Frequently Asked Questions about Bike Touring/Packing
Does my bike fit me?
Ideal bike fit is different for different bikes. This response mostly applies to a road bike/touring bike.
You should be able to stand over the top tube of the bike and lift the frame up about 2 inches before it makes contact with your crotch. This is called standover height and it’s the first thing you look at when choosing the right size bike. (This is related to measurement 1, seat tube length).
Next you’ll look at the reach (measurement 2). You should be able to lean over to your handlebars comfortably, without feeling very stretched out, or compact. Your elbows should be slightly bent and minimal weight should be on your hands. This distance can be changed by switching stems, handlebars and changing the angle of either of these components.
The last part of this is comfort. You’ll explore the angle of your saddle and position in relation to your feet (measurement 3) and the angle from your saddle down to handlebars (measurement 4).
For more details watch this video on bike fitting.
Ideal bike fit is different for different bikes. This response mostly applies to a road bike/touring bike.
You should be able to stand over the top tube of the bike and lift the frame up about 2 inches before it makes contact with your crotch. This is called standover height and it’s the first thing you look at when choosing the right size bike. (This is related to measurement 1, seat tube length).
Next you’ll look at the reach (measurement 2). You should be able to lean over to your handlebars comfortably, without feeling very stretched out, or compact. Your elbows should be slightly bent and minimal weight should be on your hands. This distance can be changed by switching stems, handlebars and changing the angle of either of these components.
The last part of this is comfort. You’ll explore the angle of your saddle and position in relation to your feet (measurement 3) and the angle from your saddle down to handlebars (measurement 4).
For more details watch this video on bike fitting.
What should I know for an international trip?
If you’re planning an international trip take some time to look up bike blogs by people who have done similar trips. Find out the following information before you go:
If you’re planning an international trip take some time to look up bike blogs by people who have done similar trips. Find out the following information before you go:
- Will you need a special visa for the countries that you’ll be visiting?
- How will you get your bike there or will you get a bike there? (Bike Flights makes shipping easy)
- What language is spoken and how will you get by if you don’t speak it? Do you need a dictionary/translation app on your phone? Can you learn a little of the language before you go?
- What is the food that people generally eat? Will you have to change your diet, give up being vegetarian, wean yourself off nice coffee?
- What kind of currency is used and are ATMs easy to find? Does your bank allow you to take out money in foreign countries?
- What is the climate like? What kind of animals and plants should you avoid? Pack and plan accordingly.
- What will you not be able to get? Again, check bike blogs. Do they have the type of fuel that your stove takes easily accessible, or should you get a different type of camp stove? Will you be able to find the size batteries that your headlamp takes, or should you bring some? Is anything extra expensive because it’s imported...peanut butter isn’t as popular in other parts of the world, if you love it, maybe pack some with you.
- Find out about the cultural norms. Is it impolite to sit on tables? Do people generally not smile? Find out so that you know how to be respectful.
How do I balance my gear weight properly on the bike?
The majority of your gear weight should be low to the ground and over your axles. Of course, where you put stuff will also depend on the types of bags that you have...but ideally you'll be able to pack gear near the hubs of your wheel to help your bike balance, however not low enough that those bags will get in the way when riding. (During a 15km hike-a-bike with my 80lbs of gear I had to remove me front panniers multiple times to avoid drudging them through mud...those bags were a little too low).
Just like packing for a back packing trip, you want to get heavy gear and gear that you don't need towards the bottom of your bags, with lighter stuff that you may need to access more often up top. I like to strap my sleeping bag, tent and sleeping pad on top of my pannier, on a rear rack because they are light weight and they would take up a lot of space in my bags.
It's easiest to pack your bags off the bike, check that they weigh about the same amount, and then put them on. It is also likely that you will shift the contents of your bag every day as you use gear and replenish food.
The majority of your gear weight should be low to the ground and over your axles. Of course, where you put stuff will also depend on the types of bags that you have...but ideally you'll be able to pack gear near the hubs of your wheel to help your bike balance, however not low enough that those bags will get in the way when riding. (During a 15km hike-a-bike with my 80lbs of gear I had to remove me front panniers multiple times to avoid drudging them through mud...those bags were a little too low).
Just like packing for a back packing trip, you want to get heavy gear and gear that you don't need towards the bottom of your bags, with lighter stuff that you may need to access more often up top. I like to strap my sleeping bag, tent and sleeping pad on top of my pannier, on a rear rack because they are light weight and they would take up a lot of space in my bags.
