I’m doing a dry run on biking to work this weekend, and going to make it-- the first on will be done with time for a do-over if I get lost, or have badly planned (hit construction, et al). I really need to start riding to work Monday.
We had a lot of rain last week, so missing my goal of starting last week wasn’t so bad, but I’ve got to get this done.
I am now planning what to keep in my carrier for emergencies.
Back when I biked everywhere in the 80s & 90s, I carried an inner tube, tire tools, and a small pump in case I got a flat. Also carried a spare brake cable, and the tools to install that.
I never did have a cable break, and my only flat happened a block from a shop, and I just pushed it there, because it was really due for a tire as well.
What do other cyclists keep for emergencies? should I get a second charger for my battery? or am I so behind the times that I’m failing to realize I can just call one of the big Ubers for a disabled bicycle, get home that way, and then fix everything in my own garage, or even have Uber drop the bike off at a bike mechanic’s?
Your basic roadside repair kit is pretty much what I carry (tube, tire levers, pump). I also take a set of hex keys/allen wrenches in case something needs tightening or adjustment - this is JUST the keys of the size bolts I have on the bike instead of a bulky multi-tool (altho, those are good, too!). I also carry a few zip ties because, well for anything, and they weigh nothing.
A brake/shifer cable is probably overkill for a commuter bike - if you notice braking/shifting getting wonky, then it’s time to look at maintenance then and there, but it shouldn’t be a sudden failure. This goes for anything, really - keep your bike tuned and clean and you will find most problems before you go out on a ride.
A flat tire is the most likely scenario, so I recommend practicing it in the comfort of home - know how to release the brakes, remove the wheel, deflate and unseat the tire, remove the tube, search for the cause of the puncture and address that (many people skip this step!), then redo the whole thing, pump up (with the pump on your bike, not the floor pump), and reinstall the wheel. You don’t want to get caught with the right tools and no knowledge of what to do.
And yeah, as @Dinsdale mentioned, a few bucks and a cell phone are probably all you really need for in-town commuting and errands.
Should add, a couple of weeks ago I repaired my first flat in a lifetime of cycling. Was surprised and pleased at how easy it was (except for the underpowered pump.)
I discovered the little first aid kit I used to carry in the 1990s. Tossing out the outdated contents, but keeping the bag. It’s mostly alcohol wipes, a tube of bacitracin, and Band-Aids.
I carry a small first aid kit too. Basically what you mentioned although I have a few gauze pads for bigger scrapes a regular band-aid would not be sufficient for).
I also carry a bottle of water meant mainly to wash a wound (but also there if I get really thirsty).
In lieu of carrying new tubes you might consider a bottle of slime. You squirt it in a flat tire and it seals any punctures and then you re-inflate the tire with your bike pump. Just an option.
A multi-tool that I double-checked had the right tools for my bike.
A small tire pump
A spare tube
A patch kit
A valve core tool and a spare presta valve core.
I’ve gone tubeless, so I’ve replaced the tube and patch kit with a plug kit and a 2oz bottle of the sealant. No cables - never had one break without looking bad first, and my current bike uses hydraulic brakes so nothing roadside replaceable anyhow.
I’ve long hear the advice for bikers and motorcyclists to use your travel/emergency tools when you do regular maintenance. You’ll learn right away if the tools you have are too hard to use or can’t get the job done.
The inner tube I bought is manufactured by Slime, and comes with a complimentary small bottle of it. I’m assuming it’s like Fix-a-Flat though-- just meant to get you home, not to be a permanent solution.
The patches I bought are also Slime.
I don’t relish cleaning a Fix-a-Flat type solution from a tube just for the privilege of patching it.
Albeit, I can see quickly replacing or patching the front tube, but trying slime first in the rear tube.
Oh, and I have reactive hypoglycemia, so I always have snacks, and well as quick shots of sugar.
I also carry a bottle of plain water in my bottle cage actually on the bike, and a bottle of Gatorade in the bag, plus extra water if it is very hot, and some cash in case I need to stop for more.
Something I didn’t carry, but I’m thinking I should, is extra sunscreen.
I don’t know where you live or how long your bike commute is, but: Unless a flat tire means that you will be stuck in the wilderness, or at least far from the next road where someone can pick you up, don’t bother with the repair kit. Do you really want to change a tube while under pressure to be at work on time, or tired after a long day? Get a lift, take the bike with you if you can. If not, lock it to something and get it later.
A quick release on the front wheel, or the necessary spanners will make it easier to fit your bike in a car. Maybe take a pump, sometimes the leak is so small you can go a few minutes before having to pump again.
I think zip ties must be what I would know as cable ties. If you look around (certainly in the UK) you can get releasable ones. Every bike I own has three attached to the bars. There’s a lot of emergency stuff on a bike which requires a third hand.
Other suggestions: rubber gloves and wipes; a small adjustable spanner; and a second bottle cage containing a bottle which has a rain cape stuffed into it. I also carry a chain splitter, but I’m not commuting.
I’d need a car to carry all the items the OP wants on their bike.
I’m out to dinner on my bike now. Other than the clothing on my body & the helmet locked to the bike, my sole additional item is the phone I’m posting on.
The mobile phone is the modern replacement for the 1990s multitool or the 1960s huge dufflebag of stuff.
I disagree. It’s faster to fix a flat than to wait for a ride. I change a flat in about 10 minutes. In the dark. In the rain. By touch.
I carry tubes, tire irons, patches and sealant.
A tool for every fastener on the bike, in some cases two of different length as you may need shorter because of clearance for one bolt but longer to reach a different bolt.
Zip ties, duct tape, gorilla tape. Extra lights in case of dead batteries. Extra lights can also searve as flares if you’re on a dark road making repairs. Hi-Viz reflective vest same reason. Charger cable and plug or power bank.
Spare cables and a cable cutter. Spoke wrench if a spoke breaks and you need to sorta true the wheel enough to get home.
Everything I carry fits in a hydration pack plus medium size fanny pack. If you have a rack on the bike, there are soft rack trunks that all that will fit in.
I second this. I carry a couple strips of gorilla tape in case of a tire blowout. The oft-recommended solution of putting a dollar bill or energy bar wrapper in there as a boot never worked for me. It’s hard to get in place from the get-go, and it doesn’t stay in place either.
I second what you say and what people are saying: take the spare tube and/or patch kit and tire tools and a pump/CO2 inflator. However, cables are a maintenance issue— you should replace them at home long before they are at risk of spontaneously breaking. Trust me, no need to cycle around with spare cables, spare cable housing, cable cutters, etc.
To be prepared, phone and cash, food and water, sure, but and note there are compact multi-tools that have most of the stuff you might need to fix your bike on the road (including hex wrenches, screwdriver, chain tool, etc.)
It may be specific to my bike but I’ve tried tracking the cable life and it’s all over the place, both brake and derailleur.(1x drivetrain) shortest was three months, longest was almost a year. Every six months is working so far but I prefer to carry backup. My previous bike, I had to replace both shifter cables every few months but the brake cables never broke over 3 1/2 years.
ISTM if one cable breaks you should be able to limp home. It might not be ideal but if you only have a few miles to go it is (probably) doable. I’d prefer to do that repair at home rather than on the road if I can.
Of course, if you are on a week-long bike trip away from most help then it makes sense to be able to make this repair on the road.