How much stuff should I know how to fix before going on a cross-country tour? Right now I only know how to fix a flat and do my brakes.
thanx
GQ
You absolutely have to be familiar with all kinds of bottom bracket designs from 1930s and be able to rebuild all of them without any tools.
You have to be able to fix broken spokes and inflate the tires without a pump.
And mainly be able to dissasemble and assemble back the whole bike two times in 10 minutes with bare hands, in -15 temperatures, after the day of pedaling without food. Oh yeah, and under tha rain.
Only then one could risk going on a tour.
With respect...