It's easiest to pack your bags off the bike, check that they weigh about the same amount, and then put them on. It is also likely that you will shift the contents of your bag every day as you use gear and replenish food.
How should I lock up my bike or leave it?
If you’re in town, refer to the image for best practices.
If you’re on a tour with lots of people, one cable lock through all the bikes is usually good. People are put off by stealing things that are challenging. I like to line bikes up in the row, making them alternate direction so that they fit tightly. If you start with two bikes leaning against each other you balance, you can build outward so that the bike stands on its own.
Some people keep a bell on their bike so that if it moves during the night, they’ll hear it and wake up.
If I can put my bike indoors in a safe place, I’ll just do that.
If you’re in town, refer to the image for best practices.
If you’re on a tour with lots of people, one cable lock through all the bikes is usually good. People are put off by stealing things that are challenging. I like to line bikes up in the row, making them alternate direction so that they fit tightly. If you start with two bikes leaning against each other you balance, you can build outward so that the bike stands on its own.
Some people keep a bell on their bike so that if it moves during the night, they’ll hear it and wake up.
If I can put my bike indoors in a safe place, I’ll just do that.
How many miles should you do per day?
This all depends on the trip, your timeline and how you feel. I’d say 40 miles a day is manageable and allows for lots of long breaks, side trips, lunching a restaurants, easy evenings…
I’ve done tours where we did 115 miles daily with no days off. That hurt. Never again. And I’ve done tours where we do about 60 miles a day with a rest day every week. I like long days, but if you don’t, that’s fine!
This all depends on the trip, your timeline and how you feel. I’d say 40 miles a day is manageable and allows for lots of long breaks, side trips, lunching a restaurants, easy evenings…
I’ve done tours where we did 115 miles daily with no days off. That hurt. Never again. And I’ve done tours where we do about 60 miles a day with a rest day every week. I like long days, but if you don’t, that’s fine!
Where can I camp and how do I find non-campgrounds?
There are some awesome websites and apps that can help you find places to camp, besides just campgrounds.
IOverlander
I used this all the time in Chile! It shows you campsites, hostels, hotels, bike shops, launderettes and also places to pitch a tent for free. Explore it! It's a life saver!
Warm Showers
This is a community of people that love bike touring, inspired by Couch Surfing. You can find people who want to host bikers all over the world, or you can become a host, pay it back, or pay it forward. Some people will offer a bed and they'll feed you! Some people will let you pitch a tent in their yard and use their outhouse. Be respectful of your hosts, this ain't craigslists.
What alternatives are there to camping?
Churches are usually happy to offer a lawn or a space for a weary biker, and a few times I've been desperate and knocked on someone's door to see if I could roll out my sleeping bag in an empty shed.
If you're really not enjoying sleeping outdoors, there's always airbnb, motels, hotels, holiday inns...and WARM SHOWERS (see above)
How do you choose where to camp?
I choose where to camp based on how far I want to ride and what I will need (water, shower, food). If I've been riding in a place with out stores, i'll make a point of camping near water so that I can fill up my bottles at night and in the morning. If I'm low on food, I'll choose a place to sleep that is on the way to a town so that I can get into town in the morning. If the weather has been bad, I'll look for a place where I can have some shelter. Sometimes I've set up my sleeping stuff in covered bus stops, just to be out of the rain.
There are some awesome websites and apps that can help you find places to camp, besides just campgrounds.
IOverlander
I used this all the time in Chile! It shows you campsites, hostels, hotels, bike shops, launderettes and also places to pitch a tent for free. Explore it! It's a life saver!
Warm Showers
This is a community of people that love bike touring, inspired by Couch Surfing. You can find people who want to host bikers all over the world, or you can become a host, pay it back, or pay it forward. Some people will offer a bed and they'll feed you! Some people will let you pitch a tent in their yard and use their outhouse. Be respectful of your hosts, this ain't craigslists.
What alternatives are there to camping?
Churches are usually happy to offer a lawn or a space for a weary biker, and a few times I've been desperate and knocked on someone's door to see if I could roll out my sleeping bag in an empty shed.
If you're really not enjoying sleeping outdoors, there's always airbnb, motels, hotels, holiday inns...and WARM SHOWERS (see above)
How do you choose where to camp?
