Gear and Equipment for Bike Travel

Clothing

When cycling, the quality of your clothing is very important—it ensures a healthy trip and efficient performance. In winter, opt for windproof and breathable clothing, like fleece and Gore-Tex. In summer, choose quick-drying, breathable fabrics (synthetic materials). Avoid cotton in all seasons, as it doesn’t wick sweat, dries poorly, and wrinkles easily.

Bags and Luggage

Weight Considerations

It’s recommended not to carry more than half your body weight in luggage on your bike. Beyond that, the trip becomes more difficult, and long climbs feel even longer...

Make sure to distribute the load evenly and stick to your initial packing plan without adding more each day. Weigh your luggage, assess your bike’s capacity, and leave a few kilograms of leeway for daily supplies (water, food, souvenirs...).

What to Pack?

How to Transport and Distribute Your Belongings?

What Type of Bike?

You have a choice: mountain bike or touring bike, expensive or budget-friendly—it’s up to you and your budget.

For long-term travel, it’s better to invest in sturdy, custom-made gear to avoid mechanical hassles, both for the bike and the rider. However, for a trip of one to two months max, this isn’t necessary, especially if you’re putting your bike on buses or trains where it might get damaged.

New or Used?

Bike Equipment

It’s important to know your gear well before setting off. Choose it based on your bike type, weight and space constraints, and your skills (only bring tools you know how to use!).

For long trips, especially in less-equipped countries, opt for robust gear—particularly a steel frame, which can be welded in any small workshop (unlike aluminum or carbon).

The Saddle

This is a key element. Some prefer leather, which molds better to your body but deforms in the rain, while others opt for foam. For long trips, a leather saddle seems inevitable. Just don’t start with a brand-new one—make sure you can handle it, or your trip could quickly become a nightmare. For women, remember that saddles differ between men and women. Ask your seller for one suited to your body.

The Handlebars

You can choose bullhorn handlebars, which help you sit more upright on a mountain bike. The Flexstem suspension system (elastomer) is very effective (around 60 €). On rough terrain, it becomes almost indispensable once you’ve tried it.

The Rearview Mirror

It can be useful on the road.

The Tires

Mountain bike tires are well-suited and grip well on trails. If riding on sand, don’t hesitate to deflate them. Also bring a spare, flexible tire that you can fold into your panniers. Some add a Kevlar strip inside the tire to prevent punctures. Don’t forget patches, glue, a pump, and wire to sew up burst tires in the bush.

The Chain

A crucial element—bring a spare chain. It’s essential to have three chainrings at the front, with the largest one protecting the others in case of a fall. At the back, opt for a small cog (28 or 30). Be careful with the rear derailleur, as it’s quite vulnerable.

The Kickstand

An aluminum tube resting on the ground and wedged under the saddle keeps a loaded bike upright. For transport, it’s strapped along the frame (with Velcro).

Lighting

Even if it seems optional since night riding is rare, it’s best to take precautions. A dynamo is effective but creates noticeable friction. Wires often end up getting cut (on planes, from snags, etc.). Newer models use LED bulbs, offering excellent lighting and unmatched battery life (up to a hundred hours for some Cateye models). Halogen lamps consume a lot of energy (lasting only 2–5 hours max), requiring frequent recharging or a hefty battery budget. In addition to the bike’s built-in lighting, you can also add simple battery-powered lamps (cheap and practical).

The Fenders

They’re useful. Choose ones that are easy to install and remove, as mud buildup can disrupt the wheels.

The Bottle Cages

You can attach at least three to the frame and bring a 5-liter collapsible pouch. Don’t hesitate to stop along the way to refill.

Racks and Trailers

Try to attach them using existing bolts on the bike for easier replacements if needed. The same goes for trailers—choose ones that use parts identical to those on your bike (bolts, wheel axles, etc.).

The Panniers

These protect your gear, so they should be sturdy, waterproof, tear-resistant, and have secure attachment systems. Good panniers let you carry up to 50 kg. For high-quality and expensive Ortlieb panniers, the roll-top model is recommended (easier access, simpler to close, just as waterproof, and holds more volume). The handlebar bag is very practical—it often has a map holder and lets you store frequently used items.

The Pannier Racks

This is the most important part. Choose sturdy steel ones that can be welded on the road if needed. You can opt for low-mounted or standard racks. Generally, it’s the attachment that fails, so don’t hesitate to invest in quality.

Safety Equipment

Don’t forget a bell, lights, and a helmet.

Thread-Locking Adhesive

This prevents everything from loosening due to vibrations. Before departure, apply a thin layer to anything that might unscrew to avoid trouble later.

Spare Parts and Tools

Tools

On a mountain bike (without suspension, which requires more maintenance and is less reliable), there aren’t many types of bolts—you can manage with the basics. However, it’s recommended to bring a chain tool, a spoke wrench, and basic tools (pump, tire levers, Allen keys, screwdrivers, and a wrench), along with some bolts, grease, oil, and a small container of grease. A trick is to also bring an old toothbrush (it can always come in handy) and zip ties (those plastic electrician’s ties—useful for securing a rack that’s losing bolts or locking a freewheel that’s slipping).

Spare Parts

For long trips, pack spokes, patches, inner tubes, tires, bolts, brake pads, brake or derailleur cables, ball bearings, wheel axles or complete hubs, and bottom brackets. The rest (derailleurs, cassettes, chainrings, chains) can usually be bought locally or sent via poste restante. Still, be mindful of compatibility—some parts won’t be available everywhere. For example, freewheel systems (cassette or threaded), cranksets (different types of 4- or 5-arm chainrings with varying spacing), or certain brake types (classic, cantilever, V-brakes, or disc brakes).

Necessary Adjustments

Your turn to contribute: A few tips and tricks to get your bike ready for the trip.