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Trip Preparation: Equipment
Bike gear/parts | Camping/medical equipment | Clothing | Issues for women
In Tibet, I have met cyclists (both men and women) riding everything from single-speed Chinese-made bikes (brand name 'Flying Pigeon') to full suspension carbon bikes and aluminium tandems - all successfully completing the trip from Lhasa to Kathmandu. There is no such thing as the ideal overland bike. Some bikes, however, are more appropriate than others. As around 90% of the roads are just dirt and the passes are steep and drawn out on switchback roads, some form of mountain bike with a strong frame, knobbly tyres, and an extra low 'granny gear' is best.
For the ride from Lhasa to Kathmandu, you should only need rear panniers with a front handle bag and I recommend front shocks for cycling in Tibet to lessen the body/hand stress. You will need to take the standard cycle touring tools that fit every nut and bolt including a multi-tool set (with chain breaker, relevant Allen keys, spoke wrench), a few spare chain links and a 15mm adjustable crescent. Make sure you can turn every nut (including the 10mm hex bolt that may be holding the crank arms onto the bottom bracket spindle). Consider taking one spare rear derailleur per group.
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Cycling to the foot of the highest
mountain on earth - Mt Everest
base camp marker
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