Bicycle Touring In Comfort

Outdoor adventures are more popular than ever. From mountain climbing and hiking to kite surfing and abseiling, there are more clubs, associations, holiday organizations and skills courses than ever. The surge in popularity of outdoor activities has many benefits aside from those of health, fitness and access to fresh air! As outdoor adventure activities become more commercial, more money is invested in them. This is great for people who participate, as when the market opens up facilities become better and equipment and gear improve with technology and research.

Advances in engineering benefit the end user immensely. For example, those who cycle or mountain bike, can now purchase lighter weight bikes constructed from carbon fiber. Brakes, gears and suspension have undergone significant improvements making them more adaptable to different types of terrain. It is essential, though, that you purchase the correct type of bike for the activity undertaken. For example, when bicycle touring, you should purchase a bike that is essentially a cross between a trekking bike and a racing bike. Touring bikes will have dropped handlebars, mudguards, wider tyres, a third chainring and also the essential rear carrier. The pinnacle of touring bikes is the aptly named Dawes Audax Supreme 2009 Touring Bike. At £800 this is a serious piece of equipment, but for anyone embarking upon a bicycle tour then it is a solid investment.

Clothing and accessories for bicycle touring have also been brought up to speed. Long gone are the days of garish neon Lycra. Today, cyclists are fashionably clad in materials which respond to their body, allowing their skin to breathe whilst protecting them from the elements. Jackets should be lightweight and weather proof. Weather is changeable, so regardless of whether riding in winter or summer ensure you are packing a waterproof jacket. Indeed, choose one with Gor-Tex technology that incorporates strength, durability and breathability. Base layers should hug the body, which ensures sweat and moisture are wicked away from the skin. Base layers, such as leggings, can be particularly useful in winter. Outdoor clothing companies such as Icebreaker and North face have extensive collections of suitable outdoor clothing. Shorts, either baggy or tight, should incorporate a padded seat to protect from `bottom numbness`! Failing this, use padded underwear – Endura coolmax briefs are an ideal example.

Further touring bicycle essentials and accessories include cycling socks, sunglasses, gloves, shoes and helmet. A helmet is of course an essential piece of safety equipment. Choose only the highest quality to ensure optimum protection and opt for ANSI and/or Snell approved.

When bicycle touring you will be utilizing your rear carrier, so try to pack as lightly as possible. As you will be carting around equipment such as a sleeping bag, towel and basic first aid kit, you may have to economize on clothing. Opt for lightweight long sleeved tops which can provide sun cover, as well as keeping you warm in the evenings. For extreme sports inspired clothing, check out ranges from Volcom and Billabong clothing.