1 Ready to hand
If you want to save time in the event of a puncture, keep spare parts close to hand on your bike. With some duct tape, a chain lock, inner tube and tyre levers can be conveniently placed on the frame, stem or handlebars (photo above). Even tubeless riders should not do without a spare inner tube, and no marathon should be without a repair kit in case of an emergency. This also fits perfectly on the frame.
2 Emergency shift
Torn shoe laces, a defective helmet strap or rucksack strap: in some cases, only good old gaffa tape can help. Wrapping a few layers around your mini-pump saves space and weight - and in an emergency, you are prepared for many an unusual defect.
3 Choice of tyres
Don't be too economical! Puncture resistance and bike control are more important than saving a few grams of weight. 2.25 inch tyres are a good width. You should only consider semi-slick tyres if the route is dry and mostly on forest tracks.
4 Air number
Professionals usually have a slightly inflated inner tube in their jersey pocket, which saves time in the event of a puncture. They also rely on gas cartridges instead of air pumps when hunting for seconds. But beware: if the complex handling fails, you will be left without air. Amateurs ride more safely with a pump.
5 Breakdown service
The main argument against tubeless tyres is that they are more difficult to repair. The puncture salami negates this argument. Stored in the handlebar ends, ready to hand, a leak in a tubeless tyre can be repaired from the outside in a matter of seconds. www.maxalami.de, www.sahmurai-sword.de
6 Stay clean
Marathons don't stop at bad weather. Hours of mud can be nerve-wracking, and dirty lenses increase the risk of falling and collisions. When mud threatens, marathon runners shouldn't be too keen on a Mudgard to keep out the worst of the dirt.
You can read this article or the entire BIKE 3/2017 issue in the BIKE app (iTunes and Google Play) or buy the issue in the DK shop reorder:
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
