Bike Maintenance & Parts
A flat tyre or a loose bolt shouldn't be the reason a ride ends early. A small kit and a few basic tools mean most roadside problems are a five-minute fix rather than a walk home.
What Every Rider Should Carry
- Tyre levers & repair kits: Get a tube off, patch or replace it, and get rolling again.
- Multi-tools: A compact set of hex keys and a chain tool covers most on-the-road adjustments.
- Mini pumps & CO2 inflators: Reinflate a repaired tube without waiting for a servo or shop.
- Chain lube & basic maintenance gear: A well-lubed chain and correctly inflated tyres prevent more breakdowns than any single tool fixes.
What to Prioritise
A kit that lives permanently on the bike (in a saddle bag or bottle-cage capsule) gets used — one that stays at home in a drawer doesn't. Match tyre lever and tube sizes to your actual tyres before you need them, not after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the minimum kit worth carrying?
A spare tube, two tyre levers and a mini pump cover the most common roadside issue — a flat — with minimal bulk.
How often should I check tyre pressure and chain lube?
A quick check before any ride longer than a quick errand catches most problems before they become a breakdown, especially if the bike's been sitting for a while.
Getting your bike ready for regular riding? See our Ride2Work Day guide for a simple pre-ride checklist.
