What cycling gear should a cycle touring enthusiast always carry? If you're thinking about taking a bike trip , it's natural to ask yourself this question. There are some bike accessories you absolutely must have on hand, no matter what: we'll talk about them shortly.
For the rest, however, the choice depends fundamentally on the type of itinerary, the season, the climate, and the duration of the trip. In this article, we provide some useful tips for planning your luggage.
For example, if you're heading to a cold climate, we recommend bringing minimal winter cycling gear and a few changes of clothes for getting around the city . Make sure you always have a clean change of clothes on hand, but pack lightly to stay agile.
We also asked for first-hand advice from cycling tourist Giulia Baroncini , fresh from her long two-wheeled journey from Milan to Chicago: " Bike travel is a very personal thing, and the equipment needs to be adapted to the type of trip. I don't have specific advice because, in reality, what is essential for one person may not be essential for another."
There is something, however, that is indispensable for everyone…
The bike gear you should NEVER leave at home
What is Giulia referring to?
Let's start right away with the must-have bike accessories: the ones you should never, ever leave at home.
As our cycle tourist suggests, you can't travel by bike without bringing repair kits with you .
“Bringing tools for punctures and bike breakdowns is definitely essential for everyone, as is an inner tube or tubeless tire. Mechanical problems always arise.”
You should not forget, for example:
- a pump;
- a spare inner tube or tubeless tire;
- a puncture kit
- a multitool with wrenches, nuts, chain breaker, etc.;
- tire patches and tapes;
- replacement brake pads;
- replacement spokes;
- the sandpaper.
Before you set off, we suggest you practice repairs , so you don't get caught off guard by breakdowns. And there certainly will be some!
Always keep a map of nearby bike shops or repair shops so you know where to go when you can't fix problems yourself.
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Bike travel: what to bring for safe travel
Traveling by bike alone or with others is a unique experience , one that makes you much more aware of your potential but also your limitations. And one of the first limitations you must recognize is your own safety: you must never neglect the bike accessories that allow you to travel safely.
The helmet
The first thing to consider is a helmet. It's not mandatory in Italy, but if you're traveling abroad, it might be. Regardless of the law, a helmet is a protective device that can help you avoid nasty injuries, even serious ones. You should never be without one.
To travel by bike, you'll also need to use panniers, bikepacking bags, or even a trailer for your luggage. This extra weight can make you lose stability, especially when cornering or going downhill. A helmet is truly essential to reduce the risk of a fall.
Night visibility
Other tools you shouldn't underestimate are those that allow you to travel safely in the dark. Bring them with you even if you're not planning on riding at night, because travel is full of unexpected events. Therefore, equip your bike with front and rear lights (these are also mandatory in Italy for riding after dark) and bring a reflective vest.
Reflective details on bicycle wheels are also useful in this sense. For example, Giulia Baroncini rode with Ursus TC 37 Disc wheels and gave us some feedback on them:
“I really liked the reflective detail of the Ursus logo, which was helpful for night rides. I generally didn't plan on riding at night, but on some occasions, I did. The reflection of the Ursus logo on the tire was very useful for making myself visible.”
Comfort
Finally, we suggest equipping your bike with accessories that allow you to ride more comfortably. A great idea is to mount a rearview mirror on your bike's handlebars. This will help you see oncoming cars without constantly twisting your neck or torso.
It's also worth considering a seatpost to achieve a comfortable posture, especially for long rides. Choose a comfortable saddle and make sure the bike fits your body measurements.
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Last tips before leaving
We have therefore seen which tools are essential for reacting to mechanical failures and for travelling safely.
For the rest, cycling accessories and clothing must be appropriate for the type of trip you intend to undertake, and there is no single piece of advice we can give you regarding luggage.
However, we share with you the latest tips that Giulia gave us, after the experience of the viaggissimo :
"I recommend bringing the bare minimum: you always use the same things when traveling. The important thing is to bring clothing appropriate for the seasons."
And then Giulia suggests bringing a magical object:
“It's definitely worth bringing a camera to capture the things and people you encounter. It's the tool I used the most!”
After all, traveling by bike is a form of slow tourism, allowing you to observe every detail up close, meet people, and discover places and cultures. A camera is definitely one of the must-haves for cycle tourists.
Discover the Ursus TC 37 Disc road wheels.
Lightweight, reliable, with reflective detailing for night riding.
