My Touring Checklist Recommendations

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ridelover9941

Well-Known Member
Location
United States
This is what I personally recommend for those though who want to go travelling with their bike, like me. This is just my own preference. I know it's not always required to bring a spare rear derailleur but it's always wise to be extra prepared.

-Spare tubes and tires
-Tube puncture kit
-Chain lube
-Bicycle multi-tools and other tools
-Spare bicycle chain links
-Air pump (portable so you can fit it inside your backpack)
-One rear derailleur (if you're leaving with a multi gear bike)

Enjoy!
 

Cycleops

Legendary Member
Location
Accra, Ghana
Good list but I think most people would take a chance on the rear derailleur holding up ;).
Spare spoke might be an idea.

OK, now I think I understand, you just wanted a bit variety while you're out there!
 
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I once took a spare saddle! Just a shakedown tour to check it all worked, and explore Cornwall at the same time.
I have seen cycle tourists take track pumps, caravan style camping gaz stoves and dogs.
 
It's a fair list that mainly focuses on the things that are most likely to go wrong.

No two lists will ever be the same, however it may be worth considering an additional method of tyre inflation. I do carry two pumps when I'm on a big trip as I did once have a pump fail. Very unlikely, I know, but it keeps me happy.

I still can't decide if the spare RD is tongue in cheek................. ;-)
 

mudsticks

Obviously an Aubergine
So this is why some tourers have such enormous bags??

I think I'm being well prepared taking an inner tube,
pump,
multi tool.
cable ties
length of gorilla tape wrapped around seat post.

brake blocks
spare cables
two spokes.

I've really only needed the first six, in thousands of miles.
A winning smile, and or some cash in pocket, covers most other eventualities.

It does point up how we should really be using our local bike shops and fixers as much as possible though instead of always Internet shopping.
- to keep them in business for the whole cycling community as they pass through.
 

mudsticks

Obviously an Aubergine
Then theres

Tent
Sleep mat
Beeping slag
Meths Stove
Maps
Spareclothes (not too many)
Teensy wash kit.
Microfiber towel
Good, but slim book.
Tea light for warmth and company.
A repertoire of songs to maintain good cheer.

And food..
Plenty of food :smile:

Plus more winning smiles.
 

Brandane

Legendary Member
Location
Costa Clyde
- Ferry ticket to France.
- Passport.
- Credit card
- Phone with internet access to find cheap hotels, a la "Ibis Budget".
- Wash kit.
- 2 changes of clothes, easily washable in a sink and quick drying.
- Puncture repair patches and pump.
- NO backpack :ohmy:; saddlebag if possible, or pannier(s).
- A good bike; Ridgeback Panorama is my choice for touring.
 

froze

Über Member
I don't see the need for a rear derailleur, if you're using panniers there's no way the derailleur can get damaged, heck you stand a better chance getting the brake levers damaged so why not carry a set of those? Actually in reality you stand a even greater chance destroying a wheel so why not carry a spare wheel? See this sort of thing can go on and on, and it gets crazy to try to carry all the parts one might think they'll need, so you don't, nor would I carry a spare rear derailleur. The only things you need are consumables, like a spare tire, brake pads, couple of tubes. In America, which is where I'm at, if I'm doing a tour and say a tire gets destroyed and I replace it with my only spare, I know I won't have far to ride before finding a bike shop with a tire. So to carry around 2 spare tires, derailleur, etc, etc, is making your carry load heavier and taking up more space that could be used for other stuff, or to simply reduce the carry weight; you can't go on tour and be a rolling bike shop, not even expedition cyclists carry spare derailleurs though they will carry 2 spare tires because they could be weeks or months away from a the nearest bike shop, in American I would be less than a week away from one so I take my chances with just one spare tire.

As far as repair stuff I take on a tour is not too much different than when I ride locally for a few hours. So on tour I carry a frame pump instead of a mini when riding locally, but I carry a mini for back up when touring, while I might be only few days from a bike shop finding air is something I need now; I also carry a presta to schrader converter just in case my presta seals fail. I carry a spare tire, and chain lube when touring. Maps of course.

The rest of the stuff I'm going to mention is with me no matter if I'm touring or riding locally and in the seat bag:
spare tube;
Park (the only brand that works) glueless patch kit (yes I know how to make these last the life of the tube, if anyone is interested just ask);
boot patch (these are only temporarily patches);
Presta to Schrader converter;
Park MTB3.2 mini tool (great tool no longer made);
2 Soma Steel Core tire levers (I add a VAR tire lever on tour because the Schwalbe Marathon Greenguard tires are a real pain to get on);
QuikStik;
small folding pliers;
4 reusable zip ties;
2 Fiberfix spokes;
phone in a waterproof case;
3 feet of black Gorilla tape wrapped around a short pen that I can use for writing;
$50 cash (more when I'm touring plus my cr card);
spare batteries for bike computer;
several packs of hand wipes;
state ID card;
old copy of my insurance card;
minor first aid stuff;
superglue;
I think from memory that's all the stuff I carry, the real small stuff and the cards and money all fit into a specially designed Altoids tin that then goes into the seat bag (if interested I can show you how that works too).

Obviously when touring I carry stuff in my panniers (rear only, no front panniers), handlebar bag and top tube bag; along with 3 24 ounce stainless steel bottles; tent, sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, mat, camping pillow, larger first aid kit, survival knife, couple different ways to start a fire; compass, small flashlight, compact blow up solar lantern, cookware and utensils, tiny backpacking stove, fuel for stove, windscreen for stove, extra bungee cords, dishwashing soap, biodegradable body soap that also washes dishes, 2 nylon scrubber pads, couple of extra bottles of water, trash bags, of course food, and clothing. I know I missing some stuff due to going off of memory.

I do line my panniers with a trash bag to keep food stuff from leaking onto the inside of the bag and staining it, plus keeps odors down; I also put all my food, most other things too into gallon zip lock bags to make sure nothing gets wet or nothing breaks and spills even though the bags are waterproof.
 
Location
London
I still can't decide if the spare RD is tongue in cheek................. ;-)

Yes I wondered about that. Happy to see that the air pump is specced as " portable".

I would only take a spare tyre (foldable) if going on a very serious trip. Plenty of patches, 2 spare tubes and a tyre boot should suffice for anything else.
 
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