We talked to the rad women of Trek Travel and gathered together a list of their go-to gear for spring riding. Here are their top picks, tried and true from the icy thaw of Madison to the mud and grit of the Spring Classics.
Updated March 26, 2020
ASHLEY | TRIP DESIGN COORDINATOR
“I keep tissues in my seat pack. Mornings and late evenings are still a bit chilly and there’s no escaping the inevitable nose-drip!”
“I would say the Patagonia Houdini Jacket. Basically everyone I know has one, and we all stop and put them on or take them off at the same time when we are riding in a group. Kinda funny! I love this thing— it is super light, packable, well-fitting, and good looking. It’s a staple of any adventure-riding wardrobe I would say! Especially great for spring and fall since it’s not that heavy- just warm enough to take the edge off on long descents or as that last layer when you are finishing a day-to-night ride and the temps start to drop.”
ERIKA | CONTENT COORDINATOR
“One of my favorite things about spring is breaking out the fun socks! Gone are the days of wool socks and boots. We are celebrating warmer weather, people! Get out your fancy socks! Some of my favorites are made by Ten Speed Hero, like their Pink Sprinkles socks. ‘The colorful sprinkles on these socks bring to mind the delight that we experienced as children,’ TSH says, which directly relates to the delightful feeling of riding a bike. And when those brightly colored socks get covered with grit and salt from the Wisconsin roads, that’s when they really shine.”
The Pink Sprinkles socks are no longer available, but check out their awesome current socks at TenSpeedHero.com
TANIA | PRESIDENT
“My new helmet! I don’t wear a lot of pink, but this helmet looks awesome and is a great spring color!”
We want to show you the best of the world by bike and have you enjoy every moment along the way, that’s why we put a priority on safety. Before your next ride, read up on our top safety tips from guides who live their life on the road and learn about the gear that makes a big difference.
ALWAYS WEAR YOUR HELMET
Protect your noggin’. You can’t always predict how a ride is going to go, but you can head out as prepared as possible to ride safely.
LIGHT IT UP
Did you know that daytime lights can reduce the risk of accidents by up to 50 percent? That’s why we include a Bontrager Flare R daytime tail light on all our bikes and all our trips, so you can enjoy the scenery without the worry.
GIVE SPACE
Ride in a single-file line, leaving at least two bike lengths between you and the rider ahead of you—more if descending. Also don’t forget to maintain a safe distance between you and the edge of the road!
EYES ON THE PRIZE
Always keep your eyes on the road and fellow cyclists in front of you when riding and keep a lookout for bumps, rocks, cars, gravel, water, or other hazards on the road and be sure to point them out physically or verbally to other riders.
BE PREDICTABLE
Use the appropriate hand signals when stopping, slowing down, and turning, obey all traffic signs, hold your line, and be prepared for vehicles to pass.
RIDE FOR YOU
Always ride within your limits and comfort zone when it comes to speed and difficult terrain. If you feel uncomfortable, slow down or stop and take a beat!
On a bike, the unique up and down pedaling motion is what makes you recognizable as human. Be visible with fluorescent socks, shoes, covers, or warmers like the Bontrager Starvos Road Shoe and Bontrager Race Cycling Socks
Bontrager Velocis MIPS Road Helmet
Top it all off with a Bontrager Velocis Road Helmet that isn’t only highly visible, but that also pairs pro peloton performance with all-day riding comfort.
Our guides are experts in riding bikes around the world. Just ask them what gear they go-to for any situation and they’ll tell you their favorites. So we gathered together a list of their go-tos for riding, from what they love to wear on their feet to tools they swear by. Here are their top spring and summer gear picks of 2017.
Lithos MTB Helmet
“I really enjoy my Bontrager Lithos MIPS mountain bike helmet! Super comfy, good coverage in the back, great ventilation and cool colors that are quite visible for trail safety. Even better my Ion 700 light or a GoPro attaches directly to the top of it on a quick release system if I end up riding in the dark. Not to mention that rechargeable Bontrager Ion 700 light is like daylight riding!”
Specter Windshell Vest
“Outside is my office and bike clothes are my uniform. Since I can’t regulate the outside temperature I have to be prepared in terms of clothes I’m wearing. Unless you want to carry a backpack with multiple items, I can’t praise enough the Bontrager Specter Windshell Vest wich easily fits in your back pocket and will help you stay comfortable most of the time! Priceless.”
