Here are a few tips to help you enjoy a fun-packed bike tour in complete safety:
Recommended equipment:
- Fully functioning mountain bike
- Helmet – required on all guided tours
- Protective pads (recommended)
- Protective goggles and/or sunglasses
- High SPF sunscreen
- Footwear with fixed profile and rigid soles or cycling shoes
- Cycling gloves
- Padded cycling shorts
- Rucksack (food, water bottle, mobile phone, cash, ID, change of clothes, raincoat/windcheater, headlamp, first aid kit)
- Tools (spare inner tube with suitable valve, pump, repair kit, multitool, chain lock, derailleur hanger, brake pads, tyre iron if necessary, cable ties, bike lock)
- Mobile phone (for emergency calls; please note that there might be little or no signal high in the mountains)
- Any personal medication
Pre-tour checklist:
- Check rims (the wheels must spin round; adjust by means of a spoke wrench if necessary)
- Check spokes (no loose spokes)
- Check tyre profile and conditions
- Check tyre pressure (for MTB 1.8 – 2.5 bar, depending on tyre type and rider weight)
- Adjust brakes
- Check brake pad lining
- Check brake disc (for wear or lateral run-out)
- Check frame (for cracks or other damage)
- Check bottom bracket and pedal/control bearings (must have clearance)
- Adjust saddle height
- Tighten handlebar
- Adjust clipless pedal mechanism
- Clean and lubricate bike chain
- Check and adjust gearbox systems and derailleur guard (also under load)
- Check shock absorbers and adjust to rider weight
