Bikes & Equipment

This list is aimed at the longer distance tourer with accommodation arranged but no support vehicle to carry your luggage. It is based on what Colin takes on his End-to-End tours. An easy to use list is here.

Bike - Experienced tourers recommend a purpose-built touring cycle but any decent cycle with low gears will do the job. We recommend that if you are a fit and regular cyclist you have gears fitted to give you a bottom gear of 28 inches. If this number doesn't mean anything to you, you will probably need to have a small chainring (attached to the pedal crank) of 26 teeth or even fewer. You also need to have your largest cog at the rear wheel with at least 28 teeth. You can still expect to walk up the occasional hill even with gears this low. On most of our trips only a quarter of the participants cycle up all the hills. If you aren't a fit and regular cyclist then get lower gears than that fitted. Please remember that the first few days are the hilliest.

You should seriously consider using clipless pedals, they will give you more power for the same amount of energy - get used to using them before leaving! If you are unable to use clipless pedals then please do use toeclips, for the same reason. Everyone takes a bit of time to get used to them but they do help.

If you plan on using straight bars you should also have bar ends fitted (unless you are used to cycling all day, everyday) as they will give you an alternative hand position and prevent potential wrist pain.

You don't have to have mudguards fitted - as long as you don't mind being lonely on rainy days.

You may wish to consider fitting or carrying lights, especially if you think you will be slower than average. Some of the days can be quite long and you may need them (especially if there has been a mechanical breakdown that has caused a delay). They are also very useful for going out in the evening, although it is understandable if you prefer not to ride in the evening having spent all day in the saddle.

You should get your bike fully serviced, including re-greasing any non-sealed bearings, before setting out. It's usually a good idea to have a few long rides on it after the service to make sure everything is OK. You then have time to fix it if something isn't right. Whilst getting your bike serviced, please make sure that you have low enough gears fitted. It is impossible to do this trip without climbing some serious hills. If you have been training to the level we recommend, you will probably need a new cassette and chain anyway, most need replacing after about 1500 miles.

Make sure your saddle is comfortable, you will be spending a lot of time sitting on it, if in doubt replace when you are training for the tour so it is well worn in before the start. If you have trouble in this area see my personal bits notes.

Luggage - Two rear panniers and a bar bag is a good combination. An alternative of two front panniers and a saddlebag or rackpack is favoured by some. You may wish to take four panniers. If you do, please don't completely fill them, you will regret it. Bear in mind that good quality panniers are worth acquiring if you plan to do this sort of touring regularly. Waterproofness is a vital quality you should aim for. You can get waterproof panniers now or you can use non-waterproof ones and a selection of plastic bags inside, if you do this use clear plastic bags in the pannier this lets you see what's in a bag without having to take it our and open it.

Cycling gear - Two sets of cycling clothes consisting of short sleeved top, padded , well worn in, shorts and socks. A long-sleeved cycling top, mine is made of Gore Windstopper, and finally, waterproofs to go over the top in inclement weather. I add to this a string vest (don't laugh), arm and leg warmers, fingerless gloves, a headover (I use a buff which converts from a neckerchief into a bandana or a hat), cleated shoes (but not the sort that make you walk funny) and overshoes, they keep my feet warm as well as reasonably dry and have the added advantage of making the rain stop everytime I decide to put them on.. This covers all my cycling needs. I wash the shorts, top and socks each day.

Please make sure all these items are comfortable before you leave. This isn't the sort of trip to be trying things out on.

Off bike gear - I carry a limited amount of off-bike gear but make sure it is adaptable. I take trousers that convert to shorts, a 'T' shirt and a long sleeved shirt together with sandals. I use the cycling windproof as a light jacket and the cycling waterproof as a raincoat.

Tools and spares.- You need to take enough bits to repair a puncture and do minor repairs to your bike. The more remote your route is the more tools and equipment you will need to carry. For example, if you start at John O'Groats going right across the top then down the West Coast of Scotland, with a bit of island hopping, you may not get anywhere near a bike shop for a week or so. And remember it's usually at the start of a trip when things decide they are worn out.

We recommend carrying a small toolkit (this can shared if you are riding with friends), one of the better 'multi-tools' will do the job, make sure you have a tool that will fit all the nuts, bolts and allen bolts on your bike, you should also have a chain splitter (it can be very annoying to break a chain and then have to wait for ages for someone with the tool to rejoin it), a couple of spare spokes to fit your wheels (especially the gear side on the back wheel), tyre levers, at least two spare innertubes, a puncture repair kit, don't forget your pump and a bottle of oil, it is useful to have a spare toe strap or two (even if you use clipless pedals), a small roll of gaffa or insulating tape and a supply of cable ties. If you have fitted new tyres before the tour it shouldn't be necessary to carry a spare tyre, You may not know what to do with all these bits, but you may be able to find someone who does.

Other items - You will need a towel if hosteling. Sun cream, sun (and/or clear) glasses and a small first aid kit can be useful . Colin carries a reasonable selection of creams, potions and remedies and there are usually apothecaries about. A pocket knife is handy, especially for picnic lunches and a torch should be carried by those who do not have detachable cycle lights. You may wish to take a camera.