🔥 “What kind of a bike should I bring to Burning Man?” 🔥

1. Bring a “Decent” Bike, Not a Dumpster Fire

Yeah yeah, people say “just bring a junker!” — but guess what? If your bike sucks, your burn might suck too. Your ride is your lifeline out there. Aim for a reliable, comfortable bike that actually fits you. Think single-speed beach cruiser with fat tires, or a mountain bike if that’s what you’ve got. If you’re flying in and can’t pack a bike, rent a good one in Reno — your butt and sanity will thank you.

2. Bring a Lock (or Prepare to Play “Find My Bike: Playa Edition”)

Burning Man is full of love, light… and people who accidentally ride off on bikes that aren’t theirs. Lock yours up even in your own camp. A cheap combo lock or a “word lock” is perfect. Grab a couple extras — trust me, someone’s going to lose theirs by Day 2.   More detail.

3. Light Yourself Up Like a Disco Octopus

At night, the playa turns into pitch-black outer space, except with more lasers, art cars and bicycles. If people can’t see you, they might run you over — and no one wants to be an accidental speed bump. Slap some lights on your bike, your body, your hat, your unicorn tail… whatever.  Just be visible and make it fabulous.

4. Flats Happen – Be Ready

A spare tube and a pump in camp can turn a crisis into a minor hiccup. Either learn how to fix a flat (YouTube it before you go), or find a bike repair camp like Bike Gods. But showing up prepared = playa pro move.   How to fix a flat.

5. Get a Comfy Saddle — Your Butt Deserves It

You’re going to be riding for miles. A broken or ripped saddle = regret..  Also: black vinyl seats turn into frying pans under that desert sun so consider a soft, saddle cover. Avoid saddle-to-butt blisters. Trust.   The most comfortable saddle for the playa.

6. Lube It Up (Your Chain, People)

The playa dust is savage — it’ll dry out your chain faster than a Vegas divorce. Bring some wax-based chain lube like White Lightning or Rock N Roll, and apply it daily. Smooth running chain = happy bike = happy you.   How to properly lubricate your chain.

7. Kickstand Hack: Tennis Ball Time

Kickstands are essential, but on the soft playa they often sink in and your bike falls over. Stick a tennis ball on the end of your kickstand to stop it from sinking in (cut a small slit in the tennis ball and jam it on). Or get a kick stand with a wide foot already attached. Either way, your bike will stay upright like a champ.

8. Fat Tires = Playa Power

Skinny tires get swallowed by soft dust like it’s quicksand. You want tires that are at least 2” or wider — beach cruiser tires are perfect. Think float over, not sinking in.  Best tires for the playa article.

9. Get a Basket or Rack — It’s Your Trunk

Your bike is basically your desert pickup truck. You’ll be hauling water, costumes, ice, glitter, emotional baggage, etc. A front basket or rear rack makes your life 10x easier. Trust the cargo gods.

10. Pimp Your Ride

Decorate your bike so it stands out — not just because it’s fun, but because you will park it in a sea of 10,000 other bikes. Lights, flags, fur, googly eyes, glow worms… whatever screams “this is my two-wheeled art beast.” You’ll spot it easier in the chaos, and it’ll look awesome doing it.