How much kit do you really need for LEJOG / cycling holidays

[joanna]

I'm doing LEJOG at the beginning of June, and have a long list of kit that has been given to me. I usually just commute to work in 'normal' clothes, and have never bothered before with things like waterproof trousers, overshoes, padded shorts, caps, buffs etc.

What would you say are the absolute essentials?

It's proving to be an expensive holiday trying to kit myself out for it! I don't want to be suffering with lack of kit whilst everyone else in the group are better prepared than me, but also, I don't want to spend out on things that are not going to be that useful.

I have pretty much got everything now - except waterproof trousers and overshoes. I use trainers or Specialised Tahoe mountain bike shoes without cleats, and finding it hard to find overshoes to fit.

Oh, and I also don't have a map holder which has been advised! I guess once I have everything, I'll be kitted out for the next holiday!!

 

[SatNavSaysStraightOn]

How much kit you want/consider essential depends on all sorts of things from

what accommodation you are staying in (hotel/B&B verses camping)
are you eating out for every meal or cooking it yourself
are you happy eating cold meals each and every meal for days on end (usually in the rain...)
if you have a support vehicle with you
if you are happy putting on wet clothes day after day
if you are happy sitting in torrential rain at lunchtime with no shelter and no waterproofs available getting hypothermia and putting other people's lives at risk to 'save you'.
if you are a follower or a leader (map reading skills)
and so on...

but at the end of the day, everyone has a different idea on what is essential kit. Some think only a credit card is essential and are happy to get wet at lunch, or just don't stop for lunch at all.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

For day after day day in day out riding in scottishland on the bike I reckon I need....

Padded shorts (a few pairs) and chamois creme
spd shoes + pedals
the means to keep my head hands and feet warm. Warm and dry is a bonus. Wringing wet I can ride all day so long as I stay warm. I've seen a grown hard man cry in May in the Highlands because his wet feet got too cold.
a windproof shell, waterproof is a bonus but trust me after eight hours of torrential in the west of Scotland it won't be waterproof.
layers to wear under it (several so you can change/wash em)
eyeshields/sunglasses
midge repellant
a hat to put on my head.
tools/tubes etc..

Give me that, some cash, a gps the address of a good b&b and a debit card and I'll ride anywhere.

 

[Profpointy]

I'm doing LEJOG at the beginning of June, and have a long list of kit that has been given to me. I usually just commute to work in 'normal' clothes, and have never bothered before with things like waterproof trousers, overshoes, padded shorts, caps, buffs etc.

What would you say are the absolute essentials?

It's proving to be an expensive holiday trying to kit myself out for it! I don't want to be suffering with lack of kit whilst everyone else in the group are better prepared than me, but also, I don't want to spend out on things that are not going to be that useful.

I have pretty much got everything now - except waterproof trousers and overshoes. I use trainers or Specialised Tahoe mountain bike shoes without cleats, and finding it hard to find overshoes to fit.

Oh, and I also don't have a map holder which has been advised! I guess once I have everything, I'll be kitted out for the next holiday!!

Though i've not done a proper tour, I have done away trips with luggage. My first thought is "if in doubt, leave it out"
Specifically I would not bother with overtrousers, nor overshoes - but would get cycling shorts or 3/4 length tights. Not sure I'd bother with a map holder either - as it's yet another thing to buy, carry, and be a bit of a sail in a headwind. I'm guessing you'll be happy for a breather every now and again to stop to look at map from time to time. Though I don't bother with waterproof jacket for day ride but accept getting wet, for multi days in the highlands, might be a different thing - especially if it doubles as extra warmth in evenings. Inner tubes, pump, puncture kit of course. And tools but don't go mad. Regarding clipless - might be worth trying some beforehand as they do make a difference - or traditional toe clips even if you can't face the special shoes thing. But bare minimum of clothes and extras - every once matters

 

[frank9755]

It's perfectly possible to do a long cycling trip without any special equipment, beyond a decent waterproof. But most cyclists buy kit they don't really need mainly because it makes them feel good, so trip organisers play along by giving them justification! Some of it improves comfort a little, such as the padded shorts and wicking-fabric base layers, but people cycled a long way 100 years ago in normal clothes, and if you're not used to them, a long trip may not be the best time.

 

[bigjim]

I did a few tours in my youth in normal clothes except for a cycling cape which came in very handy. Keeps you completely dry, but not sweaty and good cover if you get caught out in the open in the rain and standing about.
I carried everything in a Carradice saddlebag. No barbag or seperate toolbag.
I did wear a cagoule with front map pocket, but that was worn everywhere at home as well. No padded shorts. Rolled my shirt sleves up if it was hot.
I was Youth Hostelling. No camping. Cheap Youth Hostels all over the place in those days.
Happy as Larry. can't remember wanting or needing anything else.

 

[slowmotion]

I did a few tours in my youth in normal clothes except for a cycling cape which came in very handy. Keeps you completely dry, but not sweaty and good cover if you get caught out in the open in the rain and standing about.
I carried everything in a Carradice saddlebag. No barbag or seperate toolbag.
I did wear a cagoule with front map pocket, but that was worn everywhere at home as well. No padded shorts. Rolled my shirt sleves up if it was hot.
I was Youth Hostelling. No camping. Cheap Youth Hostels all over the place in those days.
Happy as Larry. can't remember wanting or needing anything else.

Whatever happened to cycling capes? Do they still make them?

