If for some, summer is just lazing around on the beach, for others it is an opportunity to get away from it all. One of the best solutions to combine sport and discovery is undoubtedly the bicycle. Practical, it adapts to all budgets and takes up little space. It also allows you to enjoy the scenery, take in the colours and have greater freedom of movement while covering many kilometres. Here are our tips for finding your faithful wheelie that will go perfectly with your pedal strokes.
Want to ride in complete freedom? Opt for the electric bike!
It's the pleasure of being able to go hiking and enjoy the scenery while saving your strength. The distances covered in autonomy can be up to 200 km. Urban, road, touring, hiking: electric bikes are ideal for all types of terrain. Another advantage: if you want to go as a couple or with a group of friends, the electric bike allows you to smooth out the levels and thus satisfy all participants!
However, it is useful to think carefully about how you want to use it before deciding. Some dealers can provide useful information on the electric bicycle for touring. Don't hesitate to browse forums or bike travellers' blogs to get an idea of the most appropriate models for your use.
For leisurely rides or to go hiking, you will need to turn more towards VTC (Vélo Tout Chemin) electric bikes. The electric mountain bike is also an excellent alternative for riding on paths and up more stony slopes. Once your vacation is over, you will enjoy using your new mount for your daily travels. Choosing a reliable bike is therefore important: the bottom bracket motorizations are the most robust. For maximum autonomy, choose a battery with a minimum of 400 Wh; 612 Wh is currently the optimal. It is also important to think about maintenance and to choose a specialist cyclist. With a network of around thirty stores in France, the Cyclable network has been specialising in electric bicycles for over 10 years.
Roaming with a bike
Even without being an experienced cyclist, cycling allows you to enjoy the people, the scenery and the 60 km in a day. There are more and more cycle routes that allow you to cross French tourist regions in several days: the Via Rhôna, the Vélodyssée, the Véloscénie... Travel bikes, offered by the German brands Kalkhoff or Fahrradmanufaktur are perfectly adapted for this type of tour and will be perfect for riding in the city once the holidays are over
Take a folding bike with you wherever you go
In the boot of the car, in the camper, on the train or on the boat, the folding bicycle can be transported, stored easily and used like a real bicycle
Sblaze a trail with a Fatbike
With a reliable Fatbike, you can ride off-road on forest roads, in sand or mud, and even on snow. Thanks to their wide tyres inflated at very low pressure, these models offer stability and real comfort of use. The Fatbike is an off-road partner that provides thrills and gliding pleasure. Associated with bikepacking bags (light bags that can be attached without luggage rack), it is the assurance of travelling in complete serenity
Travel differently with a recumbent bike
This atypical bike allows you to enjoy the scenery while being in a totally relaxed position and without tension in the cervical or wrist area. The semi-recumbent position is comfortable for the back and arms. There are different models: the classic recumbent bike, the trike renowned for its stability, or the mixed tandem recumbent bike/straight bike, perfect for riding in pairs
Cycling with your children or grandchildren with adapted equipment
When cycling with your family during the holidays, it is important to equip yourself to travel with peace of mind. To keep an eye on the children, choosing a practical and safe bike hitch is highly recommended.
The single-seater or two-seater children's trailer allows you to take children from 3 months to 6 years old. Equipped with a trunk, it is practical for taking along the day's belongings or for the ride. To ride in pairs in complete safety, the "Follow-me" tandem trailer allows you to attach a child to the back of an adult bicycle at any time. Useful for long rides, especially when children get tired or to secure a tricky section of the route
The "Weehoo" is a recent innovation: the child is comfortably seated and can pedal easily whenever he wants.
The two-carrier option is also a pleasant way to ride on cycle routes or cycle lanes, giving children a breath of fresh air while taking along what they need for the day
So what kind of cyclist for the summer will you make?