Before setting off on a tour, it is always a good idea to check your bike over and make sure it is all in good working order.
- Tyres – is the pressure right in them? Do they have enough tread on the tyre? Any cuts or damage?
- Seat – is it the right height and it is not going to move or twist?
- Spokes – once you get your panniers on your bag carrier, it will put pressure on your spokes, so make sure you check none are missing or broken.
- Brakes – do you have enough on the brake pads that they won’t need changed when you are on route?
- Nuts & bolts – check everything is tightened up.
- Bell – make sure your bell works, you may well need it on a cycle path to let walkers know you are there.
- Computer – your computer should be working properly, if you have a slight concern, get it checked by your local bike shop before you go.
Ebike set up
If you have never gone on a multiple day ebike tour, then I would recommend that you go to your local bike shop and ensure your bike is set up properly.
Your position – They can check how you are positioned on your bike. This will save you lots of aches and pains especially in your shoulders and your back.
Saddle – I have a very comfortable saddle on my ebike as I am above average BMI. If I were to sit on a ‘normal’ saddle, I would have all sorts of pain. So my SQ Lab saddle was measured and picked out for my bottom size. It was a little embarrassing but not as embarrassing as being unable to sit down for dinner after a long bike ride.
Peddles – I will admit to being a bit clumsy and the original pedals were metal with teeth sticking up. These help keep my foot from slipping off the pedal. After several bruises, cuts and a lot of swearing I had plastic pedals fitted. They still have the sticky up bits so my foot doesn’t slip off. I have trainers with a good sole on them. The result is a lot less swearing.
Tyres – Learn how to take off your front and back wheels in the case of a flat tyre. If you are going to fix it yourself.
Battery – make sure you know how to remove the battery as well as how to charge it properly.
This will ensure you have a great start to your trip and should you have a mechanical issue on the route, then find a local bike shop to get it fixed.
