what to carry

[mmayer]

Ive been MTB for 3 years now here in Telluride with occasional day trips to Moab. Ive never had a flat or any real mechanical problems. I am concerned that if I do, Im not really prepared. Do I really need to carry a spare tube and tools? Anything else?

[MINIC]

Its like AAA you never know when you will need it but its always nice to know its there. I always carry a extra tube, muli-tool kit, some basic first aid stuff, a few zip ties and weatherproof tape and a small supply of toilet paper/tissues. While I have never needed any of the above mentioned I can’t tell you how many mtn bikers I have helped out over the years. I feel I am part of a community and think others would do the same for me if necessary. I even helped a guy who worked for sram who did not have a spare chain link or tool to fix his broken chain. I’m still waiting for that free stuff he promised.LOL Regardless I was happy to help a fellow rider. Yea its a little extra weight but IMO its worth the extra insurance.

[mmayer]

Thanks Minic – your list is helpful.

[Vtolds]

This is what I have on me on the trail.

FloPak 100oz
Torx 21 Multi Tool
Spare Schrader Tube (substitute for Presta if needed)
Self Sticking Patches
Multi size pack of band aids
Links for my Sram Chain
Sette Mini Air 2 pump
6mm Hex Key because my tool lacks one
Cell Phone
Helmet

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

I carry the following: (In my camelbak)[list:33e0hjth]spare tube
co2 inflator
two Pedros tire levers
crank bros multi17 multi tool
Sram power link chain link
some zip ties, short and long
a couple of small velcro straps
plastic brake pad separator
Drivers license
Insurance card
energy gels, snacks, etc[/list:u:33e0hjth]I also carry my Kodak point & shoot camera in my jersey pocket

Some other things get added for certain trips, like 2-way radio, headlamp, extra clothes etc, but the above is my bare minimum riding kit.

[mmayer]

Very helpful stuff. Where can I get brake pad seperators? Ive been using tape.

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

Mine came with my brake calipers when I bought them, and I hung on to them.

I’m not even sure you can buy them separately, but if you check with your LBS they may have some kicking around that they’ll give you.

They’re especially handy for when I need to transport the bike in/on someone else’s vehicle with the front wheel removed. It seems people can’t resist grabbing the brake lever when the wheel is removed.

[Vtolds]

Keep in mind you only need something like that if you have hydraulic brakes. If you have Mechanical Disc, V-Brake or Cantilever then thats not needed.

[mmayer]

I do have hyd brakes.. thanks though.

[trailrider247]

heres a link were u can find those brake pad spacers;
http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results … =BPC317707

but i would check with your local lbs first as they might just have some laying around that they could give u
also i carry in my camelbak
spare tube
patch kit
tire levers
multi tool
5mm hex
mini pump
tire pressure guage
shock pump (kinda overkill)
energy gels/snacks
blackburn flea headlight (just in case my ride goes a little later than planed)

[Syd Patricio]

Hi there

Here is a link on a article that I wrote last year on this topic.. Now depending on your ride or length of ride some items you can omit.

http://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-ge … -mtb-ride/

Cheers

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

"trailrider247" wrote

heres a link were u can find those brake pad spacers;
http://www.bikeparts.com/search_results … =BPC317707

LOL – it’s a 10 pack. You can keep one and sell the rest to your friends for a buck a piece.

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

Here’s one more similar to what I carry:
http://www.ride-this.com/index.php/haye … 10pak.html

It has a bit of a spring in it so it stays put for transport, as well as being useful for forcing apart contracted pads.

[nelsoncycles]

I never hit the trail without the following

29er tube
26er tube
patches
mini pump
co2
inflator
basic multi tool (choose one that meets your abilities if you cant use a tool no need to have it)
seperate chain tool
quick links (yes more than one you never want to give away your last one)
knife
duct tape, thread, wire, needle, and other mcgyver ish things

Never forget to have more food and water than you need

[Dustin Gaddis]

I’m more of a minimalist. I have a seat bag that stays on the bike with the following:
-extra tube
-CO2 inflator
-Mini-tool

If I’m doing a short ride, where I wont be more than a few miles from the car, that’s all I take. If I’m doing a longer ride, I’ll take my CamelBak HAWG and put the following in it:
-duct tape
-chain tool
-small adjustable wrench
-mini-pump
-extra chain links
-another extra tube
-patch kit

Plus whatever food/water/clothing I’ll need. I just ordered a first aid kit to carry as well.

