what the “done thing” is in terms of taking your own kit with you? I will be doing a couple of days biking so is it worth taking pads and helmet or just gloves shorts etc? I am heading out to Garmisch in Bavaria so if anyone has been recently and has any advice that would be appreciated too

thanks

Take everything you would normally ride with i.e. a helmet, bike clothing, camelbak (or equivalent) etc.

In terms of spares, if everything is in good working order then you probably don’t need any, just for a couple of days, except for the usual inner tubes, puncture rpair kit, pump, shock pump (if required), maybe a spare mech hanger. It also depends on what type of riding you do: If it’s more freeride/downhill based, then obviously body armour is necessary.

Travel insurance is also necessary.

Was planning on hiring a bike so would they not give you enough to keep you running (ie inner tubes etc)? I guess it is more of a question of what the helmets are like. I am flying wit hvery limited space, so just wondering what is worth leaving out and what is a definite. I only use shin/knee pads as I have several pin scars, not because I will be downhilling

Definitely take a helmet (if they are a responsible shop they wont let you hire a bike without one), and if you are hiring a bike, I would almost guarantee that they won’t give you any spares. So inner tubes etc are a must. Things like brake pads shouldn’t be necessary as the ones supplied with it should be in good working order.

Helmet – deifinite
Pump, inner tubes – definite
Pads – probably not entirely necessary
Camelbak with water and tools – Definite

Don’t forget that if something breaks while you are out, you will have to fix it yourself to get you home so take allen keys, multi-tool etc. Don’t rely on the hire shop to kit you out as they almost certainly wont.