Repair guides › Wheels & Tires
Pack a ride repair kit
The tire gives grip and comfort; the tube inside holds the air. The tire bead hooks under the rim edge. Rim tape covers the spoke holes. Pressure is the biggest free upgrade on any bike: wider tires at lower pressure grip and roll better on rough ground; narrower and firmer is quicker on smooth pavement. Presta valves are thin with a lock nut; Schrader are car-style.
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Tools
- Tire levers: Pedro's Tire Levers 2.0 ($)
- Patch kit: Rema Tip Top TT 04 Sport + Park Tool TB-2 Tire Boot ($)
- Spare tubes (×2, your size + valve): Continental Tour 28 All 700x32-47 Presta 42mm (2 tubes) ($$)
- Ride multi-tool: Topeak Mini 9 multi-tool ($)
- Mini pump (ride kit): PRO BIKE TOOL Mini Bike Pump with gauge ($)
- Zip ties + electrical tape: Gardner Bender zip ties and 3M Super 33+ electrical tape ($)
- Tire boots: Park Tool TB-2 Emergency Tire Boot ($)
- CO2 inflator + cartridges: Genuine Innovations Air Chuck Elite CO2 inflator ($$)
Compare Good, Better and Best for each tool
Steps
- Saddle bag or frame bag: spare tube in your size and valve type, two tire levers, a multi-tool, a patch kit and a tire boot.
- Mount the mini pump on the bottle bosses or carry it in the bag.
- Add a quick link for your chain speed. To fit it on a snapped chain you also need a chain breaker: pick a multi-tool that has one (the Mini 9 does not) or carry a mini chain tool.
- Check the kit every month: patch glue dries out once opened.
Signs it needs doing
- Flat (pinch flat = two little slits, "snakebite" = pressure too low)
- Cuts or threads showing
- Bulge in the sidewall (stop riding)
- Squared-off tread on the rear