Maybe you have not been a bike lover so far, but the freedom of movement and absence of need for fuel sources makes a bike a perfect Bug-Out bike for preppers and a fitness tool for your exercises.
Being independent is crucial because mountain bike adventures frequently take you to locations where you are the only person and your bicycle. When driving is no longer possible and you need to bug out, mountain bikes can be a useful tool for preppers.
Additionally, some training and plenty of trial and error are required for this. The weight and your capacity to ride with it must be taken into account. The bike’s load must be perfectly balanced. To carry more items from your bug-out bag, invest in panniers.
However, riding will undoubtedly take you to places where you must be ready to handle problems on your own. Riding gives you a lot of freedom for alternative movement. It is not complicated, and you will mostly rely on the few necessities for bikers.
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14 Ways To Change Your Normal Bike into a Bug-Out Bike!
You can choose to buy a bike and turn it into a bug-out bike or you can buy a bike intially with its end purpose in mind.
A bike is a versatile means of transportation for emergencies and survival situations, requires a few key modifications and preparations. Here are steps to help you transform your bike into a bug-out bike:
- Choose the Right Bike Tires and Frame:
- A mountain bike with robust tires and a durable frame is a good choice for off-road and varied terrain. Upgrading tires is a smart idea.
- Security and Transportation:
- Invest in a quality bike lock to secure your bug-out bike when needed.
- Consider a bike rack or trailer for carrying essential gear and supplies.
- Maintenance (Bike Tools):
- Carry essential bike repair tools and spare parts like inner tubes, patch kits, and a multi-tool.
- Other Customizations:
- Add fenders to protect yourself from mud and debris while riding.
- Install a comfortable saddle and handlebar grips for long-distance riding.
- Attach a bike-mounted water bottle holder or hydration pack for easy access to water.
- Lights and Visibility:
- Equip your bug-out bike with front and rear lights, especially if you plan to ride during low-light or nighttime conditions.
- Use reflective tape or clothing to increase visibility.
- Cargo and Storage:
- Install panniers, saddlebags, or a cargo rack to carry essential bug-out gear, including food, water, clothing, and tools.
- Consider using dry bags or waterproof panniers to protect your gear from the elements.
- Navigation and Communication:
- Mount a handlebar-mounted GPS device or smartphone holder for navigation.
- Ensure you have a charged and protected cell phone for communication.
- Self-Defense:
- If you are concerned about personal safety, carry non-lethal self-defense tools like pepper spray or a whistle.
- First Aid Kit:
- Pack a compact first aid kit with essential supplies, such as bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any necessary medications.
- Survival Tools:
- Include survival tools like a multi-tool, fire starter, emergency blanket, and a compact stove in your gear.
- Carry a compact water filtration system for purifying water from natural sources.
- Clothing and Protection:
- Wear appropriate clothing and protective gear for the weather conditions and terrain you might encounter.
- A helmet is a crucial safety item for riding.
- Food and Water:
- Stock non-perishable, high-energy snacks in your gear.
- Carry a reusable water bottle or hydration bladder for staying hydrated.
- Emergency Information:
- Store important documents, contact information, and maps in a waterproof container or bag.
- Security and Discretion:
- Consider camouflage or other strategies to make your bug-out bike less conspicuous during an emergency.
Remember that a bug-out bike is only as effective as your ability to use it. Regularly practice riding, navigation, and essential survival skills to ensure you can rely on your bike when needed during an emergency or bug-out situation.
A Starting Place – One Possible Mountain Bike Option
With so many options on mountain bikes we are just choosing this one option for those looking for a starting to think through what this would cost and entail. With the thick frame and tires this could make a great bug-out bike!
Definetly do research and consider all the ramifications behind doing this. The cost is well worth it if your car doesn’t work in a crisis situation, this could be a life-changing asset added to your prepping list.
Mongoose Malus Mens and Women Fat Tire Mountain Bike, 26-Inch Bicycle
Seamless gear transitions with the 7-speed shifter, ensuring smooth and effortless changes for a more enjoyable riding experience.
Conquer any terrain effortlessly with the fat, knobby 4-inch wide mountain tires that effortlessly roll over obstacles, while the light and strong 4″ alloy rims provide durability and agility.
Stay in full control out on the trail with the alloy A-head stem and mountain handlebar.
