Equipment Cycling trip

How to Properly Equip Your Bike?

For most of our bike trips, we suggest bringing your own bike or renting one on-site (mountain bike, hybrid bike, or e-bike). If you choose to rent, it's important to bring the essentials for comfort, such as a foam or gel saddle cover. A bike trip involves spending several hours in the saddle, so comfort is crucial.

We also recommend staying in hotels, hostels, guesthouses, or with locals between stages. This reduces the number of bags and the weight of your luggage, making a trailer unnecessary. If you're traveling with family and a trailer is needed, you can rent one at the time of booking or on-site.

Make sure your bike has a luggage rack and waterproof front and rear panniers to store your belongings and keep them dry. A handlebar bag is also helpful to keep essential items within reach, such as official documents, phone, map, etc. Don't forget to bring a mount for your GPS or phone, bottle holders, and a lock.

If you prefer to go bikepacking, which is a lighter form of travel, you'll want a handlebar bag, a saddlebag, and a frame bag, all waterproof.

Finally, your repair kit will be your best ally on any bike trip, whether in France or abroad. This should include:

• Spare inner tubes
• Chain tool
• Allen key set
• Multi-tool, pliers, and a spoke wrench
• Spare spokes
• Pump
• Patches
• Backup lights
• Chain oil or lubricant
• Spare cables
• Zip ties
• Bungee cord
• Etc.

Equipment for a Bikepacking Trip

As mentioned, our bike trips, whether in France or abroad, typically include nights in a variety of accommodations. However, if you’re an adventurer who wants to try customized bike-camping, here’s a list of essential gear:

• An easy-to-pitch tent
• A warm sleeping bag, depending on the region
• An inflatable mattress or ground pad
• A tarp to protect your bike from rain
• A multi-fuel stove and a container for cooking
• A collapsible basin for washing dishes
• A water filter
• Marseille soap
• Plates
• Mixed cutlery and a knife

Clothing for a Bike Trip

Basic gear is essential for your adventure to go smoothly and for you to be comfortable throughout the journey. Make sure to pack the necessary clothing without overloading. Here's a list of essential items:

• Breathable long-sleeve and short-sleeve shirts for all weather conditions
• A rain jacket to stay dry
• A fleece jacket and a down jacket depending on the region and season
• A waterproof windbreaker
• Cycling shoes or sneakers
• Pants, leggings, and/or shorts with padding if needed
• Sports underwear and socks
• Arm warmers and fingerless gloves or full gloves
• A scarf to protect from the cold
• Sandals for the end of the day

Other Essential Accessories for a Bike Tour

Make sure to bring a sturdy helmet, a fluorescent vest, and a headlamp for safety, as well as a complete first aid kit. For minor injuries and ailments, pack your usual pain relievers, band-aids, gauze, disinfectant, arnica, and an emergency blanket.

Your toiletry bag should also include the essentials without any extras. So bring:

• Sunscreen
• Marseille soap, which can be used for both personal hygiene and dishwashing if camping
• A quick-drying microfiber towel
• A toothbrush and toothpaste
• Insect repellent depending on the season and region
• A thick cream, essential for any potential chafing at the end of the day

To protect yourself from UV rays, consider bringing a hat and sunglasses. Apply sunscreen if you're wearing a t-shirt or shorts.

Compression bags for storing clothes can be very useful for quickly finding your items and saving space.

Finally, our last piece of advice is to bring a filtered water bottle to stay hydrated. This is the perfect solution to keep drinking, no matter where you are and where you find water. If you bring a camera, make sure it has a waterproof cover to protect it in bad weather. You can also bring a backpack, which is useful during visits. However, avoid wearing it on your back while cycling, as it can cause neck, shoulder, and cervical pain.