Roadside repair knowledge list?

[cburnett1981]

On a transAm tour what are the most likely roadside repairs / bike maintenance skills I should have knowledge of before heading out?



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[John Nelson]

Let's assume you start with a good bike in excellent condition. Here's what skills I think you need, in order from most likely to need to least likely. Only the first half of this list are essential skills.

• How to reassemble your bike at the start.
• How to pump up your tires.
• How to lube your chain.
• How to replace a flat tube.
• How to patch a tube.
• How to tighten your bolts on your racks, cages, pedals, etc.
• How to adjust your brakes as the pads wear.
• How to replace your pads when they wear out (although you can usually wait until you get to the next bike shop).
• How to fix a broken spoke, if not with a real spoke, then with a FiberFix.
• How to replace a broken spoke nipple.
• How to make minor adjustments to your shifting.
• How to boot a tire.
• How to true a wheel.
• How to clean and lube your derailleurs.
• How to make minor adjustments to your saddle height.
• How to fix a broken cable and/or ride with a broken cable.
• How to fix a broken chain.
• How to straighten a bent derailleur hanger.

[bogiesan]

Mr Nelson has provided a nice list. There are books and web sites that offer complete lists and solutions and suggestions. Just takes a bit of research. Nelson's list can be divided into stuff you need to be able to do to repair your bike so you can keep riding (or limp into the next town for serious professional help) and stuff you need to do just to keep it running well. Suggest you talk to your local bike shops, REI and bike coops to see who might be offering basic and advanced bike maintenance and repair classes or workshops. Knowing how to use your chain tool is far different from having a chain tool in your tool bag. Plus, there are realistic limits to what you can haul along when it comes to spare parts and specialized tools. Carrying the equipment to straighten a bent rear deraileur hanger is one thing; carrying tools and parts to service your rear cassette and hub is quite another.
On a multi-hundred mile trip your bike will need some interesting attention but don't neglect knowing how to care for and repair your camping systems, too. Stove parts, tent pole sleeves, zipper repair, shoe laces, all that stuff. BAckpacking skills classes help build your confidence.

Hoping you have spectacular trip.

[cburnett1981]

Thanks all.   I had done some research and frequently just found tool lists.   This list gives a reason for the tools.   

Biking will be the novel part of my journey,  I have my camping skills relatively dialed for my comfort zone and needs.

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