Dave through the Americas - Mechanical Problems?

Dave, I'm wondering what you have done to prepare for any mechanical issues you may come across. Have you ever replaced a spoke? Trued a wheel? Or fixed a bent derailleur hanger?

I would love to do long distance touring, but I have no mechanical skills. I can hardly true my own wheels. I’m confident cleaning my bikes, and doing monthly tune ups, for anything slightly major, it’s off to the LBS.

Well Joe, its funny you should ask because this subject is something I've been thinking about lots in the past couple of days. As a matter of fact, I just got back from the LBS a couple hours ago. I got my wheels trued for the trip and got some extra spokes. Its only the 3rd time I've had the wheels trued since I've had the bike.
I try to learn as much as I can about mechanics since it will just be me and the machine out there. I bought Zinn's Art of Mountain Bike maintenence in the fall and I am embarrassed to say I haven't looked at it much at all. But I like to ask the LBS as many questions as possible, as well as address certain issues here on BF.
As far as what I can do. I learned how to roughly true my wheels using the break pads and a keen eye. It takes some practice, but I think you can save lots of money learning how to do this, and cut your LBS truing down to just when absolutely necessary or when getting the bike fully tuned.
I learned how to replace spokes too. I've done this twice. I just learned, however, that there are different sized spokes on the tires! But the LBS told me its not a huge thing to worry about unless you are rebuilding your wheel. I guess there are 3 different sizes. Rear, Rear casette side, and front.
I haven't messed with replacing cables or tuning the deraileur yet, but I probably will learn all that soon enough.
I try to keep the bike nice and clean and lubed, but I slack sometimes. I think when I get into the touring routine, it will be easy to throw bike maintenence into the mix.
As far as what I am bringing, I go off of common sence and experience (what little I have) and the advice of others. I am bringing 6 extra spokes, 6 extra chain links, one extra break pad, tubes, patch kit, 1 extra tire for bike and 1 extra tire for BOB.
Speaking of tubes, I've learned that many cyclists like to just toss the tube after a flat. I think thats rediculous and would much rather prolong the life with use of patches.
I am also bringing grease, lube oil, a small tube of anti-seize grease for the pedals and suspicious screws.
I just went out today and got a spare deraileur cable and a casette tool off of Catfish's recommendation.
I think I will be bringing a small crescent wrench for the pedals and of course my Alien Multitool. I also have a leatherman.

I think that about covers it. I think I will take my Zinn Maintenance book for the flight to read through then send it back home when I reach AK.

I am not sure if you can be completely prepared for everything. I wish I could say I was, but who knows. I am a little nervous about how the 414 miles of gravel road to Fairbanks will wear on my bike.

Dave

You might want to pack another brake pad or two. If it rains the pads could get worn real quick riding thru gravel.

I have one extra. And I probably don't have one of something I might need. Thanks for the tip though. Man, this stuff is heavy! I can't wait till it starts supporting itself more!

Dave