Trail essentials

Sadly some of us give more thought about what to take to the pub than what to carry whilst out on the bike at a trail centre.

What’s listed here is by no means a definitive list but rather a suggested minimum for a couple of hour ride around a trail centre, obviously if you intend to spend 8 hours in the mountains then you would want to supplement this with items like first aid kits, emergency shelter, spare food and clothes etc. But this is a good place to start. Be a hero and be able to help out a rider in need and not one of those people who are always looking to borrow a pump or tube on the trail.

1.PACK: Obviously you will need something to carry things in. You could use a small rucksack but something designed specifically for the job in hand will be comfier (normal rucksacks aren’t designed to be worn in a riding position) more practical and probably longer lasting. Camelbak are the biggest name about and with good reason, they produce the biggest range of cycle packs and their quality is legendary. Here we’ve gone for the Havoc, it’s a little larger than most which means that you wont struggle to get extra kit in it when required and it also comes with the 3litre bladder providing enough fluid for the hottest of trails.

The thing to remember is that you don’t have to fill a larger bag but it will always offer greater flexibility.

 

2.MULTI TOOL: possibly the most important item to carry with you at all times, a good multi tool can and will make all the difference between a 5 minute repair and a long walk! Make sure it’s got all the tools you’ll need, a good range of allen keys, some screwdrivers and most important a good chain tool.  Here we’ve gone for one of the superb lezyne range. Whatever you buy make sure it’s not too small, it may be the lightest multi tool ever but that’s no good if you need an 8mm allen key and it only goes to 5mm.

 3.SPOKE KEY: Most multi tools come with built in spoke wrenches but most (if not all) are largely useless when it comes to actually trying to true a wheel. The Spokey is the classic design and probably used by more professional mechanics than any other, all that and they weigh next to nothing. It is worth noting that this like any tool is only worth carrying if you know what to do with it.

 4.TYRE LEVERS: another item that most multi tools claim to include but again are next to useless in all but the direst of conditions, buy a dedicated set, plastic ones are fine butt we’ve gone for the Lezyne alloy levers, just because we can. If you do buy plastic levers get bright coloured ones, that way you’re less likely to leave them in the mud after a puncture.

 5.PUMP: invest in a good mini pump and with a bit of care it’ll last years. Here we’ve opted for a Specialized Air Tool Mini, it’s small but simple, strong and will go to a higher pressure than any mountain bike tyre will need (I use mine on my road bike where it’ll get me home with 80-90 psi).

 6.SPARE TUBES: Even if you’ve joined the tubeless revolution punctures do occasionally happen and little will get you going quicker than a new tube, sure you can repair a tube but it’s far nicer a job in the house than on the trail side. Remember to take the correct size and valve type but carrying presta tubes is always handy as they will fit both types of rim and it’s always somebody else who needs a tube!

 7.SPARE CABLES: they weigh nothing and when you need a cable, a cable is what you need. Carry what you need, so if you’ve got cable brakes then take a brake inner; shifter cables are all the same.

 8.BRAKE PADS: You should check your brake pads regularly so as not to have to change them mid ride but getting caught out is no fun and riding even a little way with metal for brake pads can and will ruin rims or discs in a very short distance. Make sure you keep them in their packaging to keep them clean and ready for use.

 9.DERAILLEUR HANGER: Most modern aluminium and carbon frames will have a replaceable mech hanger. This meant to be sacrificial in the event of a crash which will save your more expensive derailleur which thanks to your spare hanger you’ll be able to reattach and get on your way.

 10.FOOD: you should always aim to be properly fuelled at the outset of a ride but sometimes those climbs may wear you out quicker than expected or a ride may take longer than expected. Nothing will ruin a ride quite as quick as running on empty so it’s always a good idea to carry a couple of your favourite energy bars or gels, there’s no shortage of ones to choose from and they really do work wonders when you most need it.

11.LIGHTS: This may seem like overkill but it does happen that things go a little pear shaped and being out after dark with no lights can be an unnerving experience. Here are so many lights about that are small enough to be forgotten about but are a godsend if you need them. Even the smallest like these Knog Frogs will give enough light to be seen (just) and enough to light your way (only very just). None the less they can be a very reassuring item to carry.

12.JACKET: Again like the lights, hope never to need it but essential if you do. We’re not talking about cramming your full spec winter jacket into your pack but rather a small, light emergency jacket, just enough to keep off the chill whilst repairing a bike, waiting for slow coaches or if the weather takes a turn for the worst. The Montane featherlite velo is an amazing piece of kit that packs to the size of a small apple yet is shower-proof and completely windproof and is a firm Tredz favourite.

13.PHONE AND WALLET: Common sense stuff here, a wallet for all the things you might need a wallet for, food, ID, taxi even. The phone is an essential safety accessory often left behind, turn it off by all means but it may be the only way to call for help if the worst happens. Ok you may not have any coverage but if you do then it could make all the difference. Of course another benefit is the ability to call your mates who couldn't make it to gloat.

 

12.J