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Kit for Sponsored Ride


 

Luggage - Handlebar Bag

  • easy access, for food, phone, money
  • some have map pocket on top
  • can get clip off ones, with strap

 

Luggage - Paniers - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pannier

  • Can also get smaller ones for front wheel

 

Luggage - Saddlebag - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saddlebag

  • wedge type which just fits under the saddle
  • wide style, which comes out to the side, with lift up flap http://carradice.co.uk

 

 

Multitool

Merlin got in trouble when his chain broke one day, bought a multi tool and has been happy since then.

Features vary, though most have

  • some spanners
  • spoke key
  • chain tool
  • alan keys

 

 

 

Pump

Suggest small one for on the road use, track pump for home use

 

Pedals - STRONGLY suggest SPD ('Spuds')

 

Saddle

  • Merlin's Mum’s saddle www.comfortsaddle.com which is wide and tips on the downward pushing leg.  She's done long tours with it and says “Can't praise it too highly, never had any sore 'parts' unlike with the standard saddles”.  They say "The Comfort Saddle is best suited for cyclists who prefer to sit upright"
  • Leather saddlles mold to your own shape over time
  • Sheldon Brown rocks! - http://www.sheldonbrown.com/leather.html
  • Some saddles have cut outs to reduce pressure on your perenium

 

 

 

Tires

  • Slicks are recommended for various reasons.  Merlin's used 'combination' with a ridge running round the middle, but having been doing research for you found this http://www.sheldonbrown.com/tires.html - (very good site I trust) - I will now stop this!
  • Tyre pressure
    • Good pressure will make for less rolling resistance
    • Also less 'snake bite' puncture and rim denting going over bumps
    • Bit less pressure in front tyre, as centre of gravity is back

 

 

From our Lands End Masterplan:

Keep it as light as you possibly can; now is the time for those clichés about cutting your tooth-brush in half to save weight!  As you cycle up long hills you will curse every superfluous item in your bags.  One change of shorts and tops should be fine, so that you wash and dry one each evening (before dinner!) and wear the other while it dries.  You might take a pair of those lightweight trekking trousers to wear in the evenings.  Water-proofs are essential; it’s not a quick dash home in the rain – you might have to persist for a few hours in rain, and you will be sorry if you don’t have them.  When you pack make sure you leave spare capacity in the bags for carrying each day’s food and drink.

More essential items – simple first aid kit and medicines (paracetamol, plasters, stuff for bad tummies etc); minimal tools if you’re not an ace mechanic (pump, puncture repair kit, oil, spanners, spare spokes which can be tied to your rack); TISSUES – these are essential, not least for when you need to answer a call of nature and it’s still 10 miles to the next village!

Mechanical failures – this is the main worry most people have before launching on a major expedition – what if the whole bike frame collapses, or the chain breaks, or I lose a wheel?  First of all, it is unlikely (three of us didn’t even have a puncture during the whole trip – remember you’re generally not cycling on urban roads so there’s much less rubbish around to get in your tires).  If you do, it’s a telephone and a friendly taxi to a bike shop.  Britain has many bike shops, you will always be able to find one.  At the worst it’s an unplanned overnight until you can get it fixed.

 

 

 

Communications:

 

Many will have a mobile phone and/or MP3 player.

Some mobiles have a memory card, can get a big one and put music on there.

Charging on the road:

 

 

SMS from web  - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/free-text-messages#web

Mobile roaming - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/cheap-roaming-calls

Free Int'l Mobile Calls - http://www.moneysavingexpert.com/phones/free-international-mobile-call

 

 

Small 'supporter pack' - for more on the case/longer rides, and for vols also.

This is not in place at the moment, is work in progress, just somewhere to jot down ideas and for people to chip in.

 

Pack to incluce?:

  • T-shirt?
  • Business cards to hand out?
  • A4 flyers to print and cut into 4 parts, with basic info + web address?
  • ...?