The right bike gear saves an outing from becoming a disaster

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February 12, 1998

Photo of items in a biker's road kit

The right bike gear saves an outing from becoming a disaster

By GREG JOHNSTON
SEATTLE POST-INTELLIGENCER REPORTER

Most avid bicyclists have floundered with a flat while on the road or trail, and many have experienced other types of mechanical failure -- a broken chain, a slipping gear, a stick in the spokes.

Those who were prepared spent a few minutes fixing their cycles; those who weren't phoned home or stuck out their thumb.

"The one time I went out without an air pump, I got a flat and had to hitchhike out of that one," says David Robinson of Seattle, who teaches a course to prepare riders for the Cascade Bicycle Club's 200-mile Seattle-to-Portland ride (this year on July 11).

"The worst one I ever had I couldn't get out of. A rim broke and we had a friend who lived not far away, and he went back and got a pickup truck."

However, perhaps 95 percent of the mechanical problems a cyclist might experience can be fixed on the spot with the proper equipment.

After "How do you fix a flat?," the next question asked by novice cyclists who plan on riding any distance is, "What should I pack?"

Robinson, who also leads rides for the 6,000-strong club, recommends a short list of things to carry in your seat or rack pack to keep your wheels spinning smoothly and your legs pumping strongly.

A tire pump and spare tube or patch kit are essential, since the most common cycling problem is a flat tire. Robinson carries all three.

"It's easier to change a flat by putting in a new tube, but I always carry a patch kit in case I have two flats," he said.

Putting in a new tube and patching a flat tube are both easy operations, but if you've never done it, it is wise to have an experienced friend show you how before you experience it on a ride. Lacking that, ask your local bicycle shop for a list of repair courses it or local bicycling clubs conduct regularly.

A flat can be changed without a tire lever, but these devices, usually made of hard, high-density plastic, make it easier to get the tire off the rim.

Most seasoned cyclists carry a "multitool," which contains allen wrenches (most bike accessories are affixed with allen-head screws), screwdrivers and often sockets. This is used for tightening loose water bottle and pump brackets, handlebar clamps and the like.

A chain tool is used to repair broken or sticky chain links, and chains do sometimes break, especially on bikes ridden on trails. They are also fairly simple to use, but do require some instruction.

Many cyclists do not carry a spoke wrench, since most spoke repairs require training, but Robinson packs one to use in a pinch. "I had a friend who crashed and was able to take a spoke wrench and rebuild a wheel," he said.

A first-aid kit, obviously, is to repair cuts and scrapes to your own equipment should you tumble. Extra food will be welcome should any mishap keep you out.

And most people do not drink enough water when they are cycling, causing their bodies to dehydrate to some extent, perhaps worsening minor aches, pains or cramps.

You might also consider keeping an extra quarter in your seat or rack pack, to call for help.

Robinson also urges all riders to wear safety equipment when riding: gloves to protect your hands should you fall, rightly colored clothing so motorists can see you better, and a reflector or flashing light on your bike if you ride at night.

"I commute through the University and Ravenna areas. I see people in dark clothes and not wearing a helmet riding at night all the time, and that's scary," he said. "I do anything I can to make myself more visible."

Many regular riders also use rearview mirrors, either on the handlebars or mounted on helmets. "If I'm coming up on a pothole or a (side) road, I keep track with my rearview mirror of what's coming up from behind, so I'll know whether I can veer or not," Robinson explained.

Finally, helmets are required for bicyclists in King County, except in the city of Seattle, and the consensus among seasoned riders is that you're out of your noodle if you don't protect your noggin.

Years ago, when helmet use was not common, Robinson had a run-in with a pickup.

"As I was flying over the hood of the pickup truck, I wasn't a particularly religious person, but I said, 'God, if you get me out of this I'll go buy a helmet.'"

He escaped with minor injuries and did go buy a helmet and hasn't ridden without one since.

What to take along