Standard Backup Kit

28 Monday May 2012

Tags

kit, lock, patch kit, randonneur, saddle bag, tire change, tools, zip tie

I have had a few mechanicals in my day, and learned long ago that it is wise to be prepared. As such, I have a small bag on all my bikes that contains the basics to get me home after a flat or other minor mechanical. This is a view of the two kits I use on my commute bike and rando bike. The basics are all here, and include:

Spare tube for tire
Tube patch kit (for more than one blowout)
Tire Irons
Zip Ties (cheap fasteners)
Tape (ditto)
Chain tool
Basic hex wrenchs
Phillips and flat head screwdriver
Seat cover for leather Brooks B17

Commute bike bag

I have a few extras in my randonneur bag:

Lock/Cable
Cargo net
Spare Change
Knife
Handkerchief
First Aid supplies/Ibuprofen
Latex Glove/Rag

Randonneur Tool Kit

Now if I’m on a long solo ride, or camping trip, all bets are off. I would have more kit for more extreme rides, no doubt. This stuff is the basic safety net I have with me all the time, however.

Wheel Carrier

08 Thursday Dec 2011

Posted by Stonehog in Cycling

≈ 1 Comment

Tags

bicycle wheel, brooks, honjo, rim, rivendell, Synergy, transport, velocity, wheel carrier, zip tie

Wheel Carrier, a set on Flickr.

I had to carry a rim home tonight, and could not devise a good way to put it on the front rack. This seemed to work out pretty well, and I got home with nary a scratch.

I used zip ties to try to keep everything snug and rattle-free (at least on the fender). I had done this method of wheel transport before, and every bump bounced the bottom of the wheel off the fender. Tieing it down really helped this time.

I had to watch how close I got to traffic, parked cars, and other bikers, but it wasn’t a problem. I did have a bit of scratching on the top where the rim was held by the straps and buckles. This was likely due to the rim coming in contact with the metal seat loops that the bag straps use. Nothing a light sanding won’t remove, but a slight annoyance in the occasional rattle department.

Next – on to the build…