What kit and why?
Its important if you’re cycling into wild country that you get back from it safely. Unlike hiking, walking or tramping you can get deep into isolated country very quickly on a bike. If you were asked to hike 30-60km into a national park or mountains in a pair of cycling shorts, t-shirt, cycling shoes, couple of muesli bars and a small water bottle you would hopefully say 'no'... So why would you do it on a bike? You would be surprised how many people do and suffer or become casualties as a result of it.
This kit list reflects this safety aspect but more importantly the ability to enjoy the ride even if you have a mechanical issue or pick up some scrapes and bruises. We consider all the starred items (*) outdoor safety items or equipment.
The majority of the kit and equipment listed has been tested and proven in harsh conditions over a number of years. If we have identified a make or model it is purely for your reference or to draw comparison. We are not sponsored by any of the manufacturers mentioned in the equipment list.
Equipment on the bike
Equipment in your pack
This kit list reflects this safety aspect but more importantly the ability to enjoy the ride even if you have a mechanical issue or pick up some scrapes and bruises. We consider all the starred items (*) outdoor safety items or equipment.
The majority of the kit and equipment listed has been tested and proven in harsh conditions over a number of years. If we have identified a make or model it is purely for your reference or to draw comparison. We are not sponsored by any of the manufacturers mentioned in the equipment list.
Equipment on the bike
- *Cycle Computer - Cateye Micro Wireless computers. Easy to install, robust, good battery life with good screen layouts.
- Top tube bag - Phone, food and any prescription meds you may need.
Equipment in your pack
- *Pump - A small pump might be light but try pumping up a 2.4" 29er up with it when you are cold, wet and tired! Topeak's 'Morph' range have some excellent compact track pumps.
- Patches - Self adhesive are best.
- Inner Tubes x 2
- *Tyre Levers - A lot of tyres are hard to get on/off rims these days. Carry a solid set as flimsy ones will snap!
- Chain Links (Quicklinks) - Make sure you have the right speed. 1,9,10 or 11 speed.
- Spared Brake Pad(s) - Ensure pads and rotors are compatible (organic or sintered). Sintered pads might be slightly more expensive but last longer.
- Spare SPD Cleat(s) - They occasionaly fall off and do wear through. Small items with little weight penalty.
- *Tyre Boot - Cut an old toothpaste tube into a square. Can be used as a tyre boot to get you home with a slashed tyre.
- Cable Ties - Assorted sizes.
- Duck Tape - Wrap it round an old credit card to save space.
- *Cycle Multitool - Good quality with a chain breaker. Crank Brothers M-Series are robust and well made.
- Multitool - Gerber/Leatherman style tool with a decent set of pliers.
- Assorted bag of bolts, elastic bands, bits and bobs...
- Optional Repair/Spares
- Chain lube - Sometimes handy on a long wet/muddy ride
- Grease - Decant into a small plastic container
- Spare gear and/or brake cable
- Adjustable spanner - If you are riding a Shimano Alfine this maybe useful.
- *First Aid Kit - This doesn't need to be huge as you are out on a day ride. Assorted plasters, butterfly stitches, tape, gauze pads, alcohol swabs, painkillers, spare contact lenses and any prescribed medication.
- *Mobile Phone - Programme in emergency phone numbers i.e local mountain rescue
- *Photo ID - Driving license
- *Credit Card
- *Cash - Enough to buy a decent meal... or a couple of beers! Some rural shops, pubs, cafes don't take credit or have minimum spend limits.
- *Satellite Tracker - Spot Gen3
- *Head Torch - Petzl Zipka
- *Spare Batteries - Get in the habit of carrying spare batteries for your electronics. Try and buy electronics that take the same battery size.
- *Map
- *Map Case - Ortlieb A4 Document Bag fits OS maps and is less bulky than most map cases.
- Warm Hat or Buff
- Waterproof Jacket
- Pertex Jacket/Top - Montane have been making excellent lightweight windproof clothing for years.
- Warm Top - Lightweight fleece or down jacket.
- Emergency Nutrition - Bury a couple of energy gels and a muesli bar in your pack. They'll be 'nectar' when you need them.