Help! What should I carry on my road bike for emergencies and mishaps
All riders should be ready for minor emergencies and mishaps and here’s what I carry on my road bike at all times. Even if you’re not super confident about changing your own flat tyre you should carry an inner tube and the equipment to change and inflate your tyre, because road riders are a friendly group and someone will always offer to help you.
So here’s the list of items that I always carry on my road bike:
Spare inner tube
There are many different tube sizes, several different value types and lengths so make sure you buy the right size spare and carry one with you at all times. The sidewall of your tyre has the size printed on it so there’s no excuse for getting it wrong.
Tyre levers
Some tyres can actually be fitted and removed without tyre levers if you get the technique right, but it’s still prudent to carry two and three tyre levers with you. The best ones are plastic and are very inexpensive.
CO2 and a mini pump
To inflate your inner tube once you’ve changed it you’ll need a pump or a CO2 inflator and cartridge. Call me paranoid but I actually carry both in the small bag under my seat. I usually use gas to inflate my tubes, but if it should ever fail I have a backup.
Multi-tool
Bicycle multi-tools are compact and have the most relevant hex keys and other screwdriver bits which will allow you to tighten up anything that could come loose on your bike like your stem bolts, headset bolt or seat bolts.
Money
I carry a small amount of cash on me which is really for my cafe at the end of the ride, but it is also handy in emergencies.
Emergency credit card
I also carry a credit card that is a backup if I need to buy something that costs more than the cash I’m carrying or even for a taxi fare if I ever need it.
Identification
I don’t wish to sound alarmist but you could one day find yourself in an emergency where you are knocked unconscious. So I choose to wear an ID bracelet when I ride which has emergency contact details and my blood tyre printed on it. I also have additional ID in my saddle bag.
Mobile phone
I don’t choose to use my phone while I’m riding along but it is handy if you need to call for help, even if it’s just a wrong turn you took with a group. Smart phones are also great navigation devices, particularly when you’re overseas.
So which of these emergency items have I ever used? Spare inner tubes, tyre levers, CO2, mini-pump, multi-tool, money, emergency credit card and mobile phone. Thankfully I’ve never been knocked out so the ID is the only unused item so far.
I carry all those things you mention, except the gas (I have a high quality small pump) and the bracelet ID.
I always take my phone and use it to map my ride.
I have had to change flat tyres and ring for help in extreme weather storms.
Of course I always carry plenty of water according to the weather and for long rides, some barley sugar sweets or protein bar in the event I have an energy crash.
I always use two flashing red lights on the back, and like tonight after work, I use a headlight, in the event of fading light.
I thought the ID bracelet is a good idea and was wondering how you made your ID bracelet or where you purchased something you could use?
You can purchase ID tags online, https://www.roadid.com/?referrer=2279 is an example. As for CO2, its the bomb, pumps never quite get enough pressure, and flats always occur when you are in a hurry. I have CO2 and a Lezyne pump. CO2 for speed, pump for when I run out of CO2 or am not really in a hurry… Stickers on bike frame are sometimes ok too, at least name, and id on helmet is handy.. At least a contact number… ICE tags are another one from memory
https://www.visualworkwear.com.au/products/worker-emergency-id-wsid-02 This one looks good, would stand out too…. on helmet, stem or some other spot on the bike
I would also suggest a very small first aid kit, for the just in case!