Frequently asked questions about cycling around the world

We often get questions about the trips we made, the sort of bikes we use etc. etc. We have collected these questions and the answers on these pages. However, if you have a question about ‘cycling around the world’ you’re always welcome to ask! .

FAQ’s about iceland

Hello, I am planning on biking around iceland, and was hoping you could recommend a bicycle and supplies. I’ve been looking into some foldable/portable bicycles. Are these good for this type of trip, and would you recomend any particular type?
Maybe only a very good quality foldable bike with larger wheels would be usable in Iceland. Once you want to get off the main road, the pavement changes into rough dirt. A normal and strong bike with wider tyres is better here. ( Keyword : iceland )

I am planning to cycle iceland in July/august, just as you did. i know that weather can be extremely unpredicatable at anytime of year there – how was it for you? also, was it easy enough to camp off the side of the road and not in campsites?? Also – would you recommend cycling iceland, or do you think it would be eaiser and better to see the country hiking and hitchhiking?
The kind of weather we had can be found on this page http://www.cyclingaroundtheworld.nl/iceland/ie_iceland.htm Far away from farms, villages and towns it’s generally easy to find a spot for free camping. Otherwise it can be difficult. Yes, I would really recommend cycling (what other advise would you expect on a cycling website ;-)) ( Keyword : iceland )

Can you obtain gas canisters for stoves that screw into the canister with the canister then acting as the stove’s base in iceland?
Yes Camping-gaz and Primus gas (I assume you mean those) is often available at petrol stations and sometimes in the local shop. You can also buy them at the Reykjavik campsite. ( Keyword : iceland )

Did you find most people speak english there? Did you hve to pack quite a large cuisine in bike packs since doesn’t look like many stops along the way..along long gravely roads? I am very interested in this biking in iceland..
Yes almost everybody speaks English It’s not necessary to carry food for more then 2-3 days. All small towns have shops. ( Keyword : iceland )

I’m not an experienced cyclist. Is it possible for me to visit Iceland by bike?
Cycling in Iceland doesn’t have to be challenging. Most of the roads are paved and not very steep. You can put your bike on a bus at many towns. The interior however is rough to travel by bike. Be prepared for wet and cold weather year round. ( Keyword : iceland )

Is it worth it to cross the dessert as you did? the road is awful I have read.
Yes crossing the interior is worth it. The Kjolur road isn’t really that bad. We did it on hybrid touring bikes. The northern half is even partly paved. ( Keyword : iceland )

How did you find the river crossings in the interior route? I will be cycling alone and I’m a little nervous about river crossings with my bike, panniers etc.
On the route we took ( the Kjölur highway) there were no real river crossings… You may get your feet wet but that’s just it. The other inland highway routes are more challenging though…. ( Keyword : iceland )

Your question about ‘cycling around the world’ not here? you’re always welcome to ask! .