 

[bigjim]

Whatever happened to cycling capes? Do they still make them?

Course they do. I have a £10 one, I bought from Wilkinsons. A lot of people regard them as old fashined and cumbersome and say they catch the wind too much. I don't pedal that fast in wind and rain and don't go that far in those conditions. In a steady drizzle they are fine and the most waterproof option I have ever come across.
They also make a good groundsheet. Josie Dew on her round the world travels always used hers.

 

[jefmcg]

Why do you need a map holder?? Seems like you are going with a group, can't you just follow the leader? In an emergency, a phone with google maps, sufficient charge and a data signal should get you out of trouble - though in the highlands you might want to cache the maps as I imagine a signal would be hard to find.

I did a similar ride, and bought an aldi version of rainlegs. They actually worked quite well, but the second time it rained I didn't bother with them, I just pulled on my merino "base layer" leggings over my shorts. Legs got wet, but I didn't get cold. Feet got utterly soaked, but dried again quickly enough when it stopped raining.

If there is kit you want, but think you won't actually use AND you have a luggage van, consider ordering from wiggle. Keep them wrapped in the original packaging, and if you don't use it, you have a year to return it.

 

[MikeG]

Two sets of cycle clothes (todays, which you wash in the B&B basin/ shower, and tomorrow's, which may not have dried completely overnight), waterproof overshoes (the thin ones), and a pocket-sized shower jacket. I carried some lightweight deck-shoes to give my feet a break, a pair of shorts to cover my lycra (not keen on that look in a cafe/ restaurant), and a non-cycling shirt. That's it, clothes-wise. A camera, some maps, a toilet bag and a small medical kit, plus a wallet and you're ready to go.

 

[snorri]

Oh dear, it sounds as if you are feeling pressurised into buying kit in order to conform with the crowd..
I just cycled LEJOG in the clothes I would normally wear for day to day cycling around my home area, no padded shorts (it was too cold for shorts anyway!), and no cleats or overshoes. I did have waterproof trousers and jacket and used poly bags to keep my feet dry when the rain proved persistent. It was good to have hat and gloves for when it was colder. A map holder would perhaps be handy, but a plastic envelope should be adequate to keep your map dry.
Of course, if you intend to cycle hard and fast some sporting apparel would probably help.

 

[MarkF]

The only specialist clothing you need is a pair of padded shorts, everything else you've probably got about the house.

Yes, I have padded shorts and that is it, I do have cycling shirts but don't like them on tours. I wear £10 polo shirts from TK Maxx, I don't know they are made for (Golf?) but they are in plain colours and in the same breathable and quick drying material as football shirts, much nicer to cycle in and I can use them at night too.

 

[alans]

My E2E was done using B&B or hostels or pubs or hotels & I started with a bar bag,tri-bag & two rear panniers stuffed full of clothes.
After 4 days (IIRC) I sent half the contents of the two panniers home.
For the final week I further reduced the load & used a Barley saddlebag instead of the two panniers & the following......

Clothes for cycling
1 base layer (windproof front,mesh back)
1 short sleeve cycling shirt
1 bib shorts
to wear, plus same again to wear the following day , & washed them each night.
1 pair arm warmers
1 pair leg warmers
1 windproof. Montane Featherlight
1 gilet.Polaris somethingorother.
1 pair Sealskinz sox
1 pair Shimano spd sandals
1 pair cycling mitts
1 pair merino gloves
1 pair Sealskinz gloves
1 pair overshoes
1 waxed cotton baseball cap
2 buffs
1 magic hat with Alpkit headtorch zip tied on.

Off-bike clothes
2 Ron Hill long sleeve breathable running shirts
2 pairs boxers
1 lightweight fleece
1 pair Ron Hill tracksters.

The Ortlieb barbag c/w w/proof map case held phone,camera & wallet plus un worn arm/leg warmers,gloves,buff & cap.Plus maps.Pen.pencil & notepad

The tri-bag carried on-the-hoof snacks.

The saddle bag carried all other clothing not being worn & p.r.k.,spare tubes & tools,zip ties,insulation tape,bog roll,tooth brush,tooth paste,deodorant,paracetomol,ibuprofen,nail clippers,spectacle case,space blanket,phone charger.Bike lock.
Any rained wetted kit was strapped to the top of the saddlebag until arriving at day's end destination.

The bike frame carried two bidons,pump, lights & computer


I adopted the "wet & warm is o.k." philosophy.
I could have used trainer type cycling shoes with toe clips & straps but chose the sandals because they are the most comfortable cycling footwear I own & skintex dries quicker than Goretex,Pertex etc etc.

hth

 

[PaulSB]

I would echo all those who say go for the minimalist approach and take what you feel comfortable wearing.

Every trip I make I rigorously leave out stuff I don't need and still get home finding I've carried things I don't need. It's a cycling holiday!!

Remember most supermarkets will sell you a clean T shirt for £3 or so. I do find trousers with zip on/off legs essential. Very adaptable to all situations.

 

[GrumpyGregry]

I would echo all those who say go for the minimalist approach and take what you feel comfortable wearing.

Every trip I make I rigorously leave out stuff I don't need and still get home finding I've carried things I don't need. It's a cycling holiday!!

Remember most supermarkets will sell you a clean T shirt for £3 or so. I do find trousers with zip on/off legs essential. Very adaptable to all situations.

Before every tour I write down what I've packed.
Every time I come back from a tour, long or short, I make a note of what I took that I didn't use in my ride journal.