Classique Road Shoes
“I love my Classique shoes and how breathable these are with all the strategically placed vents. The laces allow for a great fit that is infinitely adjustable, and plus they have that cool retro look. I’ll pair these with the Bontrager Race cycling sock. They are comfortable and wicking. They hug the foot just right and they feel supportive around the arch of the foot. Plus they come in high viz yellow and tomato orange!”
XXX Mountain Bike Shoe
“Fashion and performance collide in the Bontrager XXX Shoe! Looking so good has never given you such a performance advantage while still allowing comfort! These have become my go-to shoes for guiding, both on the road and in the dirt. I’m the biggest believer in the Boa system for getting a perfect fit while also allowing for micro adjustments mid-ride. The stiffness of the carbon sole (rated 14 out of 14!) allows me to waste no energy transfer as I push the pedals hard into the hills of Tuscany or the singletrack of Bend, Oregon. The variety of colors, amazing durability and unending performance are just a few reasons that the Bontrager XXX shoe has become a favorite of many of the Trek Travel guides.”
Classique Cycling Gloves
“The Classique gloves are awesome. They are made of nice soft leather and last for years. The classiques also have that cool motorcycle look.”
Cycling Cap
“The Bontrager cycling cap a great addition to spring riding wardrobe because it’s so universal. The added layer on your head helps on those cold mornings keep things warm. Plus the visor keeps the sun out of your eyes in the early light when sunglasses are just too dark still but the sun is coming up.”
Lithos Stormshell Jacket
The Bontrager Lithos Stormshell jacket is a piece of equipment that I never leave home without. Always keep in mind there is no such thing as bad weather, just bad equipment. This jacket will keep you up to your eyes in adventure, even when it is pouring rain. The hood fits great over a helmet if your riding, the vents are great if your doing a strenuous uphill hike and want to stay dry and not get too hot, and the pockets are big enough to protect plenty of items from the down pour. I wear the jacket guiding in the narrows on cold mornings with a nice down base layer, as a wind layer when it is extremely cold, and of course when its raining and I’m on my bike. This is a super versatile piece of apparel that I would recommend to anyone.” *This product is not currently offered online.
Flash Charger Floor Pump
“Try seating a tubeless mountain bike tire at the trailhead without access to an air compressor and only a standard bike pump. Likely, you’ll end up with tire sealant all over your feet, a tire that won’t inflate and no more daylight. I love the Flash Charger floor pump. Flip the red lever to the “up” position on the Flash, pump the canister up to about 150 psi, attach the nozzle to the valve on your tire, flip the red lever to the “down” position and ffffump! A fully pressurized, sealed tire (even a Bontrager SE5)! This is simply the best bike pump I’ve ever owned. It makes seating tubeless tires a breeze. It’s become my everyday floor pump.”
As the road biking season winds down for many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, hopefully you’ve put more than a few miles on your bike this year. Now is a great time to check the condition of your tires, before you start riding over slick leaves or frost-covered pavement. Don’t wait until the beginning of next season, when you’ll be eager to get out on the road as quickly as possible.
As a tire wears, a few things happen. The nice round profile of the tire starts to flatten out. This is normal, but you want to change out that tire before it gets too thin. The thickness of the rubber is one of the properties that will help protect against flat tires. If it’s too thin, very small pieces of glass will puncture the tire.
Another thing to check out is the condition of the fabric. Yes, there is fabric in your tires. A lot of it, actually. Manufactures use different thickness cord for different quality tires. These cords can sometimes fail, resulting in a bulge or wobble in the tread. You will want to check the entire diameter of the tire for any wobbles and pull the tire from use if you find one.
Choosing a new tire can be a tedious process. If you want my recommendation, I love the Bontrager AW3 Hard Case 700X25c tire. It’s a fantastic tire with low rolling resistance and great puncture protection. It’s on all of our Trek Travel road bikes as well!
When is the last time you bought yourself something nice that can also save your life? If it’s been more than 3-5 years since you bought a new bike helmet, then do yourself a favor and don’t wait any longer. Most helmets have a manufacturer recommended lifespan of 3-5 years, even if it has never been in a crash.
Helmet technology is almost as amazing as smart phone technology. Advancements in design, weight, retention systems, cooling and fit have come an incredibly long way in the past few years. Every time I purchase a new helmet, I ask myself how they possibly improved the fit and technology so much when I thought my last helmet was perfect!
