Most clients that I work with have at least one bicycle break-down story. Most involve a flat tire that they were unable to repair and had to walk a considerable distance to get back to their vehicle or to a spot where a loved one or friend could pick them up. These issues can go from bad to worse depending upon cell phone service availability, poor weather conditions, and the loss of daylight. That is why having a small emergency repair kit on your bicycle is crucial. Below are suggested items to have with you on every ride.
BIKE BAG – There is a wide assortment of bike bags to choose from depending on the type of riding you do. Long-distance bikepackers who may be camping can use large bags called “panniers.” However, most recreational riders only need a small bag that can easily fit under their seat or even be attached to the front of their handlebars. This allows you to carry essential tools and supplies should you need to repair something.
TIRE LEVERS – These are essential for aiding in the removal of a tire from a wheel rim. When a tire is flat, you use these to help free the tire from the side of the rim to allow access to the innertube. The end hook allows you to secure it to a spoke thereby allowing you to use another lever (if needed) to peel the tire off the rim. In most cases, you only need to get one side of the tire off the rim to access the tube. Levers come in different sizes, colors, and are generally inexpensive. My recommendation is to always use levers made from high tensile plastic so they do not bend when used.
SPARE INNERTUBE – Having at least one innertube on your ride is a smart strategy. Having one assures a complete fix without having to apply a patch on a puncture. Also, a new tube provides a piece of mind in the case you suffer a major blowout that may be too large for a patch. There is nothing wrong with carrying two tubes if the size of your bag will accommodate them. Be sure to have the proper size tube for your tires. You can find sizing by looking on the side of the tires.
PATCHES – Punctures can be sealed up with various types of patches. The easiest ones to use are those that are pre-glued and are applied to the puncture like a sticker. Other kits have a small tube of glue and patches to seal up punctures. To cover all your bases, carry an extra tube (as described above) and patches. This helps in a worst-case scenario when both tubes may have punctures.
CO2 TIRE INFLATER – An easy and effective way to inflate your tires is with a small CO2 tire inflater. This is a device that a small, compressed air cartridge screws into that then attaches to the tube value. Make sure that you are using an inflater that is compatible with your tire valves. A Presta stem is a skinny stem with a small top nut and a Schrader stem is thicker and the exact type you see on car tires. Many are interchangeable like the one pictured below.
Compressed Air Cartridges – These cartridges are the source of air for the inflater. They come in varying sizes and are disposable when emptied. They are not refillable. Using this type of inflater is more portable and easier than carrying and using a frame pump.
MULTITOOL – A folding multitool is handy to have because it has hex wrenches of varying sizes, and in most cases, a Philips and flathead screwdriver. These are helpful to have because the allows you to adjust your handlebars and stem, saddle position, derailleur limit screws, and make other quick adjustments.
Aside from the emergency repair items, it’s always advisable to keep other key items in your bag as well, such as cash, a portable cell phone battery with cord, and adhesive bandages. Putting together an emergency repair kit is an easy way to avoid being stranded somewhere on your ride. If you are in the Lancaster, PA area and would like to purchase a complete emergency repair kit for your bike, give me a call or schedule an consultation appointment for me to assess your needs and give you various options I can put together for you. You can also schedule a lesson with me to learn how to make emergency repairs so you are fully prepared during a breakdown. Thanks for reading and be sure to subscribe to this blog below to receive an email with every informational post.
Helfrich Bicycles 