Hitting the road?

Gear you need to be prepared for any situations

This is a great time of year to hit the road, explore new places, with less crowds and better dirt.  With that we want to help you pack. Here is a list of tools, parts, and equipment to take with you so that you are prepared in for most situations and have a killer bike trip.

Planning ahead is going to be key in helping you have a successful bike trip.  It will also help you save time and money when it comes to getting repairs done, especially if you can do some of the work yourself or have the parts on hand to do the repair. This can also help save you a trip into town if you are camping in a more remote location.

Parts that may be hard to find: 

Derailleur hangers are specific to each bike and/or brand of bike and may be hard to find. Your derailleur hanger is designed out of softer metal to allow it can bend or break so that your frame or your derailleur does not become damaged. Therefore, it is a good idea to grab one from your local bike shop before you hit the road.

Another good thing to have with you is a couple of extra spokes cut to the proper length for your wheels. This is something that is also specific to wheels you are running and not all shops will have what you need or the ability to cut spokes to the proper length.

With the current parts shortage brake pads have even become increasingly hard to find, especially if you are running Shimano brakes. Getting an extra set is also a good idea.

Easier to find parts that will save you a trip to the bike shop: 

Having an extra tire or tires depending on what tire combination you are running would be very helpful. If you get a large puncture and/or sidewall tear it is great to have a backup tire on hand. If you are going to change the tire/tires you will also need sealant and pump capable of reseating the tire on the rim.

Extra tubeless valve and valve cores can also be a good idea to throw in the toolbox in case you lose one or it gets gummed up and/or starts to leak air.

Tire plug kit to patch smaller holes in your tire if the hole is not large. This is great just to throw in your pack or SWAT box.

Derailleur cable and cable ends are also handy to have. You never know when you may crash and damage a cable or loose an end which can negatively affect shifting.

A chain quick link that is another thing to throw in your pack. This is nice to have incase you break a chain. You can use the quick link to patch up your chain to get back to camp.

Here is a list of tools needed to do small repairs or minor adjustments. Some of these items are just make servicing your own bike easier (such as a bike stand).

• Set of allen wrenches
• Bleed kit (would be if you and more advanced mechanical skills. You would also need the brake fluid)
• Valve core remover
• Bike stand
• T-25
• Torque wrench
• Grease
• Multi tool/chain tool
• Spoke wrench
• Zip ties
• Duct Tape
• Rim Tape
• Tire levers
• Pedal wrench

These are just a few recommendations of things that we have found to be extremely helpful to have with you while traveling.