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Workshop Tips by Andy Verrall: Carry some spare parts · 17/09/09

This tip is a request from Charlie who told me the story about Mark breaking his seat clamp at the start of the Étape this year.

Although you cannot carry everything in your kit bag to a race or event, carrying a small, basic, get out of jail bag of common and easy to carry bits could save your ride. In the case of Mark, he broke his seatpost clamp just before the Etape and unable to find another in the correct size couldn’t start (another tip idea I have from this is the use of a torque spanner on the modern bike).

The essentials:
Seatpost clamp: Often you have to take the seat post out to fit your bike in the bike bag, so when putting it back into the bike do not overtighten the clamp. If you do or have used a clamp it may break, so for a few pounds get yourself a spare one. Another little tip is to mark your seatpost with electrical tape around the point above the seat clamp, then when you drop the post back into the frame your saddle height is spot on.

Gear hanger: We covered this back in the summer http://www.raphacondor.cc/club/workshop-tips-by-andy-verrall-gear-hangers

Tyre: Carry at least one outer cover just in case you go out for a ride the day before and get a nasty cut etc.

Tubes: Take a couple of extras to replace those on the bike.

Chain: Recently I spoke about replacing your chain at regular intervals – http://www.raphacondor.cc/club/workshop-tips-by-andy-verrall-replace-it-before-it-is-too-late. Chains can and do snap, so always have a spare one ready in your kit bag.

Spokes: Take a couple for each wheel and be aware that for the rear one the spoke is different lengths for each side due to the dish of the wheel.

Oil & basic cleaning kit: Ok, you will not be able to get out the hose and degreaser but a rag, some polish and oil will keep things looking nice.

Map: Buy one in advance and plan your route and start & finish points so you do not get caught out on the day. You can pass the map to any helpers that may be driving around.

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