In brief
- Choose a bike according to the surface you will ride on most. In Latvia this is often asphalt combined with gravel and forest roads.
- On a long ride, the correct size and properly adjusted contact points (saddle, handlebars and pedals) matter more than the type of bike.
- Wider tyres at lower pressure are more comfortable and safer on gravel than narrow road tyres.
- If you will be carrying luggage, you need low gears and mounting points for a rack or bags.
Start with the surface
On a longer ride that lasts from morning to evening or for several days, a bike’s shortcomings become noticeable. What was acceptable for an hour begins to hurt in the hands, back or seat after six hours. Therefore, first consider which surface you will ride on most.
In Latvia, many cycling routes follow minor asphalt roads, gravel roads and forest roads, and sometimes sandy sections as well. A bike that handles all of these surfaces well is usually more comfortable on a long ride than one that is excellent on only one of them.
Types of bike
| Type | Tyres (approximate) | Best surface | Strengths | Weaknesses |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Road | 25–32 mm | Asphalt | Fast, light | Gravel and sand are uncomfortable; often no space for a rack |
| Gravel | 35–50 mm | Asphalt and gravel | Versatile, fast on gravel, usually with mounting points for bags | Less comfortable than a mountain bike on a difficult forest trail |
| Touring (trekking) | 35–50 mm | Asphalt and gravel | Stable with luggage, often with a rack, mudguards and lighting | Heavier |
| Hybrid (city and fitness) | 32–45 mm | Asphalt and level gravel | Upright riding position, simple | On a long ride, a straight handlebar allows fewer changes of hand position |
| Mountain (MTB) | Around 2,1–2,6 inches (53–66 mm) | Forest trails, sand, root-covered paths | Grip, control, wide tyres | Slower on asphalt; harder to carry bags with full suspension |
| Electric bike | Depending on type | Depending on type | Helps on climbs and in headwinds, less tiring | Heavy; battery charging must be planned |
If you need a bike both for day rides and for multi-day trips on mixed surfaces, a gravel or touring bike is usually the most suitable. If most of the route follows forest trails and sand, it is better to choose a mountain bike without rear suspension (hardtail), as it is easier to attach bags to.
What matters more than the type
Size
Frame size is determined by height and leg length, but each manufacturer has its own size chart. If you can, try the bike for at least half an hour before buying, not just a lap around the car park.
Tyres
A wider tyre at lower pressure absorbs gravel road vibration better and sinks less in sand. The maximum tyre width depends on the frame and fork, so find out how wide the tyres that fit them can be. Look for the correct pressure within the limits indicated on the tyre sidewall. With luggage, slightly higher pressure is needed.
Gears
With luggage and tired legs, a low, easy gear is more important than a high one. If on a climb you have to push the pedals hard even in the lowest gear, the bike is geared too high for carrying luggage.
Mounting points
Threaded mounting points for a rack, mudguards and bottle cages make a multi-day trip much easier. For how to arrange luggage, read the article Carrying luggage and bags by bike.
Adjust the contact points
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Saddle height
When the pedal is at its lowest point and the ball of the foot is on it, the knee should be slightly bent, not fully straightened. If your hips rock from side to side while riding, the saddle is too high.
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Saddle position
The saddle should be level or nearly level. If it is tilted forwards, body weight slides onto the hands.
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Handlebar reach and height
While riding, the arms should be slightly bent at the elbows and the shoulders relaxed. If your neck or palms begin to hurt after an hour, the handlebars are too far away or too low.
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Grips and saddle
The saddle is a very individual choice: the widest and softest is not always the most comfortable. On a long ride, padded cycling shorts and the ability to change hand position on the handlebars are also useful.
Before setting off
- The brakes work and the brake pads are not worn
- The chain is clean and lubricated, and the gears change without skipping
- The tyres are at the correct pressure and have no cracks or embedded sharp objects
- The bolts of the handlebars, saddle and rack are tightened
- The lights are charged and the reflectors are in place
- For an electric bike, the battery is charged and the charger is with you if you plan to stay overnight
- Repair kit, water and food
Requirements under the Road Traffic Regulations
In the dark and in conditions of insufficient visibility, a bicycle must have a white light at the front and a red light at the rear switched on. A bicycle must also be equipped with reflectors: yellow at the sides, white at the front and red at the rear. Cyclists up to the age of 17 must ride wearing a fastened helmet. For adults a helmet is not mandatory, but on a long ride it is a sensible choice.
You will find routes for longer rides in the section Cycling routes. The routes show their length and can be downloaded in GPX format.
