Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Flat tire thread got me thinking. . .

As I'm getting ready to do a fair amount of solo riding on back country gravel roads and little used bike paths, what kinds of emergency maintanence items should I be bringing with me? The most obvious to me was my cell phone, but I'd also thought about flat tire kits, perhaps a minimum assortment of bike wrenches. I don't want to put a hitch on my toolbox, but I want to make sure that I'm prepared for the little things that are guaranteed to happen as I roll up miles. I'm going to be getting a mountain bike and riding almost exclusively by myself out amongst the corn and bean fields.

I have an extra tube, tire iron, frame pump, allen wrench set, spoke wrench and 2 small screwdrivers. And usually a cell phone.

I got a set of three plastic tire levers at a LBS for around $4, but haven't ever actually changed a flat on a bike yet.

This video is about how to repair a puncture, but has a bit on changing a tube as well.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=79cmQlACL6s

On top of everything else, it's always a good idea to carry some sort of identification, a couple bucks, and a credit/debit card.

A Dollar bill can be folded and inserted inside the tire to "boot patch" a tear or puncture in the tire that would allow a bit of the tube to bubble out through. A piece of Duct tape or small square of Tyvek sheeting will do the same thing.

So for road riding I carry an extra tube, pump, multi tool, and cell phone.

For off road what I carry is a bit different, I generally carry several zip ties, duct tape, patch kit, pump, tube, multi tool, chain breaker, cell phone.

off road can be a bit different, due to the fact that you may have to be able to get back on a rough trail and that may require more repair than what you would need to do on a road bike.

For me:
2 tubes
patch kit
pump
CO2 cartridges (2) and inflater chuck
Mini tool
tire levers

If you forget tire levers, or they break, your QR handles work really well. Never use a tire lever to reinstall a tire.

I carry:

tube, tire levers, CO2 inflator, 3 CO2 cartridges, frame pump, schraeder to presta adapter, patch kit, bike multi tool, a folding knife, cell phone and about $50.

Never use a tire lever to reinstall a tire.

Unless you absolutely positively have to because you cannot get the tire on any other way.

Unless you absolutely positively have to because you cannot get the tire on any other way.

Agreed! Try installing 27" Continental Ultrasports without then, you're in for a surprise!:eek:

This is what I carry for wandering the mountains of Colorado

http://i144.photobucket.com/albums/r181/cyccommute/IMG_0114.jpg

Each item is selected based on past need. Additionally, I carry a knife with a good sharp blade. For remote rides, I also carry a hiker's first aid kit with a lighter and emergency blanket.

Agreed! Try installing 27" Continental Ultrasports without then, you're in for a surprise!:eek:

You need a tire plier. See the picture I posted. Third and fourth items from the left. Available here (http://www.biketoolsetc.com/index.cgi?id=103481524676&d=single&c=Tools&sc=Tire-and-Tube&tc=Tire-Levers&item_id=VR-425)

A Dollar bill can be folded and inserted inside the tire to "boot patch" a tear or puncture in the tire that would allow a bit of the tube to bubble out through. A piece of Duct tape or small square of Tyvek sheeting will do the same thing.

+1 on the boot. Got me home this year!