Hitting the trails on your mountain bike is exhilarating, but mechanical mishaps can quickly derail your ride. Being prepared for trailside repairs can save the day, and get you back on track as quickly as possible. Here’s a breakdown of some essential parts to carry and tips for tackling common mountain bike issues:
Essential Trailside Toolkit:
- Multi-tool: Compact and multi-functional, a good multi-tool should include allen keys for adjustments, a chain tool for fixing broken chains, and screwdrivers for tinkering with loose bolts.
- Spare derailleur hanger: If your derailleur gets knocked out of alignment, a spare hanger will allow you to quickly and easily reattach it.
- Tyre levers: These pry the tyre off the rim when changing a flat tyre. Opt for a sturdy pair to avoid breaking.
- Spare inner tube: A punctured inner tube is a common culprit for flats. Make sure to carry one, and ensure it’s the correct size for your tyres.
- Patch kit: For a quick fix to a small puncture, a patch kit allows you to repair your existing inner tube instead of needing a new one.
- Pump: A mini pump will inflate your repaired or new inner tube. Look for one with a pressure gauge for accurate inflation.
- Quick links: These handy connectors allow you to rejoin a broken chain without needing a chain tool.
Extra Tips and Tricks:
As well as including the essentials above in your toolkit, zip ties and duct tape are also useful. These versatile tools provide temporary fixes for various situations, such as securing a loose cable or fender. Before hitting the trails, it’s also important to familiarise yourself with basic repairs using your tools and spare parts. If in doubt, download a handy bike repair app, which will offer step-by-step instructions for common trailside fixes.
Keep Your MTB Rolling with BETD
Even with a well-equipped toolkit, worn-out components can lead to breakdowns. At BETD, we offer a wide range of high-quality replacement MTB components, from gear hangers and chainrings to bearings and cranks.
Shop with us online today to ensure your mountain bike is always ready for adventure, or contact our expert team for information about the specific parts you need.
