Cycling Essentials

You know what they say, "Opinions are like a*******, everyone's got one." That couldn't be more true, especially when it comes to gear, and even more so with cycling gear. My friend CM has gone and signed herself up for a duathlon (run/bike/run) this fall. She started running not long ago and is enjoying it quite a bit. This year she wants to challenge herself and complete the Iron Girl Duathlon this coming September. She has a bike but had to figure out what else she needed to at least get on the road. What does anyone really need when they are out there riding? Here are my thoughts, feel free to add comments of your own should you have any.

Now keep in mind these are items that I recommend if you're going to be far enough from home that you don't want to walk your bike back if something goes wrong and/or your partner, as much as they love you, won't answer the phone to come get you.



1. A working bike.
Its worth the money to take your bike to a shop and let them do an overhaul every now and then. After you've spent the money, you'll figure out how to do a lot of it yourself. Unless you're a total gear-head, you're not going to have all of the tools to get the job done. First and foremost, a working bike is a good place to start before riding.

2. At least one spare tube.
What?! Yes, a spare tube. Please make sure that its the right size for the bike that you're riding. Since these can sit rolled up in a case for a while and rubber can get sticky, take a little baby powder and rub it on the tube to keep it from getting stuck together over the course of several months.

Do you know how to change a tube? No? Learn how. Most bike shops give basic bike maintenance lessons. Don't watch a Youtube video unless you're changing your tube along side the video.

3. Pump Up the Jam! Pump it Up, Pump it... never mind. A Pump
A floor pump is best, but you're likely not going to be out riding with a floor pump strapped to your back. If you are, please let me know so that I can come take pictures of you. Its okay to have two pumps. One of them should be attached to your bike. Likelyhood that you can create enough pressure with your lungs to blow up a tube is not good... but who knows unless you give it a try - so its a good idea to have a pump with you. Now with that, some people swear by CO2 inflation devices. I have nothing against them personally. However once you use a cartridge, its done. Empty. If you misuse the cartridge and screw it up, you have no way to pump that tire up. I like hand pumps, because unless someone comes by and chops your hands off, you can pump your tire back up.

4. Tire Levers
How do you take the tire off? With a tire lever. How do you put the tire back on once you've replaced the tube? With a tire lever.

5. Allen Wrench Set
You do not need to buy a $20 hex set at a bike shop. You can go down to the good ole Ace Hardware and spend $2.99 for the same damn thing. If you don't own one of these, they are great around the house, but have one set for your bike.

6. Lube
Don't go there! Dirty minds, all of you have dirty minds. Gear lube doesn't take up any space and is useful to have with you.

7. Patch Kit
I know, I know. I just went on and on about tubes. Its not a bad idea to have both a patch kit AND a spare tube. I find it easier to change a tube and be done with it - than find the super tiny microscopic hole that's causing my flat tire. But the patch kit doesn't take up any space and you could always share it.

8. Water
This may seem obvious, but make sure you have water with you. Please!

9. Fuel
For the super long rides its nice to have a little spare food to nibble on should you start to get hungry. Or if you're like Keeler and I and get lost, end up riding for 36 miles instead of 20, its nice to have a little something so that you don't have to eat your own arm off.

10. Sunglasses or eye-wear
This is not meant to make you look super cool, but rather to protect your eyes. Its sucks to be hauling ass down a hill and have some chunk of crap land in your eye. Then you can't see and you crash along side the road! Ending up in a ditch! Right where your mother always feared you would be when she couldn't find you!

11. Your ID and a Phone
Because of the ditch as listed above.

If you're heading out for a ride, have these things on you. None of them do any good sitting in your tool box or on the kitchen counter. I could write a book about all the other do-dads and gadgets one could accumulate for cycling - most of which are not essential, but other people have done that already.

Having these things on you is also a great way to meet new people! Lots of other people head out for big rides without these essentials. You could swoop in and be the hero!

Support your local bike shop. If you have questions, ask the experts, that's why they are there. The local guys are always nice enough to help out. Go in and talk to them. These are the guys that you can call from the side of the road when you don't know how to downshift your new bike and they will offer to ride out and meet you on the trail and show you how. Minneapolis has a zillion fabulous shops, we are damn lucky here!