Brad Sauber, the owner, has guided cycling expeditions worldwide, attracting thousands of riders. For most of our RAID trips, we recommend participants bring their own bikes. Tailored for intermediate to advanced riders, RAID trips impose demands that necessitate a reliable and familiar bike. Given that RAIDs often take place in remote or distant locations, the importance of having a dependable bike cannot be overstated—ensuring a successful and enjoyable trip.

While we encourage supporting your local bike shops, it's important to recognize that the staff at these establishments are primarily knowledgeable about preparing bikes for local terrains and riding styles in your neighborhood. Their advice, though valuable, may not be tailored to the demands of riding in more remote locations. For instance, a shop in a Chicago suburb might not fully grasp the intricacies of riding in the Alaskan backcountry. To ensure your readiness for your specific journey, take a few moments to review our suggestions and tips below. Drawing from our 30 years of experience in bike travel, we've observed certain brands that perform exceptionally well, while others may not meet the challenges of our trips. We'll provide insights into which brands work best in the field and those that may not be well-suited for our adventures.

YOUR BIKE
While we don't anticipate you being an advanced mechanic, it's beneficial to be well-acquainted with the workings of your own bike. Understanding the basics of its assembly and components is valuable. Considering the investment in your dream bike, bringing some knowledge about its operation will enhance your overall experience.

THE RIGHT BIKE
Just some advice. Ensure you bring the appropriate type of bike for your journey. We offer road and gravel bike trips—be mindful to bring a gravel bike rather than a cyclo-cross bike, for example. We're always available to assist you in selecting the most suitable bike for our trips, and we can also guide you through the purchase process at your local shop if you're in the market for a new one. With extensive experience in bike shops, including working at Above Category in Sausalito and overseeing the purchase and maintenance of fleet bikes for inGamba, Rapha Travel, and Bicycle Adventures, Brad is well-equipped to offer valuable insights.

Having encountered nearly every type of bike on our tours, we've observed that while custom bikes from exceptional builders are fantastic, they can be too unique and lightweight for the challenges of riding demanding terrain for 7-10 consecutive days. We often say there are "pretty bikes for pretty roads." While we don't judge your choice of the latest and lightest bikes, they may not be the most practical for extended travel away from your local shop or home. Given the significant investment of time and money in your vacation with us, we recommend leaving lightweight bikes and components behind. Opting for a training bike or a winter bike is likely a more suitable choice for a travel bike.

Do you have the lightest bike in the world with obscure parts? Please, contemplate leaving your race equipment at home. We are more than happy to recount tales of guests who, regrettably, ignored this advice. In the current 2023 season alone, we witnessed the unfortunate damage of a high-end carbon bike during its journey. Furthermore, there were multiple incidents involving the breakage of lightweight carbon wheels, boasting a depth of over 60mm and aero spokes, while out in the field. One guest encountered a problem with an obscure full-carbon crank manufactured in Germany, specifically a Clavicula, when the crank binder bolt unexpectedly loosened during a ride on D3, bringing an early end to his trip. Unfortunately, we were unable to locate a replacement part, forcing him to ride in the van for the remainder of the journey. These occurrences are truly disheartening.

TUNE UP YOUR BIKE BEFORE YOU DEPART
Prepare your bicycle before arriving by conducting a thorough tune-up and cleaning. Ensure to check the condition of your tires, brakes, and pads, as well as assess the wear on the chain, cassette, and derailleur. For optimal performance, we recommend scheduling a complete tune-up at your local bike shop before embarking on our trips.

TOOLS & ON BIKE KIT
At a minimum, we request everyone to equip their bike with a saddlebag containing essential spares, including 2 tubes, tire levers, a CO2 inflator and/or a small pump, and a multi-tool. It's advisable to have a rear blinking light for added visibility, especially in tunnels and on busier roads. We provide a comprehensive selection of Park Tools during our travels, so there's usually no need to bring large shop tools. Feel free to inquire if you have a specific specialty part you're considering bringing.

