We like to be self-sufficient on the road. That means we carry lots of spares, tools and other odds and ends to get us out of even the trickiest bicycle repair situation.
Tools and Repair Kit
2 Topeak Roadmorph pumps
Triangle tool (koga): the three most common Allen sizes
Cogset lock ring socket
Multi-purpose bicycle tool ‘Pedro’ – with spoke key, chain breaker and levers.
Second multi-purpose tool in case the Pedro breaks, is lost or stolen.
Extra chain breaker: the one on the Pedro Tool broke
Extra plastic levers for dismounting tires.
15 mm spanner (wrench) for pedals.
Zip ties
Spare tire: foldable is better. Our Continental Travel Contact tires wore well up to about 18,000 kilometers, so if you’re just doing a short trip don’t bother with a spare tire. Having one sent over is another option if you’re worried about weight.
Inner tubes (at least 3x) better bring a good supply as you’ll only find low-quality Chinese or Indian replacements in Africa.
Deore XT HG 93 chain (2x) The cogset will last longer of you swap chains every 3,000 kilometers. We replaced the cogset and chains after 22,000 kilometers.
Chainlinks: get special ones that can be mounted without a tool.
Glue and patches: take an extra tube of glue because it tends to dry out easily. Take at least 20 patches and stock up when you can while travelling through West Africa.
Shimano oil stored in a syringe-type container. Ideal for lubricating cables through cable housing and other tiny areas.
Old toothbrushes for cleaning drive train
Cable housing: we had to replace them because friction with the handlebar bag eroded the outer plastic and the rain rusted the interior.
Brake cables (5x) Keep in mind that if a rear cable breaks, you can often re-use it for the front.
Shift cables (5x)
Caps for cable housing ends
Extra screws & nuts
Insulation tape
Teflon chain lubricant : Classic oil tends to attract dirt so teflon is better.
Chain links and special reinforced pins – had more sent over
Spokes- 5 of each size. Remember that the ones on the cogset side of the rear wheel are shorter.
Brake pads (8 pairs).
Jockey wheels (derailleur): we didn’t take these but probably should have.
4 Elite Lysso Alloy Titan water bottles
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Superglue
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Spare cleats for Shimano SPD shoes (2x)
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Seam Grip Seam Sealer: for repairing tent
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Seam Grip Pre-Cleaner
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McNett Aquaseal: great for sealing holes in panniers. Take a couple of small tubes because they tend to harden quickly once opened.
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Ortlieb QL-1-rail long with mounting screws, w/o hooks for Back-Roller, Bike-Packer and Office-Bag
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1 QL-1-rail short with mounting screws, w/o hooks for Front-Roller and Sport-Packer
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Anchoring hook, 10 mm with lower rail, incl. mounting screws from model ´96
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QL1 screw set (5 screws) from model´’93
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Repair patches for Ortlieb waterproof stuff-bag
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Ortlieb repair-set for PD 350 waterproof stufbag incl. glue, various colours
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Tent pole repair kit : poles snap easily and then you’re really in trouble
You people are gods!…Im truly blown away.
Im off on my second bike trip soon. Thanks for the inspiration.
Garrett
Minnesota,USA