Long distance cycling equipment

Going on a longer ride such as a century, double or longer will obviously require you to take more equipment than if heading out on an evening training spin, especially if the ride will be unsupported. During training create a checklist of kit and maintenance checks to do before any long ride. Add to this list over time so that come the day of your race or long ride you'll know exactly what you'll need and can concentrate more on the task ahead.

The Bike

It goes without saying that before a long ride your bike and set up should be familiar to you. During your training, when you find a set up or fit that suits you write down the details such as saddle height and handlebar height so that should you need to remove or replace a component for any reason you are quickly able to reset the bike to your ideal setup.

On longer rides you'll generally encounter much more varied terrain. As a result there is a valid argument to adjust the gearing of your bike accordingly, perhaps by selecting a compact chainset. Doing so may relief any stress on your muscles and knees which may help you go the distance.

Performing repairs on the road is a fact of cycling life. At the very least your should be comfortable repairing or replacing a tube with a puncture, and make sure you have the equipment to do so. Being able to patch a torn tire, replace spokes, adjust brake pads or a derailleur may be the difference between making it to the nest help station and having to abandon your ride so be sure to learn these skills.

Clothing

Over a long ride you are much more likely to experience different weather conditions and temperature ranges than on a short ride. As a result you'll need a wider variety of clothing to help you remain comfortable on your ride.

As with other sports, layering your clothing is the best approach. That way you can remove or add more layers to adjust to the changing conditions. Be sure to thoroughly test your gear out and work out what works and what doesn't. Yo may find for example that you have a favorite pair of cycling shorts or a lucky pair of gloves. Make sure it is all tried and tested so that come race day you are not worried about new or untested kit/clothing.

During your training be sure not to skip training in poor weather. Unless you get out there and do a long training ride in the cold and wet you will not know if your clothing will be adequate on the big day. Getting cold or wet is best avoided as it can turn a long ride into something much worse than just uncomfortable.

Baggage

Once you've worked out during training what equipment you'll need or want to take with you your next decision will be to decide where to put it all. You'll have to choose from seat bags, panniers, handlebar bags, frame bags, rucksacks. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences however as with all equipment and nutritional decisions you should use your training to find the answer that suits you best.

On longer rides it is best to keep all baggage on the bike not you so this rules out back packs or bum/fanny packs. In addition extra large handlebar bags may obscure your view of the wheel in front if riding in a group which may be dangerous, however they do provide much easier access than large seat bags which can only be accessed when stationary. For longer tours, panniers may be the better option if you're carrying much more gear.

Carrying larger baggage on your bike can seriously affect you on bike balance and braking distances. Be sure to spend time riding 'fully loaded' so you are used to both riding with the extra weight and able to adapt to the bike handling.