What supplies do you keep at work?

dinyull
dinyull Posts: 2,979
edited October 2016 in Commuting chat
Suffered 3 punctures on this mornings commute and I only carry 2 spares meaning a 2 mile walk.

I'll be honest, I just threw the first inner tube in without checking the tyre for debris which came back to bite me minutes later. Gave the tyre a once over next time and found a shard of glass, assumed wrongly this was the culprit.

So, on the walk I was considering what supplies I should keep at work: track pump, inner tube repair kit, pack of inner tubes, spare chain.

What else have I missed?

Comments

  • jamesco
    jamesco Posts: 687
    Spares at work: underwear & a pair of socks in case I forget to bring them.

    The bike always has a spare innertube, puncture repair kit (plus a spare one of those in case the cement in the open one has hardened), mini-pump and a multi-tool.

    I guess it's the luck of being in Central London, but there are 4 bikeshops within 10 minutes walk of the office and if it comes down to it, I can take the tube and leave the bike here. The tyres - Kojaks - are reasonably robust and puncture-resistant. A spare chain would be absolute overkill as I've only ever had one snap and that was halfway between home and work. Just not enough power :wink:
  • hopkinb
    hopkinb Posts: 7,129
    At work I have inner tubes, brake pads, cheap battery-powered lights, pedal wrench, pedals, cleats, grease, lube. There's a track pump in the bike storage room. I keep my repair kit in my saddle bag along with 2 tubes, quick link and a multi tool - the repair kit has saved my bacon at least 3 times. Mini pump in a pocket.
  • fat daddy
    fat daddy Posts: 2,605
    a bike tool and cash

    I work in town, so anything that breaks, i'll pop to the bike shop, buy what I need and repair it
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    Yeah, I really should carry a repair kit.
  • tgotb
    tgotb Posts: 4,714
    jamesco wrote:
    A spare chain would be absolute overkill as I've only ever had one snap and that was halfway between home and work. Just not enough power :wink:
    A set of quicklinks weighs almost nothing, and then you'll even be able to deal with a broken chain. Mine live in my puncture repair kit (which, in turn, lives in my pannier). I've never understood while some people don't carry one of these; even if you're happy to throw away your inner tube every time you puncture, without a repair kit it's only a matter of time before you find yourself in the same position as the OP.

    I keep a spare (outer) tyre at work, in case I have something like a sidewall failure. Doesn't have to new; an old worn-out one will be enough to get you home. I used to have a couple of cables (gear/brake) but used them and haven't got round to replacing...

    Edit: Also carry one more set of lights than I expect to need. That's one set in the middle of Summer (in case I end up having to stay late at work) and two in the Winter (in case one fails).
    Pannier, 120rpm.
  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Posts: 79,667
    At work? Spare tube, spare lights (little cheapy flashers).

    On bike (in a bottle storage thingy)
    - multi tool with chain breaker
    - spare tube
    - tyre levers
    - co2 and pump.
    - quick links

    Some times I ride with a backpack so I also carry
    - repair kit
    - sticky patches
    - bigger multi tool
    - another inner

    I've blown the sidewall three times in 2 years (poor brake setup went through the tyre) but can't work out how to bodge with a tyre boot. If I did I'd put one in my bottle holder thingy.
  • elbowloh
    elbowloh Posts: 7,078
    Nothing in terms of spare bits, just a charger for my lights (exposure flash / flare) and usb ports for my secondary lights.

    Spare tubes, levers, pump, spare quick link, multitool are on the bike or in my backpack. As Jamesco says, there's a lot of bike shops on the route or near work to pop out to at lunchtime.
    Felt F1 2014
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  • cruff
    cruff Posts: 1,518
    bibshorts/tights (depending on whether it's winter/summer), jersey, base layer, High5

    The rest (spare tubes, pump, quicklink, multi, tyre levers, chaintool etc) goes in jersey pockets/saddlebag (again, depending on winter/summer)

    I work in the arse end of nowhere (Rochdale) so a trip to the LBS means Halfords... eurgh
    Fat chopper. Some racing. Some testing. Some crashing.
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  • slowbike
    slowbike Posts: 8,498
    On the bike - 2 tubes and some of those instant patches - plus quicklinks, multitool, tyre boot (cut from old tyre) and a cable tie or two.

    I used to have a spare tube and cheap trackpump at work - but never used them, so they're at home again. Don't bother with anything else as I could always take the bus or get a lift - plus a mate lives on my way home and he's got enough bikes & kit to run a bike shop - so I could always borrow a spare if needed.
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    zebulebu wrote:
    I work in the ars* end of nowhere (Rochdale) so a trip to the LBS means Halfords... eurgh

    That's my problem. Despite having to walk through Gateshead town centre this morning there isn't a bike shop.

