Bike touring: 3 essential items for your panniers

Want to take a trip on two wheels? Mountain biking expert Colin Gray reveals the three things you shouldn't start peddling without

6 mins

I have a confession to make. I recently got married, and, without doubt, it was one of the best days of my life. But, during the vows, I bent the truth a little, and I'm sure that's not quite cricket... On that day of all days.

I said, "I promise to love you, and only you," to my wonderful wife. But, today, in true Jerry Springer style, in full view of the public, I'm outing myself. I have another love, one just as strong as that for my wife. I love my bike.

For good or ill, I probably spend as much time with my bike as I do with my wife. With both parties, we spend hours together at a time. We take longer trips, relying on each other for support, fun and adventure. Here's a few tips to help you survive those longer excursions... Whether you have a riding partner or not.

But, to the tour. There's nothing quite like bike touring to see a new place. It's slow enough to really take in the view, but quick enough to feel like you're making progress. You're so flexible on a bike, free to stop where you like, go where you like, and to many places cars are restricted. But, bike touring takes a bit of prep to get it right. There are certain things that make your trip so much more enjoyable, and much less likely to go wrong. I've had a few debacles over the years, so I hope my experience helps you avoid going down the same road, pun intended. Here are the three essential things you need to take on a bike tour:

1. A great quality pannier rack

Backpacks are fine for short trips, but try shrugging your shoulders after two days in the saddle with a laden bag on your back – nothing quite equals that burning feeling at the base of your neck. Trailers have come into fashion too in recent years, but I've found them a pain to pull, and likely to encourage far too big a load. When you have the space to fill, you fill it, and trailers always end up weighing a ton. The increased friction of the extra wheel does make a difference too, especially on a long-distance trip.

Nothing beats a high quality pannier rack for ease of use, flexibility and that 'just-right' space requirement. You can easily survive long-term with the contents of two panniers, as I have done many times in the past. Pay attention to the high quality part of that phrase though – do not skimp on pannier racks. Unless, of course, you enjoy being stranded 50 miles from the nearest village after a cheap rack snaps and shears through your spokes, breaking half their number. It's not worth the pennies you save...

2. Rear-end protection: pads and chamois cream

Every experienced cyclist knows to take care of their rear end. It's the part of your body that really gets to know your bike, and your saddle can quickly turn into a torture device worthy of the Middle Ages if you're not prepared. First, spend as much as you can afford on a good pair of padded cycling shorts. The good ones can cost up to a hundred pounds or more, but, in the long haul, your posterior will thank you.

Next, stock up on chamois cream. It sounds a bit weird, but, trust me, your mocking friends will be begging you for a dip after a few days in the saddle. Imagine how many pedals strokes you'll be making, legs pumping up and down. That equals chafing, and a lot of it. Chafing is never good, but cream is – buy it.

3. An easy-to-use chain splitter

Before you set off into the wilderness, it's worth learning as much as you can about the mechanics of your bike. They're not complicated machines, and it's a rare problem that can't be fixed by your average Joe after a wee bit of research. Out on the road you can't prepare for everything, but you can make sure you're ready for the common problems. Spare inner tubes and tyre patches go without saying, but the next on the list is one that a lot of people are intimidated by – a chain splitter. Sadly, there is no problem more terminal, and yet so easily fixed as a broken chain. And trust me, it happens more often than you think. Especially when you're 100 miles from the nearest bike shop, I always find...

Get yourself a good chain splitter and learn how to use it. It's a simple process, and you can change a chain in five minutes after a bit of practice.

And the list goes on...

This list is just the start, of course, and your panniers will be loaded up with dozens more items before your packing's done. But, the three things above are the ones that I've found, over the years, that you can't do without. With a working bike, a soothed behind and your worldly possessions securely attached, you can concentrate on the road, the view and the destination.

Colin started mountain biking in the early 2000s and has haphazardly dragged his bike around the UK and beyond since then. Colin has oodles of hard-earned experience, particularly in how NOT to do things – listen, learn and don't repeat his mistakes! Find out more about his biking adventures here: www.mountainbikesapart.com

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