ON ROAD REPAIRS
Our trips are supported by a team of riders and support staff- we are there to change your flats and keep your bike tuned and running. But, it is advisable that before you attend a RAID, you should be able to fix a flat tire on your bicycle at the minimum. Unpredictable circumstances arise on our trips do to the complexities of our logistics and you could find yourself without a support rider or vehicle for sometime. Visit the Park Tool Video Tutorial on how to change a tire & tube. And also, if you have a tubeless system check out this video, Park Tool Tubeless System.

Delving into the details, we provide specific insights into what proves effective and what doesn't in terms of bike and component selection.

TUBULAR OR SEW UP TIRES
Avoid bringing these items on trips. We no longer carry spare tubular or sew-up tires, as they are not suitable for the type of riding we engage in during our trips.

PARTS WE CARRY ON TRIPS
Due to the extensive range of products and specialized components on the market, it is impractical for us to stock spare parts that cover the wide variety of group sets. While we maintain an inventory of basic and commonly used components, we cannot assure the ability to repair your bike in the event of a major failure. Our stock includes various tire sizes, tubes with valves up to 60mm, and essential items like 10 and 11-speed chains (for SRAM and Shimano), bar tape, spare saddles, spare pedals (Look and SPD), an extra handlebar, cables for cable actuated brakes and cable shifting, chain lube, and backup bottles of tubeless tire fluid. Additionally, we offer medium-width aluminum sets of thru-axle wheel sets. Please be aware that if you ride Campy, we do not have any spare parts available.

We suggest bringing along a set of spare parts compatible with your bike for your trip. This list includes:

• Spare rear derailleur hanger. Look up your frame, make & model at derailleurhanger.com

• Spare chain & spare chain link

• Spare tubes if you require +60mm tubes

• Spare tubeless sealant

• 1-2 spare tires

• Valve extender for your deep-dish wheels

• 2 extra set of brake blocks/disc pads for front/rear

• 2-6 spare spokes for front / rear wheels

• For electric shifting Di2, SRAM & EPS; bring your charging units

• 1 set of spare cleats for shoes/pedals

• Co2 threaded regulator & Small bike frame pump

• Spare set of wheels *If you are bringing a lightweight set of carbon wheels, we recommend bringing an extra set of wheels

Items that are worth considering to bring, but not absolutely necessary. If your components are older than 3 yrs, it’s worth considering:

• Spare cassette

• Spare shifting cable set

WHEELS
Learn from our experience; we've witnessed numerous carbon wheel failures on RAID tours, occurring on nearly every trip. We highly advise against bringing lightweight carbon wheels and instead recommend opting for a sturdy set of aluminum rims. In the past, carbon wheels were reserved for race day, while aluminum wheels were used for training—we suggest adopting this approach. If your factory-laced, deep-dish lightweight carbon wheels fail during a trip, we won't be able to repair them, and finding similar alternatives on the spot is unlikely.

We highly recommend bringing a robust set of wheels for your trip. Our preferred choice is a hand-built, aluminum rim paired with non-aero, double-butted alloy spokes. We strongly endorse the HED Belgium Plus alloy rims laced with double-butted Sapim spokes as the ideal wheel for demanding bike trips. Investing in this set for your bike is a decision you won't regret—they are built to last, even outlasting your bike.

Double-butted round spokes stand out as the most durable spokes available. Known for their longevity and ease of field repair, we highly recommend bringing a set of wheels equipped with this type of spoke. Rarely do we witness these spokes failing, and they are typically widely accessible. While many high-end carbon wheels come with lightweight aero spokes, we strongly discourage bringing them. On numerous tours, we've encountered aero spokes breaking, often resulting in wheel failure.

Weight Limits & Power for Carbon Wheels
When choosing a high-end carbon wheel set, it's crucial to understand the weight limit recommendations. Many have a "system weight" specification, which includes your weight, all equipment, and the bike's weight. Additionally, consider your power output and riding style when selecting a wheel. While most shops may not delve into these details as deeply, it's essential to do your homework since they are primarily focused on selling wheels. Allow me to share a story from our recent Gravel Expedition to Alaska. A robust and tall triathlete brought a new set of carbon Zipp 101 XPLR wheels, with a maximum recommended system weight of 286 lbs/130 kg, while he weighed 230 pounds. Given his powerful riding style and the challenging terrain, the wheels proved unsuitable, with one spoke breaking in the morning and four more breaking later in the day. Our ride guide had to makeshift repairs in the field to keep him moving. This situation emphasized the importance of choosing the right wheels; for everyday riding, consider aluminum and reserve your carbon wheels for race day.