    There's a bike shop about 20mins walk from work, which I'm going to at lunch time for some inner tubes so I can get home.
  • natrix
    natrix Posts: 1,111
    Pot pasta in case I forget my lunch. Flapjack in case my energy levels are low before heading home.
    ~~~~~~Sustrans - Join the Movement~~~~~~
  • asprilla
    asprilla Posts: 8,440
    Dinyull wrote:
    zebulebu wrote:
    I work in the ars* end of nowhere (Rochdale) so a trip to the LBS means Halfords... eurgh

    That's my problem. Despite having to walk through Gateshead town centre this morning there isn't a bike shop.

    There's a bike shop about 20mins walk from work, which I'm going to at lunch time for some inner tubes so I can get home.

    I have to tale a trip to Halfords too. But given there is a door to the store directly from the bike parking, it's not a massive issue. Also, free servicing. If I'm feeling really lazy I can buy a tube and ask them to fit it.

    I've not done that. Yet.
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  • vimfuego
    vimfuego Posts: 1,783
    A couple of frozen blood bags and some vials of EPO

    .... no wait, err I mean, always have at least 2 tubes with me on the bike (plus a repair kit & some patches as well as a quick link & multitool + electrical tape). Have traditionally just carried a mini pump (easy enough to get a good amount of air in to get you to your destination) but have recently also picked up a cheap CO2 inflator, plus have a track pump in my locker in the bike park at work - guess I'm lucky that we have decent-ish facilities. As above, I'm in C London so there are at least three bike shops in walkable distance for replacement tubes etc & they usually have a track pump on hand for general use if needed (once had to replace a tyre given a mahoosive gash that appeared right across the top of one that morning). Have also accumulated various cheap tools over the years when minor mechanicals have struck - cable cutters, pliers, various hex keys & wrenches, chain lube, bottle of GT85, electrical tape, spoke key, more spare tubes, spare undies (forget them once, never made that mistake again) spare brake pads etc But then I like to fettle & fix stuff myself. I reckon you could get away with very little if you can get to a bike shop easily enough though.
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  • Pufftmw
    Pufftmw Posts: 1,941
    Tube(s), repair kit, mini-pump & multi-tool go in my backpack. Sometimes zip-ties, electrical tape but I keep using for other stuff. The other thing is a couple of pairs of latex gloves - nothing worse than putting filthy hands in nice gloves.

    At work I appear to have a tyre that came with a new wheel, couple pairs of socks and a spare pair of shoes - again nothing worse than having to get into wet shoes at the end of the day. Lucky enough to have a shower here, so change of clothes/jumper etc and I even have an iron/ironing board.
  • mtb-idle
    mtb-idle Posts: 2,179
    Nothing. Oh hang on, <checks drawer> some rehydration tablets for those odd Summer days when I'm feeling really parched.

    But I commute with a messenger style bag in which I carry:
    • spare tube - always one brand new plus usually at least one other which has either been repaired or can be repaired in a push
    • pump
    • tyre lever(s)
    • puncture repair kit
    • 10sp quick/power link
    • AA/AAA batteries for front & rear light
    • chain tool
    • multi-tool/allen keys

    I'm also lucky enough to have a locker at work but only ever leave shoes, trousers, deodorant etc in there. No bike specific kit.

    also tons of secure parking at work, circa 500 bikes in racks and the cycle rep has arranged for a track pump to be located there too which saves me stopping off at the local Ev*ns
    FCN = 4
  • Spares at work? Cup of coffee to warm up and the knowledge I'm calling the lass to pick me up in the car.

    On the road it's one inner tube and loads of repair patches, both pre-glued and simple rubber patches you glue on with the unopened glue tube. Pump and tyre levers a given. Allen keys for sizes I need them and a victorinix cyber tool. Spare front light ( front light number3). These are in the pannier.
  • prawny
    prawny Posts: 5,439
    I've got;
    Spare socks and boxers.
    2 inner tubes on the bike + 2 in my drawer at work
    Batteries
    Puncture repair kit
    Toothbrush, toothpaste and razors
    Numerous gels/tabs/drink sachets - all out of date but useable in a pinch - might have a gel tonight as I'm knackered.

    I should get a spare tyre but I havn't got round to it yet.
    Saracen Tenet 3 - 2015 - Dead - Replaced with a Hack Frame
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    Vitus Sentier VRS - 2017
  • y33stu
    y33stu Posts: 376
    At work I usually have a weeks worth of clothes as I bring them in on a Monday, home again on a Friday. But I keep spares of pants and socks. Plus I keep a towel, hair wax, deodorant and light chargers.

    On the bike, 1 tube (which at the moment is 3mm too small for my tyres) a repair kit (which I never use as I'm monumentally awful at patching tubes) multi tool, levers, pump, chain tool and pins (which won't work on the new commuting bike)

    Perhaps a visit to Wiggle is in order. I'll be in the what you've just bought thread soon...
    Cycling prints
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  • wolfsbane2k
    wolfsbane2k Posts: 3,056
    at work: (no shops other than a cafe within walking distance at lunch)
    - Clothes for the week as a minimum, towels, shower gel etc ( hangers, not lockers)
    - Spare SS Cycling shirt
    - Track pump (company owned)
    - 2x inners
    - old worn 700x23 tyre
    - tube repair kit
    - AA. AAA and CR2032 & CR2016 button batteries
    - a basic 14 piece cycling tool box & hollowtech BB spanner (bought & shared between 5 in the office for a £5 a year "subscription to use" to get a key to the cage its' in in the bike shed

    Also got access to a set of fully calibrated torque wrenches & socket set.

