Flat tire thread got me thinking. . .

[besserheimerpha]

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.

[(51)]

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

[neilfein]

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

[JoeMetal]

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.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

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.

[UtRacerDad]

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.

[DieselDan]

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.

[Terrierman]

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.

[Terrierman]

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.

[Tom Stormcrowe]

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:

[cyccommute]

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.

[cyccommute]

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)

[root11]

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!