Is Your Bike ready for the Tour?
Time for a Service Check in the Workshop
Before the tour, your bike takes center stage. Only when everything is in working order can you enjoy your bikepacking adventure without any hitches. A workshop visit is essential unless you’re a skilled mechanic yourself: Are the brake pads still sufficient? Is the drivetrain functioning flawlessly? Are the bottom bracket and wheels intact? For our tours, we recommend tires over 40 mm wide, preferably tubeless for better puncture resistance. Fast-rolling tires are ideal, and depending on your strength, use 38 or 40 gear teeth in the front and 10/42 in the rear. Lighter is always better here.
Spare Parts and Gear for the Road
Now it’s time to hit the road. Even if you’ve just had a service check, things can still go wrong. No worries if you follow our advice and bring along the following spare parts and gear. These will help you quickly and efficiently solve any problems that arise.
- shift cable and spare battery
- Chain links
- Lightweight tube or tubeless plugs with tools
- Pump or CO2 cartridge
- Chain oil
- Brake pads
Additionally, make sure to have at least one water bottle, front and rear lights, and a navigation device.
Do You Have the right Bags?
Once your bike is ready, it’s time to pack. There are several things to consider here as well. The choice of bags is crucial, and they should definitely be waterproof to keep your belongings dry even after a heavy downpour. It’s also important to know what goes in which bag. Here are a few tips:
- Rear Seat Bag: Bulky items like clothing and hygiene products that are only needed in the evening.
- Handlebar bag: Items you don’t need constantly, such as rain gear or warm clothing.
- Top tube bag: For quick access to snacks, smartphone, camera, money, and credit cards.
- Frame bag: Heavy items like spare parts and tools belong here.
Packed the Right Clothing?
Now it gets serious. As with any ride, just before setting off, you face the crucial decision of what clothing to bring. A look at the weather forecast helps, but don’t let good weather predictions lull you into a false sense of security. In the mountains, the weather can change very quickly, and you should be prepared for that. The following items are essential:
- Complete change of clothes: Undershirt, cycling shorts, jersey, and socks.
- Arm and leg warmers for cooler temperatures.
- Helmet, sunglasses and appropriate cycling shoes.
For rainy weather, a rain jacket, possibly rain pants, and shoe covers are advisable. A lightweight insulating jacket, a hat, and leisure clothing such as pants, a long-sleeve shirt, underwear, and lightweight shoes for the evening should also be included.
Anything Else?
There are always things that are easily forgotten. Here are some important additions:
- Offline maps (e.g., from Komoot), as you never know when you might lose signal.
- Power bank and the right charging cable.
- Bars and snacks for the road, magnesium tablets for the evening.
- First aid kit and, of course, chocolate.
Oh yes, one more important thing: Always inform your safety contact about your whereabouts. Review the route carefully beforehand and if you haven’t already, book your accommodation for the night by noon at the latest.
Off you go! We wish you lots of fun.
Experience Report
If you’re considering embarking on one of the greatest adventures in the Alps and discovering “the Hard” graveltour through the SalzburgerLand, you should definitely check out Angelika and Reinhard’s blog, Saddle Stories. The two have taken on the challenge and share their experiences in their usual relaxed and informative manner. Here’s a link to their story.