    Going from today's rack bag
    - 1 x multitool with chain breaker
    - 1 x combined mini spanner & spoke key
    - 1 x tube repair kit
    - 1 x scissors
    - 1 x basic first aid kit.
    - 1 x set tyre boots
    - 1 x each spare front and rear be seen battery powered lights.


    In the saddle bag on each bike (26" 9sp mtb vs 700 c 10sp road)
    - 1 x inner & tyre levers
    - 2 x pair quicklinks
    - 1 x spare rim tape
    - 1 x mechanic gloves

    Not sure why I keep the scissor with me, and a reminder I need to get more electrical tape and gaffer tape.

    (being a scout has a life time effect... "be prepared"...)
    Intent on Cycling Commuting on a budget, but keep on breaking/crashing/finding nice stuff to buy.
    Bike 1 (Broken) - Bike 2(Borked) - Bike 3(broken spokes) - Bike 4( Needs Work) - Bike 5 (in bits) - Bike 6* ...
  • imatfaal
    imatfaal Posts: 2,716
    erm...

    Spare bike on turbo trainer
    New frame hidden in boardroom cupboard
    Wheels in cleaners cupboard
    Groupset etc ready to go on above frame
    Full tool kit
    Work stand
    Wet weather kit
    Rack and Panniers

    i think I am a little bit lucky in terms of space
  • navt
    navt Posts: 374
    jamesco wrote:
    Spares at work: underwear & a pair of socks in case I forget to bring them.

    This. Nothing worse than pulling on a soggy pair of socks at the end of your work day. Underwear I am quite happy to go without :D

    Everything else I carry on the bike.

    But I work in central London - never more than a stone's throw away from a bike shop.
  • Generally carry multitool, tubes, pump, couple of quid in coins and a torch in case I have a light failure.

    At work?
    • Tubes
    • Track pump
    • Pedal spanner
    • Allen keys
    • Bike grease
    • Ein Englander (adjustable spanner)
    • Selection of bolts, screw and mudguard bits
    • GT85
    • De-greaser
    • Cone spanners
    • Loose ball bearings
    • Hacksaw
    • Loads of clothes
    • Screwdrivers
    • Torx screwdrivers
    • Folding bike, just in case :D

    I think I need a bigger desk.
  • redvee
    redvee Posts: 11,922
    In work I have charging cables for lights/phone, luckily there are days when I have access to a PC with USB ports to charge lights should I need to. No bike spares are kept in work but a couple of tubes are in the saddle bag in the pannier and a few more tubes in the pannier just in case I'm very unlucky. I do keep several pairs of socks/boxers in my locker just in case I forget my boxers or I get caught out by a quick downpour.
    I've added a signature to prove it is still possible.
  • Work
    Spare pants & socks in case I forget to bring in
    Light charger
    Sun cream (doesn't get used much!)
    Trousers and shirts (replenished once a week)
    Shower gel, deodorant towel, hair wax, toothpaste & brush, shoes

    On bike
    2 spare tubes
    Mini pump
    C02 canister
    Tyre levers
    Surgical gloves
    Couple of zip ties
    Multi tool
    Mobile phone
    Wallet
    Security passes
    Bone conduction headphones
    Maybe some food if I can be bothered
  • Ben6899
    Ben6899 Posts: 9,686
    Ground coffee and paracetamol.
    Ben

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  • imatfaal wrote:
    erm...

    Spare bike on turbo trainer
    New frame hidden in boardroom cupboard
    Wheels in cleaners cupboard
    Groupset etc ready to go on above frame
    Full tool kit
    Work stand
    Wet weather kit
    Rack and Panniers

    i think I am a little bit lucky in terms of space
    You're the boss then? Spare anything of mine in the boardroom and it's binned within minutes of the bosses coming in. Happened to bags left in the canteen. One warning then a bunch of guys climbing into a large waste skip for personal belongings. No mercy!
  • mtb-idle
    mtb-idle Posts: 2,179
    Ben6899 wrote:
    Ground coffee and paracetamol.

    I like your lateral thinking. Paracetamol and ibuprofen here too.
    FCN = 4
  • rick_chasey
    rick_chasey Posts: 72,245
    No-one's gonna own up to their desk being like this?

    maxresdefault.jpg
  • dinyull
    dinyull Posts: 2,979
    Apart from Tyson Fury, last week.
  • mtb-idle
    mtb-idle Posts: 2,179
    No-one's gonna own up to their desk being like this?

    Mine's more like this

    this-guy-did-a-photoshoot-in-a-swamp-and-now-its--2-10518-1470165983-0_dblbig.jpg
    FCN = 4