Show us what's in your toolkit

[Mr. Coffee]

I ride with a cell phone. Over many thousands of miles in last ten years, I’ve been lucky. No flats. No breakdowns. If I ever have one, I’m calling in support. “Come and get me.” No way am I fixing a flat by the side of the road. Even on a fairly lightweight Aventon Pace 500. Too old. Too lazy. But I do admire the ingenuity of these other riders and their tool kits. Very probably the smarter way to ride.

You are very fortunate to live and ride in a place where cell coverage is so extensive and reliable.

On rail-trails in my state, it is not unheard of for there to be stretches as long as five or six miles with no convenient road access. Even if you had cell coverage (which you often would not have) you'd still be walking the bike quite a ways if you had some kind of mechanical.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

I like these threads. I may get the pliers/wrench mentioned above. What size does anyone recommend?

The very smallest ones are best for your on-bike carry. In a pinch you could probably use them on a headset or maybe even a bottom bracket, although if you need to do that in the field you have really screwed up. I did order a larger set for the house.

 

[tomjasz]

Guess I spent too much time on road bikes. That's a bit bulky for my tastes. CO2 for me.

Yeah, with 58.6 volts and 20Ah I ‘m long over worrying about weight. These aren’t the Schwinn Paramounts of my “yoot” Typically, the real world solution and tool is a debit and credit card. Your point well taken.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

My friend who is a civil engineer, always carries a plethora of tools and inner tubes and raingear and flashlights... However, when he got a flat on the way to meet us one evening, he couldn't actually fix the flat: he had never actually done it. My husband has fixed many a flat, and so he set to work. Every tool my husband asked for, my friend could instantly hand him. In short order, tire was fixed and all was well. Ya gotta have the tools, and ya gotta know how to do the job. Both.

The idea of sitting by the side of the road waiting to be rescued is way too damsel-in-distress for me.

 

[tomjasz]

My friend who is a civil engineer, always carries a plethora of tools and inner tubes and raingear and flashlights... However, when he got a flat on the way to meet us one evening, he couldn't actually fix the flat: he had never actually done it. My husband has fixed many a flat, and so he set to work. Every tool my husband asked for, my friend could instantly hand him. In short order, tire was fixed and all was well. Ya gotta have the tools, and ya gotta know how to do the job. Both.

The idea of sitting by the side of the road waiting to be rescued is way too damsel-in-distress for me.

 

[tomjasz]

50, even 20 years ago I’d been able to do a roadside repair. These days... pull out the flask, make the call, and relax! Good on you for taking the challenge! Some of my women customers are far more willing to ask and learn.

 

[Mr. Coffee]

Not to be too harsh, but I seriously question the wisdom of anyone relying on a cell phone as their sole safety system.

You are making several assumptions that may or may not be true:

• That both you and your rescuer are within cell range.
• That both you and your rescuer have working cell phones with a reasonable charge level
• That where you are cycling is reasonably accessible by a motor vehicle
• That you can give comprehensible directions to your rescuer so they can locate you

Even if those things are true 90 percent of the time, what are your plans for the other ten percent? Are you even going to be aware when you are in that ten percent situation?

You might say, "but I can just text my GPS coordinates." Well, that is great but you are assuming that your rescuer is technically savvy enough to enter those GPS coordinates into their vehicle's navigation system or their TomTom. If that is even possible, and it often isn't. I'm not even including the high and hilarious drama that can happen when you pass UTM coordinates and your GPS uses a different geode than the TomTom does.

Technology is great. But you need to understand and respect its limitations. Hopefully this screed will keep some poor cyclist from dying or at least prevent a humiliating newspaper article with the title "Half-dead idiot cyclist stranded in the wilderness" be about you.

 

[tomjasz]

Nothing is that critical for me. I'm a city rider, and a small friendly city too!. My wilderness days are behind me. Life changes. Decades ago I carried condoms for safety but these days I'm at an age where packing moist butt wipes about covers it. As does my phone. <VBG>

Not to be too harsh, but I seriously question the wisdom of anyone relying on a cell phone as their sole safety system.

 

[PaD]

I bring tubes, tire irons, Allen key for wheel axles and a pump (Topeak turbo morph). In addition to that a couple of Allen keys and a small wrench and a small pliers, a few straps and zip ties and a small roll of ”electrical tape”.
I don’t ride in complete wilderness but out in the countryside now and then on small forrest roads. Probably always have cell phone coverage and 4G internet but don’t really know who to call for help. There is no wife who could take a break in the pie baking and hop in the F-150 and pick me up. Well, maybe there is but it wouldn’t be my wife
In case of a major break down I probably could walk to a bigger road or find some people within 2-4 miles. Guess I need a plan for what to do after that.

 

[ChezCheese:)]

Of course, I never carried anything when I rode to university every day. Never had a flat. Never had a crash. Had 2 Motobecanes stolen on campus, though.

 

[elliot friedman]

Of course, I never carried anything when I rode to university every day. Never had a flat. Never had a crash. Had 2 Motobecanes stolen on campus, though.

Then you should read:

https://electricbikereview.com/forums/threads/what-is-your-security-set-up.28745/page-2#post-205663