Emma Karslake

Emma Karslake
Emma is a mechanic, adventurer and bike guide. An avid wilderness camper, she spends half the year criss-crossing Europe by bike, on foot or swimming.

Articles

Lake Annecy swimming adventure (story + practical info)
By Emma Karslake

Paddling in Lake Annecy could not be easier, but swimming across it takes some preparation. In this article, I tell you about my adventure and propose a rather special map of the lake. Is swimming a funny idea? When you travel by car, bike or on foot, you usually know where you’re allowed to go […]

[TUTO] Repairing a tubeless tire with a wick
By Emma Karslake

Punctures: a cyclist’s nightmare… With a tubeless installation, you can limit roadside repairs. A good preventive will seal small leaks on its own, and for larger ones, you can use a wick. Here’s how to repair your tubeless tire. Watch the video tutorial Tubeless: how does it work? Unlike a conventional tubeless tire, a tubeless […]

Changing a bicycle chain – Complete step-by-step tutorial + video
By Emma Karslake

Changing a chain may seem technical, but with the right tools and a few tips, there’s nothing to worry about. A worn chain can affect smooth gear shifting and can break. So it’s essential to know how to replace it. Follow this step-by-step guide to carry out this operation and extend the life of your […]

Invoxia Bike Tracker test – Our opinion on this GPS tracker for bikes
By Emma Karslake

I tested Invoxia’s Bike Tracker over several weeks spent cycling in France and Germany. Here’s my verdict on its performance and ease of use. My summary What I liked What I liked less Video summary How can Invoxia’s Bike Tracker be used? Invoxia’s Bike Tracker lets you geotag your bike at all times. The small […]

DIY – Make and transport your own bike cover for the train
By Emma Karslake

To travel by train in Europe with your bike, it’s often necessary to put it in a cover. In this article, I’ll show you how to make your own carrying case from a tarpaulin, or how to transform a cheap protective cover into a carrying case that’s easy to attach to your bike’s fork, so […]

Ventete aH-1 helmet test – Folding helmet for urban cyclists
By Emma Karslake

A foldable, inflatable bicycle helmet that takes up only 10% of its volume when deflated: incredible, isn’t it? I tested the Ventete aH-1 bike helmet and give you my opinion. Test video summary My summary What I liked What I liked less Who is this helmet for? The Ventete aH-1 has been designed to offer […]

Dismantle your bike to take the train – Complete tutorial + video
By Emma Karslake

Wearing a bike cover is essential for stress-free rail travel throughout Europe. It’s important to dismantle it correctly and take a few precautions. Here’s a detailed guide to help you do just that. Video tutorial The equipment 1. Dismantling the bike The maximum dimensions of a bike bag transported by train vary slightly from country […]

Bicycle repair kit – 4 lists of tools to take with you on your outings
By Emma Karslake

To really benefit from the autonomy of a bicycle, it’s best to be equipped to deal with a puncture: so a tool kit is essential. But what should you pack? In this article, I propose 4 lists of tools to carry, depending on your type of outing. Complete bike tool kit video 1. Small repair […]

Changing an inner tube on a road bike tire – Complete tutorial + video
By Emma Karslake

Changing an inner tube is the first thing you need to learn if you want to cycle independently. On a mountain-bike tire, it’s pretty straightforward. On narrow road tires, there are a few tricks you need to know. Watch the beginner video tutorial The tools The base Extra tools Remove wheel Shoe brakes (where the […]