Carbon Wheels & Rim Brakes Disc wheels have become prevalent on most new bikes, but if you own a rim brake bike and intend to bring it on a trip, we strongly advise against using carbon wheels. We've witnessed numerous instances of rims heating up, leading to complete wheel failure and accidents. Opt for an aluminum wheel for your rim brake bike, reserving your carbon wheels for race day.

TIRES
Arguably the most crucial gear for your RAID journey is your tire choice. Opt for a durable tire with slow wear, well-suited for mixed terrain, and as puncture-resistant as possible. Constant flat tires can detract from the enjoyment of your trip, affecting both you and your fellow riders negatively.

What to avoid bringing? Steer clear of Rene Herse tires, despite their aesthetic appeal and Seattle, WA origin. Manufactured by Panaracer, these tires are too lightweight for the demands of our trips, leading to numerous sidewall bursts and tubeless leaks. Leave them at home or reserve them for race day. Similarly, we advise against Vittoria lightweight Corsa tires. Also, avoid "cotton" tires, as delightful as they are to ride, they are prone to frequent flats.

What to bring? Opt for a new set of Continental Grand Prix 4-Season or Grand Prix 5000 tires for the road, as they are solid, dependable, and durable. Consider the Gator Hardshell for a robust tire designed for rough surfaces and rugged tarmac. While it may not provide the smoothest ride, it guarantees longevity. These Continental tires are excellent choices for all-weather and can handle the demanding conditions of the rugged tarmac on our trips.

For gravel, most guests bring a 38c tire, with a smoother center and a bit of knobs/profile down the side. Most of our riding will be on fire roads and groomed dirt surfaces. 50% paved, 50% dirt/gravel. The tire should perform exceptionally in both terrains and be highly resistant to puncture. In addition, it should provide riding comfort and roll easily while offering a good amount of grip. Look for a tire with a slick center tread and knobs on the edge to provide grip in corners and through mud. The Panaracer line of Gravel King tires have worked well on our trips. The Vittoria Terreno Dry tire works really well! Vittoria’s Terreno Mix is also a crowd favorite, its a great all-rounder tire for both gravel and road.

SHIPPING YOUR BIKE
If you prefer not to travel with your bike, shipping it to your destination is an alternative option. Our friends at BikeFlights are the go to service for shipping bikes to/from our trips. We will have you ship your bike to a local shop in our staging area or to our service course. Please connect with BikeFlights to learn more about their shipping services.

HOW TO TRAVEL WITH YOUR BIKE

Bike Packing: The era of arriving at the airport with an unpacked bike has long passed. Whether using a dedicated bike bag, a hardshell case, or a specialized cardboard box, always ensure your bike is securely stowed. Typically, wheels, pedals, and handlebars need to be removed. For tyre and shock care, many airlines recommend partially deflating them. Leaving some air in your tyres can shield the rims, making a slightly deflated, rather than flat, tyre ideal.

Accessories: Alongside your bike, pack essential riding tools, nutrition, attire, helmet, sunglasses, and other cycling necessities. Abide by airline weight limits and exercise caution regarding restricted items.

Bike Insurance: As a cyclist who loves to travel and explore new places, protecting your bike and yourself from risks or accidents abroad is crucial. Bicycle insurance covers theft, damage, and vandalism to your bicycle, as well as liability and medical expenses in case of injury. Cycle touring insurance, a form of travel insurance, covers medical expenses, personal liability, and other travel-related issues while cycling abroad.

Flying with Your Bike: Prepare for a smooth and hassle-free experience by checking the airline's policies and fees for transporting bikes. Some airlines may have specific packing requirements, such as using a bike bag or case. Measure and weigh your packed bike to ensure it complies with the airline's size and weight restrictions. It's advisable to make a reservation for your bike in advance to secure space. Arrive at the airport early on the day of your flight to allow time for check-in and potential inspections. Upon arrival at your destination, inspect your bike for any damage before leaving the airport.

Shipping Your Bike If you prefer not to travel with your bike, shipping it to your destination is an alternative option. BikeFlights is the global leader in bike shipping.