Purchasing a new helmet is also a great opportunity to make sure it fits properly. The safety of your helmet relies on the adjustment of its straps. It is important to make sure the strap buckles fit right below your ears and the chin strap isn’t too loose. My rule of thumb: always err on the side of caution. If you can’t remember when you purchased your helmet, stop into a local bicycle dealer and get fit for a new one. Your safety and security is worth the price.
Prove to Dad you’re his favorite and give him a gift he’ll remember forever. Here are our favorite gifts for Father’s Day this year.
Classic Climbs of the Dolomites – from $3799
For the dad who loves the mountains, the Classic Climbs of the Dolomites cycling trip offers the very best of the dramatic Dolomites and Italian Alps. The landscape of the famed Dolomite mountain range offers epic riding: as you climb the jagged peaks and legendary roads made famous by the Giro d’Italia. Experience the passion of Italian cycling beneath clear blue skies, as you ride past proud pale mountains and through lush green alpine pastures.
Solvang Ride Camp – from $999
Few destinations in the U.S. offer mountains, sea, and wine country with the luxury, hospitality and small-town intimacy and friendliness you discover in this captivating area. This trip has it all. On our 4 day Solvang Ride Camp, combine your full days of cycling with sightseeing, dining, hiking, and relaxing along the Central Coast. With a home base in the wine country north of Santa Barbara you’ll be just miles from the chance to tackle some of the classic climbs which extend beyond the valley.
Moab Mountain Bike Trip – from $1399
Believe the hype: Moab is the mountain bike Mecca that all fat-tire lovers dream of. Its trails offer astounding views of snow-capped mountains and valleys that redefine words like “epic” “awesome”, “sick” and “killer”. Trek Travel takes you into the belly of the beast, through a network of fireroads, singletrack and doubletrack that drop you between boulders, along cliffs, and up over the ever-so-grippy slickrock terraces and ledges. Each day is jaw-droppingly better than the last, with expansive vistas, the red hue of Utah’s ancient soil, and a small-town Wild-West feel. Moab isn’t just another mountain bike trip. It’s the birthplace of the mountain bike.
Trek Emonda upgrade – $300
Give Dad the best of the best on his bike trip and upgrade to the new Trek Émonda SLR. Trek Travel’s fleet of world-class bikes just got a little lighter with the race-ready, Project-One designed bike. It’s Trek’s lightest production road bike ever. Perfect for climbing in the Alps or just cruising the back roads of wine country.
Carbon Wheels upgrade – $200
Upgrade his bike with a pair of Bontrager Aeolus D3 Clincher carbon wheels. These wheels are lighter and ready to roll. A wider rim profile and extreme rotating weight savings means extra speed where it counts. Give Dad the opportunity to train like the pros with his bike all suited up.
One of the most overlooked parts of bicycle maintenance is chain lubrication. Both too much and too little lubrication can make your drivetrain work harder than it is supposed to resulting in increased wear and the dreaded chainring tattoo.
Proper lubrication of the chain actually requires very little lubricant. A drip style bottle is always recommended over an aerosol can. Not only are most aerosols harmful to the environment, but 75% of the lube is actually wasted. A proper technique is to put just one drop of lube on each chain link roller. The object is to lube inside the small roller, not outside on the parts of the chain that you see.
As the chain moves over the chain ring teeth that small roller is what needs the most lubrication. Lubricating the outer plates of the chain does nothing to make your shifting smoother or your chain quit. A trick that many pro mechanics do after they lubricate the chain is to wipe the chain down with a rag and some denatured alcohol. The pro mechanics know that excess lubrication only attracts dirt and dust making your chain wear faster and get dirty easier.
So next time you go out for a ride and need to lubricate your chain, try it: one drop of your favorite lube per roller. It actually does not take long to do and you will thank yourself for not spraying chain lube all over unnecessary parts!
It’s that time of year again. You’ve been looking at your bike hanging upside down all winter. You’ve been telling yourself the past few weekends that you need to go out for a ride.
You know your bike needs work, but remember what happened last year when the four week wait at your local shop prevented you from enjoying spring weather. So you’re thinking about skipping the tune up and just going for a ride.
The important thing is not to be deterred from actually getting your annual tune-up. It is very important for your bike to be checked by a professional mechanic. Things like tire condition, cable tension, frame inspection, brake pad wear and drivetrain condition are just a few of the important safety items that need to be looked over.
