Comments on: Group Riding Basics: Part One

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Wed, 27 May 2009 16:55:40 +0000

You could be ok with one tube, as long as you have a patch kit. But, dude, pump – always! Or else cell phone with Dedicated Significant Other’s phone number on speed dial and favors left to give. ;)

By: TSS

TSS — Fri, 22 May 2009 21:51:15 +0000

Thanks Heids… I know it’s an obvious question, but I am always curious to see what people carry. I only carry one tube, and often neglect to take a pump. Actually, I often neglect to take anything at all. I know I probably should.

Been OK so far, which probably means I’m due for multiple failures.

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Fri, 22 May 2009 18:00:01 +0000

Tej: Depending on your skill level (some people don’t need tire levers to change flats), minimum would be:
2 tubes
2 tire levers
hand pump (or frame pump, but definitely some kind of “manual” pump)
patch kit

Extra would be CO2 pump with extra cartridges for quick fills but I always stress that people should also have a normal pump, in case the CO2 fails or you get more flats than you have cartridges.

Patch kit for same reason – If you carry two tubes but flat three times, get ready to patch your heart out!

By: snarkypants

snarkypants — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:57:10 +0000

I’d say definitely Safety First all the time – group or no!

By: Mark

Mark — Fri, 22 May 2009 17:50:18 +0000

I would advocate first and foremost is SAFETY when riding in a group for Group Basics. There is an increasing number of polarizing and dangerous incidents and confrontations between bikes and motor vehicles on the roads. I would like to emphasize those who ride know the rules-of-the-road, e.g. single file riding, signal lane changes, stopping at stop signals/signs, watching for T-boning/right turns, etc.

By: TSS

TSS — Fri, 22 May 2009 15:51:36 +0000

What would you consider a “good flat kit” to be? That is, what is essiential?