What tools do you need out on a ride?

A blog about tools you should take out on a ride for any mechanical issues

You don’t need to be an expert mechanic when you are out riding (I am not one, despite participating in several workshops – it just doesn’t resonate well for me!) But you need to know a few basics to avoid getting stuck on a ride.

Toolkit

You’ll need to have a few tools on you; I use a saddle bag to put these in – plenty are available in the market depending on your bike, size, where you want it and, of course, how much you want to spend. In my toolkit, I have the following for a long ride:

• Two spare tubes (I might take three on a very long ride; it would be unlucky, but it happens!). Check that these are the right ones. I had a puncture once and found I had the wrong tubes, so I was stuck! I wrap these in cling film to protect them and make them better packed into the bag.
• Electric tyre pump to inflate the tyre (carrying a handheld pump is also OK; I find them annoying as they can only fit in the pocket)
• A gas canister is needed in case the electric pump fails, plus the control drive is required to attach it to the valve.
• Two tyre levers
• Multi-tool kit for any quick tighten or repairs that need to be done

Other useful things to keep in the toolkit:

• Spare chain link
• Replacement mech hanger

Fixing a puncture

I’ve been cycling for over 10 years, and in that time, I probably haven’t had that many punctures. But you will get punctures out on your rides, so you’ll need to know what to do and how to do it quickly (especially in the winter when it’s cold on the roadside).

Firstly, what should you do when you get a puncture? You should know quickly, as you’ll feel it, but if you have had one going up a steep hill like me, you might think it’s you – but eventually, you’ll know.

1. Stop somewhere where you are safe from other cars and cyclists and can have room to fix the puncture.
2. Get your tool kit out and what you’ll need, i.e., tube, tyre levers, and electric pump.
3. If it’s the back wheel, click your gears down to the smallest setting, which will make it easier to get back on.
4. Take off the wheel
5. If the tyre hasn’t been deflated, remove the cap from the valve and open it.
6. Take off the tyre
7. Check all around the tyre for what caused the puncture. It’s usually a stone or a thorn, but if you want to remove it as if it’s still there, you’ll puncture it again.
8. Discard the tube – ideally, a bin; otherwise, you carry this around.
9. Put the tyre back on the wheel.
10. Insert your new tube – it helps to add a little air to do this.
11. Fixing the tyre back into place is tricky and requires skill and muscle. I’ll soon share a video on the best way to do this.
12. Put the tyre back on the bike.
13. Inflate the tyre with the proper PSI (or a guess if you have nothing to read). If you use a gas canister, remove all the air and replace it immediately. If you can stop and check the PSI, that is recommended—e.g., if you whizz past a cycle shop!
14. Off you go!

What else can go wrong?

The most common problem is the chain dropping; this is usually pretty easy, and you can stop and get it back on.

Sometimes, something may become loose, like the saddle; this again is an easy fix.

Breaks can sometimes get clogged or feel stiff; this usually means cleaning them out or a quick adjustment, which you can do with the multi-tool

Anything else means finding a bike shop, ending your ride or taking a taxi/train ride home!