Bikes & Equipment FAQ

We offer high-quality E-bikes in step-through or step-over options, hybrid bicycles, high-performance road bicycles, and gravel bikes, with availability varying by destination. To explore your options, please visit our Bicycle Line-up page for details specific to the location you're considering.

Bicycles are provided as part of your tour package—no additional cost required.

Yes! E-bikes are a guest favorite, offering a great way to enjoy the ride with less effort. While basic biking skills—such as mounting, pedaling, shifting, and dismounting—are still required, the motor assistance makes climbing hills and keeping pace with seasoned cyclists much easier. You can also ride unassisted by turning off the motor, allowing the E-bike to function like a standard bicycle. If you're unsure whether an E-bike is right for you, we recommend visiting a local shop for a rental or demo. Most tours do offer road bikes as another bike option, but we do not recommend choosing a road bike if you are not an experienced road bike rider at home due to the drop handlebars and brake position.

Our rides are planned so that battery recharging during the day isn’t necessary. Each evening, batteries are charged to ensure you start the next day with a full charge. Trip leaders will provide recommendations for riding efficiently and in case of unexpected needs, they will ensure a solution.

Most of our tours follow paved or packed gravel roads and paths, making road bikes a suitable option for guests who regularly ride them at home. However, select tours feature terrain better suited to E-bikes, and road bikes may not be available. Road bikes have drop handlebars and uniquely positioned brake levers when compared with flat handlebars, so we recommend choosing a road bike only if you're an experienced rider and confident navigating varied surfaces. For tours featuring rougher roads, we’ll equip road bikes with wider, treaded tires for better traction and comfort. We do not recommend riding a road bike if you are not used to riding a road bike at home.

We'll ensure your bike is adjusted for a comfortable and safe fit. However, for safety reasons, we cannot add, modify, or swap components such as stem extenders, cranks, shifters, or handlebar extenders.

We use your height—based on the manufacturer’s guidelines—to select the right bike size. Before your tour begins, all we need is your preferred bike style and height. Once you're on tour, our team will make any fine-tuning adjustments to ensure the perfect fit.

Bicycle touring involves inherent risks and requires sound judgment and attentiveness. As a cyclist, you are responsible for your riding behavior and the condition of your bicycle.

🔧 Bike Condition

VBT technicians inspect and tune all provided bicycles before each tour.
If any issues arise during your ride, promptly notify your tour leaders.

🛣️ Road Safety Tips

• Obey all traffic laws as if operating a motor vehicle.
• Use hand signals when turning, slowing, or stopping.
• Yield to pedestrians and ride in the same direction as traffic.
• Maintain a straight course near the road’s edge—avoid riding too close to the curb.
• Ride single-file and keep several bike lengths between you and the rider ahead, especially downhill.
• Brake gently using both brakes simultaneously. On descents, pump brakes to prevent overheating.
• After riding through water, dry your brakes by gently applying them.
  Ride at a speed you can safely manage.
• Avoid sidewalks and always stay alert for vehicles approaching from behind.
• Do not look behind while riding or attempt left-hand turns—dismount and walk across.
• Dismount to cross railroad tracks.
• Watch for parked cars pulling out or doors opening—look for signs of occupancy and try to make eye contact.
• Stay at least five bike lengths behind moving vehicles.
• Be cautious on wet or sandy surfaces and avoid potholes, metal grates, and other slippery hazards.

🧢 Safe Bicycling Practices

• Helmets approved by ANSI or SNELL are strongly recommended and provided.
• Wear bright, visible clothing and avoid loose garments that may catch in the bike.
• Use protective eyewear. If you wear corrective lenses for driving, use them while cycling and ensure they fit securely.

We handle all bike logistics between rides, so you won’t need to worry about heavy lifting during your tour. Occasionally, you may need to walk your bike short distances or lift it slightly when making sharp turns from a complete stop.

Always secure your bike and gear with the provided lock and use the designated storage area at your hotel. If your bike is stolen, contact your leader or Local Host immediately for assistance with next steps, including filing a police report and arranging transportation to your next destination.

Yes! We’ll help install your pedals and saddle when you arrive at your destination.

If you are bringing your own saddle, there is no need to pack the seat post.
If you're bringing your own pedals, remember to pack a pair of sandals or loafers for breaks and sightseeing, especially if your clip-in shoes aren't great for walking.

