The trip is just weeks away, and your bike should already be thinking about the desert. Here’s what to check before boarding the plane to Mojácar.
Preparing your bike for the Titan Desert Almería 2026 is not the same as prepping it for a road ride or even a standard mountain bike marathon. Sand, fine dust, and terrain shifts, ranging from fast tracks and ravines to stretches along the coast, demand a specific setup. Here is the checklist we at MASQUEBICI recommend before you board the plane to Mojácar.
Tires and pressure: Most riders opt for dual-compound tubeless tires that are slightly wider than usual to better handle loose sand and desert rocks. Before traveling, check for cuts or uneven wear, and always carry spare sealant; thorn-induced punctures are very common in the desert.
Drivetrain: Clean and lubricate the chain before checking in your bike, and inspect the condition of your chainrings and cassette. Desert dust mixes with grease to act like sandpaper, so the cleaner the system is when you arrive, the longer it will last during the race.
Brakes: Check the condition of your brake pads and don't travel with them near the end of their lifespan; they wear out much faster during a four-stage race with technical sections than on your usual terrain. Pack a spare set in your luggage, although race mechanics usually have replacements available too.
Suspension: If your bike has suspension, check air pressures and the condition of the seals before leaving home; fine dust creeps into every crevice, accelerating wear on the fork seals and internals.
Fasteners and bolts: Go over the bolts on your stem, saddle, cleats, and crank arms before the trip. Constant vibrations from dirt tracks can loosen parts that you wouldn't even notice coming loose on the road. Race-day spares kit: an inner tube or tubeless repair kit, a quick-link for the chain, spare brake pads, a spare spoke (if your wheel allows for it), and the basic tools needed for quick gear and brake adjustments mid-stage.
And above all, don't leave the tune-up for the last minute: have your bike serviced well before you travel. During the race, take advantage of the daily mechanical service provided by MASQUEBICI at the Titan Village, we check every bike each night, but the better condition it’s in when you arrive, the fewer surprises you’ll face in the desert.