[joetutt]

I like to keep the following in my camelbak:

1. Extra tube
2. Topeak Alien II Multi Tool
3. Mini Pump w/schrader to presta adaptor
4. Derailleur hanger
5. Adventure Medical First Aid Kit
6. Zip Ties
7. Energy Gel Pak
8. Extra Chain Link
9. Extra screws for my SPD cleats
10. iPhone (good for pics and emergency)

I think that’s it. I’ve used my multi-tool a number of times. I lost a screw on my SPD cleats while on the trail and that was hell (couldn’t unclip), so I now keep those. Haven’t blown a tire yet or broke my derailleur hanger or needed first aid, but better safe than sorry. The Adventure Medical Kits are super lightweight, waterproof and have just about everything you need http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/pro … roduct=120

[Dustin Gaddis]

"joetutt" wrote

The Adventure Medical Kits are super lightweight, waterproof and have just about everything you need http://www.adventuremedicalkits.com/pro … roduct=120

That’s what I ordered. As a member of the National Mountain Bike Patrol you get access to the IMBA NMBP team at promotive.com and get crazy deals on certian brands, Adventure Medical Kits is one of them, 50% off MSRP. I ordered an Ultralight .9 + a SAM Splint, normally $53, I got it for $36.50, which includes a $2 transaction fee and $8 shipping. Looking forward to getting it…not looking forward to using it lol.

[joetutt]

I ordered an Ultralight .9 + a SAM Splint, normally $53, I got it for $36.50, which includes a $2 transaction fee and $8 shipping. Looking forward to getting it…not looking forward to using it lol.

These kits are great, you’ll love it. I originally ordered it for a 10 hour adventure race in the Jacksonville. Having your pack on while running, kayaking, and mountain biking for 10 hours, you need it to to be as lightweight as possible. Plus it’s waterproof so it worked out well. Good choice and sweet deal!

[JarheadMtnBkr]

I carry the following:

-Extra tube
-patches
-set of 3 tire levers
-mini pump (attached to frame)
-tire pressure gauge
-mulit size allen keyset
-military ID
-cell phone

Plan to start carrying when I get a Hydration pack with some storage abilities:

-Items already listed
-IFAK (Individual First Aid Kit – essentially a fully stocked trauma first aid kit)
-few spare parts here and there
-grubbage (everyone’s gotta eat!)

[fat_billy]

Things in my Camelback:

1.) Two 26" tubes
2.) co2 inflate with 4 co2 cylinders
3.) Small tool kit, chain breaker, spoke wrench and a couple of multi tools
4.) Three tire tools
5.) Small hand pump
6.) Water, Duh!

Later,

[Corey Maddocks ✓ supporter]

You really don’t trust your CO2, do you! 😆

[fat_billy]

I do trust the CO2. I have the hand pump to put a little air in the tube to help prevent pinching the tube. A leftover of motorcycle tires but it works and helps mount the tire. So there! 😄 Later,

[RJen]

Besides the obvious already listed, I recommend a spare drop out hanger. A small twig in the derailleur is all it takes to ruin your ride. This past week end it happened to me at about 20 miles into a 50 mile ride. Since the bike is new, I didn’t have a spare DO, but was able to convert to singlespeed using a chain break, multitool, zip tie, and tape. If I would have had a replacement DO, I wouldn’t have had to use the 35 mile break out. WRT first aid kits, band aids are for applying after you get home. If a chain ring takes a hunk out of your leg, you’re going to want all the gauze and tape you can carry. Latex gloves are good if it’s someone elses blood. 😀

[Author]

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