Are you also in need of some variety and want to add some new exotic segments to your Strava collection? Chances are, you'll be taking your bike on vacation just to complete the holiday experience. Make your friends jealous with the climbing percentages of Alpe d'Huez or showcase the stunning views in the Pyrenees on your Instagram profile. If you're taking your bike on vacation, we have some tips for you.
BEFORE THE JOURNEY BEGINS:
CHECK YOUR BIKE.
Bike trouble is frustrating, and dealing with it in a foreign language is even worse. Prevention is better than cure, and most problems can be addressed in advance. Check your bike for worn-out components before you depart and don't forget about your tires. Do they still have enough tread, and do you need to top up the tubeless sealant? Also, pay attention to your cleats. If you're heading to the mountains, focus on your brakes. Whether you have disc or rim brakes, it's a good idea to replace your brake pads, so you won't be surprised during descents.
If you do this a week or two before your vacation, you'll have enough time to replace parts or take your bike to a local bike shop for maintenance.
WHAT SHOULD I BRING?
Now that your bike has been checked and any necessary parts have been replaced, it's time to prepare your travel kit. Flat tires happen, so it's a good idea to bring an extra inner tube along with the tools to replace a tire. Additionally, it's handy to have an extra derailleur hanger. This component depends on the model of your bike and can be easily damaged during your journey or one of your rides. It's small and lightweight, so better safe than sorry—just make sure you know which derailleur hanger you need.
And if you want to conquer those Strava segments, a clean bike is a fast bike. So, it's always a good idea to pack a convenient travel-sized kit of your bike shampoo and chain wax in your suitcase. This way, your bike will look great in those vacation photos.
ALWAYS THE QUESTION: BIKE BAG OR BIKE BOX?
Bike checked, parts gathered, time to pack. But have you thought about how you're going to transport your bike? You have three options.
Option 1: Transporting the bike loose on a bike rack or in your camper or caravan. This doesn't require many precautions. A good bike rack or ensuring the bike is securely fixed in your camper or caravan should be sufficient.
Option 2: A soft bike bag. These are lightweight and provide protection for your bike. They are often more compact than a bike box. It's convenient to take your bike on the bus or train, places where you have visibility and control over how the bag is handled.
For air travel, it's wiser to use a bike box, which brings us to option 3. We all know how luggage is handled in aviation, and a damaged bike is the last thing you want. Additionally, many airlines state in their terms and conditions that they only cover damages when your bike is transported in a bike box.
When packing your bike, it's important to provide sufficient protection. And finally, an expert tip, especially for train or air travel: attach an AirTag to your bike to track its location accurately. It's handy in case your bike decides to wander off without your knowledge.
SECURELY STORING YOUR BIKE WHILE TRAVELING.
If you're taking your bike and have booked a hotel, make sure you know in advance if your bike is welcome. If a hotel doesn't explicitly state that it's bike-friendly, it's wise to contact them to verify. If you're staying at a campsite or bungalow, make sure to bring a good lock and find a sheltered place to store your bike, so it doesn't get wet and unnecessarily dirty. It's still a good idea to hide the AirTag on or under your bike. You can stick it under your saddle or keep it in your saddlebag. It's just an extra level of security in case someone becomes as infatuated with your bike as you are.
CHECK YOUR TRAVEL INSURANCE CAREFULLY.
When it comes to theft, what about your travel insurance? Are (sports) bikes covered under your policy, or do you need additional coverage, similar to sports equipment? Additionally, check if your travel insurance covers activities like mountain biking. Sometimes, these "extreme" sports are excluded from coverage, and you may need additional insurance. It's something to verify before you go on vacation, so you don't encounter any unpleasant surprises.
Have you checked and sorted everything? Now you can enjoy your vacation and your bike with peace of mind.