Are you prepared for the unexpected?

by Sean T. Peotter, Owner OnSupport Neutral Service, USA Cycling Licensed mechanic

As a former service manager at a local shop, I used to give seminars on basic maintenance and road side repair. One of the items that I covered was what to bring with you when you are riding. It always surprised me how many people did not know how to use the tools that they carried with them. During the sales pitch many people would buy what the salesperson recommended and I am sure that there were great intentions to learn what is all in that seat bag. Well it’s not too late.

For many of you out there a seat bag with a few misc. items will be able to keep you on the road if the unexpected happens. The most basic things that one should never be without are:

• Spare tube (Keep it in the box, or in a good plastic bag to prevent damage to the rubber)
• Patch kit (I like the glueless type as you do not need to worry if the glue has dried up)
• Tire lever(s) (I prefer the Quick Stick brand. You only need one!)
• Multi tool (Park Tools’ IB-3 has most everything you need in a tiny package)
• Nipple wrench
• Presta valve adaptor
• Mini chain tool (If it is not integrated with the multi tool, Parks’ CT-5 is a great work horse)
• Extra master link/pin (There are many different types. Have what is correct for your chain)
• CO2 (Have 2 if you are not carrying a pump)
• $20.00
• License
• Cash/Credit card

You can store all of this in a small to medium sized seat bag. If you have a bit larger bag you can also store your energy items in it as well. Better in the bag, then half melted in your jersey pocket! You will never find me without these most basic items. But just because you have them doesn’t mean that you know how to use them… right?

Keep your eyes and ears out for seminars that happen through your cycling community. Many shops offer free seminars that go over what you need to know when/if you have a breakdown. Some shops may offer Park Tools’ Park Tool School. Here you will find trained professional mechanics teaching classes on how to maintain your bike. If there is not a class near you or one has recently passed, Park Tool has a fantastic webpage with tool/repair how to’s. Here you can not only learn the correct way to adjust a derailleur, but how to cut a chain correctly.

I can’t guarantee that you’ll make it home if you have a breakdown but if you have these minimal items you stand a much better chance of riding vs. walking home. And who doesn’t want to be the hero when their friend breaks down and needs to borrow a chain wrench? I know that I would defiantly feel obligated to bring over a cold Fat Tire sixer someday if I had borrowed that tool!