Bikepacking Repair Kit: Essential Tips and Extras

Navigating the wilderness on two wheels comes with its own set of challenges, making preparation paramount. One essential aspect of any bikepacking journey is a well-equipped repair kit. Whether embarking on a short weekend trip or a multi-day ride, having the right tools and supplies can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a major setback. In this article, we’ll explore the must-have items for bikepacking repair kits, tailored to both shorter and longer trips.

Most Common Issues on the Road

Regardless of the destination or duration of your bikepacking or cycle touring adventure, some typical situations where your toolkit will undoubtedly come in handy include:

Punctures
Removing and refitting pedals
Adjusting and replacing brake shoes
Replacing drivetrain components, such as chains and derailleurs
Renewing gear and brake cables
Repairing, rebuilding, and truing wheels, including overhauling or renewing the freehub
Handling tire repairs
Overhauling or replacing bearings in pedals, wheel hubs, bottom bracket, and headset

Absolute Essentials

The question of how many bike tools to carry is highly debated, with no clear-cut answer. For journeys into remote areas, many cyclists opt for a comprehensive toolkit and spare parts to handle any emergencies. In contrast, traveling through developed towns and cities often means easy access to bike shops, allowing for a lighter packing list.

Certain items stand out as absolute essentials for both short and long trips. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to keep your journey rolling smoothly:

Multi-tool: An indispensable, cost-effective, and portable accessory, it will help you out whether you ride on roads, gravel, or trails. It will be a saver if you need to tighten bolts, make on-the-go adjustments, or repair a broken chain. A good multi-tool should include a chain breaker, Allen keys, Torx keys, spoke keys, wrenches, and screwdrivers.

Spare tube: One of the most common issues encountered on the road is undoubtedly a flat tire. To swiftly mend a flat tire, having a spare tube is essential. Depending on the duration of your journey and the terrain you’re tackling, it’s advisable to carry extra spare tubes. You can opt for pricey yet compact and lightweight polyurethane tubes if weight is a concern. Alternatively, if space is limited, traditional bike patches are a lightweight and essential addition to your kit.

Pump: A portable pump, preferably robust, should ideally accommodate both Presta and Schrader valves.

Tyre levers: You can use them to take off your tires. When you do that, the patches and repair kit will come in handy to mend punctures.

Tube patches: Since patches are compact and lightweight, it’s wise to pack plenty, especially if you anticipate encountering rough terrain, urban riding, or thorny desert areas.

For fixing tubeless tires:

Extra valve stem
Super Glue, remedy for small punctures
Curved needle and thread
Dental floss

Make sure you have a valve core remover, small tube of super glue, extra sealant, and a tire plug kit. Two ounces of extra sealant will be enough for a short ride. Note that you’ll need an injector to inject it through the valve stem.

Leatherman with pliers: The ability to trim components such as brake or gear cables makes cable cutters an essential tool.

Lube: You should remember to lube your chain every few days. Dry lube is preferable for dusty conditions.

Cleaning cloth: Take a small rag or cloth with you to clean your bike chain.

For a Longer Trip

Everything mentioned above will be indispensable for longer rides as well. That being said, there are items especially needed when embarking on a long journey.

Frame tape to protect your frame.

Extra chain: Bring along a spare segment of the chain, a valuable backup in case multiple links are damaged and you need to replace a section of the chain. Additionally, carry two spare joining links and a chain extractor.

Blue threadlocker: To prevent bolts from getting loose, use a blue threadlocker. It’ll keep them in place and help if any parts of your bike reassemble. The blue threadlocker is removable, while the red one is permanent. Opt for the blue one.

Presta – Schrader valve adapter: Extremely useful in case your Presta pump breaks.

Spare bolts: Think of carrying chainring bolts, rotor bolts, rack bolts, and cleat bolts.

Tire boots: It’s a must if a bad tear happens.

Electrical tape: It’ll come in handy in case you need to repair or replace handlebar tape or attach bottle cages without bolts.

Allen keys: Most bike parts are adjusted or secured with Allen keys. Opt for taking a set to make sure you have the right one for your width.

Small adjustable wrench to tighten or remove bolts.

Gorilla Tape: Perfect for repairing almost anything.

Spoke tool for tightening spokes.

Spare cables

Spare brake pads

Extras

Here are some other accessories worth considering:

Straps

Zip ties: Extremely lightweight, they can answer lots of your problems.

Shock pump: An essential tool for MTB fans, it lets you maintain optimal pressure in your front fork or rear shock.

Knife

Lighter

Sewing kit for clothing and bag repairs

A pair of work gloves

Tweezers

By investing in quality gear and customizing your repair kit to suit the specific demands of your adventure, you’ll be better equipped to handle any mechanical mishaps. So, before you hit the trail, take the time to assemble a comprehensive repair kit and ride with peace of mind, knowing you’re prepared for whatever the road ahead may hold. Ride safe!