Road Essentials Part 2

Flat Repair: Be prepared for any punctures by carrying a Co2 pump or a hand pump. A Co2 pump is a small cartridge of co2 that will typically have an attachment that will be screwed onto to the tire quickly and release 16-20g of co2 into your replacement tube. This is a convenient alternative to a hand pump which will require you to manually pump air with short bursts of air. Though it may achieve the same purpose as a co2 pump, you will not need to continue purchasing separate co2 cartridges anytime you get a flat and use one up.

Tubes: Carrying at least one tube will prevent you from being stranded or left relying on a patch that could render useless depending on the size of the puncture. Consider the number of tubes you should take if you are going on a much longer journey like a century and your ride is unsupported.

Multi-tool: Got a broken chain, loose brake pads/cables, or need to tighten your seat post down? A multi-tool is just that, a pocket-sized collection of tools that can come in handy for on-site quick adjustments and repairs.

Tire levers: You will find that the experienced cyclists can un-mount a tire off a wheel and remove a tube without the use of a tire lever, but not all tires and wheels are made the same and the ease of tire removal will vary. To take out the guesswork, tire levers can be very useful tools in assisting you in un-mounting a tire and replacing a tube.

Temp patch: You will find two types of repair patches to be sold at your local bike shop. Self-Adhesive, and permanent patches that use cement glue. Self-adhesive patches are meant for a more temporary fix should you be in a situation where you’ve used your back up tube and get another puncture and need to continue onto your final destination. Permanent patches may take a longer process as it will consist of the rider rubbing the punctured area with sandpaper, applying the cement glue, allowing it to dry, and applying small pressure to the patch and area being repaired.

 

 

The key to bringing enough is to always keep in mind the number of hours, calorie needs and the weather you will be riding in and being prepared will give you the confidence should you go out on a solo ride. It will also help you not burden any fellow cyclists who may have come prepared, and help those who didn’t.