Road Cycling Kit List

ROAD CYCLING KIT LIST

This is a mountainous area so having a road bike or a hybrid touring bike that has gears adapted to climbing all these cols will make your life easier! E-bikes offer a great compromise if you are not a super fit roadie but still want to explore the Alps on two wheels! You can bring your own bike or hire one here.

For personal clothing and other items that you might find useful on any of our road cycling holidays or e-biking holidays, here is what we recommend you bring:

ESSENTIALS

• Helmet A helmet light in color with large aerations is best for hot sunny conditions. In spring and autumn the mornings can get pretty chilly so a thin skull cap or head band that fits under your helmet to cover your ears, especially for the descents, is not bad, as well as a neck buff to keep the fresh morning air out!

• Cycling jersey made from a wicking fabric that is light in color. If you burn easily wear a t-shirt rather than a vest as the sun is stronger at altitude. Pockets on the back of your top are really handy for keeping your puncture repair kit etc in, or a seat post bag or small rucksack can also do the job

• Cycling shorts or tights for spring and autumn.

• Leg and arm warmers are a great little extra to have with you in your back pocket, just in case that cloud stays a little bit longer than planned.

• Waterproof jacket - breathable waterproof materials like GoreTex are much more comfortable than non-breathable materials which can end up being just as wet inside due to your sweat not escaping!

• Short finger cycling gloves, for the summer and long finger warmer ones for spring and autumn.

• Good sized water flask or a plastic water bottle. A Platypus or similar water system is handy if you are carrying a rucksack.
• Cycling shoes and pedals - if you like clip in pedals and are hiring a bike, it is best to bring your own shoes and pedals and we will fit them on to your bike. Otherwise hire bikes come with flat pedals as standard.

• Tool kit and pump Our support car will have one, but if you are going it alone then you will need to bring your own

OTHER USEFUL THINGS

• Sun glasses suitable for cycling - interchangeable lenses are good if you have them.

• Sun screen - even in winter

• Lip salve with sunscreen - even in winter

• Camera, spare memory card and batteries.

• Swim suit please note that boxer short style swimming trunks are not allowed in French pools.

• Sun hat or cap in summer if you use one.