Cycle Touring Essentials

Multi-day cycle tours are a great way to see a destination, whether you are exploring the foothills of the Alps or the rolling hills of rural England. Here are some of the essential pieces of kit you should make sure you take.

First up is water bottles and places to put them. Buy the biggest bottles you can, and fit at least two cages to keep them in. You’re going to need to drink a lot, and you might not be able to fill your bottles that often.

Another basic is a good pair of padded shorts. You might get away with gym gear on a short commute, but riding for hours over multiple days will take its toll on your body without the right gear.

You’re also going to need a puncture repair kit and spare inner tubes. The further away from civilization you are going, the more important it is to have a kit and know how to use it.

A rain jacket is another essential and these versatile pieces pack down small for easy transportation. Depending how long you travel for, you will also need to attach panniers and other bags to your bike. Most cycle tourers eschew backpacks as they are likely to become uncomfortable on longer trips, and letting your bike take the strain is a good idea. Add rear panniers first and then consider a handlebar bag or a saddle bag if you need more space.