A crucial reminder: please bring clipless pedals and shoes only if you are already familiar and comfortable with using them. They should only be used if you're accustomed to them at home and primarily with a road bike. For E-bikes, clipless pedals are generally discouraged.

We include a mirror, reflectors, rear blinking clip-on lights, bell, helmet, phone holder, pedals and toe cages, saddle and a bike bag (size dependent on bike style). Some of our bikes will have a water bottle cage on the bike and other bikes will have a water bottle pouch on the bike bag depending on the style of the bike. If you like to ride with an odometer, GPS device (Garmin, etc.), gel seat cover, your own saddle or pedals, you are welcome to bring your own. Please note: toe cages should only be requested and used by experienced bikers.

Larger bike bags are not available for road bikes because they are not compatible with the bike’s frame and mounting system. If you have more belongings to bring with you during the day, you are welcome to store them in the support van.

You are welcome to bring your own odometer, GPS device (Garmin, etc.), gel seat cover, your own saddle or pedals, helmet, lock, or repair kit if you prefer to carry your own.

Our bikes are built with your comfort in mind! Our step-through E-bikes ensure the most relaxed riding posture. Elevated, slanted, and swept-back handlebars eliminate the need to lean forward, so you can ride without strain. Prefer a more aerodynamic position? Our road bikes offer dropped handlebars for those who like a sportier feel and step-over E-bikes are available on some tours and are more dynamic and a good middle range between the step-through E-bike and the road/gravel bike.

Our E-bikes feature wide, padded comfort saddles for a smooth, relaxed ride. Prefer a sportier feel? Our road bikes come with narrow, low-friction seats favored by seasoned cyclists. If you have a favorite saddle at home, please feel free to bring it on tour with you!

On Guided Tours, your tour leader will handle any necessary repairs.

On Self-Guided Tours, you or someone in your group should be prepared to change a tire using VBT’s supplied equipment.

On Guided Tours, your tour leader will handle any necessary repairs.

On Self-Guided Tours, you or someone in your group should be able to manage minor fixes, such as:

• Changing a tire
• Reattaching a bike chain
• Adjusting brake pads

For more serious issues, your Local Host can recommend the nearest bike shop, provide phone assistance, or come out to perform the repair if needed.

On Guided Tours, your Trip Leader handles all repairs—no need to carry tools.

On Self-Guided Tours, we provide a trip kit with:

• Two tubes
• Tire levers
• Hand pump
• Multitool.

Plus, you’ll receive:

• A bike bag
• Helmet
• Rubber phone mount for navigation.

VBT generally does not recommend bringing your own bicycle on tour. If you choose to do so, please notify us at least 100 days prior to departure.

You will be fully responsible for:

• Assembly, disassembly, packing, and maintenance of your bike
• Any transportation arrangements and related costs, as VBT cannot assist with these logistics

Our Trip Leaders can provide only basic support and will handle your bike with care, using all available security and anti-theft measures. However, VBT cannot be held liable for any damage while your bike is on tour.

Before deciding, we strongly encourage you to:

• Research potential travel, assembly, and maintenance expenses
• Keep in mind that VBT’s cancellation policy applies without exception, even if bringing your bike proves challenging or costly

If you’d like to personalize your ride without the added complexity, we recommend bringing your own saddle and pedals instead.

It is not possible to swap bikes during your tour, so please review your bike selection before departure to ensure the correct size and style are ready upon arrival. If you’re unsure which bike to choose, consult the Ride with GPS route notes included in your Final Travel Documents, available 21 days prior to your tour. These notes will help you assess ride difficulty and make any necessary adjustments to your bike choice before your trip begins.

For Guided Tours, your Trip Leaders will handle the charging.

For Self-Guided Tours, you will be expected to charge your own E-bike. Detailed instructions will be included in your travel materials, ensuring you have everything you need for a smooth experience.

