TransAmerica prep advice
 

Hello friends,

I'll be doing the Transamerica East/West starting in May. I'm new to cycling (I'm a photographer and this is the main purpose of the trip) and will be using a 2013 Novara Safari with a BOB Ibex Plus FS Trailer. I'd greatly appreciate input on the following questions:

1. What are the most importance maintenance and repair skills that I should learn before setting off, if possible taking into account this bike and trailer in particular?

2. What tools should I purchase to ensure that I can meet any of these likely repair/maintenance scenarios out on the road.

3. I've just purchased the bike and leave in 70 days, during which I'll be riding it on a daily basis to break it in. Given that, what changes are likely to happen as the bike breaks in, things that I will need to address before I leave.

4. This 2013 model apparently comes with puncture-resistant tires that seem to be well-regarded. I assume I need to pack some replacement tubes though. What would you leave with?

5. Other replacement parts that I would be wise to bring along?

Thanks a lot for your advice.

Brett

You need to be able to change a flat, replace a spoke (a fiberfix would help here), oil your chain and other moving parts. It is probably a good idea to know how to change a cable (there are two different types) if you are going to carry extras. If not, know how to adjust your drivetrain to work when one/both of the cables are non-functioning. I'd also recommend knowing how to use the barrel adjusters on your brakes and front and rear shift cables.

I carry a multi-tool with allen keys to fit the bolts on my bike and a chain breaker, a Leatherman with a knife, screwdrivers, and pliers, tire levers, a wrench for the bolts on my bike, chain oil, Q-tips, rag, plastic gloves.

Bike shops usually do a free tune-up after you've ridden a bike for a month or two. That should handle everything.

I carry 2 tubes, a patch kit, and tire boots. I also have tire liners inside my tires. I rarely get flats while touring.


There are lots of packing lists on the internet. Here are 12 links to packing lists and what to pack for a bike tour.

Here are 6 links to information about tools to take when touring by bicycle.

Good luck and have a great time. Post some of your best photos here as payment for the advice!

^^ What he said.

I also carry a set of brake pads, a set of cleats, a couple of spare bolts that fit my rack, a couple of zip ties, a little duct tape and a little electrical tape...

oh yeah and a PUMP. :)

Basically, you want to be able to get the bike rolling, or limping, to the nearest bike shop (or post office that will have needed repair parts in a couple days). All you have to fix is stuff that can be repaired (forget fixing a broken frame in the middle of Yellowstone N.P.) that would keep you from riding a few days to find the next bike shop -- they're listed on the AC maps, you know.

Puncture resistant or not, be sure you know how to fix a flat. Figure out if you need tire irons, if you need them, take some. Spare tubes (2-3), tire patch kit, and a good pump (like Topeak Road Morph).

I'll almost always have a multi-tool, a chain tool, and a couple of quick links. On a tour, add some chain lube -- you can wipe the excess off with a paper napkin or towel from a roadside eatery.

Fiber fix spoke, just in case. Don't cut it too short (with the knife you're carrying), and replace at the next bike shop so you'll have the fiber fix as a spare.

Spare tire will ignite a flurry of discussion, but since I had one fail in such a way that it couldn't be repaired on the road, I carry a light weight replacement.

Get a few spare nuts and bolts, in case one comes off that's holding on a rack or something equally critical. And a few zip ties and couple feet of Duck tape.

I've carried a spare chain, but they wear so slowly I now think that was stupid. Keep an eye on chain wear (borrow a tape measure along the way) and buy one at the next bike shop when it reaches 12 1/16" for 12 links.

the bike sounds like it's fine. there are so many variables it's really hard to say how much you need to know. and i'm sure that if you even carry half of whatever people recommend, you will have more than enough bike related tools and gear...

i would imagine you will have more trouble with the weather than anything else. it can get pretty nasty in May at the latitudes that route takes. fortunately, a day or two in misery due to bad weather will be the best instructor. and there are plenty of stores along the way to purchase things that you think you need.

use the AC maps. i found them very helpful.

Great input everyone, exactly what I was looking for. Much appreciated.

2 spare inners of the correct width with the same style of valve.
A tyre boot (like the parktools one) can fix most tyre damage. I dont carry a spare tyre.

Practice replacing the inner tube a few times in comfortable surroundings.

I use my spare rack bolts to fit a waterbottle cage (they are longer than needed for this job)
Most chains have a master link with easy-fit mechanism. Carry a spare master link in case your chain breaks. You can fix it with just a chain tool but the master link is easier. You need the tool to remove broken bits.

I carry one spare cable each for gear and brakes (long enough for the rear). I just roll and tape up any excess rather than cut it.

Thanks again everyone, great input

Water bag to carry a Gallon of extra water for the western desert part.
a long ways between Taps.

with a trailer you have room for a store bought Jug or 2 of water.

Bring cover up clothing to protect you from the Sun.

I haven't done a tour as long as yours, but I don’t pack much for spare parts….just tubes and patch kit. I have a tool kit which includes a multi-tool; Park I think. On the longer rides I have a bag of tools that I add with a bottom bracket/cassette socket, a small breaker bar, a crescent wrench, some spare spokes, some zip ties and a few allen wrench sockets. For water I use just a used milk jug that I bunge on the side of the BOB. I've not carried spare tires. Get yourself some knowledge on maintenance and repair. The multi-tool can be used to fix nearly any of the normal break-downs. I've tried the fiberfix spokes, but it's been years ago. I didn't have a lot of luck, but I know a lot more about working on my bike now than then

I am SO jealous of your trip!!! Keep us posted on it!

I'd be sure my toolkit included a small spoke wrench and a few spokes, particularly if you are on new wheels that haven't been tested under load. I'd sure work hard to get in as many miles as possible before you leave. You don't want to get 500 miles into the ride and learn something new and bad. Cables don't stretch but they do seat into various fittings so it's very common for a bike to need to have the derailleurs adjusted after a month or so of riding. I think you should look for a local bike repair class. You'll learn more, faster, than trying to learn on youtube. Just a thought. Be sure you have a flashlight and a backup flashlight. You'll want lights for your bike or you'll need to be very careful to never bike at night. Good luck.

One thing you will need to consider is transporting your bike and trailer, either to begin your tour or at the finish. That could be a challenge unless you are going to make a loop. You will need the tools to disassemble or reassemble your bike when shipping.

I would recommend the book Bike Touring, published by the Sierra Club. It is a good primer for someone new to touring.

http://www.amazon.com/Bike-Touring-S.../dp/1578051428

Good luck!

Don't forget the tires on your Bob trailer. Spare tubes etc specific to it would be a good idea.