Cycling Holiday Kit List

What you bring in your overnight bag — or bury deep in your panniers to excavate only in the evenings — is entirely up to you, but what should you keep close to hand on your cycling holiday or mountain biking adventure?

Keep in mind that the British weather can be extremely variable, so you must ensure you are properly prepared for every conceivable type of weather. Listed below are all the important things you should carry. A copy of this checklist is included in your Holiday Pack.

Please also note that you must bring or hire your own bicycle for the duration of your holiday. 

Items to keep accessible

  • Holiday Pack
  • Tool kit
  • GPS and spare batteries
  • Waterproof day pack liner
  • Compass
  • Whistle and torch
  • Water bottle or hydration pack
  • Mobile phone
  • First aid kit and essential medication
  • Money in cash as well as card

Essential clothing

  • Waterproof jacket
  • Padded cycle shorts
  • Gloves
  • Sweat-wicking base layer
  • Warm mid layer
  • Warm hat
  • Helmet
  • Sunglasses

Optional extras

  • Phone card
  • Sandwich box
  • Sunscreen
  • Camera
  • Insect repellent
  • Bike lock

Additional clothing

  • Spare dry top for layering
  • Cycling shoes

Be sure to top up your water supplies at every opportunity, and keep snacks on hand to keep your energy levels high.

Tools for your cycling holiday: A hand tightens a bolt with a spanner

Your tool kit

On a long-distance cycling ride, you should expect your bicycle to need some minor repair work. Punctures are the most common problem you’ll face. We highly recommend practising changing an inner tube prior to your holiday.

Daily maintenance is also important for your safety and enjoyment. Take the time to give your bike a full service, plus a post-service test ride.

A basic repair kit is a necessity for your holiday, and you should add to it based on the length and remoteness of your route.

Essentials

For the most likely and most fixable issues you might encounter on your holiday.

  • Tyre levers
  • Inner tube patching kit
  • Spare inner tubes
  • Pump, matching the valve type of your inner tube
  • Chain breaker tool
  • Spare chain
  • Chain lube
  • Cable repair kit
  • Zip ties
  • Allen keys and torx keys
  • Phillips head screwdriver
  • Adjustable spanner

Extras

For longer tours and more remote routes where a bike shop isn't readily accessible.

  • Tyre boot
  • Brake pads
  • Spare derailleur
  • For tubeless tyres, tubeless patch kit and spare valve
  • Spoke key
  • Spare spokes
  • Pedal spanner
  • Crank extractor
  • Cassette lockring tool
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