Widely considered one of the best forms of exercise, an eco-friendly form of transportation, and a grand adventure, cycling has effortlessly pedaled its way into the hearts of enthusiasts all over the world.
This love, whether you’re using your bike for exercise, transportation, or regular activity, stands up to a lot of regular wear and tear. And just like anything, unfortunately, pieces are bound to break, puncture, and pop. Routine maintenance and visits to your local bike mechanic can help reduce the number of accidents, but inevitably it will happen now and then!
Now while there is a vast selection of sturdy and well-built bike tires, even the strongest options will not stand up to everything. So, it’s best to be prepared for bike tire repair before it happens.
Our experts have compiled a list of some of our must-have bike tire repair kit items, that will hopefully help you out the next time you run – or rather, roll – into trouble.
The Essentials:
(Small Kit for Short-Distance Rides)
In all instances, it’s not reasonable to bring along everything you might need to repair your bike. But some items from your kit will come in handier than others!
These items are ideal for shorter work commutes and leisurely weekend rides, nothing too serious. But long enough that a damaged tire could cause a big headache!
Multi-Tool
Something you should always have in your kit, a quality bike-specific multi-tool. This offers specialized wrenches and designated screwdrivers to fit any bolt.
Air Pump
When you start to notice your tire losing air pressure, a portable air pump can give you the boost you need to get to your destination.
Rag or Cleaning Cloth
When performing repairs, whether quick or thorough, you are guaranteed to get a bit dirty. By having a rag with you, especially on commutes, you can make sure you arrive ready for work meetings by tidying up.
Utility Pouch with Basics
Whether you choose to store things in a backpack or under your bike seat in a pouch. Make sure you have somewhere to put items in an emergency. By doing this, you’re guaranteed to have the basics with you at all times. such as sandpaper, rubber patches or your patch kit, a tube of sealant, and a metal scuffer.
Keychain Flashlight
Not really related to tires, but this can be quite useful whenever you get caught with a flat tire in the dark. You don’t want to rely on your phone for light, in case of battery loss.
The Exceptional:
(Big Kit for Multi-Day Rides)
For the avid cyclist looking to go on long bike rides every weekend, these tools should enable you to maximize your cycling experience. In addition to the tools mentioned above, here are other parts and tools that deserve a spot in your bike repair kit.
Specialized Nuts & Bolts
You never know when you might need to replace something!
Spare Spokes
Look for the ones you can easily zip-tie to your bike frame.
Spare Tube
Since some tubes can become too damaged or worn-out to patch, bringing an extra would do no harm. When packing a spare tube, double-check that it’s of the same size as your current ones and that it has the right corresponding valve.
Tire Levers
This tool simply enables you to remove the damaged or affected tire from the wheel. It easily does half the effort when prying the tire from the rim, allowing you to have access to the tube, should you need to patch it up, or change it entirely.
Basic First-Aid Supplies (Band-Aid, Cotton, Alcohol)
If you have a flat tire or other bike components that need repair, there’s a high chance that you may have taken a tumble along the way. Make sure you have what you need to patch your tire – and yourself – you won’t regret having it along!
The Home Kit:
(For Major Repairs)
For the dedicated cyclist with some serious damage to their tires, these handy tools will help you repair a bike tire in no time, in the comforts of your own home.
Floor Pump
Effortlessly pump air into your tire with a designated workhorse such as the floor bike pump.
Bike Repair Stand
No workstation is complete without a bike repair stand! Simply mount your wheel on the sturdy tool, and tinker away.
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When deciding what tools to bring, always consider your destination and how long you plan on staying in that area – will there be a bike mechanic there? It also helps to travel with a buddy, so you can lighten your pack whenever you go out for a ride! After all, cycling is more fun with companions. Just be sure to have the right bike repair tools!
As always, it’s better to have and not need, than to need and not have.
