Biking across the Alps!

Equipment

Here you have my equipment list for Transalpine MTB tours.

  • You have a mountain bike and you rode it a lot before planning to cross the Alps. Good, but make sure you don't bring the latest super carbon light, XTR, 6-pistons-hydraulic-disc-brakes bike because if something goes wrong it might be difficult to fix it and to find replacement parts up there or in the nearby villages.
    Tip: A full suspension bike, with SLX components, disc brakes, 2.1" - 2.2" tires (also tubeless) is what you need to have fun crossing the mountains.
  • Air suspension might be an insolvable problem if they brake up there, better with steel spring suspensions.
  • You can use tubeless tires. They deliver much more comfort and unless you have skinny tires, it's pretty rare they will brake. Make sure you fill them with the proper amount of tubeless sealant in order to prevent air leaks in case of puncture. In the rare case that air leaks out, you can always insert a normal tube.
    Tip: Bring with you at least two spare of light tubes  (120 g)
  • To have more power riding uphill and to be able to change position, bar ends shall be installed on your handlebar.
  • Do not use Camel bags, the water on your shoulder will kill your back after few hours, it is better to install two 0.75 L bottles on the frame of the bike. Try to have them as low as possible to lower the gravity centre of the bike.
  • Do not use panniers, as you cannot afford to carry extra kg of weight apart from what you have in your backpack. They also make riding the bike more difficult.
    Tip: An empty backpack should weight less than 1.2 kg and with a capacity of 25/30 litres. Full, it shall not weight more than 7 kg.
  • Cleated bike shoes shall be preferred because they give a better control of the bike, they can transfer more power while going uphill.
    Tip: Do not use racing shoes as their sole is too hard for walking on mountain trails. However the shoes should be strong to protect your ankles and make a good bonding with your bike. It is advisable to try them first while walking on rough terrains.
  • Although your bike might be equipped with the lightest saddle made of carbon, you should think about installing a more comfortable one. Sitting on an hard surface for 8 hours per day might be too much for your back and butt.
  • It is recommended to have a bike computer with integrated altimeter.
    Tip: Try to maintain a climbing rate of 400 - 500 m per hour.
  • It is also recommended to have a mobile phone with you, nowadays GSM coverage is available almost everywhere although these tours are going into remote Alpine areas which are usually not specifically covered. However, it might be enough to pick some radio signals by having a line of site with village down in the valley.

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