Nature finally allows us to go on extended bike tours. But be careful: mountain tours in particular can be uncomfortable and dangerous without the right equipment. We show you the best helpers of the year for your tour.
Snacking on lush alpine meadows, spending the night in rustic mountain huts, single trail surfing beneath rugged peaks - a tour through the mountains offers a wide range of experiences. It could unintentionally become even broader if you don't have the right equipment with you.
Because if you forget the repair kit for the fourth flat tyre, the rain jacket for a thunderstorm or the mini tool for a broken chain, you could suddenly find yourself in a mess.
IN THE THICKET OF BIODIVERSITY
It takes even the BIKE editors months to sift through the hundreds of products on the market and find the best ones. To ensure that you always return home safe, dry and stress-free, we have drawn on our many years of experience and our tests to compile the most important and best items of the year for you. Whether computer, mini-tool or sunglasses, rucksacks, touring shoes and first aid kit - the products have proven themselves on countless tours by our editors.
THE RIGHT EQUIPMENT COUNTS
Just like a mountaineer, as a touring biker you need to have the right equipment to be prepared for all situations. Especially on longer tours, it is not enough to have a spare inner tube, pump and mini-tool with you. A few other useful helpers are also part of your expedition equipment: if you carry a first aid kit, for example, you can not only treat yourself but also help other riders who break down.
Sensible clothing is essential on a tour, especially in the mountains: pack a rain jacket even if there are no clouds in sight. Don't forget sun cream and sunglasses, even if the sun is still hiding at the start. Always carry good maps and a compass with you - this will help you find your way to the next village without help in bad weather or if the directions are unclear.
CONTROL IS BETTER
Below you will find a checklist. Tick off the individual points when packing your equipment and check your bike to make sure you have everything you need and don't have to worry about any nasty surprises.
CHECKLIST
For a multi-day tour, you need a small, but fine set of equipment. With our checklist, you are guaranteed not to forget anything. Tip: Make sure your rucksack weighs no more than six to eight kilos.
CHECK YOUR BIKE THROUGH
-rims: Is the wheel still turning smoothly? Are the spokes in order? No loose spokes?
-Tyres: Still enough tread? No damage to the tyre? Check the tyre pressure!
-Brakes: Correctly adjusted? (Lever travel?) Do the brake pads still have enough lining?
-Frame: Check for any cracks or damage. Do the bearings have play?
-Saddle: Set to the correct height, angle and feed (knee position)?
-Handlebars/stem: Tightened correctly? (Note the torque!)
-Pedals: Is the release mechanism on the clipless pedals correctly adjusted and lubricated?
-Chain: Is the chain well oiled? No stiff chain links? Replace old chains!
-Gears: Are all gears working properly? Do the gears also work under load?
YOU SHOULD WEAR THIS ON YOUR BODY
-Helmet: Is the helmet correctly fitted? Does it have a TÜV or GS test seal?
-Glasses: Ideally sunglasses with interchangeable lenses and UV protection.
-Vest: A thin, breathable vest keeps the body dry.
-Luminous jersey colours: If something happens to you, they will be found more quickly.
-Gloves with long fingers - these offer better protection in the event of a fall.
-Bike trousers: No new trousers for long tours, better a pair of registered trousers.
-Socks: Functional fibre or Gore-Tex socks dry particularly quickly.
-Bike shoes with a stable, non-slip outsole. Waterproof shoes with a Gore-Tex membrane are particularly recommended.
-Heart rate monitor with chest strap: so that you can monitor the intensity of your exertion.
THIS MUST GO IN THE RUCKSACK
-Change of clothing: jersey, vest, trousers, socks, leg warmers, arm warmers, rain jacket, thin fleece jacket, bonnet (under the helmet).
-For the evenings: Two pairs of underwear, one or two T-shirts, light trousers, light shoes, two pairs of socks.
-Body care: A small towel, a small bottle of shampoo, buttock cream, sun cream, deodorant, toothpaste, toothbrush.
-Orientation: Maps, batteries/battery for GPS. Road book with you?
-Spare materials and tools: Mini tool with chain riveter, two spare spokes, two inner tubes, repair kit, spare brake pads, a small bottle of oil, mini pump.
-Important extras: First aid kit with disinfectant, mobile phone with charging cable or spare battery, digital camera, important documents (passport), money.
Text: Matthias Dreuw
