Are you planning on riding the RideLondon-Surrey 100 sportive? With most important things in life, preparation is key, and sportives are no exception. Take a look at BikeRadar's checklist of ride essentials, full of recommendations to ensure you enjoy your event and are prepared for whatever it throws at you.
1. The right bike
You won't be going far without this! If you're looking for a new sportive bike, check out our list of the best sportive bikes, many of which are now 2013 models so might be on sale at discounted prices. Many manufacturers are launching their 2014 bikes at the moment, so stay tuned to BikeRadar for more sportive bike reviews.
2. Hydration system
The importance of hydration goes without saying, so make the most of your bike frame's bottle mounts. For a cheap option, you can't go wrong with the Zefal Spring bottle cage, a bargain at only £5.
Most bottles will also come in at less than £5, but if you fancy something a bit special then take a look at the excellent CamelBak Podium bottle. For a convenient but slightly more costly take on hydration, there's always the Stratus magnetic bottle from Vincero Design.
3. Basic tools
Being prepared for a mechanical can make the difference between a good and disappointing ride. It's never a bad idea to carry a spare tube or two, and if you do puncture you'll be needing tyre levers and a decent repair kit. If you do end up with tyre issues then it will be time to reach for a mini pump – Lezyne's Pressure Drive mini pump is only 7in long but is an efficient and reliable inflator.
Another essential is a decent multi-tool. These range from basic but affordable units, like the Passport Fastpass Micr,o to more comprehensive models such as Lezyne's CRV 19.
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4. Energy bars or gels
Nutrition often comes down to individual taste, so find out what works for you before your event. We're fans of energy bars from both High5 and Zipvit. Gels are another option, it's worth giving a few different brands a try, and we recommend taking a look at what Torque, Zipvit and Science in Sport have to offer.
5. Protection against the elements
With the weather as it's been recently in the UK, think carefully about protection from the sun – there's a good all-day option available from Riemann. And if you're not riding during a heatwave, it might be important to be protected from both the wind and rain; we've got a list of the best packable windshells, along with our pick of the best waterproof jackets for cycling.
For further tips on bike preparation and how to manage your performance on the day be sure to check out the video below.
How to prepare for a Sportive: On The Day
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Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/BikeRadar/feeds/~3/0w8wr8pLnmE/story01.htm
Donald J. Johns David S. Wells Edward C. Scates Donna E. Grace Juan S. Trudeau
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