I choose where to camp based on how far I want to ride and what I will need (water, shower, food). If I've been riding in a place with out stores, i'll make a point of camping near water so that I can fill up my bottles at night and in the morning. If I'm low on food, I'll choose a place to sleep that is on the way to a town so that I can get into town in the morning. If the weather has been bad, I'll look for a place where I can have some shelter. Sometimes I've set up my sleeping stuff in covered bus stops, just to be out of the rain.
How do you deal with dogs on a bike?
Chile had a lot of stray dogs and unleashed dogs. I kept a full water bottle on my bike and if I got chases I’d pull out the bottle and squeeze water at the dog’s face. That freaks them out enough that you can ride away. Sometimes I’d dismount my bike and put it between the dog and me. They usually just want to chase things that move. If you aren’t moving they lose interest. But be careful anyway.
Chile had a lot of stray dogs and unleashed dogs. I kept a full water bottle on my bike and if I got chases I’d pull out the bottle and squeeze water at the dog’s face. That freaks them out enough that you can ride away. Sometimes I’d dismount my bike and put it between the dog and me. They usually just want to chase things that move. If you aren’t moving they lose interest. But be careful anyway.
What should you do with food at night?
First question: Are there bears?
If yes... make sure all of your food and things that smell like food are in one bag. Put that bag in a locked bear box. OR hang it from a tree, here’s how to set up Bear Bags
BUT THERE AREN’T BEARS HERE! Great! Are there other animals that would be attracted to food? If I’m just dealing with racoons and mice I’d make sure the campsite is clean, and that food is well packed in my pannier (on my bike and away from my sleeping area). Being tidy and organized will benefit you!
First question: Are there bears?
If yes... make sure all of your food and things that smell like food are in one bag. Put that bag in a locked bear box. OR hang it from a tree, here’s how to set up Bear Bags
BUT THERE AREN’T BEARS HERE! Great! Are there other animals that would be attracted to food? If I’m just dealing with racoons and mice I’d make sure the campsite is clean, and that food is well packed in my pannier (on my bike and away from my sleeping area). Being tidy and organized will benefit you!
What are some things to look for/keep in mind when getting a new bike for town or camping?
You're getting a new bike! Great! First you need to decide where and how you want to ride it.
Consider these questions:
When it comes time to choose a bike, always a ride a few before you settle on one.
You're getting a new bike! Great! First you need to decide where and how you want to ride it.
Consider these questions:
- Will you need to lift it often to bring it up stairs or to put it on your car's bike rack?
- If you anticipating lifting it, you'll want a light weight bike.
- Do you want to bike off road, or only on smooth pavement?
- If you'll be taking it off road, you want a bike that has clearance for wide tires. This means looking at how much space there is in the forks and between the seat stays/chains stays. Could you fit a 2 inch tire on? Or is the bike your looking at only able to accommodate narrow road bike tires?
- Will you need to be able to carry a lot of gear on your bike?
- If so, you'll want a bike that has holes on the frame for mountain racks. A carbon fiber frame will not be an option for you, because they can't support the weight of loaded racks.
- What riding position would you like to be in? Upright or bent over in a more aggressive position?
- If you like being upright, you'll want to look for a bike with flat handlebars or even riser bars. Otherwise you'll be looking for bikes that are set up with drop bars. It is possible to swap out the handlebars on a bike, but this can get expensive fast because usually you need to swap out brakes, brake levers, derailleurs, and shifter levers also.
- How soft of a ride do you want? (in terms of cushioning when you ride over bumps.)
- If you want a very soft ride, look for a bike with shocks on the front fork. If you don't want the added weight of shocks, a steel frame bike will offer a softer ride than aluminum or carbon fiber.
- Is there an aesthetic that you are partial to? (classic road bikes, hybrid bikes with flat handlebars...?)
- It's ok to be a little picky. I love class road bikes...just don't get so caught up in the way a bike looks, because how it fits and how it feels is more important.
- Will you mostly ride in flat areas or do you want to be able to conquer huge hills?
- If you're interested in riding big hills, you'll want a bike that had a lot of speeds. Something like 3 gears in the front and 9 in the back (3x 9) is pretty standard. You can also get bikes with 1 gear in the front and 11 in the back (1x 11) that have nearly the same range as a 3x9. A 1x11 is a simpler and lighter set up than a 3x9, but it's also going to be more expensive.
When it comes time to choose a bike, always a ride a few before you settle on one.
What is bike touring like as a solo woman?
This is such a great question! I'm gathering responses from women I know who have done solo bike tours. Check back soon!
