Consumable Bike Parts - B'ham to Paris

bails1310

Planning a charity ride next Spring / Summer.

Does anyone have any advise on what sorts of spares we would need to carry.

Bikes in question will be less than 1 year old at the point when we do it although they will have done a few training miles by then.

Do I really need to take 1 x everything that my give up the ghost? Alternatively how easy is it to get parts / repairs for things you dont decide to take when over there?

Final question, are there any documents that you need to be able to ride in France like insruance or anything country specific?

Many thanks.

amaferanga

A couple of spare tubes.

andymiller

You shouldn't need anything beyond spare inner tubes - but it would be sensible to check chains, tyres etc for wear before you leave. Check that the wheel spokes are properly tensioned (or get a bike shop to do it). A Park tyre boot, a couple of SRAM links and some spare bolts might not be a bad idea.

In France there is a requirement to wear high-viz if you are riding at night or in poor visibility outside built-up areas.

nicktheluddite

spare brake cable, spare gear cable, spare brake pads are all small and light - but if you maintain your bike properly then you'll know they are OK before you go. Cable ties are useful for bodge repairs and don't take up much space. You'll be in well populated Northern Europe - there are bike shops everywhere, they can fix everything.
I'd just take a few inner tubes and a decent pump which can get your tyres back to proper pressure.

Wirral_paul

I'd add a couple of spare quick release chain links and any spare links you may have from shortening the chain.

Depending on if you're carrying your own gear or have back-up would dictate additional spares to me. Spare tyre, spokes etc if you have a back-up vehicle

Hoopdriver

I agree with the above - a couple of spares, a patch kit, and a spare link for your chain. Check everything before you go, bring a multi-tool (with a chain tool that actually works) along with a couple of cable ties, to bodge things just in case, and you should be fine. Carrying a small bottle of chain lube can be handy smetimes, especially if you find yourself riding through the rain a lot or in chain-hostile conditions - nothing more irritating than a squeaky chain.