Rocky mountain cycling is a fantastic sport and hobby. It keeps you fit, focused, and you get to have fun along the way! However, even with these benefits, this sport is not without its drawbacks. One of the most frustrating experiences for cyclists is bike breakdowns due to wear and tear. Whether riding around your neighbourhood or participating in
Banff cycling tours, your bicycle will deteriorate.
But not all is lost. Because with the right tools, you can save your bike from nearly anything – including wear and tear. Here is a bike repair checklist every cyclist should know about.
Pedal Wrench
If you ride often, a pedal wrench in your bike repair kit is non-negotiable. This handy tool can help you quickly replace pedals. With long handles to simplify pedal removal, pedal wrenches are more slender than their regular wrench counterparts. Ensure your pedals are oiled with thick grease to prevent seizing.
Cleaning Products
Bike maintenance includes regular cleanings. This notion is especially true if you’ve been riding in wet or adverse weather conditions. Include the following in your bicycle repair kit:
- Cleaning solution
- Rags and scrubbing brushes
- All-purpose cleaner for chains and bike frames
- Degreasing cleaner
- Special cleaning tools (brushes, chain cleaners, etc.)
These cleaning products will keep your bike looking its best – even if it is a little more “experience” on the trails.
Multitool
Multitool is a toolset developed for a compact and light design. This feature allows you to bring it along on every ride. A multitool possessing over 18 tools, such as hex wrenches, typically comes with spoke wrenches and a chain breaker, and
Crank Brothers’ m19 is a gem. On those extensive multi-day bike excursions, a good pair of pliers is a Godsend if you run into mechanical problems.
Screwdrivers
A
Phillips screwdriver for brake, derailleur, and bike accessory adjustments is paramount. This tool will help complete your bike repair kit. And by adding different variations (such as a flathead), you’ll be well-prepared to handle anything the trails throw at you.
Hex Wrenches
A
hex wrench should include numerous sizes, running from 1.5 mm to 8 mm. A flexible hex wrench pack can be helpful in tight areas, such as advancing water bottle cages. A single tool with hex wrenches fastened is ideal for those prone to misplacing things. One option is
Park Tool’s Fold-Up Hex Wrench Set.
Lube and Grease
There are multiple types of chain lube. Some individuals claim
Tri-Flow to be the best for lubricating cables, chains, and pivot points. Others swear by wax-based (instead of oil-based) dry lube when biking on dusty, dry pathways. In watery circumstances, oily lube is ideal but demands more cleaning and attention. Thicker grease should strictly be used for bearings, pedal installation, headsets, and bolts. Finally, don’t let metal rub against metal unless you lubricate first.
Next Step: Explore Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours
These tools are the fundamentals for your bicycle repair kit. However, they are by no means an exhaustive list. Over time, you will add more tools to meet the needs and demands of your biking excursions! At
Rocky Mountain Cycle Tours, we offer
biking and
hiking tours in Alberta, allowing for an incredible experience in the Canadian Rockies.
And with professional guides and more than 50 years in business, our team is ready to help you explore Canada’s natural beauty. So
contact us today to set up your Rocky Mountain Cycling experience.