This is such a great question! I'm gathering responses from women I know who have done solo bike tours. Check back soon!
How do you motivate yourself for a big trip?
-If you've got a friend to join you on a big bike trip, that's a good way to get motivated. Having someone else who is excited and eager can definitely keep you on track.
-I like to get one plan set in stone so that I can't back out on the trip. Maybe this means buying a new piece of gear that I'm excited about. Maybe it means booking plane tickets to bike some place amazing, or getting maps. Maybe it means taking a bike maintenance workshop to prepare for the trip.
-Do something that will make the trip feel more attainable.
-Make yourself a prep schedule so that you are getting ready little by little. Start with writing a packing list, then choosing your route, than exploring places to stay or contacting Warm Showers Hosts.
-Read bike blogs to get excited and learn more about your adventure.
-If you've got a friend to join you on a big bike trip, that's a good way to get motivated. Having someone else who is excited and eager can definitely keep you on track.
-I like to get one plan set in stone so that I can't back out on the trip. Maybe this means buying a new piece of gear that I'm excited about. Maybe it means booking plane tickets to bike some place amazing, or getting maps. Maybe it means taking a bike maintenance workshop to prepare for the trip.
-Do something that will make the trip feel more attainable.
-Make yourself a prep schedule so that you are getting ready little by little. Start with writing a packing list, then choosing your route, than exploring places to stay or contacting Warm Showers Hosts.
-Read bike blogs to get excited and learn more about your adventure.
How do you deal with bad weather? When should you ride and when should you stay put?
The response to this question depends on many factors. Bad weather can vary from light rain or cold weather, to thunder/lightening/mudslides/downpours, so it is important to understand how severe the weather is before you decide weather to ride.
Sometimes you don't have access to a weather report ...in these situations you need to decide what is safest and where your ride will end. Sometimes it's ok to ride in bad weather when you know that your ride will end in a place where you can dry your clothes and warm up. Sometimes the place that you're at isn't safe or you're running low on food. In that case, even though the ride may be treacherous, it's better to ride really slowly and carefully then to stay put and chance a worse situation where you are.
It's fine to bike in rain, unless you don't have a way to get dry. Having wet gear or being wet for long periods of time can be dangerous! It's ok to bike in cold weather also, as long as you have cold weather gear and a way to get warm after your ride. On one particularly frigid day in Patagonia we slept in a wooden shack and had to keep a fire going all night to stay warm. I wrapped a tent fly around my sleeping bag to try to insulate some heat. We didn't get much sleep, but we weren't frozen in the morning!
If you are doing a two day trip and the weather is horrible, it may make sense to postpone the trip and just wait for better weather. Than again, if you only have a small window of time to go on a trip and you can deal with being soggy for one night, then go for it!
On very long trips, it can be sensible to take a few days off and stay out of the bad weather.
Something else to keep in mind is that sometimes the consequences of bad weather show up after it had passed. For example heavy rain one day can lead to floods and washed out roads later on.
The response to this question depends on many factors. Bad weather can vary from light rain or cold weather, to thunder/lightening/mudslides/downpours, so it is important to understand how severe the weather is before you decide weather to ride.
Sometimes you don't have access to a weather report ...in these situations you need to decide what is safest and where your ride will end. Sometimes it's ok to ride in bad weather when you know that your ride will end in a place where you can dry your clothes and warm up. Sometimes the place that you're at isn't safe or you're running low on food. In that case, even though the ride may be treacherous, it's better to ride really slowly and carefully then to stay put and chance a worse situation where you are.
It's fine to bike in rain, unless you don't have a way to get dry. Having wet gear or being wet for long periods of time can be dangerous! It's ok to bike in cold weather also, as long as you have cold weather gear and a way to get warm after your ride. On one particularly frigid day in Patagonia we slept in a wooden shack and had to keep a fire going all night to stay warm. I wrapped a tent fly around my sleeping bag to try to insulate some heat. We didn't get much sleep, but we weren't frozen in the morning!
If you are doing a two day trip and the weather is horrible, it may make sense to postpone the trip and just wait for better weather. Than again, if you only have a small window of time to go on a trip and you can deal with being soggy for one night, then go for it!
On very long trips, it can be sensible to take a few days off and stay out of the bad weather.
Something else to keep in mind is that sometimes the consequences of bad weather show up after it had passed. For example heavy rain one day can lead to floods and washed out roads later on.