The getaway season is fast approaching! And that means it’s time to head out and explore the best that the UK has to offer.
If you love cycling as much as we do, then your bike will probably join you on your journeys. It’s important to ensure your ride is in top condition before you head off, so keep reading to discover how to prepare your bike for those outdoor adventures.
Check your bike is in good condition
Safety is the number one priority when it comes to bikes and that means making sure your bike is in a good condition. While giving it a thorough clean is a great first step, we’d also recommend taking advantage of our Free Bike Health Check to ensure that everything’s working as it should be. Even if you’re not aware of any problems, getting a second opinion is great for peace of mind!
During the bike check, one of our experienced technicians will ensure your bike is safe to ride by checking it for any wear or damage. The inspection will cover 32 points across key areas of your bike such as the frame, saddle, handlebars, wheels (including your tyres, rims, spokes and hubs), brake system (including your levers, callipers, pads and cables/hoses) and drivetrain (including your gears, levers, chain, bottom bracket, cranks and cables).
If our technician finds any problems that require a service or repair, then we can book your bike in at the first available opportunity.
Our Free Bike Health Check is open to all bikes of any size or discipline (including e-bikes and kids’ bikes) and is available at all Halfords retail stores. All you need to do is pick a date and time that suits you!
Consider a bike rack
For your bike to join you on your holiday, you’re going to need a way of getting it from A to B. That’s where a bike rack comes in.
There are three types of bike rack to choose from: rear-mounted, roof-mounted and towbar-mounted. Each has its own features and benefits, and our online vehicle registration tracker will help you discover which types and models are suitable for your car (not all rear-mounted racks are compatible with all cars).
Not sure about fitting it yourself? We can also secure them onto your vehicle through our fitting service and demo the process for you too – simply select the fitting option during the checkout process.
Rear-mounted bike racks
Rear-mounted bike racks can carry 1-3 bikes and tend to be both small and easy to store. The Halfords 3 Bike Rear Mounted Bike Rack is one of our favourite options as it can carry three bikes, has a maximum load weight of 45kg (15kg per bike) and can be folded flat when not in use.
The easy-fit individual cycle holders and anti-scratch rubber inserts will help keep your bikes secure during transit, while the side straps and locking system provide additional stability. The rack also comes part-assembled, which means it can be fully assembled and fitted to your car in just 15 minutes.
For bikes without a crossbar, you’ll need to purchase a false crossbar to use a rear-mounted bike rack. Also, remember to check if your vehicle requires a lighting board as this is a legal requirement.
Roof-mounted bike racks
Roof-mounted bike racks can carry 1-4 bikes and give you full access to your boot, which can come in really handy. Our pick here would be the Thule ProRide 598 Roof Mounted Bike Rack, which can carry one bike per carrier.
The clever design of the Thule will hold your bike securely in place and the quick-release wheel straps make for convenient loading and unloading. You can fit the bike rack easily on either side of your car’s roof and the carrier comes pre-assembled so there’s no need for any tools.
Towbar-mounted bike racks
Towbar-mounted bike racks can also carry 1-4 bikes and are arguably the easiest to load of the three options. The Halfords Advanced 3-Bike Towbar Mounted Bike Rack is a winner in this category thanks to its high load capacity and ability to carry e-bikes. Locking clamps and quick-releasing straps combine to conveniently secure bikes, while the rack also has a neat feature where you can tilt it forward and still access your boot.
Just remember that you’ll need to have a towbar installed to make use of this model, which is something our Halfords Mobile Experts will be happy to help you with.
Take the right bike accessories
Packing the right cycling equipment will help you get the most out of your bike once you reach your destination, so get that checklist written up!
Protect your head with a helmet like the Lazer Compact Helmet. Comfortable, safe, stylish and affordable, the Lazer Compact comes with 20 cooling vents and a nifty Turnfit 360-degree fit system that means you can simply turn the dial at the back of the helmet to achieve a perfect fit.
Add in a Camelbak Podium water bottle to give yourself an easy way to stay hydrated while riding. There are loads of different styles, sizes and colours to choose from, with some also offering additional insulation to help keep your drink cooler for longer.
You’ll need somewhere to secure that bottle, so make sure you’ve got a bottle cage too. Quick and easy to fit, they’ll allow you to grab your water whenever you need it whilst you’re riding.
Sunglasses are also sure to come in handy (on the journey as well as when you reach your destination) and if you’re after some extra space to carry supplies while you’re cycling then you can’t go wrong with a pannier bag.
Keep your bike secure
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure there’s room in your car for items that will keep your bike secure while you’re enjoying your surroundings and get you back on the road quickly if you pick up a pesky puncture.
You’ve got a lot of choices when it comes to bike locks, so think about things like what level of security you want (Sold Secure ratings can help here) and how portable you need the bike lock to be. It can also be a good idea to combine two locks for added security or, if you want the ultimate level of protection, consider investing in bike insurance.
To help you deal with a puncture quickly and effectively, our pick would be the Halfords Essentials Puncture Repair Kit thanks to its all-in-one solution of patches, adhesive tubes, tyre levers, sandpaper, chalk and marker crayon. Slime’s Puncture Repair Sealant is another great choice. Suitable for all types of inner tubes, this innovative sealant can prevent and repair punctures of up to 3mm.
Finally, we’d never go anywhere without our trusty Halfords 21 Function Multi Tool! Small in size, but mighty in potential, the Multi-Tool includes various Allen keys, Torx keys, Spoke keys and tyres levers, as well as a Phillips screwdriver, chain hook and pedal spanner. It’s a one-stop tool shop in your pocket.
Plan some cycle routes
There are plenty of scenic cycle routes to be found for all ages and abilities, whether you’re holidaying in the UK or further afield. Make the most of your precious getaway time by identifying some routes to try in advance.
If you’re going away with experienced cyclists, then you may want some more challenging routes with trickier terrain to get everyone’s hearts pumping. If it’s a family holiday, then look for something of a gentler nature that your kids will be happy to tackle.
For UK family holidays, check out our guide on the best family routes. Or, for more daring adventure riders, discover the best UK trail centres.
Now that all the planning is out the way, it’s time to pack up the car and head off on your getaway! If you need anymore cycling equipment or holiday essentials before you leave, then just pop on over to Halfords.com.
