Essential gear - where to get it?

[migjet]

Hello All!

Although I consider myself a minimalist, I do recognize my need for gear! So fellow gearheads, what would you consider to be the essentials. Going lite does not necessarily mean ill-equipped.

As a DT IX owner, I am always at a loss of what to bring for my commute. I have packable rain gear, tools, lights, lunch in a rack bag. I have read the Commuting forum but want more folder-specific issues.

For those in NY, do you buy online or are there more-than-equipped stores to satisfy these needs?
Quick, before I get another bike!!!:D

[Jabberwockt]

In any urban environment. Cell phone and wallet is all you really need for most emergencies.

Plus maybe a light or 2 if you bike at night.

[SesameCrunch]

fenders?

[rhm]

In any urban environment. Cell phone and wallet is all you really need for most emergencies.

I used to know a young woman whose essential gear included a patch kit and a comb. If she got a flat tire, she'd get off the bike, take the wheel out part of the way, and then start comb her hair. Within minutes some guy would stop and offer to fix the flat. She didn't even have to get her fingers dirty.

I could never bring myself to try it, though; just not in my operating system I guess.

Seriously, though, your essential tool kit really depends entirely on the specifics of your bike. You have to look it over carefully and pick your tools accordingly.

[cyclistjohn]

I used to know a young woman whose essential gear included a patch kit and a comb. If she got a flat tire, she'd get off the bike, take the wheel out part of the way, and then start comb her hair. Within minutes some guy would stop and offer to fix the flat. She didn't even have to get her fingers dirty.


Seriously, I'd say she's got her "essential gear" exactly right, as it works on me every time - I've changed no end ;-)

[geo8rge]

In NYC a Credit Card, a knife to remove glass from your tires, and bolt cutters in case you see a bike you like better than the one your riding.

If you are not near home you need to consider what you will do if a non standard part is lost, stolen or destroyed. For example the lock on your folding mechanism. A 20" spokes, tubes or tires might be considered non standard by some LBSs.

"lunch in a rack bag." Huh, you could just buy stuff.

[cyclistjohn]

...bolt cutters in case you see a bike you like better than the one your riding.

"lunch in a rack bag." Huh, you could just buy stuff.

Brilliant, LOL ;-)


Agreed :-)

[wrafl]

I carry very basic tools with me such as allen wrench set, pump and tire repair kit. I like to bring more but that would be taking away the fun of riding if your bike is loaded. And I order stuff from a NY bike retailer, brandscycle.

[14R]

Answering the question WHERE, I believe www.bfold.com is a good, reliable source in NYC. Double check the address and see if it's near you.

I only buy things online that don't require any fit. Saddles, backpacks, helmets...all of that I only buy in person.

I suggest an extra tube, repair kit for flats and extra batteries for light if you ride at night. Check the Commuting forum as well as the Touring one for a more extensive list of mandatory gear if you plan on being outside the civilized contect.

14R.

[spambait11]

Pump?

Mini-crescent wrench?

Extra chain links?

Chain tool?

[Bacciagalupe]

You don't need anything folder-specific. A bike is a bike is a bike. I use the same exact gear for my road bike as my folding bikes.

I carry in ye olde saddlebag....
- cell phone
- duplicate credit card
- duplicate health insurance card
- cash
- keys
- multi-tool with a chain tool
- CO2 inflator (or use a pump)
- tire patch kit
- energy bar
- Chapstick
- cash

That pretty much covers me for anything short of a one-week tour.

Actually BFold doesn't carry a big line of accessories, too much hassle for him.... He'll have or can get any folder-specific stuff though.

[migjet]

Wow!:) I did not expect this much. Thanks to all.

You are are right to mention the cell, Jabberwokct.
SC, fenders are a must and always on.
rhm, i have short hair - this trick won't work for me (maybe)
geo8rge, I could save the weight and buy lunch.
I will try to checkout bfold, 14R(this will temp me to get a brompton!, for my girlfriend:p )

Bacciagalupe is right - 'A bike is a bike is a bike.'

[DaFriMon]

As a maximalist, who doesn't mind lugging a bit extra around, I don't know if I can answer on your own terms. My approach is to buy a lot of extra junk that looks like a good idea at the time. Then I get saddle bags and other bike luggage in several different sizes, so I can carry as much as I think I need to for different kinds of trips. If some new gizmo turns out to be a total waste of money, I flatly deny ever having bought it.

Yes, I always carry a cell phone, some cash, and credit cards, but I'd rather not have to call for help or buy a ride home.

[maunakea]

To Bacci's list of essentialis, I would add:

a whistle, to call attention if needed (item on every backpacker's list)
spare tube (tubes are so cheap, I only fix flats if I flat the spare tube)
cable lock (for stops at Walmart)

and since I do bus-time on multimode days,

music loaded into mobile phone
web access on phone (see what PB and NB have on sale)
Koss PortaPro folding headphones (incredible bass for unsealed HP, perhaps too much for some)
miniature headphone amp with rechargeable Li ion batteries (charge them twice a year)
electronic dictionary (why not study)

[folder fanatic]

I am suprised that no one is discussing the unique folding bike specific items that one takes with him/herself on any trip, no matter the length. I take along at least one soft bag and/or slipcover so that I will not be stopped and refused entry with a bike-even a small wheeled one. I sometimes take a wheeled device-like a luggage cart or a skateboard or skateboardlike device-to ferry the bike over a large distance (like a downtown train station or airport) which helps me not to become needlessly tired out. If I am traveling around and will be separated from the bike, check-in rather than carry-on, I use a hard plastic or similar suitcase.

[maunakea]

ff, what type of "skateboardlike" device? My curiosity is piqued.

[pm124]

I'm in NYC, and my essentials have all been named here, but how about a peeled down list:

1) Crank Bros multi-tool.
2) 2 vinyl tire irons
3) self-adhesive patches + extra tube
4) Bike cover.

They all fit in a $7 PricePoint under the seat bag and weigh under a 300gms total. With this, I can get out of most pinches and into every business establishment. (Except the damn security guard at Essex Market makes me fold!)

[folder fanatic]

ff, what type of "skateboardlike" device? My curiosity is piqued.

I do not know what it is called exactly-except as a mover of some sort. It is square shape, covered with carpet usually, and resembles a very fat skateboard. I like to have one underneath my bed to store things.

[Foldable Two]

It is square shape, covered with carpet usually, and resembles a very fat skateboard.

Sounds like a furniture dolly. Great for moving large chests and/or small upright pianos. (Ex-Sears stock boy talking here.)

[mroli]

Pump, Inner Tube, slipcover, rain jacket, allan keys, small spanner for handlebar adjustment, tea spoon for taking tyre off, that's about it!

[jur]

Why is this year-old thread brought up?

[bykerouac]

Lol, yeah, 2 days shy of a year. Anyway one essential is a Metrocard - since you have a folder, you can easily hop onto a bus or train as a last resort.