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Assembly stand, tool wall, air compressor - this is the standard equipment of a bike workshop. Dominik Scherer, BIKE mechanic and self-taught cyclist, keeps things a little more spartan: he always carries two water pipe wrenches in his rucksack through the foothills of the Bavarian Alps. According to Scherer, there is hardly a defect that he can't fix on his adventure trips. Less talented tinkerers should perhaps invest the one and a half kilos in a somewhat more comprehensive mobile workshop. The list of defects that can spoil a biker's tour is almost endless. Time and again, you are faced with problems that you have never encountered before. Broken pedal axles, leaking suspension forks or striking dropper posts - there are situations in which even MacGyver would throw his Swiss army knife into the bushes in frustration. In most cases, however, patience and a little talent for improvisation help.
The basic requirement, however, is the right tool. This starts with the right mini-tool. Even lavishly equipped folding tools rarely weigh more than one or two bananas. In an emergency, all-rounders such as the classic Alien DX from Topeak (approx. 50 euros) provide over ten fundamentally different functions, which can otherwise fill half a toolbox. It's important: Never just buy the next best mini-tool because it's on sale or because the bike dealer puts it in your shopping bag as an extra with your new bike. The mini-tool should always be customised to your bike. So before you buy, check whether you need any special tools, such as nipple clamps for system wheels or different Torx sizes. Your mini-tool should also fit comfortably in your hand and be of high quality. Frustration is virtually pre-programmed with broken tools or unscrewed screws. In addition to a mini-tool, a spare inner tube and mini-pump are of course essential basic equipment for every tour.
In this workshop series, we will show you what else you should pack in your rucksack and how you can fix breakdowns without special equipment.
A MOBILE SPARE PARTS WAREHOUSE...
...you can make yourself quickly and easily. Adhesive patches for the inner tube, a taped piece of Coke can, a chain lock, needle and thread as well as safety pins for clothes with holes and a stripped luster terminal for torn gear cables.
All of this can be easily stored in an empty chewing gum tin. If you add a shoelace, nothing can rattle. We wrapped the tin with a few layers of fabric tape, which can be used to repair pretty much anything. At the end, we added a few cable ties and spokes of the right length. The whole thing weighs just about 100 grams and fits in any bike rucksack.
MULTI-TALENT WATER PIPE WRENCH
Tensioning spoke nipples or shift cables, bending derailleur hangers, removing brake pads and much more: if necessary, you can also do this with water pipe pliers. I always have a mini model from Knipex (150 millimetres, approx. 20 euros) in my rucksack. The sharp jaws can damage the material, but it's still better than having to walk home.
BREAKDOWN HELPER
Racers and touring bikers have very different demands when it comes to equipment. Small and light or as comprehensive as possible: this is what you should have in your rucksack or jersey pocket:
ON TOUR: A relaxed day tour in the mountains is not a competition. Consequently, it doesn't matter whether you carry a few grams more or less in your rucksack. It is more important to have a clear conscience and to be prepared for all eventualities. The picture on the left shows standard equipment that belongs in every touring rucksack. In addition to a fully equipped mini-tool, you should definitely pack a spare inner tube, puncture repair kit and a sturdy tyre lever. With a first aid kit, you can at least treat minor injuries typical for bikers. As a bike tour is not about seconds, a mini pump is also sufficient. You can save money on expensive CO2 cartridges. An additional shock pump also makes sense. A small bottle of chain oil helps against squeaking chains, and a good bar will satisfy any hunger pangs in between. Small items such as a chain lock, cable ties or a shoelace are always useful items to have in your rucksack.
The touring biker should have this in his rucksack:
IN THE RACE it's all about seconds. Every gram of extra weight you have to lug up the mountain takes you a little further away from your personal best. But even in a marathon, you should find a healthy compromise between weight and safety. If you know from the outset that a major puncture will ruin your chances of winning anyway, take a risk and limit yourself to a minimalist tool and a puncture spray that seals the tyre and fills it with air at the same time. If you want to roll through the finish line at all costs, you should accept a little more weight. A medium-sized mini-tool with a chain riveter should definitely be in your jersey pocket. In addition, a chain lock that will securely lock the chain again in a few seconds. A light pair of tyre levers and a spare inner tube will help with punctures. A compressed air cartridge (note: 29er tyres usually require a larger cartridge) will inflate a flat tyre in a flash.
The race biker should have this in his rucksack:
Stefan Frey
Editor
