Equipment

A guide to what kit you need to cycle from London to Paris

It goes without saying that the London to Paris bike ride challenge requires you to purchase some kit to complete the ride. How much you spend is entirely up to you, but it’s a good idea to have the basics.

We’ve created the following short guide to the most essential kit for your London to Paris bike ride.

We have also pulled together a selection of cycling gear recommended to us by other London to Paris cyclists as well as those reviewed highly by cycling experts.

Whilst we regularly review and add advice on what cycle gear to buy and take with you, if you have a specific question, then try our cycle equipment community forum below.

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London to Paris cycling equipment guide
Recommended cycling equipment
London to Paris cycle equipment community forums

London to Paris cycling equipment guide

A short guide to what kit to take with you as you plan for your London to Paris bike ride.

Essential L2P Kit

Here is a list of essential cycling equipment for any London to Paris bike ride (we assume you already have a bike):

What should I wear?

You don’t need to go out and buy lots of specialist clothing for the London to Paris cycle ride. No matter what time of year you’re riding, it’s a good idea to wear thin, breathable layers that can easily be added or taken off.

The weather is often changeable, so be prepared. Take a waterproof jacket, and if cold, consider getting a hat to use under your helmet.

Wearing bright reflective clothing is the best way to increase your visibility in bad weather or low light, and cycling sunglasses also help you protect your eyes and maximise your vision.

Padded shorts and gloves help to improve comfort on two critical touchpoints between you and your bike.

You may also wish to purchase and use dedicated cycling shoes with the appropriate pedals to increase your power output and spread the effort to a broader set of muscles.

What bike accessories do I need?

As you can see in our essential kit section, you should have the basics in place to complete any long distance ride like the London to Paris bike ride.

Firstly a bicycle bell is a must to warn other road users of your presence.

Bicycle lights help you safely navigate your route and help others see you. Both front and rear lights are advised.

Bike problems can happen; the most common is getting a puncture. Have a puncture repair kit and some spare inner tubes at the minimum, but also a small multi-tool set with Allen keys and spanners to quickly and easily adjust saddles and handlebars and, of course, tyre levers for when you need to change your inner tubes.

A water bottle stored in a cage on your bike is essential to helping you stay hydrated while on the move.

It’s also a good idea to have a bike lock with you for use on the ferry, and at any stop you make.

What else should I take?

While helmets are not required by law in England or France, most experts advise you to wear one.

Depending on whether you are cycling from London to Paris on an organised event with support or independently completing the route, you’ll need some storage space to carry those essential spare tubes and snacks or carry all of your luggage. There are a lot of choices when it comes to bicycle bags and racks, so do shop around.

A cycle computer is a great tool to track your cycling progress, both during training and on the London to Paris cycle ride itself. If you’re cycling independently then a cycle computer with built in GPS and map will make navigating your route seamless.

As with runners, a cyclist’s nemesis is friction. Anti-chafing creams are hugely helpful on multi-day long-distance bike rides. If you’re prone to muscle pain, consider getting some muscle gels to take.

You may wish to stick with drinking water and eating bananas, but many helpful, dedicated nutrition products designed for cyclists are available. We suggest trying out various energy drinks and snacks during your weeks of training and then taking whatever works for you with you on the London to Paris bike ride.

Finally, we also recommend taking a small portable first aid kit with you as, sadly, incidents happen, so it’s best to be prepared.

How to prepare for my L2P ride?

Before you embark on your amazing London to Paris cycle adventure, you must check over your bike and make sure it’s in good condition.

Check that tyres are pumped and that your seat and handlebars are set to your preferred position. Test your brakes and lights to make sure they’re in good working order and that you can easily change gears. Clean and lubricate your chain and ensure all quick-release wheels are appropriately secured.

It’s a good idea to make a list of all your cycling kit and ensure everything is clean and in place for when you get going.