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Bring
Your Bike from Home
Although you can buy good touring bikes in Europe, they're no
cheaper than here, and you're better off bringing a bike that
you're sure is the right fit for you, your racks, and your panniers.
Cyclists debate whether to tour on a thick-tired mountain bike
or a touring bike with skinnier tires. Mountain-bike tires are
much more forgiving on the occasional cobblestone street, but
they are more durable than necessary for most European roads and
the chunky tread design will slow you down. In addition, straight
mountain-bike handlebars will limit your hand positions, increasing
fatigue on long riding days. If you already have a mountain bike,
go ahead and take it, but add some bolt-on handlebar extensions.
Some Airlines Will Ship Your Bike for Free
To determine the airline's bike-checking policy, call the airline
directly. More airlines are charging a fee for your bike and for
the "bike box" they provide. Some airlines will fly
it to Europe free, considering it to be one of your two allotted
pieces of checked baggage. Most airlines require that bikes be
partially disassembled and boxed. Get a box from your local bike
shop, the airline, or from Amtrak (which sells cavernous bike
boxes). Reinforce your box with extra cardboard, and be sure to
put a plastic spacer between your front forks (any bike shop will
give you one). Airlines require that pedals be taken off the bike;
never leave them loose in the box. Attach them either to your
rear rack or put them in one of your panniers. You can toss in
your panniers, tent, and so on for extra padding, as long as you
stay under the airline's weight limit. Or consider a folding bike,
which packs neatly into a suitcase (Green Gear Cycling Inc. makes
a nifty "Bike
Friday," tel. 800/777-0258, www.bikefriday.com). Bring
the tools you'll need to get your bike back into riding form so
you can ride straight out of your European airport.
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