Cycling Roadside Repair
If you never get flat tires, you're not really riding your bike. Here are our favourite tips and must-haves to get you back in the saddle quickly.
Photos by Samuel Roy
For the past decade, Samuel Roy has been passionate about cycle touring. Following his first trip from Banff to Los Angeles in 2016, he has embarked on numerous expeditions on two wheels, crossing Africa, Asia, South America, Europe, and beyond. For the past seven years, Sam has been guiding groups of up to 50 cyclists on adventures around the world.
Repair Kit: Two Philosophies
Will we be far from any resources? Or will we be able to get help pretty much anywhere we go?
"The destination determines how self-sufficient I need to be. For example, in Mongolia or Sudan, there aren't really any big cities outside the national capitals, and even in those cities, there aren't any shops that sell bikes or parts. In those circumstances, I carry more tools and spare parts. Conversely, in Europe or Japan, I know I'm never very far from an urban centre, and I'll always be able to find something to help me out. So I travel much lighter there."
How light do I want to travel?
"I often go on fast, light cycling trips, and even ride very long distances at a good speed every day. On those occasions, I like to be very minimalist, carrying as little weight as possible on my bike. But generally, I prefer to be as independent and self-sufficient as possible, without counting every gram I carry. I tell myself that the heavier my bike is, the more rewarding the training is!"
Inner tubes or tubeless?
Well-established and increasingly popular, tubeless technology lets you install and inflate your tires without inner tubes, using a small amount of sealing liquid that prevents leaks and can even seal certain punctures while riding. For enthusiasts, there are many advantages, such as weight savings and the ability to use low air pressures, which are comfortable and fast, without fear of punctures on impact. That said, it's not a miracle cure either.
“Personally, I like riding tubeless when I'm at home, but never when I'm on a bike tour. I've seen and experienced too many problems with sealant, with my hands all sticky in the middle of the desert, trying to plug a tire that keeps losing air. No thanks! So call me old-fashioned, but when travelling, I always prioritize good tires with inner tubes."
Minimalist
When resources are accessible, and you want to travel light
Inner tubes (2)
Patches (The kind that come with a tube of glue, which are a permanent repair.)
Self-adhesive patches (As a backup plan, for quick repairs, or in the rain.)
Pump
Tire levers
Chain lubricant
Adhesive tape (Always handy—wrap several layers around your pump.)
Multifunction bike tool (Make sure it contains all the tools you need for your bike. For example, many models don't have an 8 mm Allen key for pedals or a chain tool, which you'll need to buy separately.)
Tire repair solution You can buy flexible plastic pieces that slide between the tire and the inner tube, or use a piece of old tire or even a yogurt lid.* If you're in a pinch, a banknote will do the trick!)
Spare chain link
Derailleur hanger (This is one of the parts most likely to break and one of the hardest to find.)
Four spare screws (For bottle holders, luggage racks, etc.)
Spare spokes (The length varies from wheel to wheel, and they are likely to break when the bike is loaded.)
Brake pads.
A more self-sufficient set
Add these essentials to the ones above
A spare chain
A spare tire
A small spool of wire to replace spokes
Brake and gear cables
An extra inner tube
Extra patches (also good for repairing a sleeping pad if necessary)
Four extra spokes
Two pairs of spare brake pads if going on a long trip
Spare insoles for our shoes if going on a long trip
Three repairs
That you must learn and practice before leaving
“On the road, you'll often find a helpful soul willing to help you fix your bike or give you a ride in their truck to the next town. There's always a solution to everything, and I like to encourage people to take up cycle touring even if they don't have the best equipment or in-depth knowledge. However, there are a few essential repairs that every cycle traveller should know how to do."
Changing a flat tire: “The basics, cycling 101. If you can't change a flat tire, you're not ready to go cycling. It's much easier than you think, and it just takes a little practice.”
Disassembling and reassembling your bike for air travel: "If you're going on a bike trip abroad, it's essential to be able to put the parts back together so you can ride. This usually includes the saddle, handlebars, wheels, and pedals. A few screws at the right tension and you're good to go. "
Adjusting your gears: “Gears that slip are quickly annoying, and more often than not, it’s a matter of minor adjustments to the derailleur tension. Learning how to adjust your gears takes watching a few YouTube videos and an hour of practice, and you’ll see that it’s worth every second invested
Creative repairs
"This unusual trick comes from my father and his DIY spirit. One of the best ways we've found to repair a tire that's cracked or torn and could pinch the next inner tubes we insert is to use a piece (round or oval, nothing sharp) of plastic from a yogurt container lid. It's rigid and flexible, available everywhere, and can really save a tire. "
"My second ingenious tip comes from my friend Jérôme Blais, with whom I crossed Africa and who is now the coolest CEGEP teacher in history. To repair a broken spoke (if you don't have a spare spoke), you can use flexible wire from a spool to create enough tension to ride until you get out of trouble."
Other essentials
There’s so much more to bike touring than knowing how to handle repairs on the road. This season, we wanted to highlight three other things to keep in check if you want to make it all the way to your final destination: navigation, nutrition and comfort. That’s why we recommend a reliable GPS mounted on your handlebars, cycling-specific snacks stashed in your jersey pockets, and high-performance bib shorts that you’ll barely notice once you’re on the move.
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