PREPARATION : Mountain Biking and Cycling Guide
If you are planning a Himalayan Mountain Bike Adventures excursion to any of our ‘must see – go there’ destinations then take a few moments to peek at the following notes on how to get yourself in shape and get into a little training, that will always make you trip that bit more enjoyable. We do however cater for all levels of bikers!!

Before you start your bike training
We recommended to consult their GP if exercise has not been attempted for an extended period of time and inform them of what you are about to do.

Get to know your bike
It is important to make sure that your bike is in excellent working order before getting on the road or off road. Check front and rear brakes, cables, chain and tyres for wear and tear.
If you can, do the maintenance yourself otherwise take it to an authorised bicycle repair store. There is nothing more frustrating than being on a bike with a grinding chain or slipping gears!

For general bike maintenance carry out the following:
  • Clean and lubricate your chain at least once a month. Spray it with a degreasant and rub between the links with an old toothbrush. Wipe clean with a cloth and then lubricate with chain lube.
  • Check brake pads for wear and test them frequently.
  • Clean the jockey wheels (these are the small wheels on the rear wheel of the bike that guide the chain around the sprockets). They gather dirt and grease which disrupts a smooth and reliable gear change.
  • Lift your bike off the ground and spin first the front and then the back wheel to ensure they keep turning freely.
  • Check the tread of your tyres to see that they are not too worn and that the tyres are inflated properly.
  • Always ensure you have a spare inner tube when out cycling including a bike pump and puncture repair kit.
One bike size does not fit all:

Make sure you are fitted properly to your bike. Check for appropriate saddle height and handle bar reach, this will help to avoid any persistent shoulder or lower back pain whilst riding and will ensure maximum efficiency. If unsure ask an authorised bicycle dealer. See our ‘chart for bike sizing’ to give you a head start on the correct frame size. Remember this is not the final word as many micro adjustments can and maybe made to tweak the bike to your personal dimensions of leg, body and arm length. (see our bike sizing section).

How to check if your bike fits you:

Sit on a stationary bike leaning against a wall or ask someone to hold you up. Drop one peddle down to it’s lowest point (closest the ground). Place your heel flat on the pedal. There should only be a slight bend in your knee. Adjust seat post height accordingly to get the right leg extension. You do not want your leg to be overextended as this causes injury.


Optional: Invest in a quality bike computer. This can monitor your weekly distance, average speeds, time spent riding, and total kilometres cycled. It soon adds up.

You are now ready to go...

Taking control of your health and fitness "The will to succeed is important, but what is more important is the will to prepare".

On on!

If you have a busy lifestyle of work, family and social commitments then draw up a weekly training plan. Be creative in your training goals and start by doing things such as getting up an hour earlier to go for a bike ride, cycling to work or to the shops, and going to the gym at lunch times.
Keep your schedule in a prominent place like on the fridge door. With no training it will be difficult for you to complete the challenge.
Customizing your bike is worthwhile and if you are hiring a bike from us we’ll do it for you………

You may want to add the following features to your bike…... even if we supply it :

  • Bring your own saddle or gel seat cover
  • SPD pedals (ideal for clip shoes only - see an authorized cycle store for details)
  • Handle bar extensions (bar ends)
  • Bike bell or horn

Don't forget:

  • Bike helmet (HMB has these for all rented bikes)
  • Water bottle
  • Puncture repair kit
  • Small pump
  • Optional extras: Allen keys, handle bar bag

 

    
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