Here are a few tips of mine from trail riding for essential tools and parts for a bike. Let me know if you have (or wished you had) something else, or have any other suggestions.
First off, some parts and accessories I recommend for every trail rider:
- Hand guards - These pay for themselves in a couple of rides. They may be expensive to start with, but after a couple of broken clutch / brake levers and perches, it's well worth it.
- Superjug - I like the Maeir Superjug, but many people like the Camelback systems as well. I just don't like things strapped to my back, and prefer my bike to do the carrying; but both systems work fine. Water is important on trails, especially if you get lost or on hot days.
- Tool bag(s) - Again, many people like the fanny packs for tools, which work very well, but I don't like thing strapped on me, especially if I fall... I like mounting a tool bag to the rear fender (if it's strong enough to support one) or in front of the number plate and under the headlight. There's lots of ways and places to mount them; and it's always important to have a way to carry tools.
And now for the tools: (In no particular order)
- Cresent wrench, box wrenches, screwdrivers, and/or allen wrenches - Just make sure you have whatever you need for the bolts and screws on your bike. Don't forget to make sure you have something big enough for your rear axle.
- Zip ties, loctite, duct tape, hose clamps. There's several of these small, generic, but very handy little extra items that you can use in emergencies. You'd be amazed how many things can be held on with zip ties and hose clamps.
- Master link for the chain. Don't forget any pliers or other tools you'd need to replace one too.
- Miscellaneous nuts and bolts. Again, make sure you have extras of whatever sizes your bike uses.
- Spark plug (for 2-strokes)
- Tow rope.
- Tire repair kit. The CO2 inflators work well for reinflating the tires also.
- Extra 2-stroke oil if you own a 2-stroke. They sell miniature bottles that fit easily into tool kits.
- Extra cash. You never know when an extra $20 could come in handy.
- Bandades, Ibuprofen, clean cloth, and other first-aid related items.
- Cell phone. This is probably a very important one, especially if you're riding alone.
- 12) Depending on the riding you do and how lost you can get, a flashlight, matches, GPS, and any other emergency supplies.
This may seem like a lot of extra parts; but when you're 50 miles out on a trail and something breaks, you'll regret not having it. The amount and type of supplies vary greatly depending on your bike and type of riding. I have several bags on my bike to carry everything, and I've never regretted it. I'm sure I'm missing things that other people have needed, so contact us to add more stuff here - Chad