Going For A Bike Ride? Don't Leave Home Without These!

When you go out for a bike ride, you need to be able to be self reliant in case of a mishap.  What are the things that you need to carry, either in your pack (a small zippered bag that attaches to the seat tube under the back of the seat) or in your jersey pockets, or both.  I am listing the items that will help you out of some of the most common problems you may come across when you ride.

All of these items are necessary and rather inexpensive to purchase.  Thank you, about.com, for your help with this list!

1. Spare Tube

(c) Oskay/Flickr.

If you're going to be out and about, the most likely problem you'll have with your bike is a flat tire. So bring along 2 other tubes specific to your bike. They are fairly compact, easy to change out, and you'll be back riding in no time. You will need the second one in case you get another flat... it happens!

2. Tire Levers

(c) David Fiedler

If you're going to fix a flat, you'll need tire levers. These small tools slide under your tire and help pull it off your rim so that you can remove the tube to  replace it with a spare. They fit easily in your pouch or jersey pocket, and you really don't want to be without them.

3. Pump (or CO2 inflators) (I prefer the cartridges)

(c) Blackburn

If your tire goes flat, you will need to find a way to get air back into it. That's where a nice little pump comes in. Usually clamped to your frame, these mighty little dudes will put enough air in your tire to get you back on your way.

I prefer to carry CO2 cartridges - little battery-sized cylinders that deliver a burst of pressurized gas and refill tubes in a fraction of a second. They are lighter, but require a bit of practice to use, else you can blow out the tube you've just replaced. Don't forget to have a few on you and don't forget to buy the adapter . Also, you can purchase these from Walmart in the airsoft gun section for a much cheaper price than at a bike store.  

4. . Cell Phone

(c) Oracio/Flickr

How did we ever get by in the days before cell phones? For calling home to get picked up in case of breakdown, for calling your buddies who may be ahead of you or behind you on the route during those longer rides, or for just calling ahead to order a pizza at your favorite place, there is no reason not to carry a cell phone if you've got one.

There's at least one rider I know of for whom a mobile phone is all the equipment and tools needed on a ride. In case of a breakdown, he calls the bike shop (free service with purchase of a bike) to come get his wheels and then rings a cab company to send him a taxi for a ride home.

5. Identification/Money/Insurance Card

(c) Tracy O/Flickr

This is one of those just-in-case items that you bring and hopefully never use. Take along a few dollars for drinks and snacks along the way. And, in case of a split in your tire, a dollar bill can be laid along the split inside your tire to keep your tube from bulging out too badly until you can get it repaired. And, be sure to bring along copies of your identification and insurance cards. God forbid you get into an accident, but in case you do, you'll definitely want and need these items. Tip: on the backside of these documents, write down your list of emergency contacts as well as any special medical instructions or allegies to medicine you might have.

OTHER ITEMS YOU MAY WANT TO HAVE:

SANITIZING WIPES (IN CASE YOU FALL AND NEED TO CLEAN A WOUND OR IF YOU HANDS GET DIRTY FROM CHANGING A TIRE OR FIXING YOUR CHAIN) BAND AIDS, FOOD, MULTI PURPOSE TOOL, PATCH KIT. ZIP TIES IN TO TIE UP YOUR OLD TUBES.

YOU ALSO MAY WANT TO KEEP YOUR CELL PHONE, BAND AIDS AND ID IN SMALL ZIPLOCK BAGS, SO THAT WAY THEY WON'T GET SWEATY AND SOGGY!

ASK YOUR RETAILER IF THERE IS ANYTHING ELSE THAT THEY CAN THINK OF BEFORE YOU GO ON YOUR NEXT RIDE!

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