How to Bike Through Europe

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Decide which countries you intend to visit.

2. Consult road maps and weather charts to identify dry seasons and secondary roads.

3. Plan your route on a detailed map. Choose secondary and tertiary roads whenever possible.

4. Find your bicycle's tire size written on the tire's sidewall. Look for size "700C" or 27".

5. Determine what kind of valves your inner tubes have. The valve is the small tube on the wheel where the tire is inflated. Thin, metal valves are called "Presta." Thick, car-style valves are called "Schraeder" valves.

6. Buy tires and tubes as needed.

7. Buy local maps once you arrive, and alter your route to avoid bad roads and traffic.

8. Consult local bicyclists and bike shop staff for the best routes, if possible.

Tips & Warnings

• Some areas have very old, steep roads, so plan accordingly.
• Consider taking your bicycle on the train to enter and exit large cities.
• Italian, French and British bicycles are often threaded differently and may present challenges for repairing broken parts. Japanese parts are usually readily available and compatible with each other.
• American "Shraeder" valves and 27" tires may be difficult to service in some parts of Europe, so buy several spares.

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