What Do You Take On A Bike Tour?
Every bike tour is different, which is why no two bicycle touring gear lists look the same. There is a core group of items I take on all my bicycle tours though, and I call these my bike touring essentials. Some of the items are related to the bike itself, whilst others just make life a little easier on the road. Here's a look at my 10 bike touring essentials then, and there's also a video at the end of the article. What makes your core cycle touring gear? I'd love to know, so please leave a comment at the bottom!
My Bike Touring Essentials
These 10 items of gear are either worn, or fit in my handlebar bag whilst I am touring. Even when I'm out cycling just for the day, I tend to take most of this stuff by default. In some way, it would feel weird cycling without them!
1. Bike Pump with Gauge
I told you some of this stuff was going to be no-brainer! Now, that said, I know that there is a certain school of thought which says that bike pumps with pressure gauges should be avoided. The theory being, that as the gauge is not accurate, there's no point in having one. I think, with all due respect, this is one of the dumbest things I've ever heard!
Sure, if you were pumping up bike tyres for Chris Froome on a professional basis, you wouldn't use a hand pump with a built in pressure gauge. We're on a bike tour though! The gauge is accurate enough to get me between the 4 and 6 bar needed for my Schwalbe tyres, which is all I need. It's also worth noting that whenever I do a ‘thumb test' to see how hard the bike tyre is, I am consistently below even the lowest recommended inflation pressure. Check item one of my 10 bike touring essentials!
2. Topeak Alien 2 Multi-Tool
I use the Topeak Alien 2 Multi-Tool, but I guess there are other multi-tools available. This handy item has all the tools you might need for running repairs whilst on a bike tour. The Allen key selection is most used, but it's nice to know there is a chain breaker on hand if needed as well. Whilst not a replacement for a good set of quality bicycle tools at home, it's absolutely ideal to add into the bike touring essentials list.
3. Puncture Repair Kit
Although on tour I tend to swap a spare inner tube with a punctured one when actually cycling, back at camp, I patch all my tubes as needed. A good pair of tyre levers is an added bonus!
4. Swiss Army Knife
This is one of those items of bike touring gear that simply makes life a little easier on the road. Whether you use the corkscrew, bottle opener, or can opener the most, it's always nice to have a collection of knives and tools in a compact unit. Whilst there are cheaper imitations on the market, the Victorinox brand is the one to go for. If it's well looked after, a Swiss Army Knife can literally last a lifetime, making it a good addition to the bike touring essentials I always take with me.
5. Powerbank
Although I remember the days of bicycle touring with no electronic equipment, a few gadgets such as phones and cameras do make life easier. The only drawback, is that the battery life on electronic gear isn't terrific. A powerbank comes in very handy though. Anything that can be recharged via a USB plug can be charged by a powerbank, and the one that I show here can recharge my phone 5 times or more.
6. Lip Balm
I don't think I have ever run out of lip balm on a tour. I might have lost my lip balm a couple of times, but never actually run out! In terms of value for money connected with personal comfort, it's probably the best value item you will ever buy!
7. MP3 Player
Listening to music certainly lifts the spirits, and whilst most phones can store ample music, I still find a separate MP3 player to be a nice addition to my bike touring essential. I've had this Sony MP3 player for a few years now. I'm not sure if they still sell it, but it's going strong!
8. Bike Lock
Depending on what type of bike lock you go for, this can be one of the heavier pieces of bike touring gear you take along. Would you really leave home without it though? I certainly wouldn't!
9. Money Belt
I use a money belt that looks like a regular belt, but also has a zipped compartment on the inside. It's very useful for stashing some extra currency, and I normally keep a couple of 50 Euro notes or equivalent tucked away inside. It's always nice to know there is a reserve money supply in case of loss or being robbed when travelling.
10. Endura Humvee 3/4 Shorts
The final item on my list of bike touring essentials are my Endura Hummvee Shorts. I've been using this brand and range for years, and find them superb for bike touring. Long lasting and hard-wearing, they look good on and off the bike, and are very comfortable. I've recently bought a new pair, so you can expect a review in the next few weeks!
Cycle Touring Essentials Video
Here's a quick video summarising my top 10 bike touring essentials. If you haven't already, please subscribe to my YouTube channel for more videos on bike touring and travel!
Which of these items would make your top 10 list, or can you think of anything that should be there but I might have missed out? Please add your thoughts on bike touring essentials in the comments section below to help other members of the bicycle touring community!
Red Cyclist says
Hi Dave,
Brilliant top 10 post, i honestly didnt expect the lip balm, but now thinking about it i can see how it helps with moisturising and doesnt just taste nice!
Instead of a money belt i tend to lean towards a fanny pack, for me, i feel that provides room and space to carry a fair few things including basic amenities such as tissues, keys, somewhere to put my locks.
One thing i do think you may have deliberately left out is a water bottle, or some form of hydration! I almost always never leave with some water or a drinks bottle. I feel its essential as not only does it keep me hydrated, especially with the amount i sweat, it also helps on the last pushes.
I usually find an energy boost gives me a second wind and really does push my endurance limits!
Other than that brilliant insight into the practicalities of cycling!