Cycling touring is one of the best ways to see more of the countryside. But you need to be prepared for these long-distance rides. If something goes wrong, there might not be anyone else around to help you. Some folks are not aware about what equipment do you need for cycle touring. Here are some of the most important pieces of gear you will require.
Safety Gear
You must be keeping yourself safe. This will include some basic pieces of safety gear. You need to make sure that you are wearing a helmet. You might also want to wear protective sunglasses to keep the wind out of your eyes.
It’s also important to keep a first-aid kit in your backpack. This should be in a zippered pocket, or somewhere where it will be easy to access. It should contain basic equipment, like band-aids and scissors. You might also want to include sling bandages; in case you break an arm.
It’s also a good idea to make sure that you have a fully-charged mobile phone. Tell friends and family where you will be going and where you will be getting back. If you are planning a longer trip, you can give them a rough itinerary. Make a point of sending them a text at the end of each day, so they know you are OK. If they haven’t received any contact for a few days, they will be able to get help.
Getting Your Bike Set up
Once you have the right basic equipment, it’s time to work on your bike. You don’t need a top-of-the-line bike, but it should be something that you feel comfortable riding.
You should make sure that you have mudguards. On a rainy day, you want to stop the mud from getting into the wheel. This can leave it clogged and make it difficult to turn. Some people also like to use mirrors on their bikes. This will let you see what is coming up behind you. This might come in useful if you are riding on the road.
You should also think about putting a phone clamp on the front of the bike. This will securely hold your phone, so you don’t need to worry about the risk that it will fall off. You can use this as a GPS. Or you can connect it to Bluetooth headphones, so you can listen to music as you are riding. Here are some other apps you can add to your phone to make touring easier.
Most touring bikes will need a water bottle holder. Whether this is right for you will depend on how you like to ride. Some people prefer to have the bottles under them, so they can stop, have a rest, and grab a drink. Other people like to have a camel bag on their backs, so they can sip throughout the day. Even if you prefer this approach, it’s a good idea to have a water bottle as a backup.
Finally, one of the most important elements of your bike should be the panniers. These are a place for you to put your bags. Look at the amount of weight the rack can hold. You don’t want the rack to fail in the middle of your tour. It’s also important to get something that will be lightweight, so it doesn’t end up weighing down your bike.
What Equipment Do You Need For Cycle Touring?
Bags
Once you have attached the bike racks, it’s time to select what bag you want to use. There are a few types of bags you should be using. First, you’ll need larger pannier bags. This is where most of your belongings will be going. It’s also a good idea to get some handlebar bags. This is for items that you might need to grab quickly. For example, you can put your camera or wallet in this bag.
These bags should be durable. Pick something compatible with your bike and large enough to store your possessions. If you have a lot of gear to carry, you might want to consider using a bike trailer. Ideally, the pannier bags will be made from plastic, so they will be waterproof. But if they aren’t, you will need to pack a dry bag. This should be large enough to contain your clothes and any electronic equipment.
Clothes
When you are riding, you need to have comfortable, breathable clothes. Usually, it’s best to get these from the hiking section. It’s a good idea to take a larger jacket, in case it starts to rain. If you are riding in a cold environment, you should turn to an insulated jacket.
Camping Gear
Sometimes, on a bike tour, you will be able to plan the route so you are stopping in hotels overnight. But if you are going off-road, you will need to take some camping gear with you. Take a lightweight hiking tent and a sleeping bag. It’s also a good idea to have a reliable way of preparing your food, like a compact camp stove. Don’t forget to bring along some cutlery. This video will give you some tips to help you set up your campsite on a bike tour.
Repair Equipment
You don’t want to be caught with a flat tire and have no way of repairing it. You should always take a basic repair kit with you. This should include things like an air pump and a replacement inner tube. You should have the tools, and the basic knowledge, to fix a flat tire.
Bike Racks
You’re almost ready to start the tour. But first, you need to take your bike to the trail. The best way of doing this is by using a bike rack. It’s a good idea to get a rack that can accommodate multiple bikes if you plan on touring with a friend. If you are wondering what to look for, check out this advice about buying 4 bicycle hitch racks.
What Equipment Do You Need For Cycle Touring?
Conclusion
If you are thinking about cycle touring, you must prepare properly by getting the right mix of equipment. Once you have done this everything else will be easy. So, gather your tools and get ready to explore the world.
