View Single Post
Old 04-19-16 | 06:44 PM
  #2  
canklecat's Avatar
canklecat
Me duelen las nalgas
10 Anniversary
 
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 13,520
Likes: 2,832
From: Texas

Bikes: Centurion Ironman, Trek 5900, Univega Via Carisma, Globe Carmel

I like the Topeak Race Rocket HP mini pump. It's not ideal for larger volume, lower pressure tires, but it's small, lightweight and has a short flexible hose that makes it much easier to use. I can get my 700x40 tires up to 40 psi easily, good enough to get home to the floor pump. And it's easy to stick into a pocket so I usually take it with me when I'm off the bike.

There are lots of good multitools around. I just grabbed whatever was handy at the LBS after they did a safety check and basic tuneup for my used bike last year. I got a Park AWS-9 with three hex wrenches, a flat blade and Phillips screwdriver. Good enough for most adjustments, including my quill stem. I added a smaller single hex wrench for my Mirricyle and positioning my brake levers and grip shifters. You can buy a more complete multitool for not much more money.

And I grabbed whatever traditional patch kit was on the counter at the LBS. I think it's a Park brand, but those vulcanizing patch kits are all pretty much the same. They're cheap, easy to use and work well for more or less permanent tube patches.

But if you'd rather minimize the need for a pump, patch kit, tire levers, etc., you might consider some puncture resistant tires and sealant filled tubes. It'll be a little heavier and slower, but I'm not fast anyway and it's very reassuring not having to worry about that stuff. I had four flats in one month last autumn with my original tires and tubes, and none since after switching to Michelin Protek Cross Max tires and sealant filled tubes. In fact, the sealant filled tube is probably redundant -- the tires are very tough, no problems on the same roads and terrain that flatted my original tires. But there are many brands and models of puncture resistant tires -- I just happened to snag these Michelins on a very good discount from Nashbar last autumn.
canklecat is offline  
Reply