Tire plugs and tool.
I have one ready and loaded taped on my handlebars and one in my flat kit. My favorite are bacon strips, but t-shirt material also works as a plug.
Mini pump
I have a decent sized one that I know I can go from 0-20psi with a reasonable amount of effort. I prefer having a pump with a hose that threads onto the valve so I'm not pushing on the valve when I'm pumping (potentially bending the valve if you're not careful)
Tire lever Pedros is a reliable classic, fun colors too!
Small bottle of sealant Pick your fav
Dental floss and curved needle For big sidewall tears
2 tubes Okay this is probably overkill, but what if you slash both of your tires?!?!
If you're throwing a tube into your frame bag, make sure you wrap it with some kind of protective material (I use a piece of old t-shirt or a rag)
Patch kit & tire boot Check your glue to make sure it's not dried up
Multi tool Make sure the multi tool you're carrying fits all the bolts on your bike frame. Mine includes a full set of allens, t25 and t30 torx wrenches, flathead screwdriver, a knife, a spoke wrench, a chain break tool, and a disc brake pad spacer. Your plastic Pedro’s tire lever can double as a piston reset tool.
Mini pliers Helpful if you need to replace your valve core or you need to remove your valve in order to tube your tire. Cactus Thorn Removal and more.
Spare cleat and cleat bolts
Brake pads and sandpaper Sometimes your brake pads get glazed over and a bit of sandpaper can eliminate the noise
Quicklink & section of chain The section of chain is super important if you run singlespeed and you need to replace a twisted section of chain
Small bottle chain lube and rag
Derailleur hanger Only if running gears ;)
Electrical tape and duct tape Stored wrapped around the pump
Bunch of zip ties
Wolftooth Valais (or hose clamp and some tube material) In case your dropper fails. I just leave the Valais installed at the top of my dropper.
Extra valve and valve core I added this to my kit after fellow Chumba rider and bikepacking legend, Alexandera, hit a rock and destroyed one of hers on the Colorado Trail.
Go over your bike periodically and especially before you leave for a trip. Do a pre-ride bolt check on your bike and cleats. With some care and good luck, your repair kit will hopefully stay at the bottom of your bag during your ride! - more tips @ Katie Strempke
Katie Strempke - Ultra racer - Singlespeed - Team Chumba USA - Sendero Steel 29er
Whether bikepacking or ultra racing, Katie loves riding bikes & being outside. With routes like the Great Divide Mountain Bike Route & the Colorado Trail Yo-Yo under her belt, she's always up for a challenging & scenic route!
