5 BEGINNER BIKEPACK MISTAKES EVERYONE MAKES
Bikepacking is the perfect way to combine freedom, adventure, and cycling. You decide where you go, how far you ride, and where you stay overnight. It is this freedom that makes bikepacking so much fun. However, many novice bikepackers make the same mistakes, making their first trip less relaxing than it could be. Are you going on a trip this summer? Then avoid these common mistakes.
1. Bringing too much stuff
This is the first and perhaps the most common bikepacking mistake. Before departure, everything seems useful to bring along: an extra sweater, spare clothes, a book, extra shoes, and all sorts of "just in case" items. In reality, you often use only a small fraction of what you pack. On the bike, you feel every extra pound you carry. Especially on hilly terrain or unpaved paths, a heavy bike makes the difference between enjoying freely and struggling. Ask yourself for each item: do I really need this? If not, leave it at home.
With a good set of bikepacking bags, you'll automatically be more critical about what you bring. Consider, for example, a saddle bag, frame bag, and handlebar bag, which allow you to efficiently use the available space without carrying unnecessary luggage.
2. Planning your route down to the meter
Planning a route is wise. But some cyclists plan their entire vacation in advance: every overnight stay, every lunch stop, and every kilometer is already set. This is precisely what takes away a large part of the adventure. Perhaps you'll encounter a beautiful nature reserve along the way. Or you'll hear from other cyclists about a beautiful detour that wasn't on your schedule. If everything is already fixed, there's little room to spontaneously change course. A general route often works better than a completely fixed plan. Know roughly where you want to go, but leave room for surprises along the way. Bikepacking is not about the destination, but about everything you encounter along the way.
3. Leaving without a test ride
New bags mounted, new bike computer bought, and all your camping gear packed? Take a test ride first. Many problems only become apparent when your bike is fully packed. Bags might rub against your legs, a frame bag might be difficult to access, or the weight might need to be redistributed.
Therefore, plan a short, packed training ride of a few hours before you actually depart. This prevents surprises during your vacation.
4. Not paying attention to comfort
During a short ride, you can often tolerate a less ideal posture. During a multi-day trip, that's a different story. Small irritations can develop into serious physical complaints after a few days. Always check before departure:
- Your saddle position
- The height of your handlebars
- Your grips or handlebar tape
- Your cycling clothing
Accessories such as ergonomic grips or a comfortable saddle can also make a big difference during long days in the saddle.
5. Focusing too much on distance
Many novice bikepackers set an ambitious daily goal for themselves. Eighty, one hundred, or even one hundred and twenty kilometers a day sounds impressive, but bikepacking is not a race. A coffee stop on a terrace, a charming village, or a beautiful nature reserve are often the moments you remember later. You miss a large part of that experience if you are only focused on covering kilometers. Choose a feasible distance instead and leave time to enjoy the journey.
Well-prepared for adventure
Bikepacking doesn't have to be complicated. With the right preparation, a smart packing list, and enough flexibility, your first trip will mainly be an experience to enjoy. Do you still need bikepacking bags, lights, tires, or other equipment? At CUBE Stores, you'll find everything you need to start your next adventure well-prepared. Our staff will be happy to help you put together a setup that suits your route and plans. Pack light, plan smart, and most importantly, leave room for adventure along the way.