On our Vietnam tour, the best way to immerse yourself is on a non-motorized bicycle. With flat, scenic roads and breathtaking views, it's easy to keep the pace relaxed, traveling together as a group and stopping often to explore, take photos, and truly savor every moment. Since the roads are flat, E-bikes aren’t necessary for a relaxed and enjoyable ride. While we carefully select our routes, road conditions can vary and are generally not up to the standards of Europe or the U.S. Surfaces may include a mix of pavement and packed soil, potholes are not uncommon, and defined lanes aren’t always guaranteed. That’s why we provide sturdier sport bikes with larger tires and front suspension—to ensure comfort, stability, and confidence on every ride.

Our E-bikes feature pedal-assist technology and are governed to a maximum speed of 15 mph for safety and comfort. You may push beyond that limit using your own power.

Most countries and states require individuals to be at least 14 years old to operate an E-bike. However, regulations may vary depending on the destination. If you plan to bring a minor on tour who will be reserving an E-bike, please contact us in advance to confirm eligibility and ensure compliance with local laws.

We’re happy to provide a complimentary water bottle for your Biking tour, but we encourage you to bring your own bike-sized bottle. It’s a simple way to help reduce plastic production!

Water bottles are not included on Walking or Discovery tours.

Ride with GPS (RWGPS) is a bike-route mapping and navigation tool. VBT has partnered with Ride with GPS to bring you custom downloadable GPS route notes. Ride confidently with included turn-by-turn voice navigation and custom maps, right on your iPhone or Android.

Yes! Ride with GPS is available on all of our biking tours.

You will receive an email 21 days prior to your departure instructing you to log in to your MyAccount. Once you log in to your MyAccount, you will navigate to your Final Travel Documents to access the Ride with GPS route notes. You will be prompted to download the app and enter a “shortcut code” to gain access to your routes. When you’re ready to begin biking, just attach your phone to the provided mount, and let the voice navigation guide you.

Unfortunately not. You will receive the most up to date maps and routes at that time.

No. For simple navigation, an account is not required. Creating a personal Ride with GPS account is an option if you wish to save your rides.

Custom paper route notes and maps will continue to be available to VBT guests on tour.

Ride with GPS works on either iPhones or Android phones.

No. Prior to your departure, download the maps and routes. This will make them accessible offline. The Ride with GPS app uses no data for navigation and can be used while your phone’s cellular data is off.

The app uses some battery. You can conserve battery by taking the following steps: download the maps for offline use before you arrive, turn cellular data off while riding, keep the screen off as much as possible when not in use, turn off other apps, reduce screen brightness and charge your phone whenever you have access to an outlet. We recommend bringing a portable cell phone power bank to recharge your phone on the go. We also recommend a local electrical adapter if traveling to a foreign country (see your MyAccount for details).

Yes, but you should not need to see the map unless you want to stop and turn your screen on to look at it. You will use the turn-by-turn voice navigation. A visual cue for a turn notification will flash over the lock screen to go with the audio alerts.

You have the ability to upload Ride with GPS routes on your own personal cycling computer. You will receive an email 21 days prior to your departure instructing you to login to your MyAccount. Once you login to your MyAccount, navigate to your Final Travel Documents to access the Ride with GPS route notes.

In most countries, you can use earbuds to hear the navigation. Please check with your Trip Leader to learn about the local laws regarding the use of earbuds while cycling.

If you wish to save your personal rides and view them after the tour, you can create a free Ride with GPS account before your tour begins. Then, once you finish navigation at the end of a ride, you will be prompted to save that ride. You have the option to name it or it will default to the date of the ride.

VBT will provide a universal mount that fits most standard-sized phones.

The VBT Ride with GPS route notes may include extra rides that are not listed in your itinerary. These are optional extra rides if you want more mileage!

If you have downloaded the app and are running into issues, please contact [email protected] for support. While on tour, your Trip Leaders are available to offer you assistance.

If you go off course with your phone’s mobile data on, Ride with GPS re-routes you back on-course, like a car's GPS.

If you go off-course, with your phone’s mobile data off, the app gives you a notification sound and a written prompt to get yourself back to the route from where you left it. You may wish to stop and look at the map on your phone’s screen.

Email technical questions specific to Ride with GPS to [email protected] and put “VBT TOUR” in the subject line.

Your access to VBT maps and routes will expire 30 days after you activate the shortcut for Guided tours, and 60 days after for Self-Guided tours.

If it rains, we suggest you keep your phone protected in a waterproof pocket or in your own waterproof case made for this purpose.