Roadie checklist

the playing mantis

what are the essentials (and bare minumum) in terms of bike maintenance to take out on a 50 mile run?

thanks

BobScarle

Absolute minimum:

Tube
Tyre levers
Multitool

That should see you through most things. Of course if you plan to have more than one puncture then a second tube or repair kit.

rubyrider

+ pump

SportiveRater

BobScarle wrote:

Absolute minimum:

Tube
Tyre levers
Multitool

That should see you through most things. Of course if you plan to have more than one puncture then a second tube or repair kit.

and
A pump/co2 canister
Tyre boot (small piece of tyre incase you need to patch your tyre)

ThatBikeGuy

FOOD and for bike maintenance...spare tube, levers, multitool, pump, patches, phone incase repair doesn't succeed.

arthur_scrimshaw

as above tube(s) pump or Co2 + spare cartridge, one tyre lever, basic multi tool, quick link, self sticking patches. Bit of cash and a CC. Wet wipes to ensure pristine white bar tape is unsullied by chain lubed fingers. Most important, a mobile to call in the cavalry should all else fail.

simon_masterson

As long as you have a spare tube (and a means of inflating it, obviously), tyre levers and a chain tool, you should be fine. That's assuming of course that you have quick release wheels as most people do; if you don't you will of course need a spanner.

I would advise that you plan around those things; buy a seat pack that fits them and then make good use of the remaining space. Eg. a brake cable takes up minimal space and - if you decide to take a multitool with wire cutters - saves you limping home with one brake should you snap a cable. A puncture repair kit (of your choice) is a good idea too, but hopefully you won't get even one puncture of course.

But there has to come a point at which you curse rotten luck and limp home. It's not as if you can keep a spare frame/fork/wheel/entire bike in your saddlebag. While out in the past I've broken a bottom bracket, a wheel, a rack, a freewheel, and I haven't moved onto frames, forks, handlebars or stems yet (thankfully!!!)

blackpoolkev

I like to carry a tenner and a bank card.I've done this dozens of times and never used either.

The peace of mind is nice and they don't weigh much.

andyeb

I also carry a chain tool (as my current multi-tool doesn't include one) and spare "missing links".

Drumlin

andyeb wrote:

I also carry a chain tool (as my current multi-tool doesn't include one) and spare "missing links".

I'll second that. On modern chains I only use a chain tool for removing links, eg. if one has broken. To confidently rejoin a chain I'll only ever use a missing link.

Teece

Pump
Tubes
Levers
Multitool
Food
Water
A to Z
Blankets
Radio
First Aid Kit
Shovel
Crossbow to hunt food
Plastic Bottles to store own urine
Journal

racingcondor

I take -
£10 + debit card
Tube
CO2
Pump
Levers
Multi Tool
Mobile

If I need a tyre boot then I just use the wrapper from a bar.

the playing mantis

thanks for the serious responses, im talking from a 'mechanical bike maintenance' perspective, as surely everyone with a bit of common sense would take phone, money, drink...!

so seems like spare tube, pump/c02 canister, levers, and multi tool and maybe patches are the standard stuff that i need to get. any recommendations on what to carry them in and recommendations on a good multi tool, levers and pump?

ta

AdrianStuart

Teece wrote:

Pump
Tubes
Levers
Multitool
Food
Water
A to Z
Blankets
Radio
First Aid Kit
Shovel
Crossbow to hunt food
Plastic Bottles to store own urine
Journal

You need a pen.....to write in your journal obviosuly

t4tomo

saddle bag thingy that attaches to your seat is the best thing (or jersey pockets if you're tight)

haf1zur

pump
puncture repair kit
levers
cash
card
phone
plasters or spray plasters
multi tool
missing links
spare rag
20ml oil

thats what i carry