Australia & New Zealand Outdoor Adventure Forum

It way seem like a simple attitude, but many people don't usually check the equipment before leaving on long journeys.

Perhaps many people believe that it's a simple sport and doesn't require so much care, but those people are very wrong because this sport offers as many hazards as the others (obviously each sport with its degree of dangerousness).

However, before checking it is always good to make sure you buy good quality products.

I'm always check my equipments... What about you?

I think you are right, and there are many people that don't check their equipment before they set out but that's just down to maybe a lack of experience. Any cyclist that is used to travelling long distances will know how important it is to make sure that the bike itself and the other equipment you are taking is safe and fit for purpose.

Cycling in urban areas then it's not as important maybe, but if you are going to be away from civilization for any length of time like when mountain biking or cycling in rural areas, then it's imperative that everything works as it should. As a rule I'll check the bike over after the journey before I put it away, and then once again before I use it again just to be double sure that there aren't any faults.

When going on a long trip, whether on a bike or in a car, I agree that we should check not only the equipment but also other important thing. In biking long distances especially if it's an informal tour with friends and not a race, the flat-tire kit is very important. Because a flat tire can deter your trip when there is no repair shop in the area. The flashlight is also one important item for me because you may not know if your trip will extend until night time. And most of all, extra shirt, food and water bottle.

I prefer to make everything planned as well as settled beforehand only. I 'm not the kind of person who likes last minute hustle and bustle. I manage and always keep my things up to the mark.

My stress levels are also very low and I simply cannot get along well with last minute tensions. To be well prepared in advance is all what I like. Whereas there are some who are really casual about things and know to cope up with the after effects but I'm definitely not the one.

I used to check my equipment and make sure everything is in working condition prior to my travel. I don't want any tension to build up in the last minute. If something happens I will fret for some time and become too nervous, losing my mind and then gather myself up to get ready for the trip.

Doing the maintenance on the bike is something that should be done on a regular basis, and even more before a long journey. There are always adjustments to be made, checking if everything is in order because if we do so the bike won't let us down. It's a matter of habit really, once we start doing, it becomes automatic.