Mountain Bike Trail Side Fixes

1. TRANSPORTING ASSORTMENTS OF BOLTS

When I first started guiding, I traded a bag of miscellaneous bolts for a few beers at my local bike shop; these days, I rescue as many bolts as I can from damaged and broken parts. They've saved my life and the lives of many others time and time again.

Knowing what bolts may serve several uses is an useful bike hack, as is having a number of bolts to replace the ones that have broken or rattled off in the past. I've used rotor bolts to secure cleats, small shifter bolts as B tension screws, and even a grip lock ring bolt to replace one in a dropper remote.

2. TAPE AND CABLE TIES

Cable ties and duct tape, like an ice axe and crampons or peanut butter and jam, go together like peanut butter and jelly and can get you out of a lot of difficulty. They're something I utilize on a regular basis. After the freehub failed, I made a fixie, zip-tied the soles back onto the shoes, and even utilized duct tape to help with first aid. Wrapping a long length around a lubricant bottle or the shaft of your pump will save room in your bag.

3. TIRE PLUGS

Snake bite punctures are significantly less prevalent these days, thanks to the widespread use of tubeless tires, but they sometimes happen. On the trails, there are also a lot of thorns and sharp rocks... The strangest puncture I've ever corrected was when I discovered a fish hook and line in someone's tire, complete with the float still attached. Having a variety of different diameter tire plugs makes patching holes a lot easier and gets the group back on the road much faster. I also notice a lot of tire slashes, which is why I carry cut up toothpaste tubes to boot the tire; it's cheap, sturdy, and convenient. It makes a wonderful tire boot when paired with some duct tape, and I adore the stares I receive when I take out a piece of toothpaste tube and start the patch.

4. QUICK LINKS

Chain breakdowns can be an unwelcome annoyance when the weather turns cold and supper time approaches. Chain mending on the trail is a lot easier with power links, and as a guide, I always have a few on hand for different chain speeds, but having one that's compatible with your own chain is essential!

5. SEAT POST COLLAR

While dropper posts are becoming more and more reliable, it's usually difficult to fix a hydraulic post on the trail. As a result, I carry a RockShox collar that clamps a few different posts and prevents them from falling. I also have a seat clamp, which has earned me quite a few beers!

6. GEAR CABLE

It's a big deal to take out and replace a cable on the trail when all you need to do is add extra tension to the barrel roll. If a cable, whether gear or dropper, has to be replaced, having one and being efficient with it can make the ride a lot more enjoyable. No one enjoys malfunctioning gears or a broken dropper post! Most critical, keep cables dry if you're transporting them. It won't win you any friends if your replacement cable is rusted!

7. SINGLE-SPEEDING

Snapping your mech or hanger is one of the most dangerous things that can happen on the trails, and it can leave you walking in disgrace for a long time. You can construct a ghetto single speed that will get you home by removing the mangled mech and hanger, attaching the cable to the frame, and reducing the chain.