About Australia - Getting around - Australia by bicycle

Australia by bicycle

Cycling is popular in Australia as many regions are made up of small towns joined by quiet roads or trails, many of which are separated by ideal cycling distances... and even if you're not a triathlete bent on pedaling between Sydney and Perth you can easily pack up your bike and ferry it to the next place you want to cycle.

Before buying your bike plan your Australian trip... you'll need to consider what sort of riding you will be doing and where you will be riding... as this will influence the type of bike you'll need (see below)... Mountain bikes are ideal for rougher country, but the lighter and more efficient tourer are better if you're planning and long distance travel on main roads.

If you're bringing your own bike. international airlines usually overlook the odd extra kilo if the bike is properly packed; ask first - though it is often the airport check-in counter which has the last word... On internal flights you'll need to have the handlebars and pedals turned in, the front wheel removed and strapped to the back and the tyres deflated; some airlines consider bikes as two pieces of excess baggage and charge accordingly. Trains have fixed rates for carrying bikes (depending on the route) and you'll save on bus charges by disassembling and packing your bike flat.

Hybrids or Cross bikes
Hybrids combine good features of racing bikes and mountain bikes (MTB's). They are designed to be easier to ride on roads that MTB's and more robust than racers. They have frame tubes and tyres somewhere between MTB and racer size. Other features include:

An upright riding position
Easy to use controls
Some have suspension like MTB's

They are easy to adjust to suit the riders needs.

Cycling Australia - hybrid and cross bikes

Touring bikes
Touring bikes are deigned to be comfortable to ride over long distances with heavy loads but they make great bikes for commuting as well. Features include:

A long wheel base for stability
A rear rack for panniers and possibly a front rack as well
Usually dropped handlebars to give multiple rising positions
A very wide range of gears for a variety of terrain
Reliable components
A frame designed for strength rather than lightness

Mountains bikes or hybrids are also useful for touring, especially if travel includes off-road tracks or gravel roads. There is a trade-off between greater speed and comfort of a standard tourer and off-road handling on a mountain bike.

Mountain bikes (MTB's)
Mountain bikes perform well on rough tracks and also on paved roads. They have:

Wide tyres, perhaps with knobbly tread (to give a grip)
An extensive range of gears
Thick frame tubes
Straight handlebars
Quick response steering for fast downhills
Easy-to-use gears and brakes

Mountain bikes usually have suspension for a smoother and faster ride on rough tracks. Mountain bikes are increasingly popular because they are fun to ride in all weather and all surface conditions. They are good for commuting and come with a wide range of prices. Mass produced basic models are relatively cheap, and racing MTBs with full suspension can be expensive.

Cycling Australia - mountain bikes (MTB)

Folding bikes
Folding bikes are good for commuting because they are easy to store and transport. Many fit in a conventional suitcase and are able to be carried onto trains.

The range of folding bikes is growing and there are bikes suitable for commuting or use on road, off road or for racing. Folding bikes can be a little more expensive than an equivalent non-folding model, but the added convenience may make them cost effective.

What to take

The standard advice for cycle touring is: Make a list of everything you can't do without, cut it back severely, then take half.

You will need to take a few specific things on your tour. A typical list for a longer trip in most seasons (a shorter trips require less) includes:

Clothing

Thin pullover
Middle thickness pullover (you can wear the thin one, the middle one or both together - this gives you more flexibility rather than taking a thick pullover)
Cycling nicks x 2
Cycling jerseys x 2
Cycling shoes
Clothes to wear when off the bike
Helmet
Gloves
Shower proof coat

Accessories

First aid kit
Sun screen (small container)
Insect repellent
Bike lock
Maps and guides
Water bottles

Camping equipment (if required)

Lightweight tent
Sleeping bag and sleeping mat
Small cooking stove and fuel
Cooking and eating utensils, spices and dried food (keep food to a minimum and buy fresh food when you stop to keep your load light).

Tools

Give your bike a thorough service before you go
Pump
Tyre levers
Chain lube
Patch kit
Spare tube (and tyre, depending on how far you are going)
Valve cover with attachment for removing valves
Spare valve
Double-length chain link pin
Allen keys
15mm spanner (for pedals - especially needed if taking your bike by plane or bus)
8mm spanner (for other nuts and bolts)
Spoke tool
Multi-tool (with knife, pliers, phillips and standard screwdrivers)
Chain tool
Any spare parts you may need from a bike shop, depending on how far you're going.

Carrying the load

Even with a reduced list you will have a fair load to carry. Try and balance your load and position it low.

Most tourists use panniers, specially made bike bags that sit on either side of the bike. Good panniers are worth the extra expense because they have a long life and you can use them for shopping and commuting as well. Poor panniers swing into your spokes, tend to fall off the rack and wear out quickly. Some touring clubs hire panniers to members.

Some cycle tourists use rear panniers alone. Some use front panniers as well because this spreads the load and makes riding easier (but resist the temptation to carry a larger load).

Bar bags mount on your handlebars and can be useful for holding things you need quick access to such as a map, snacks and camera.

Bike trailers are increasingly popular. They keep the load very low and the handling characteristics of the bike hardly change. However they can be awkward to take on trains or planes.

Cycling with a backpack is usually a bad idea. If you wear the backpack the load is high, uncomfortable and makes you hot. If you strap it to the bike the load is still high and makes the bike unstable.

Route planning

Plan you route according to your personal interests. Search the web or talk to other cycle tourists who can give you tips about good places to visit. Some possible attractions might include historical sites, wildlife, forests, gemstones, swimming and fishing. You will want to consider what is a comfortable distance for you to ride each day and how hilly the route will be.

There are many books and guides for cycle tourists available at your local bike shop, map or travel book shop.

Roads

Guidebooks and maps can help you plan which roads to take.

When selecting roads major roads often have a good surface, a better grade and a shoulder to ride on, but are often very busy. Quieter country roads can be hilly and rough but are often more scenic.

Be careful when seeking local advice as it can be misleading because people tend to think from a motorist's point of view.

Maps

Maps of a scale of 1 : 100 000 or 1 : 250 000 will be better for cycle touring. Any regional maps showing topography will be useful, the more local roads shown the better. On a map without contours you can get an indication of the steepness of roads by how much they curve. Straight roads are generally flat, curvy roads will generally be hilly.

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