The essentials for a successful bike trip
Discover the essentials to pack for a successful bike trip: equipment, clothing, bivouac and tips for riding light and comfortably.
Get your bag ready for an unforgettable cycling adventure
Going on a bike trip means embracing freedom and adventure. But for this experience to remain a pleasure, preparing your equipment well is essential. Well-thought-out equipment will avoid unpleasant surprises and allow you to drive with complete peace of mind. Here is the list of essentials for a successful bike trip.
1. The bike and its equipment
The choice of bike depends on the type of trip: hiking bike for our leisurely trips/road bike for our platoons or sports trips.
Think about:
- A sturdy luggage rack or frame, handlebar and saddle bags if you need to transport your stuff, but we offer a luggage transport service for all our trips.
- Tires adapted to the terrain you are going to travel on. We are here to advise you on choosing the bike for your trip.
- A repair kit: inner tube, patches, tire levers, pump and multi-tools. We include a kit with the rental of our bikes so that you can travel with peace of mind.
- Rechargeable front and rear lights.
- A GPS or a paper map so you don't lose track.
2. Clothes: comfort and practicality
Travelling by bike means choosing the right clothes to adapt to weather conditions:
- Quality shorts to avoid irritation.
- A breathable jersey and a waterproof windbreaker jacket.
- Gloves and arm warmers for cool mornings.
- Long shorts, or leg warmers can be useful if you decide to go out of season.
- A pair of adapted shoes and technical socks. For road bikes, the use of shoes with automatic cleats is recommended.
- A neck strap and a cap to protect yourself from the sun.
3. Bivouac equipment: autonomy and lightness
If your trip includes camping or bivouacking, minimalist but effective equipment is necessary:
- A lightweight tent or tarp for protection from the elements.
- A compact sleeping bag and an inflatable mattress.
- A stove and a pot for easy cooking.
- A rechargeable headlamp and an external battery.
4. Nutrition and hydration
Staying well hydrated and nourished is essential to maintain your energy on the road, otherwise the craving can quickly arrive. We have all already experienced it and it's not a piece of cake!
- Two cans for water or energy drinks.
- Energy bars and gels, dried fruits or snacks for those with a sweet tooth.
- The essentials for the aperitif: sausage, cheeses etc. because traveling by bike is also about having fun.
- For extreme adventurers on their own, freeze-dried meals.
- A Swiss Army knife and reusable cutlery.
5. The essentials for safety and hygiene
A few elements allow you to travel safely and stay clean in all circumstances:
- A first aid kit with bandages, disinfectants and anti-inflammatories.
- Sunscreen and anti-friction balm.
- Biodegradable soap and a microfiber towel.
- A sturdy lock to secure your bike during breaks.
Travel light but well prepared
The art of cycling is based on the balance between comfort and lightness. Carrying the essentials while avoiding the superfluous will guarantee you a smooth and pleasant adventure. By preparing your equipment well, you can take full advantage of each pedal stroke, explore new horizons and have an unforgettable experience with KomUnity!
