- Bike serviced (brakes, gears, tyres, tightenings, lighting, etc.)
- Waterproof panniers (pay attention to seams and fastenings)
- Removable handlebar bag (for valuables)
- A pannier bag (for running a few errands without having to remove your panniers)
- A U-shaped lock with cable to tie two bikes together (follow Fub‘s advice)
- Two water bottles (preferably metal and insulated)
- Multi-tool with chain drive, compact pump (double connection).
- Inner tube (x2) and patch kit, tyre levers
- Quick link (for repairing a broken chain)
- Chain lubricant
- Quality shorts (x2 for a long journey)
- Breathable jerseys (Merino wool is great)
- Quality rain jacket and windbreaker (with double zip, great for ventilation!)
- Helmet, sunglasses, cycling gloves and cap
- Automatic cycling shoes (you get used to them very quickly and they’re much more efficient)
- Light, compact tent, sleeping bag and mattress adapted to your needs (test them first)
- Stove (with integrated ignition) and small cooking pot
- Clothes pegs, string, headlamp
- Sandals or light shoes for visits, outings, etc.
- Light “civilian” clothing (and potentially warm for bivouacs, Merino again)
- Sun cream (essential!) and lip balm
- Anti-chafing cream (for comfort in the saddle)
- First aid kit (plasters, disinfectant, paracetamol)
- Biodegradable soap (body, hair and laundry)
- Microfibre towel (quick-drying)
- A phone and/or GPS (with a reliable cradle) so you can follow your route comfortably
- The Géovélo and On piste applications, of course!
- External battery, cables and plugs for mains charging
- Identification (driving licence), health card
Travel advice
Test your equipped bike on a few rides and bivouacs around the house. This will allow you to adjust the load, lighten the load and test the mechanics.
Speaking of mechanics: practise common repairs (the association Place au vélo offers workshops), fit your bike with ‘easy’ gears that allow you to grind (instead of forcing).
Little extras
A dynamo light (in the wheel) provides safety day and night, doesn’t need recharging, is securely fixed (no theft) and, for some models, can even recharge your small appliances while you’re riding!
Banish dark colours! Visible coloured clothing and/or a safety waistcoat are essential.
On long trips, always bring a pair of brake pads (and learn how to change them, it’s quite simple).
Avoid carrying a rucksack – the mule is your bike!
