Seven essentials you need to take on every ride


There's no point risking it, because that's the point when you'll definitely need your tools with you on your ride. We run you through the seven essentials you shouldn't leave home without...
1. Pump / gas canister
If you puncture you'll need an implement with which to fill your replacement inner tube. If you can't do this you face the indignity of getting a cab or train home. Or, worse still, calling your partner/parent/sibling to come and pick you up. There are two options here - a pump or a gas canister.
The best pumps are frame fit. The longer, larger barrel means you can push more air with each pump. The mini-pumps are much easier and lighter to carry. Gas canisters are the quickest, inflating the inner tube in a couple of seconds. Beware, the canister will freeze when the CO2 rushes out, so if it's not covered, then make sure your hands are.
>>> How to fix a puncture
2. Inner tube
One inner tube is a bare necessity. Two is better still. Three might be overkill. Who knows how many times you may puncture on a ride. If it's a short ride (under one hour) one tube will probably suffice. If it's a long wet day out, you could need more. Basically it's up to you.
Just remember, there's nothing more annoying than to be asked 'you don't have a spare tube, do you? I forgot mine.' Be a good cub scout and go prepared - and remember you'll need long valves if you have deep section rims.
3. Tyre levers
If you've got very strong hands and tough skin on your fingers, well done you. If not, you'll need tyre levers, at least two. Slide one under the bead of the tyre, then put the second one in a few inches along the rim. Hold one in position while sliding the other one around the wheel rim which will release the tyre. Whatever you do, don't put the tyre back on the rim with the levers, you're likely to pinch the tube between the lever and the rim. This should be done by hand.
>>> Solid tyres go mainstream as Wiggle stocks up
4. Multi tool
There's a lot that can go wrong with a push bike, and the chances are they'll go wrong when you're at your farthest point from home. Nine out of ten things can be fixed with a four or five millimeter allen key. That one other time you're likely to need something else.
Your best chance of having the right tool is to carry a multi-tool with a selection of items. The smallest, lightest ones will have few tools, the bigger ones will almost allow you to strip and rebuild a bike by the road side. Which one you carry depends on the amount of carrying capacity your jersey and saddle bag have and the technical knowledge you have to wield said tool. We'd recommend one with allen key options and a chain breaker.
5. Emergency patches
If you've only got room for one inner tube, or you ride over tacks in the New Forest, you could find yourself stranded. A packet of emergency patches will of the job of a dozen inner tubes if you hit real problems. Better still, you can give one of them to the rider who has forgotten to bring a spare tube.
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6. Old strip of tyre
There will be times when an inner tube won't suffice. If a tyre gets a big hole punched in to it, slit or cut, the inner tube will bulge out. An old strip of tyre - about six inches long - with the side beads cut off will fit between the tyre and inner tube is a better option than a sticky old gel wrapper from your back pocket, and will fit easily in your saddle bag. Cut up an old tyre though, not a new one.
>>> Are wider tyres really faster?
7. Credit card
Never leave home without it.
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Editor of Cycling Weekly magazine, Simon has been working at the title since 2001. He fell in love with cycling when channel surfing in 1989 and happening across the greatest ever edition of the Tour de France. He's been a Greg LeMond fan ever since. He started racing in 1995 when moving to university in North Wales gave him more time to train and some amazing roads to train on. He raced domestically for several years, riding everything from Surrey leagues to time trials, track and even a few Premier Calendars. In 2000 he spent one season racing in Belgium with the Kingsnorth International Wheelers.
Since working for Cycling Weekly he has written product reviews, fitness features, pro interviews, race coverage and news. He has covered the Tour de France more times than he can remember along with two Olympic Games and many other international and UK domestic races. He can still be seen at his club's evening races through the summer but he still hasn't completed the CW5000 challenge!
SIMON IS CURRENTLY RIDING
Road bike: Pinarello K8S with Shimano Dura Ace
TT bike: Specialized Venge road bike with FFWD wheels and Easton Attack TT bars
Gravel bike: N/A
Training bike: Rourke custom hand made with Reynolds 853 steel
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