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Reply to Through-Rider Gear List?
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Jim from Dallas, Texas on 8/21/2006 10:25:39 AM:
I am in the beginning stages of planning a through-ride of the Katy Trail. We have not yet decided how self-supported we will be, as far as camping along the trail or "credit card" touring. I am familiar with the things needed for a long term backpacking trip, so I need some advice on the bicycle repair gear we might need. Tubes and tires are a no brainer, but what about spokes, chains, extra nuts/bolts...? Any suggestions are greatly appreciated!

 
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 8/21/2006 11:55:58 AM:
In my opinion....take some patches along....leave the spare tube and tire at home. Perhaps a chain tool and spare link would be wise...I never carry either tho...very low probability of needing them. Unless you are just loaded to the gills, spokes fall into the low probability group too. If you are extremely overloaded and putting alot of extra force on the rear axle.....yes, throw in a few spokes and a spoke wrench. I always carry a few spare capscrews and nuts for the rear rack or trailer.

 
Nails on 8/21/2006 12:41:11 PM:
2 tubes, 1 tire, 1 patch kit, 2 tire tools, 1 quick tool. My 2 cents.

 
sbikes from Kansas City on 8/21/2006 8:50:13 PM:
I always carry a couple of tubes, tire tools, a pump, and a patch kit as a last resort. I would
much rather just change the tube out completely and get back on the road then mess with a
patch kit. I advise you go as light as possible... you really don't need to carry that
much...clothes are simple (leave the heavy jeans at home), toiletries to a bare minimum and
remember that you can buy food/drink, etc. along the way. I sometimes do carry powdered
Gatorade ... it is light to carry and more cost effective than buying Gatorade. I usually carry a
multitool, but rarely have needed it. And, don't forget the travel size baby wipes...they will
take grease off just about anything. And, have a great time! Sharon

 
Trek Biker from St. Joseph, MO on 8/22/2006 12:03:58 PM:
...."so I need some advice on the bicycle repair gear we might need." Clothes, toiletries, Gatorade, baby wipes?? Not sure I'd let you work on my bike Sharon. I bet you could replace all that with some #9 wire an some duct tape....travel light!

All in fun.....

 
Jim from Dallas, Texas on 8/23/2006 8:06:18 PM:
It looks as if the "cross-country bike tour" plan is overkill...thanks for the comments (now thinking of taking a MUCH lighter bike! ;) ) - It looks as if repair shops are MUCH more frequent than I was planning for! ;)