Brakes – This is the most important component on your bike, especially when riding in the Alps. We do not advise running V-brakes! Simply because of the pressure endured from the long descents. Make sure that your disks brakes are working fully and are not bent or damaged, as they will be put to the test during your stay.

We advise that you run at least 2.3 inch tyres with downhill tubes, this will save many punctures during your holiday, don’t worry about the extra weight as we will be going down most of the time.

We recommend that you bring some spare parts with you, as things wear out/ break quite quickly here. Obviously you have a limit on your luggage if you are flying, but we suggest that you bring – spare brake pads, spokes, cables, cable outer, DH inner tubes, small parts such as rear derailleur hangers) and if you have space try to fit in a small first aid kit, but all our guides carry first aid kits.

You’re Kit

Make sure that you have a small rucksack that has a drink system (2-3 litres) – it gets pretty hot out there. You should carry a waterproof jacket, sunglasses, spare tubes, tyre levers, pump, puncture repair kit, multitool with a chain breaker on it, spare brake pads, sunscreen and depending on the weather extra warm clothing.

Protection

We always wear a minimum of elbow & knee pads, this can make the difference of you riding or not for the rest of your holiday. Body suits are now available and becoming more popular as people are becoming faster.

Helmets

You might want to think about wearing a full face helmet. It's good to protect your face as well as the top of your head incase the worst happens.

	Rear derailleur and it's hangar
	Front Forks
	Wheels - remove disks/rotors

Packing your Bike

The chances are that you will be making use of the cheap summer flights.

Unfortunately the baggage handlers do not all ways look after your bikes as well as you do. So have a look at some of our tips for packing your bike.

• Using a pedal spanner, take off your pedals (don’t forget to put them in the box!)
• Take off your rear derailleur and its hanger, we like to wrap it up and zip tie it between the chain stays.
• You must protect the front forks and rear chain stays (where the wheel axle runs through ) Your bike shop may be able to give you some special braces or you can you a piece of wood or hard plastic fixed in place.
• We advice that you take you disks/ rotors of the wheels and put them in a bag with the bolts and secure between the spokes or somewhere they will not get bent.
• With your hydraulic disk brakes you must wedge something between them, a piece of cardboard is ok, this is to stop them popping out.
• Undo handle bars and turn /remove to fit into bike box or bag.
• Pack well with padding

Everyone will have a different size bikes, boxes and bags. But the more padding and protection you have on your bike the less chance of damage. Wrap up and tie on any loose parts and make sure you bring spare zip ties and tape for the return journey.

	Blowout!!!
	Wheel Fixes...

Some of the Spares We Stock