoor sleeping gear
*  Sleeping bag should be light, compact and appropriate for the weather conditions.
*  Therm-a-Rest sleeping bag – light and compact.
*  Tent – light and waterproof.

Spare parts and tools (if biking tour lasts longer then two weeks)
*  Spare tire.
*  Puncture repair kit and one inner tube.
*  Bicycle chain lube.
*  Spare spokes
*  Small screwdrivers, two sizes flat head, two sizes Phillips head
*  Cone wrenches
*  Adjustable wrench
*  Allen wrench set
*  Pliers
*  Chain tool
*  Spoke tool
*  Crank extractor
*  Suntour and Shimano freewheel removers
*  16 penny nail (to knock open bottom bracket)
*  Tire "irons"
*  Spare nuts, bolts, brake pieces
*  Air pump
*  Bike lock with keys
*  Map or GPS
*  Compass

 

The list above is general and does not include camping gear and personal items. Each biking tour is different and you need to adjust and personalize your packing list accordingly. I would gladly give you personal advice, so please don’t hesitate to contact me!

I hope that these guidelines help you to prepare for your next, successful biking tour!

 

Margus Mändmets
&Moments Ltd.