Only Use Tried and Tested Kit
Whenever you have a big cycling challenge coming up, it’s always tempting to purchase some new kit just before the event. Whilst a new helmet or new pair of shoes can offer you a nice psychological boost, there’s always a risk that the new items won’t be quite right. As a rule of thumb, you should look to have 3 or 4 weeks of riding in any kit before it gets your approval for an endurance event like Deloitte Ride Across Britain.
Bring Plenty of Chamois Creme
When you’re spending so much time in the saddle, taking care of the “contact points” that your body has with the bike, is key. Cycling specific chamois creme helps reduce the friction between your skin and the fabric of your cycling shorts. Applying liberal amounts of the creme to any area of the body that is likely to experience rubbing and abrasion from the fabric, can dramatically reduce the chance of sores and wounds developing throughout the ride.
Pack a Set of Unique Spares
When you’re prepping your spares, it’s important to think about the areas of your bike which have a “unique” set up. Modern day road bikes with integrated stems, integrated seat posts and deep section rims, can often have very specific spares. Along with your standard spares such as tyres, cleats and tubes, you should consider the areas of your bike that could fail on the road. If these areas have a unique set up and spares aren’t easily available, it is worth ordering ahead of the event and bringing them along. There are highly experienced mechanics on Deloitte Ride Across Britain, ensuring you’ve got any specialist spares will mean they can get you back on the road. 
Get a Professional Bike Fit
The single best way to improve your performance and comfort on the bike, isn’t by buying a great pair of bib shorts, or upgrading your wheels. The best money you can spend to get the most out of your bike on a multi-day ride, is investing in a professional bike fit. Not only can it improve your comfort and reduce the chance of soreness and injury, it can improve your performance too. Seek out a professional fitter at a reputable local bike shop, and check their fitters are fully trained with dedicated fitting studios and equipment to assess your position on the bike. Always book in a bike fit 2-3 months before an endurance ride so you have time to adapt to any changes they make to your set up and have any follow– up consultations after trying out your new position.
Taking Good Care of Your Bike
Regularly cleaning and maintaining your bike should be a part of your cycling routine. If your bike is well looked after, then components will last for longer and you’ll face fewer mechanical issues out on the road. The key areas that should be cleaned regularly, or after each ride in wet conditions, are the drive train, brakes, wheels & tyres. Use a product like Chain Cleaner Gel from MoTip Cycling to clear grease and grime from your chain and always follow up with Cycling Chain Spray Sport to keep the chain moving well and reduce friction between components.
By Calvin Cox
