Cycling trips are becoming increasingly popular. More than 5 million people in Germany spend their holidays on their bikes. What do you have to consider when planning such a trip and how much does the fun cost? ► More information about the show on our homepage: http://www.swr.de/marktcheck ► and on our Facebook page / marktcheck ► You can subscribe to our channel here: https://bit.ly/34ebysh ► You can find out more about our eco-checkers on Instagram: / oekochecker ► Comments are welcome - but please observe netiquette: http://www.swr.de/netiquette Expensive touring bike or rental bike? Navigate using an app, map or signs? What clothing and equipment do you really need for a cycling holiday and where can you stay overnight? WHICH BIKE? Almost any type of bike is suitable for a bike tour. However, since a bike trip also involves riding on unpaved roads, you should refrain from using a racing bike with narrow tires. You also need at least eight gears so that you can make good progress uphill, as well as a luggage rack, lights and mudguards in case it rains on the trip. And the saddle should also fit - wide and soft does not always mean that it is comfortable. If you need electrical support, you can get a good e-bike for around 2,000 to 2,500 euros. But even a decent touring bike still costs around 1,500 euros. If you are not sure which type of bike is best, you can rent a bike first and maybe save a bit of money. Moderator Johannes Zenglein opts for an entry-level touring bike. Rental fee: 85 euros for five days. EQUIPMENT To be able to enjoy the tour on rainy days, you should not forget rainwear. A wind and rainproof functional jacket costs 50 euros, and rain pants are also available for 50 euros. To keep your feet dry: overshoes for 12 euros. Also important: waterproof saddle bags. The pair is available for 90 euros. Johannes Zenglein uses his cell phone to navigate so that he can keep track of things during the tour. The holder for this costs 37 euros. Alternatively, you can use the good old cycling map or simply rely on the signs. CYCLING NETWORK The German cycling network has a length of around 100,000 kilometers. 12 large routes connect the country as central axes. The General German Cycling Club classifies long-distance cycle routes and awards stars for their quality - similar to hotels. Classification is based on ten criteria, including the width, surface and signage of the cycle path. Every cycle route is reassessed after three years. A little tip: There is a good overview on the ADFC's cycle tourism page. TOUR Most cyclists plan their own tours. If you don't want to go to the trouble, there are package deals. The cheapest one that could be found would have cost 318 euros for 4 days in the off-season - including breakfast and overnight stay in a single room. In a double room it is much cheaper per person. The practical thing: Luggage transfer is included on such trips, bags or suitcases are transported from accommodation to accommodation. However, the daily destinations are fixed on such a trip. Spending the night somewhere else spontaneously is not possible. ACCOMMODATION Bett&Bike offers an overview of bicycle-friendly accommodations - 5,800 accommodations are listed nationwide. However, in order to be able to call yourself a bicycle-friendly accommodation, certain criteria must be met. The Heiligkreuztal monastery, for example, offers a room where bikes can be safely parked overnight and a room to dry clothes. Minor repairs are even carried out there free of charge. Alternatively, you can simply stay overnight at the campsite. There are plenty of these along the major cycle paths. Many also offer places to sleep where you don't have to put up your own tent - like the campsite in Sigmaringen. There are sleeping barrels with nice, soft mattresses. Cost for Johannes: 42.50 euros, including electricity. A night on the campsite costs just 13 euros here. CONCLUSION A certain amount of basic equipment is absolutely necessary. But to get started, you definitely don't need the most expensive bike. The choice of accommodation options along the long routes is huge. Cycle paths are regularly classified and checked. This is another reason why there are many well-developed routes that are easy to find your way around. Author: Fabian Nast Editor: Hanspeter Michel Image source: Colourbox #bicycletour #ebike #vacation