Being organized makes repairs faster, and it keeps your workplace safer.įor the beginner, these tools are a great start: Then draw an outline of each tool so they go back in place after use. If you have the space, hang a tool board – the kind with holes and hooks – on your wall. This makes repair work easier and more precise. Still, when you are working on your bike at your home repair shop, it’s better to have full sized tools. The amazing thing about mini-tools is that you can complete a ton of repairs with such a compact device. Third, on muddy days, the on-bike pack seems to be a mud magnet. Second, an on-the-bike pack might affect in-air bike handling – probably mostly psychological, but I “feel” it. Yes, it’s a bit of extra weight, but IMO, it’s worth it.ĭo you carry your tools in your waterpack or a pack that hangs on the bike? I prefer the waterpack. I admit I like carrying a stand alone chain breaker apart from the multitool. When you’re tired and have to split and splice a chain in the woods, it can be a real pain. Side note: I have a thing about chain tools. The metal can damage the rim and the pointy tip can damage the inner tube. If you have 2-3 levers it makes the job easier, but one will do in a pinch.ĭo not use a screwdriver to get the tire off. These are commonly included in multi-tools as well. It’s a neat trick to do this without the lever, but for a really tight tire bead, a lever saves you from lots of frustration. This hard plastic stick helps you remove the tire. Plus, when you get home, make repairs if possible to any tube you stashed in your pack. If you experience a large gash or valve damage and don’t have a spare tube, then you’re walking home.īTW, always pack out your trash, including used tubes. Also, some tube damage can’t be fixed with a patch kit. On the first flat, I just swap out the tube. You might be asking, “Why do I need a spare tube if I have a patch kit?” Well, even a weight weenie like me carries a spare tube. You don’t need to be fishing around and unrolling the tube while other racers pass you by. Also, slightly inflate your tube and tuck it into your water pack bungee cord. Learn to use CO2 at home first before taking it to a race. It’s not really necessary for normal trail riding though. Racer tip: Consider a CO2 cartridge pump. Remember to clean and roughen the patch area with sandpaper first. Let the glue dry before you apply the patch. You have to apply glue to the innertube, let it dry, then apply the patch. Glue patch – It’s beefier but more time consuming.Fast glueless patch – Like a glorified sticker.A tool-pump combo is more likely to break than help you on the trail. Don’t get a pump that does anything else but pump. Also, make sure the pump head fits your valve ( Presta vs. Make sure the pump will fit in the pack you use. Hand pumps are offered in a wide range of sizes and shapes. Not fun, but I learned to fix a flat fast. I once remember having to change a flat FIVE times in one ride. This is by far the most common trailside repair.
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