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There’s a mind boggling array of paraphernalia
available for bikes and everyone has their own ideas about
what you need and what you don’t. Keeping it simple is a good
thing but there are a few things that do much to maintain the
level of safety, comfort, convenience and reliablity it takes to
be a happy rider.
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| Spare Tube |
Flats happen. Most of the time
it's a puncture and can be patched, but sometimes it can't. It’s
easier and quicker to replace the tube than it is to patch it, especially
on the road or trail. If you don't pack the tube at least carry
a patch kit. |
| Tire Levers |
Tough plastic levers to pry the tire
off and put it back on without puncturing the tube you just replaced.
You can use a screwdriver but you better have a whole bunch of spare tubes
on hand... |
| Patch
Kit |
Self adhesive patches in a tiny
plastic box a little larger than a postage stamp.
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| Multi Tool |
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| Seat Bag | Fastens to the bottom of your
seat and holds all of the above in a neat little pack under your
seat. The expandable type open up enough to stuff a few other odds
& ends in when you need to. Most have a place to clip your tail
light to. |
| Chain Cleaner & Lube |
A dirty, dry or rusty chain causes leads
to erratic shifting, harder pedaling, gets grease on your car seats and
ruins your gears and derailleurs. You can clean it with brushes and soap
or use a nifty gadget with rotating brushes that makes it easier. Most
of the problems we see in the shop are the result of grungy, greasy drivetrains. |
| Chain Oil |
Chains don't need to be oiled all that
often but when they need it, they need it. Motor oil or WD40 do NOT
work on bicycles. Bicycle chain oil penetrates where it needs to,
stays where it's supposed to and repels dirt & water. |
| Cycle Computer |
Used to be called a speedometer-now
it's a computer...Looks like a large watch and fastens to the handlebars.
Keep tabs on your speed, mileage, trip distance, riding time, average
speed, top speed & the time. It
can, however, be disappointing to have proof that what felt like
20 miles was only 2... |
| Rear Rack |
Fastens above the rear wheel
and provides a platform to fasten your stuff to. Some also serve
as a fender to keep road spray off of your back.
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| Bungee's |
To fasten your stuff to the rack.
Put jacket, bread, cheese, wine in a small duffel bag and bungee
it to your rack. The regular kind work ok and are cheaper but the
bike specific ones work much better and look like they belong there. |
| Tail Trunk |
A square pack that fastens to the rear rack, usually padded, with zippers, pockets, straps and flaps. Some are expandable and can hold a lot of cool stuff...bread, cheese, wine, camera... |
| Kickstand |
You need a way to hold your bike up when you're not on it. Laying it on the ground isn't good for it, crashing to the ground when it slips off of the tree you leaned it on is even worse... |