Cycling essentials?

Question

Hi me and 2 mates are planning to go on a cycling trip for 6 days, around 240 miles. This is our first trip of any real distance.

Was wondering what i would need to bring along with me as we are bringing our own bikes and gear, so what would we need i know a tube is good but is it really neccesary or is a repair kit enough.

Also we will be sleeping in hostels so anythine we need to know :P (BTW the trip is in scotland dont ask why)

Finally what sort of clothing will we need, i was thinking about some of the cycling shorts,shirts etc but i dont want to spend too much money as i wont be using it much.

Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Answer 1

A few spare tubes would be in order, in addition to a patch kit.  Maybe invest in some puncture resistant tires to lessen the chance of a flat.    You'll also need a good bike multi.tool, tire levers, and a pump since most flats occur in the middle of nowhere.   I also like to carry a general purpose multi-tool like a Gerber or Leatherman.

You'll also need chapstick, sunscreen and a first-aid kit.   Never know when you'll take a tumble.   You have to be prepared someone else tipping you over even if you ride safely.   I also carry a few spare bungee cords and cable ties.  

Maps are essential for any distance trip unless you have the area memorized.   I always bring my GPS since I have a handlebar mount.   I also always bring my compact Digital camera to document my trips.

It might rain, so you need raingear.  And some plastic ziploc bags to store things that cant get wet like your wallet and camera, etc.  I'd also have plenty of Powerbars and powdered gatorade type stuff.

Better start training now ... biking for 6 days straight is a good challenge.

Answer 2

1- Road map

2- Hotel & restaurant guide booklet (gas stations & bike shops)

3- warm clothings; spare shirts, shorts, pants, shoes

4- water plastic bottles

5- tire inflator; spare interior tube

6- extra cash

7- snack foods

8- first aid kits with medicines for colds, coughs, fever

9- rain gears

Keep safe ridin all the way

I'd love to join ya guys, I'm from the Philippines. M a bike fanatic.

Answer 3

All good advice.

I'll add this :

Blinking rear lights

A flashlight[and extra batteries]

Talcum powder

Extra socks[not cotton]

A cell phone

Salt packets

Extra set of hand grips

A foldable kevlar bead tire

Dental floss and a sewing needle that the floss will fit through to sew up a sidewall blow out tire.

A small piece of sandpaper to smooth out a rim or brake pad from jagged object damage

Extra brake pads

Extra brake and shifter cables

An extra rear derailler.

An extra chain or at least several links as well as a chain tool.

Every tool needed to tighten what you have

Bearing grease[I use a 35mm camera film container]

Garbage bags to protect anything needed from moisture .

A tube valve tightener[cheap]

Matches[waterproof]

Extra headset bearings

A deck of cards

I know it seems like overkill but if it can happen it just might.

A  pound of prevention is worth many pounds of cure.

I wish you good luck and safe peddling

Answer 4

Definitely get a bike lock-- you'd hate to be stranded!! A great place for bike locks is A&J's.  Their website is http://www.bike-locks.com .

Answer 5

40 miles a day average?

outta shape person?

yes get the shorts, ull be on the bike for a while, get tubes, chances are youll flat if not oh well good for you save them, get a pump to bring, a small frame pump works ride safe, dont be stupid, and start riding now or your legs will hate you and you could pull/tear a muscle