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Laden for an autumn tour complete with a heavy DSLR, lenses and a tripod – since replaced by a light mirror-less camera

Unless the gears on your bike are suitable for the terrain you will be riding, you will find yourself struggling up any hills. It is always better to have a low gear in reserve than a high gear you never use and typically this means having a cassette with the largest sprocket having virtually the same number of teeth as the smallest chain ring – say a 28 or 30 tooth sprocket with a 34 or 36 tooth chain ring. However, if you explain where you are going to the folk at your local bike shop and tell them about the biggest climb you are likely to encounter, they will be able to fit the gears you need.

It is always advisable to have your bike serviced a couple of weeks before your trip, allowing sufficient time for any worn parts to be replaced and run-in before your departure. Some people will have the knowledge and tools to do this themselves; otherwise your local bike shop will be happy to do this for you.