Having the right equipment and clothing will have a major impact on how much you enjoy your trip. We are, of course, happy to give additional advice based on our own experiences, so do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions.
Clothing
- Footwear: Spd bike shoes, socks for riding and neoprene overshoes for colder weather rides. For trips with some hike-a-bike sections, we recommend hiking-style mountain bike shoes designed to offer great ankle stability and walking support. You will appreciate a shoe that balances on-the-bike performance with just enough flexibility to make it comfortable for the inevitable hike-a-bike sections that come with big mountain riding. The best in this category are Northwave with a Vibram sole, Giro Terraduro, Pearl Izumi X-Alp range, Mavic Scree boots and Shimano’s popular Mountain Touring (MT) series.
- Legs: three Lycra cycling shorts (plus outer shorts, if preferred), leggings or longs for riding, cycling shorts for possible wet rides
- Upper body: base layer cycling shirts and cycling jerseys for each day, a long-sleeved cycling sweater, a lightweight windblock gilet, a lightweight waterproof jacket, arm warmers.
- Head and hands: a helmet, gloves, clear-lens glasses or interchangeable sunglasses (100% UVA & UVB protection), a bandana.
- Iceland extras: you may experience four seasons in one day in Iceland, so be sure to pack a winter cycling jacket, full fingered gloves, a neckwarmer, and a warm fleece or wool hat.
- Leisure time clothing: a range of clothing suitable for general travel and evenings in restaurants/pubs etc.
Accessories
- A performance daypack. The best on the market when you don’t want to carry a lot of equipment, but sufficient to carry your daily essentials whilst riding, is the FR Enduro Blackline 16l (or Evoc FR Trail Blackline 20l), including a 2 litre water reservoir with drinking tube.
- Water bottles (bidons). Two 1-liter bottles should do.
- Sunscreen and lip balm: SPF 25+ recommended
- Insect repellent, depending on your destination
- Personal toiletries
- Sleeping mat and sleeping bag (not for Scotland and Arizona; on occasion for Morocco, Utah and Iceland at campsites or mountain huts)
Electronics
- Video camera including spare batteries, battery charger, power bank and memory cards. We have had good results with GoPro Black or Silver versions.
- Compact digital camera. Preferably somewhat rugged and waterproof. We have used the Olympus Stylus Tough TG-4 with pleasing results, although avid photographers will probably have their own favourites. Just keep in mind that things can get rough and nothing is guaranteed to stay dry.
- Plug adaptor, depending on your destination
- Head-torch including spare batteries and bulb
- Watch or clock with alarm
- Smartphone
Sports nutrition
- Sport bars and/or energy gels to keep you going during the ride. Make sure to try/taste them in advance as nothing is worse than being stuck with foul-tasting bars when in need for a mid-ride boost.
- Isotonic powder to mix with water in order to effectively quench thirst and replenish essential minerals and electrolytes lost through sweat.
- Salt tablet tubes and/or magnesium supplements if this is what you usually use. Make sure to only bring products you have tried in advance as some people may find these don’t work or work adversely.
Personal first aid kit
All guides/instructors have certificates in first aid and carry first aid kits, but it is always good to have your own ready supply. The following list of recommended items makes for a good all-round travel pack.
- Antiseptic cream
- Plasters, bandages, tape and Compeed blister patches
- Scissors, tweezers and safety pins
- Anti-inflammatory drugs e.g. Ibuprofen
- Analgesics: e.g. Aspirin
- Anti-diarrhea drugs: e.g. Imodium
- Re-hydration salts: e.g. Dioralyte
- Antihistamines (if appropriate)
- Contact lenses and glasses (if appropriate)
Repair kit
If you hire a bike: our guide will carry some spare parts although you should bring your own repair kit, in the case of the unlikely event that our guide is not on hand to help you when you are experiencing mechanical problems. We will provide all spares in relation to the type of bike you have hired.
If you bring your own bike: whilst our guide will carry a number of additional spares and tools it is essential that your own bike is in excellent working order before you depart. If you are in any doubt whatsoever about the condition of your bike, please take it to your local bike shop for a full service ahead of the trip. It is always a good idea to start the trip with new brake pads. If you are not hiring a bike, you must bring enough inner tubes to see your bike through your trip, as well as suitable for two spare disc pads. And, of course, bring a rear mech hanger suitable for your bike. This is an essential item, personal for each bike, and should always be carried.
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© BEYOND BIKING, 2015