It’s inevitable that shops get bogged down with spring weather. Each shop only has so many mechanics and they can only get so many bikes done each day. Do yourself a favor and plan ahead. If you know you have a ride planned in a few weeks, call for an appointment right away.
Just make sure to do yourself a favor and let a professional tune your bike this spring. It’s worth the time and money to make sure your bike is ready to ride. You know you want to go for a spin, but first make sure it’s safe to do so.
Our Global Logistics Manager, Sean Peotter, maintains a fleet of hundreds of bikes and thousands of spare parts divvied up among support units and warehouses all over the world. On top of that, Sean rebuilds our entire fleet every couple years! He makes it look easy, and this is his story.
Humble Beginnings
I started wrenching in 1992 at Oshkosh Cyclery. It was sort of inevitable as I was the kid who spent summers hanging out in the shop, looking at all the cool bikes. It’s here that I really started to define my love of mechanics. I then moved to the Twin Cities in 1996 for college, and so began my 10-year stint at Penn Cycle. I was able to work under my brother, the store manager, and I moved up through the ranks by attending numerous industry events.
The most impressionable experience was the Shimano SLD Program. Shimano enabled employees to be transferred from the company headquarters in Japan to work in shops around the world. We were lucky enough to get Daisuke Nago. Daisuke was an engineer, directly responsible for creating many of the parts that we use on bikes today. Daisuke was with us through the winter months as he wanted to see the extreme conditions their components had to endure in the winter. There’s no better place to test extreme weather conditions than Minnesota. I was then lucky enough to attend the 2004 Shimano Mechanics SLD Summit in Florida. It was a great experience that provided an environment for mechanics from all over the US to discuss common issues and resolutions. As far as Daisuke goes, I still communicate with him today. I’m looking forward to taking my family there to meet him and his family someday.
Rising in the Ranks
I have lots of pieces of paper after being in the industry for over 20 years. Shimano, SRAM, Mavic, Trek. One of my most important, though, is my USAC Mechanics Certification. For this I spent one week at the Olympic Training Center and attended numerous classes; lots of classroom time, but also good hands on time. It’s here that you learn to understand what it is like to be a race (or ‘neutral’) mechanic. They don’t teach you mechanic skills; you need to have that base before you come. They refine your knowledge to a specific style of mechanics. It’s here that my passion for race mechanics started.
While working for Penn Cycle I was asked to provide Neutral Service for the women’s road races at the Nature Valley Grand Prix. I had never done anything like it before, and my team made it though by the skin of our teeth. We went through over 60 wheel changes in that race, resorting to changing tubes and “recycling” the racers wheels back into the mix. It was mass chaos, but I was hooked. It is from this experience that I saw the need for a proper Neutral Support company in the Twin Cities. I founded OnSupport, and through AMAZING support from Trek Bicycles I was able to provide support for any level pro cycling race in the US. OnSupport was in operation from 2005 – 2011, when I started working for Trek Travel. Actually, it is because of OnSupport that I am working for Trek Travel now.
Fate
It pays to know someone. Years ago I worked with Jon Vick back in the Twin Cities at a local Trek dealer, Penn Cycle. He thought I would be a good fit for tech support at cycling event out in California in 2009. TT was there and I guess I caught their eye because they asked me to help out at the Tour de France in 2010. Eight months later I was hired as the Global Logistics Manager. Nearly five years later and I couldn’t be happier. My favorite part of the job is training: I love teaching new guides and old guides how to work on bikes. Bike mechanics is second nature to me, and I want to share that with as many people as I can.
A Day in the Life
Let’s look back to the 2013 Tour de France in the Alps. During the third week of the race we were running 8 units, 24 guides, and 1 logistics crew (consisting of myself, our president Tania, and my pregnant wife). All together there were about 200 riders on the road at any time. I had the additional task of “Trek Travelizing” our viewing venues and making sure that operations in the US were still running smoothly. Days were 16-20 hours each, spent driving up and down various iconic mountains. I drove up and down Alp d’Huez 13 times in two days. Did I mention there is a lot of driving?
