Chamonix Zermatt - Bike Prep and Things to Bring

I have been waiting for someone to post something, so far nothing, so I share my thoughts. Feel free to add your own recommendations below.

Personal Note: I don't care what you all bring to make your holiday comfortable, but I do care if I get asked to fix your bike because you didn't take the time to ensure it's in fine shape from the start. Your bike will get a LOT of abuse during 8 days of riding so you need to ensure it has a fighting chance of lasting and also that you bring with you the necessary equipment to keep it running....

....I have labelled the first two sections "mandatory". Obviously I am not your dad, but....sometimes people need to be told - especially those whose bike maintenance is 'haphazard' or they don't have the skills to do it themselves. You know who you are!!!

Finally, time is running out and if you have vacations planned and your local bike shop does too....you may have trouble getting parts for your bike, if needed. Start preparing now!!

Mandatory Pre-Start Bike Maintenance

• ·         Check frame, fork, parts for cracks ! No, seriously – sh!t happens.
• ·         Recent rear shock and fork service. (< 1 year since last one at max depending)
• ·         Ensure fork seals are new / nearly new: You do NOT want fork oil spewing over your brakes in the descents
• ·         Check for suspension play: bearings and shock mounts - replace as necessary
• ·         Install a seat Quick Release on your seat collar
• ·         Rock Shox Reverb owners ESPECIALLY: Check/service of your Reverb seat post – they ALL lose their air at some point and you don’t want that mid trip!! (See below too…)
• ·         Check wheel bearings for play& replace as necessary
• ·         Check front and rear derailleur alignment/function
• ·         Grease QR's and seat post
• ·         Check pedals
• ·         Replace old gear cables with new gear cable inners and outers: even if they seem good
• ·         Brand new brake pads & freshly purged brake lines
• ·         If your brake discs are old, check the min thickness....if too thin they may crack = disaster
• ·         FRESH stans sealant in both tires
• ·         New chain
• ·         New / nearly new cassette, and chain-rings
• ·         Install NEW-as-can-be tires appropriate for all mountain riding : no weight weenies!!
• ·         Wheels checked and re-tensioned for loose spokes
• ·         Check chain-ring bolts for tightness
• ·         NEW cleats in your riding shoes
• ·         Check grips: replace and wire (if not lock-on type) in case of rain
• ·         Check Bottom bracket for play. Replace as necessary
• ·         All bolts tightened appropriately

Mandatory Bike Gear To Carry With You (You need to be self-sufficient for chain & tire problems)

• ·         A large enough back pack for your clothes, food and tools
• ·         At least one inner-tube (presta!!) + normal tube patches
• ·         1 x new set of brake pads
• ·         Multi tool covering ALL your Imbus requirements & torx, including a knife
• ·         Tire Pump
• ·         1 x Derailleur hanger – make sure it’s the right one !!!
• ·         1 x quick chain link (9 or 10 speed: make sure you have the right one)
• ·         1 x bike derailleur cable
• ·         Misc. bolts and fasteners for your bike including chain ring bolts – small and large
• ·         A small pair of pliers
• ·         1 x spare tubeless valve
• ·         Small selection of Zip ties
• ·         50 cm thin guage wire
• ·         30 cm length of duct tape/grey Tape (folded over itself)
• ·         Space blanket, whistle, small first aid kit, waterproof matches

Non Mandatory but Recommended

• ·         Small bottle of chain oil
• ·         Tubeless repair kit: http://www.jensonusa.com/Patch-kits/Rav-X-Tubeless-Tire-Repair-Kit

Bike Gear To Share Carrying (To Be Discussed)

• ·         Shock pump
• ·         1 x shimano derailleur, 1 x SRAM derailleur
• ·         Larger first aid kit

Additional Bike Gear to have in your Travel bag

• ·         1 x new tire
• ·         3 spokes of each length required (check the length) & spare nipples (brass)
• ·         2 x derailleur cable
• ·         1 x metre length of outer cable
• ·         1 x additional pair of new brake pads
• ·         2 spare inner tube(s) & normal patch kit
• ·         For Rock Shox Reverb owners: spare normal seat post – your Reverb is not repairable in the sticks.
• ·         Your OWN bottle of chain lube & fork spray
• ·         Cleaning rags for your bike

Misc. Other Items to be Discussed Who Brings

• ·         Full range of bike tools – probably need two sets to ensure we don’t fight over
• ·         1 x bike stand (TBC)
• ·         Multi-prise for all chargers
• ·         Bike cleaner  & brushes

Biking Clothing Recommended Minimum

• ·         Minimum 3 sets of short inners, shirts, gloves with long fingers
• ·         Enough outer shorts to make the cut!
• ·         2 x long sleeve jerseys
• ·         Long/Short sleeve undershirts
• ·         Arm and leg warmers
• ·         Liteweight & Heavy Weight Waterproof jacket(s)
• ·         Water proof trousers/shorts
• ·         Bandanas & Helmet
• ·         Riding glasses
• ·         Socks galore!! (No smelly feet please)
• ·         Biking shoes

Optional

• ·         Spare bike shoes (in case of rain)
• ·         Portable mud guards for eventual rainy days

 Must Bring…

• ·         Sleeping bag
• ·         Ear plugs!!!
• Beer money & bonne humeur...

Don’t Forget…..

• · Spare clothes, shoes, sandals
• ·         Quick dry towel (micro fiber)
• ·         Toilet paper
• ·         Lighter
• ·         Bike lock
• ·         GPS & charger with loaded maps / routes
• ·         Cell phone & charger
• ·         Paper map(s) of the area
• ·         Camera
• ·         Sunglasses & Sun Cream
• ·         Reading glasses!!
• ·         Petzl head lamps.
• ·         Biking food and hydration powder
• ·         Hydration bottle(s)
• ·         Medicine cabinet!! (Aspirin etc)
• ·         Beanie & sun hat!!
• ·         Warm jacket for after the ride
• ·         Swim suit
• ·         Hand washing powder/bags
• ·         Sewing kit (just in case your ass is hanging out of your shorts!!)
• ·         Toilet bag and personal pharmacie etc. etc.
• ·         Money