What to pack if you are packing your own bike on a trip

Pack list for taking your own bike on a cycle break (if taking your own)

So you are prepping to take your own bike on a trip, hopefully using a quality Bike Box Alan bike box to get your bike there - but what should you take with you to ensure everything goes smoothly?

Here’s a quick checklist –

Bike tool

You’ll need this to disassemble & reassemble your bike at either end. I take a slightly bigger better & heavier tool for this than the one I take out on rides.

Electrical tape

Handy for taping things to the frame to keep them safe like the seat clamp, bolts or the lead for your electronic shifting (charge it before you go and take the charging lead). If you take your seat post out put some tape around before you remove it at your seat height, then you can quickly slot it back in.

Measuring tape

For checking saddle height (assuming you know your measurements).

Spare batteries

Take a spare for your cadence sensor /power meter / lights. Just a pack of CR2032’s weighs nothing and just might save you faffing about.

Pedal wrench

It makes pedal removal so much easier to have the right tool. This applies whether you are using the Allen key style or spanner style. After a few days intense riding you might find you need more leverage to remove your pedals so take one.

Torque wrench

If you need to remove your handlebars (for the BBA premium) better to have a torque wrench to get the tension right rather than over or under tighten (6nm no more). Key if you have a carbon handlebar. Buy the best one you can and look after it.

Two soft cloths

One for cleaning purposes - wiping your bike / you from grease & lube, one for giving your bike a quick shine.

Nitrate gloves

If you are packing quickly ready to depart just save yourself handwashing by wearing nitrate gloves.

Pump

Just a small one – many bike hotels and cafes have a track pump free to use but don’t rely on that (and you'll need some ait to get there). Bring your own. If you use air canisters advice varies whether you can pack them or take them as hand luggage. Generally, I’d use hand luggage and accept that you might lose them. Each airport / airline differs frustratingly and there is a Google rabbit hole of advice on the topic. Remember, you should be able to buy some.

Spare tubes / Sealant

Depending on what you need, take some spare tubes just in case and if running tubeless, a small bottle of sealant to top up if you need to post flight.

There you go, a handy checklist that hopefully allows you to plan a successful trip.

Have a great ride.