Old 02-08-16 | 12:33 PM
  #20  
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79pmooney
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Joined: Oct 2014
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From: Portland, OR

Bikes: (2) ti TiCycles, 2007 w/ triple and 2011 fixed, 1979 Peter Mooney, ~1983 Trek 420 now fixed and ~1973 Raleigh Carlton Competition gravel grinder

I didn't see where you are located. If rain can happen - fenders! If dusk or darkness can happen, a really bright jersey or vest that comes down far enough in back that it is actually seen. A real pump, one that you won't mind using in either of the scenarios I just mentioned, ie a full frame pump. (When it is dark or wet, failed tire repairs happen a lot more often. And every one is another opportunity to use that pump which is either a joy or a curse. Yes, if you have a willing missus, you can pull out your cell phone, but after the dirt stains in her car from that first rain bailout, there may be repercussions.)

Don't for a second think that tire liners, slime, kevlar and all the other anti-flat devices are going to mean that the flats at bad times won't happen. You are trying to keep roughly 6 times atmospheric pressure in a thin rubber membrane. That is not an equilibrium state! Flat is!

So, fenders. (They will keep your bike and clothes a lot cleaner even with no water.) A bright vest or clothing. (I use a cycling reflective vest and put flashing taillights on the waist strap at teh forward corners of my hips to be seen by cars pulling out of side streets and oncoming cars turning left.) And a full complement of tire essentials. (I use full frame pumps and bring 2 tubes, a patchhit and tire irons. AusTexMurf's items are excellent but the brand really doesn't matter. (I use none of his suggested brands but the equivalents are all there.)

Ben
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