A long bike tour is an adventure that more and more people are taking on. The attraction is probably a combination of the resulting sense of freedom and the simultaneous deceleration. To enjoy the bike tour properly, the equipment is crucial. Here you will find everything you need to know about the packing list for your bike tour.

What preparations should be made before a bike tour?

The first step in preparing for a bike tour is to plan the route of your bike tour, because everything else, such as the right bike and equipment, depends on this. For example, a bike tour in the north of Germany requires different clothing than a bike tour in Calabria. When planning your route, it is important to take your fitness level into account and not to expect too much of yourself. To start with, you should not plan more than 400 km and choose a route that does not have too many inclines. An online route planner will help you to calculate your daily stages. The next step is to think about how you will get to your starting point and back. You may need to book a flight or a train ticket to get to the starting point of your bike tour. You also need to choose the right bike. If you have your own bike that you want to use for the tour, you should adjust your bike correctly and have it checked by a professional. Still haven’t decided where to go? Then find out more about suitable cycling tours in Germany and Europe!

Bike tour packing list – what should not be missing

Once you have planned your bike route, it’s time to think about the right equipment. Depending on your plans, you should choose the appropriate functional clothing. Padded cycling shorts are particularly recommended if you cover many kilometers every day and are not used to sitting on a bike for long periods. You should also think about a rain jacket, rain pants and reflective elements on your clothing. A bicycle helmet is also essential for your own safety. Other important items are closed, waterproof shoes, sunglasses, bicycle gloves, a small first-aid kit, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. In addition, it is especially important for long bike routes that you have enough to drink with you. It is not always possible to buy something on the way, which is why you should have at least one, but better two or three large bottles of water or isotonic drinks with you. A digital or analog bike guide or a map is helpful so that you can find your way around. And you should also think about your accommodation. For example, if you plan to stay at a campsite, you will need a tent, a sleeping mat and a sleeping bag.

Multi-day bike tour packing list – clothing and sleeping

• Light and comfortable functional clothing
• Padded cycling shorts
• Rain jacket with reflectors and rain trousers
• Bicycle helmet
• Sunglasses and cycling gloves
• Closed, light and waterproof shoes
• A small first-aid kit, sunscreen and mosquito repellent if necessary
• One to three large bottles of water
• Depending on the type of overnight stay: tent, sleeping bag, sleeping mat, hut sleeping bag etc.

Packing list for a bike tour – the right bike and bike equipment

In addition to the personal equipment, the bike and bike equipment are of course also of central importance for a bike tour. Depending on the type of trip, different bicycles are available. Often a trekking bike with a pannier rack is the right choice, because this allows you to use panniers for your luggage and take the strain off your back. An e-bike can also be a good choice for a longer bike trip. If you treat yourself to having your bike tour planned by a professional, luggage transport is often included. In this case, you can pack your travel bag extra and only have to take the most important things for the day’s stage in the panniers on the rack. Other essential items of equipment are a basic tool set with patches, air pump, grease, etc., as well as the technical equipment for navigation and orientation. Among other things, various apps offer the possibility to track your bike tour and share it with your loved ones at home.

Packing list for bike tours – bike equipment

• Travel and bike bags
• Basic bike tool set with air pump, patches, grease, etc.
• A cycling guide (digital or analog) or a map
• Technical equipment such as bike apps and a bike computer

Plan your bike tour and benefit from advantages

As already briefly mentioned, a guided bike tour offers many advantages. Whether on a bike tour through Germany or Europe, a planned bike tour offers you the freedom of not having to worry about anything and simply enjoying your trip. This is particularly advantageous for people who are very busy in their private or professional lives. In addition, professionals can better estimate distances, elevation profiles and accommodation options, and you benefit from the wealth of experience of the experts. At Rad + Reisen, we offer you, among other things, pre-booked accommodation, luggage transfer and luggage service, an information session at the beginning of the trip, a 7-day service hotline and state-of-the-art rental bikes.

Packing list for a bike tour – everything you need in one place

A bike tour needs to be well planned, whether you are traveling by bike for a few days or for weeks. In addition to the appropriate bike path and the correct setting for your bike, you should also think about the right equipment. A bicycle tour packing list includes both things you need for yourself, such as appropriate clothing, and equipment for your bike, such as a basic tool kit. If you decide to have your bike tour planned, you benefit from having many things already taken care of for you. For example, you can rent a bike and don’t have to get your own in shape. Plus, luggage transfer makes packing easier, as you can take a lot more with you.

Packing list for bike tours – FAQs

How do you plan a bike tour?

You can plan a bike tour yourself or have it planned by experts. You should also think about the right equipment for your bike and for yourself in advance.

What should not be missing on a bike tour?

In addition to suitable functional clothing and things that are important for your own safety, such as a well-fitting bicycle helmet and a reflective vest, a basic tool set, enough to drink, a first-aid kit and a cycling guide should not be missing on a bike tour.

Which bicycle tools are important for a bike tour?

On a longer bike ride, you will need a basic tool set that includes a bicycle multi-tool and a puncture repair kit. These include tire patches and grease, among other things.