6 Main Crucial Things You Can’t Miss!
1. Spare Tubes
Whether you intend to use a conventional or electric bike for adults, they may be cumbersome to transport, but they really come in handy when a tire blows out.
The same holds true for tubeless tires. What happens, for instance, if your tires are beyond repair and there is no indication that help might be on the way? You will undoubtedly be saved if you have the proper size inner tubes with you.
FANSPRO 2 Pack of 26 Inch Bike Tube
Made from High-quality butyl rubber compound,And it hava Better air tightness, heat resistance,and durable.
Comes with 2PCS tire levers, this tire Lever help to repair a flat bicycle tire, tools are overall sleek, which will not hurt your rims when prying, and are durable for long time use.
2. Patch Kit
The small size of these life-saving patch kit should make carrying them easy. They serve to make it possible to repurpose punctured tubes.
They work wonders when it comes to patching a tire’s interior. A conventional one with a vulcanizing element or a pre-glued stick-on patch are both options. Both are trustworthy.
Bicycle Repair Bag & Bicycle Tire Pump, Home Bike Tool Portable Patches Fixes
Bike Repair Kit With Pump And Bag, Bicycle Tube Repair Patch Tool Kit. This kit includes lots of tools or all bike fixing that would be required. It also includes a pump which would be a great backup! Always having 2 of each item is good, what if your main pump stops working!
3. Portable Tire Pump
Once more, punctures will benefit from a portable tire pump. Because it is better suited for mountain bike rides, pick a high-volume option. Although high-volume pumps are the preferred option, high-pressure pumps are also an option.
Mini Bike Pump with Gauge – Portable Bicycle Tire Pump – 120 PSI
This portable bicycle pump has a switchable head to accommodate Schrader, Presta and Dunlop valves. With the 1.5” industrial precise level pressure gauge, you can inflates tire to desired pressure without extra tire pressure gauge.
4. Chain Lubricant
Take a small bottle of chain lube on your trip. Grease your chains before crossing a river or a downpour to prevent squeaking. It’s a practical item that will keep your bug-out bike operating quietly and smoothly.
Clenzoil Chain & Sprocket Bike Chain Cleaning Oil & Tool Kit
Clenzoil is engineered for cyclists seeking a quick, one-step cleaner and lubricant product with additional rust preventative additives for a complete all-in-one product. As Clenzoil Chain & Sprocket flushes out dirt, grime, and old lube, it leaves behind a light film that lubricates and protects your chain
5. Portable First Aid Kit
And finally, a first-aid kit, for obvious reasons. When riding in remote areas, it is imperative to have a survival first aid kit with you. The good news is that both online and offline retailers sell first aid kits designed specifically for mountain bikers.
If you fall and injure yourself, a first aid kit will all of a sudden be a very important item.
276PCS Personal First Aid Kit
Compact & Lightweight Basic Essentials Bag – The overall dimension of the small first aid kit is 8.94″ x 6.34″ x 3.9″ ; and weight only 1.15 lbs, it is ideal for an active lifestyle. Made of EVA water-resistant material. Perfect for camping, hiking, home.
6. Navigation
Bring your phone or, if your bike has one, a GPS tracker. This is definetly something that could help you get to your bug-out location and navigate through a stressful crisis circumstance.
iGPSPORT iGS630 Bike Computer, Waterproof Cycling Computer
The mountain bike computer is equipped with a 256-color full-fit anti-fog screen, which can preview all the slopes, slope length, difficulty and duration of your route through different colors and shapes. The bike gps supports Bluetooth 5.0 and ANT+ dual-mode protocols, and can quickly and stably link with 99% of the brand’s sensors and electronic devices on the market.
Conclusion
First-time mountain bike riders won’t have to worry about unforeseen emergencies thanks to this list. Make a plan in advance to avoid stress and maximize your enjoyment of the time you have. Tip: Get on your bike, wander aimlessly for a few days, and experience what it would be like if SHTF.
You’ll also discover how your physical state is doing and whether you need to do anything about it. It might offer a solution for the kind of prepping companion you need if you’re by yourself.
In any case, riding a bug-out bike is a multi beneficial activity that may, at some point, prove to be essential for your survival. There is no reason not to love it. So, put the pedal to the metal!