Cycling in Tibet

Although cycling in Tibet has great physical and psychological challenges, it is common to meet cyclists in Tibet (both men and women) riding everything from single-speed Chinese-made bikes (brand name 'Flying Pigeon') to full suspension carbon bikes and aluminium tandems. As the average altitude of Tibet is over 4000m, the oxygen content is only 2/3 of that in Mainland China and the air pressure is also lower. Besides, the weather is usually changeable. Sometimes, you will experience four seasons in a single day. As most places of Tibet are mountain areas without habitant and around 90% of the roads are just dirt and the passes are steep and drawn out on switchback roads, some form of mountain bike with a strong frame, knobbly tyres, and an extra low 'granny gear' is the best.

Every year, many Chinese cyclists from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu and so on cycles to Lhasa through Qinghai-Tibet highway, Sichuan-Tibet highway, etc. Among the cyclists to Tibet, there are a few elders over 60 years old. When they arrive at Lhasa, some of them will spend a few days in Lhasa and then take a train or flight out of Lhasa. While some of them will continue cycling to the foot of Mt. Everest, or Ngari of west Tibet, or other places of Tibet. There is also no lack of foreign tourists braving the challenge of cycling on the roof of the world. Carrying huge backpacks, they try very hard to ride forward or stop to record the charming scenery by their camera. Some foreigners will just cycle in and around Lhasa, but some will cycle from Lhasa to Kathmandu.

If you are planning to cycle in Tibet, you should not only need a mountain bike, but master some techniques on repairing bikes. You will also need to take the standard cycle touring tools that fit every nut and bolt including a multi-tool set (with chain breaker, relevant Allen keys, spoke wrench), a few spare chain links and a 15mm adjustable crescent. Make sure you can turn every nut (including the 10mm hex bolt that may be holding the crank arms onto the bottom bracket spindle). Consider taking one spare rear derailleur per group.
 
You will also need extra spokes (in two lengths - back and front wheels are generally different), spare gear and brake cables and numerous puncture patches with adhesive. Take one spare tyre between two people and two spare tubes each (make sure you test all spare tubes before leaving home!).

Take a decent lightweight lock. Having a cyclometer/altimeter adds to the fun. With Tibet's dry and dusty terrain you will need to lubricate your chain and front shocks regularly. Helmets are optional but do make riding downhill with the weight of full panniers behind you a lot safer.

Know all the sounds your bike makes and when a new sound appears figure out the source and eliminate it as soon as possible. You must know at least how to repair a puncture, and change spokes, cables and chain links.

Moreover, you need a tour guide to company you all the journey as no foreigner is allowed to travel in Tibet without a tour guide.