event

London to Paris by Tour de France: Road essentials

Once we’re rolling you’ll be supported by our world class mechanics and experienced events, so look forward to being treated like a pro for 3 days!

In the meantime here’s some top tips about how you can best prefer for the LONDON-PARIS 2022.

New rubber

Hopefully you will have been putting in the training kilometres and it’s likely that your tyres will be worn, have a few cuts and nicks and, in the case of tubeless set-ups, maybe even some punctures that sealed without you knowing. Treat yourself to some new tyres now and significantly reduce your risk of having your journey to Paris interrupted by flats. 

London-Paris 2019 sign on

Disc brake pads

Treat yourself to two sets on disc brake pads. Pop one set in now to bed in and be ready for the off and pop a spare set in your luggage. You shouldn’t need to change them during the event but, if we’re treated to some sustained wet weather, it’s possible. 

Chain Quick/Missing Links

These will be specific to the make of chain/number of gears you’re running and, although our mechanics will have most types and/or replacement chains, having your own will add to your peace of mind. Make sure you bring the correct ones and, if in doubt our friends are Sigma Sports can answer most things. 

Multi-tool

If you need to tighten a bolt or adjust your saddle height, you don’t want to be wasting time asking around for a tool or taking a trip in the mechanics van.

Inner tubes

Our mechanics will have plenty of tubes of all sizes but punctures tend to come en masse, especially in wet conditions. Having your own ready to go will minimise any time spent in the mechanic’s van. 

Bottles

Bidons looking a bit tatty and worse for wear? Treat yourself to some new ones ready for the roll-out. Please also make sure you have two water bottle cages on your bike.

A spare rear mech hanger

Annoyingly there’s no standard rear mech hanger and, with the range of bikes that clients bring to our events, although our mechanics will have some, there’s no guarantee they’ll have yours. It’s unlikely on the road that you’ll damage your mech hanger but you never know and, for the sake a small outlay and a bit of effort sourcing one, it’s definitely something that’s worth having. 

Clothing for all conditions 

We’d love to guarantee blue skies and dry roads but the UK and Northern France often dish up decidedly non-summer conditions. 

Definitely throw in the following:

  • Cap 
  • Gilet
  • Waterproof jacket
  • X2 base-layers for each day (to change at lunch if needed)
  • X2 pairs of socks for each day (to change at lunch if needed)
  • Arm warmers
  • Knee warmers 
  • Overshoes
Sigma Sports at Sigma on

Click & Collect

Our Retail Partner Sigma Sports are offering a Click & Collect service for any last minute kit needs that you may have. You can order online and your purchases will be waiting for you at the LONDON-PARIS Sign On on Wednesday 20th July.

No postage costs. No fuss. Just place your order before midnight on Sunday 17 July for collection at Esher R&C Point, send your order number to [email protected] and it will be ready and waiting for you at Sign On. Simple!

Plus, Sigma’s Spend and Save offer is on:

SPEND20 – £20 off any order over £100
SPEND40 – £40 off any order over £200
SPEND60 – £60 off any order over £300

See you soon!

Read the advice above and still have questions?

Download the Hotchillee companion app where you can speak to our Ride Captains and staff 24/7. 

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