Gear up for bike touring?
Riding long distances is as much an art as it is a challenge.
Whether you're preparing a 200 km ride with friends, a mountain sportive or a multi-day solo tour, your road bike must be optimized for comfort, performance and reliability.
Here is the essential guide to turning your long rides into truly lasting pleasures.
More stable, more comfortable
Choosing the right bike
Long-distance road bikes differ from traditional racing models with a more relaxed geometry, designed to reduce fatigue.
Carbon or aluminium frame with good 28 mm tyres, disc brakes, and a slightly more upright position all favour endurance without sacrificing efficiency. Some models are even designed to accommodate mudguards or panniers, perfect for bikepacking.
Avoid pain over time
The saddle, your best ally
Nothing ruins a long ride like an ill-fitting saddle. To protect your sit bones, invest in an ergonomic saddle tested over several rides. A good pair of cycling shorts with quality chamois padding is also essential.
Don't hesitate to slightly adjust the tilt or height based on your posture over long distances.
Keep your hands on the handlebars
Managing navigation without stopping
Over 100, 150 or 200 km, navigating efficiently is crucial.
The Shapeheart smartphone mount for bikes offers an elegant and secure solution: magnetic, stable even on bumpy roads, and detachable in one move to check the screen. It lets you use GPS or a training app without letting go of the handlebars or risking dropping your phone. A real asset to keep your pace and follow your route without interruptions.
Discover our cycling range!
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Bike phone holder
Regular price €29,95 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
PRO bike phone mount
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Bike stem phone mount
Regular price €39,95 EURRegular priceUnit price per -
Bike phone mount
Regular price €29,95 EURRegular priceUnit price per
Eating and drinking
Be prepared
Plan for two water bottles on the bike, and bring easy-to-digest foods: energy bars, dried fruits, gels, or small sandwiches. Eat before you're hungry, drink before you're thirsty.
Discreet frame bags allow you to have everything within reach without weighing down your pockets.
Ride far, but always ready
Think about mechanics and range
A long ride means anticipating mishaps: punctures, chain slipping, sudden rain…
A repair kit, an inner tube, a compact pump, and a windbreaker should be part of your setup. Some cyclists also bring a lightweight external battery for their phone or GPS.
Long-distance road cycling is a fascinating discipline, combining self-management, the joy of the road and exploration.
Are you a fan of long rides? Share your tips in the comments!
Also read, our article on how to properly adjust your bike saddle
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