Plenty of late night drives to get bikes to certain trips before they start, needing to get up the mountain before the Gendarme close it to cars, etc. I have had many uncomfortable conversations with the Gendarme trying desperately to get through their barricade because you have day-bags for 150 guests that will be riding up that climb in the morning. I also can’t count the number of times I’ve slept in the van on the top of a mountain, or in some field at the base of Tourmalet. It’s pretty much the norm: uncomfortable sleep, no showers and cold food. But I wouldn’t change it for the world. I work in the most picturesque places of the world, and I get to make a venue look simply amazing for guests that just rode a long way to watch the greatest sporting event race by.
My logistics van is organized chaos: spare bikes, extra parts, pop up tents, water, food, beer, beer, beer, bike stands, locks, banners, flowers. You name it, I have it with me; and if I don’t have it, I’ll find it if you need it. I’m the guy in the background making sure that the chaos is never seen. I do it with a smile on my face not because I have to, but because I genuinely have it there. I love making people happy, I really do. And it isn’t all van camping. I often get to stay in some of the most luxurious hotels and chateaux that I have ever seen. It is those times that surely make up for the others. This job has taken me to places that I would have never gone and for that I am extremely grateful. It was only fitting that in one of those places, on top of Alp d’Huez, we announced my wife was pregnant.
We talk about our bikes all the time. You hear us say how excellence comes standard on all of our trips, with our first class Trek Bikes included in the price. We brag about the Trek Domane 5.9 with Shimano Di2 Electronic Shifting. But for those of us who aren’t racers, who don’t spend free time reading gear reviews, and can’t understand the technical jargon, we find ourselves wondering what it all means.
So I’m here to break it down for you – to put into layman’s terms what makes the Trek Domane the best bike for you. It’s a top of the line road bike, but it is perfect for riders of all abilities. If you’re used to riding a hybrid, the switch to a Domane is nothing to lose sleep over. If you’re an experienced rider, the Domane will be something to write home about.
First, the Trek Domane is equipped with Di2 electronic shifting. While this may sound intimidating, Di2 stands for ‘Digital Integrated Intelligence’. The shifters will look the same as those on your road bike at home, but they will function better. Instead of having to move the lever to switch gears, the Di2 system allows you to change gears with simply the ‘click-of-a-mouse-button’. This makes it easier for people with small hands. It makes shifting effortless. It allows you to focus on enjoying the ride rather than worrying about gear malfunctions.
Secondly, the Trek Domane is an endurance fit road bike. You’ll hear shop guys and techies talk about the relaxed geometry and higher head tube. But to break it down, endurance fit simply means the Domane is a smoother ride. Rather than being stretched out and bent over, the Domane allows you to sit more upright if you wish. It is the perfect solution for long rides or multiple days in the saddle.
Lastly, the smooth ride provided by the Domane will keep you coming back for more. The Domane is equipped with an IsoSpeed decoupler. Never heard of a decoupler? Neither had I. It’s a fancy term that means the seat tube is isolated from the rest of the frame. What you really need to know is that it absorbs a lot of the road vibrations. Combined with padded handlebars, every road is instantly transformed into brand new blacktop.
Ultimately, if you’ve always wanted to try a road bike but are nervous about making the switch, this is the bike for you! Its tires are just as wide as the tires on our hybrid bike, so you don’t have to worry about stability. And I think we’ve established that its smoothness is unparalleled. Without sounding too cliché, riding the Trek Domane is as easy as riding a bike!
As for the racers who are reading this, the Domane is Roubaix-tested and race-ready. Fabian Cancellara rides the Domane and has been on the podium in his last 12 monuments. It has even been in yellow at that famous race in France during the month of July. I assure you this bike will make you feel like a champion.
And just in case you fall in love with riding this bike on one of our trips (after all, you wouldn’t be the first one), you will receive $300 off a 5 or 6 series Trek Domane or Madone, or Project One purchased at your local Trek retailer.
If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.
Don’t see exactly what you are looking for or looking for a custom date? Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735
What is the Difference?
Ultimate Luxury:
Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.
Luxury:
Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.
Explorer:
These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.
Combined:
On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of Explorer and Luxury hotels. Rest assured, no matter which hotel level you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.
Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).
Level 2:
Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).
Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).
Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).
Level 3:
Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).
Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).
Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).
Level 4:
Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).
Gravel: 4+ hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).
What are your trip styles?
Classic - Reserve:
Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.
Classic - Signature:
Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.
Classic - Discover:
Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.
Ride Camp:
Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.
Pro Race:
See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.
Cross Country:
Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.
Self-Guided
Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.
Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself
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