Touring - My first tour and Equipment (or lack there of).

Hey,

I'm touring in Europe in the summer for about a month, being this is my first tour I have no idea what to bring!

Heres a quick list I whipped up, am I missing anything/what quantities would I need or does anyone know any websites that have useful information?

BIKE:
Helmet
Spare inner tubes
Power links (not understanding why they are needed).
Chain lube
Locks

CAMPING:
Sleeping Bag
Tent
Extra tent pegs
Sleeping Pad (?)

CLOTHES:
Jersey
Bike shorts padded
Bike Shoes
Jeans
Shorts
Smart shoes for clubs etc. (?)
Socks
Windproof jacket/shell (Is it dead weight in the summer, or needed just in case?)
Gloves (cycling)
T-shirt

TOOLS:
Bike Pump
Multi tool
Pocket Knife
Puncture repair kit

*Any other bike accessories required to bring on a tour?

MISC:
Book
Camera/charger
Chap stick
First aid kit
Phone/charger
Small Towel
Toothbrush/toothpaste
Ibuprofen/paracetamol
Duct tape
Soap

Much appreciate any help I can get with this!

Ryan

sun screen and bug spray.

a spare tire, (it can be folded), a spoke wrench, toilet paper, a few spare spokes, a few spare chain links, and a chain wrench. and i am not sure what power links are... oh yea and maybe some rain gear. i don't have any links for you but try a book called The Essential Touring Cyclist from ragged mountain press you can get it at barnes and noble or amazon...

There are SO many bike touring packing lists around.
Google it.

Power links are a link that can be installed without tools, in effect, a dérailleur safe master link.

I second the spokes, spoke wrench, whatever that tool is that takes the sprocket off the rear wheel, spare tire

Toilet roll.

Cheers all for the info. Know how tedious these threads can get. I didn't thinking of using "packing list" as a search criteria, worked a treat! thanks.

Cheers all for the info. Know how tedious these threads can get. I didn't thinking of using "packing list" as a search criteria, worked a treat! thanks.

For the most part Europe is far more civilized than the States. It's not likely that you can go for hundreds of miles without seeing a person nor will you go for hundreds of miles without some kind of bike shop unless you get out to the fringes of the EU.

Go. Have fun. Don't worry....but that works anywhere:D

The only advice I have is that the gear is more important than the bike.

I just tuned and did a safety check on a custom Surly with Surly racks and Arkel bags. A very nice bike that cost way over 2 thousand US. But the guy has like, $50 of old army surplus camping gear and carries half the health food store in provisions-- we're talking over 40 lbs of gear here, so the bike is basicly a tank.

Get the best and lightest gear you can afford....it makes a big difference IMHO.

Ok, cool. Getting a Thorn Raven Tour. Heard a lot of good things about it and rave reviews - so hopefully i'm making the right choice.

Tent wise, i'll be getting a Vaude Taurus 1 or 2. Still have to select/buy a sleeping bag though - is it better to comprimise quality for lesser weight as to get both i would have to start looking to spend around £250 on a tent (wich realistically is outside of my budget). The taurus is £125, but is said to be quite a good tent.

Otherwise how do you still have what you need while saving weight? Is it just about spending more money on higher quality goods?

I thought about investing majority of my budget in the bike (which will look to last me years) and spend enough money on equipment to be lasting but not the best on the market. Was that right?

I'd start with good waterproof tent (Vaude is good company, but I don't know their product line very well) a light 2 pound sleeping bag and a good sleeping pad. No, none of this stuff is cheap, but good camping gear lasts and makes the trip a lot easier. You don't need the best mountianeering stuff....but solid name brand gear is a good investment. Search this forum for suggestions about what to buy.

Try to keep your weight under 10-12 kg if you can.

And you'll love the new bike!

You are never far from bike shops but they may not have the exact spoke size so take a couple of spares.
The chances of a spoke breakeage on a Raven are minute but the Rohloff hub is a funny size.
No jeans, use polycotton hiking pants. Zipoff legs double up as shorts
Formal shoes are not neccessary and footwear is always a space-hog in your bags.

I have never been to Europe, so I can’t comment on the need for a tent. However, I have hiked, backpacked and camped all over the West Coast of the US. I’d go to an outdoor store such as REI for much of your clothing needs. Modern synthetics are better than cotton clothing for function, packability and compressability. They don’t absorb water and dry out quickly. You can wash them in the sink at 7PM and wear them for breakfast the next day. The shirts are acceptable for casual wear. The nylon pants may or may not be acceptable choices for you. Go and check them for yourself.

Merino wool is a superb choice for long term undershirts or long underwear for colder weather. You could wear it daily for your trip, never wash it, and it wouldn’t stink! Stains and bits of dirt are different issues altogether. A long sleeved black merino wool shirt under a jacket may have a timeless and classy look.

However, some folks have a wool allergy, so try it before you go.

Wool or synthetic socks are both decent choices, but I prefer the merino wool ones. They seem warmer when its cool and cooler when its hot. They don't develop a stink like synthetics can.

Wool does take longer to dry when compared to a good synthetic.

Cheers for the tips! Decided to go with the Vango Spirit 200+ or 300+, still haven't decided. Only .4 kg difference in weight.

Will check out merino wool cloting and prices as well as looking into buying a couple spokes. Thanks again.

Ryan