Cycling UK Forum

Cycle Clothing
• Jersey
• Cycling Trousers
• Cycling Shorts
• Base Layer Shorts
• Gloves
• Waterproof Jacket
• Cycling Shoes
• Overshoes?
• Waterproof Trousers
• Buff/Bandana
• Cycling Socks
• Helmet
• Sunglasses

Cycle Gear
• Bike (duh!) I am going for the Revolution Country Traveller 10 as there is a great Ed Bike Co op in Aberdeen and from the reviews and specs its seems good, yes before someone mentions it...aluminium frame...bad for repairs in other countries...but I have compared this bike against the Raleigh Royal and believe that the revolution is a better bike...and they don't sell the royal anywhere in aberdeen! (wary of an online order...no service/setup)
• Cycle Computer
• Bike Lights
• Rear Panniers
• Pannier Waterproof Cover
• Lock
• Saddle Bag
• Bike Pump
• Puncture Repair Kit
• Spare Inner Tubes
• Hi-Vi
• Bike Tool
• Water Bottles
• Bottle Cages
• Chain Lube
• Bike Cover?
• Spoke Tool…Buckled tyre…no problem!
• Penknife
• Cable Ties

Travelling/Camping Gear
• Stove
• Mug
• Cooking Pot
• Lighter
• Fuel Canisters
• Tent
• Sleeping Bag
• Whistle (Surprise Rave or Survival)
• Torch
• Survival Blanket
• Fork, Spoon, Knife
• Battery Charger (Phone)
• Maps (OS Road Maps)
• Duck Tape (Awesome Stuff)
• Nylon Cord
• Waterproof Map Case
• Compass
• Stuff Sacks
• Kendal Mint Cake (ENERGY)
• Food (2 days worth)
o Pasta, Porridge

First Aid Kit
• Plasters
• BLISTER Plasters
• Muscle Rub (Deep Heat)
• Antiseptic Wipes
• Chamois Cream
• Tape
• Dressings
• Bandage
• Wrist, Ankle, Elbow and Knee Supports
• Insect Repellent
• Sun Cream
• Chapstick
• PAINKILLERS (Ibuprofen, Codeine)
• Athletes Foot Spray/Powder
• Antihistamine Cream (WASPS!)

Toiletries
• Travel Towel
• Travel Shower Gel
• Toothpaste
• Toothbrush
• Travel Deodorant
• Travel Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Toilet roll
I guess there is a can opener on your penknife.
Money, credit cards, YHA card, Tesco Card etc.
A pencil stub.

Is there a spoke spanner on your multi-tool?
So you could loose the extra one in that case but check it works, when i tried mine, it didnt!

The bike bottles may not be enough for your water for overnight, Although it is easy enough to buy a 2L bottle of water from a supermarket and carry that.

No mention of something for under your sleeping bag?
A mat of some sort is very important.

What time of year are you going?

Thank you, the mat completely slipped my mind, I'm going in the summer but am trying to be very meticulous with my planning. I need to buy a new multi tool...the other one has mysteriously disappeared so I don't know if it will have a spoke tool or not. A lot of the stuff on that list hasn't even be purchased yet...it will happen as the money finds its way to me or I secure corporate funding. My penknife has a can opener but as to its use...a little bit dodgy.Toilet roll is also a very good point, thanks for your help.

May I reccomend the Topeak Hexus?
It contains a chaintool aswell which isnt on your list, yet is light and compact.
The built in spoke spanners arent my favourites either.

If you could lay your hands on a joining link for your sort of chain, it may be worth carrying.

I wouldn't bother with a hi Viz - wear your waterproof on a dull day.
base layer shorts? cycling shorts are best worn next to the skin.
your first aid kit seems a little excessive - you can buy wrist, knee or ankle supports along the way if you need them.
Use your bike light as a torch.
take long fingered and short fingered gloves.

I'm taking a Petzl headtorch, which is tiny but v. good in a tent. Thermarest do a very light airmat, which is good. I'm also taking a very light pair of foam sandals to give my feet an airing in the evenings. Also 'rainlegs' instead of waterproof trouses, and waterproof socks! As for water, you can get a 1 litre water carrier made by Platypus or similar and fill it at your campsite or a friendly pub. It's tough, light and most important, flat when empty. Last but not least, I'm planning on taking a small container of travel wash, given the small amount of, well, smalls that I'll be taking. Best of luck. When are you going?

Gather it all together, load up your panniers and try it on you bike.
Unpack, remove as much as possible and repeat as necessary

Thank you very much for your advice. I currently don't have a date but I am aiming for early-mid summer. As for the Base Layer shorts I prefer to wear baggy shorts over cycle shorts or slightly baggy trousers over cycle shorts...I know this isn't decorum but habits die hard (BMX). As for loading up my panniers I am waiting upon my Dad to send me his Panniers which for trivia only are a pair of 1975 Karrimor's that despite his love of cycle touring and a few crashes as a result are still completely hole and tear free as well as the bungee and latches still fine and working...Quality British company.

Also what are rainlegs? thank you again.

"Rainlegs" are Spats which cover the front part of the legs only but are very light and prevent condensation. I have them and think they work well even though they look a bit odd.
Re your choice of bike, I believe this model is now being introduced with a steel frame in March so you should ask around.
If money is no object, better to go for an "Expedition" sleeping mat as these are to be preferred to any other at this time.

From a quick scan, unless you're planning on heading off walking, I wouldn't bother with a compass or whistle. Also, I've never found the need for a bike cover (plastic bag over the saddle only, if it's leather). You won't be too far from shops most of the time, so you shouldn't need to always have 2 days food with you.

We found a compass useful on our Jogle. We were only using 1:250,000 maps which don't really have enough detail in towns, so we often just followed a compass bearing, since we knew we should be heading south for most of the ride (SW for the last bit). You can become lost and disorientated, so a small compass is useful.

Any ideas on a suitable tent, I have a 2009 Gelert Solo which from what I can tell is good and also lighter with a smaller pack size than the 2010 version. As I am going in the summer are overshoes necessary or should I just indulge a decent pair of sealskinz waterproof socks?

In summer I would use sandals.
They dont stay wet like shoes do.

I don't go anywhere without a good book! I also always take a diary.

Herzog