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A pump which fits the valves on your bicycle's inner tubes. The most convenient to carry is a mini-pump, which will fit in a bag on the bicycle, or clip to the bicycle frame. The smaller ones which you can carry with you are less prone to theft. Larger ones pump faster. There are two types of tire valves, and pump fittings. Make sure that your pump works with the type of valves on your tires. | A pump which fits the valves on your bicycle's inner tubes. The most convenient to carry is a mini-pump, which will fit in a bag on the bicycle, or clip to the bicycle frame. The smaller ones which you can carry with you are less prone to theft. Larger ones pump faster. There are two types of tire valves, and pump fittings. Make sure that your pump works with the type of valves on your tires. | ||
* mini pump | |||
If the bicycle has a rim brake, the brake needs to have a quick-release or adjuster so you can spread the brake arms apart and get a deflated inner tube past a brake shoe without removing the wheel. Most bicycles have some means to to open the brake without using tools, or you might need a multi-tool. Also see comments below in the section on removing the wheel.. | If the bicycle has a rim brake, the brake needs to have a quick-release or adjuster so you can spread the brake arms apart and get a deflated inner tube past a brake shoe without removing the wheel. Most bicycles have some means to to open the brake without using tools, or you might need a multi-tool. Also see comments below in the section on removing the wheel.. | ||
A tool kit including: | * A tool kit including: | ||
Tire levers, which come in sets of 3, with a rounded business end, and a bent, hooked end for hooking onto a spoke. Newer ones are of fiber-reinforced plastic. For very tight-fitting tires, you need tire levers with thin ends. (Later in this article, there is a more detailed description of tire-lever options.) | Tire levers, which come in sets of 3, with a rounded business end, and a bent, hooked end for hooking onto a spoke. Newer ones are of fiber-reinforced plastic. For very tight-fitting tires, you need tire levers with thin ends. (Later in this article, there is a more detailed description of tire-lever options.) | ||
tire levers | |||
Patch kit | A patch kit, which contains patches, special rubber cement for the patches and a small piece of sandpaper. | ||
Patch kit | |||
These are enough to repair most flats -- and this is possible without removing the wheel, more convenient on some bicycles which do not have quick-release wheels. | These are enough to repair most flats -- and this is possible without removing the wheel, more convenient on some bicycles which do not have quick-release wheels. | ||
If you have run out of patches or the hole in the inner tube is too large, it is sometime possible, though not very elegant, to tie a knot in the inner tube to close off the part with the puncture, and then stretch the inner tube over the rim. But as the Boy Scouts say, Be Prepared. That's better. | If you have run out of patches or the hole in the inner tube is too large, it is sometime possible, though not very elegant, to tie a knot in the inner tube to close off the part with the puncture, and then stretch the inner tube over the rim. But as the Boy Scouts say, Be Prepared. That's better. | ||
More... | * More... | ||
If removing and replacing the wheel is easy, replacing the inner tube is faster than patching it., but you'll need a spare inner tube. (The one shown, like most with Presta valves, was sold with a small knurled nut screwed onto the valve stem, but I'm not in favor of bolting down the valve stem, so I removed the nut in protest!) | If removing and replacing the wheel is easy, replacing the inner tube is faster than patching it., but you'll need a spare inner tube. (The one shown, like most with Presta valves, was sold with a small knurled nut screwed onto the valve stem, but I'm not in favor of bolting down the valve stem, so I removed the nut in protest!) | ||
inner tube | inner tube | ||
You'll need wrench to remove and replace the wheels if they are held on by nuts. A 6-inch adjustable wrench will also turn other nuts on your bicycle. See our Tool Tips article on Adjustable Wrenches. | You'll need wrench to remove and replace the wheels if they are held on by nuts. A 6-inch adjustable wrench will also turn other nuts on your bicycle. See our Tool Tips article on Adjustable Wrenches. | ||
adjustable wrench | adjustable wrench | ||
Anti-theft skewers require a special wrench -- there are too many varieties to show here. | Anti-theft skewers require a special wrench -- there are too many varieties to show here. | ||
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Adding a multi-tool with Allen wrenches and screwdriver blades will usually let you remove and replace an internal-gear hub or a brake with a reaction arm -- but take your bicycle into the bike shop to check on what tools you need. | Adding a multi-tool with Allen wrenches and screwdriver blades will usually let you remove and replace an internal-gear hub or a brake with a reaction arm -- but take your bicycle into the bike shop to check on what tools you need. | ||
multi-tool | multi-tool | ||
Adding a tire boot -- a piece cut out of an old tire -- to the patch kit allows a temporary repair of a gashed tire. | Adding a tire boot -- a piece cut out of an old tire -- to the patch kit allows a temporary repair of a gashed tire. | ||
Boot for bicycle tire | Boot for bicycle tire | ||
Carrying Tools | * Carrying Tools | ||
Except for the larger mini-pumps, which clip to the bicycle frame, all of the tools mentioned up through here -- along with a few other tools, described in our article about on-road repairs, fit in a tool bag which straps to the underside of the saddle or can be carried in another piece of baggage on the bicycle. | Except for the larger mini-pumps, which clip to the bicycle frame, all of the tools mentioned up through here -- along with a few other tools, described in our article about on-road repairs, fit in a tool bag which straps to the underside of the saddle or can be carried in another piece of baggage on the bicycle. | ||
tool kit | tool kit | ||
Beyond this, carrying a spare folding Kevlar-bead tire or rolled-up tire will get you back onto the bicycle faster if a tire has been damaged, and allow replacement of an unrepairable tire. The Kevlar-bead tire is more compact, but the wire-bead will fit in a touring bag or pannier if rolled into three loops as shown in the video below. | Beyond this, carrying a spare folding Kevlar-bead tire or rolled-up tire will get you back onto the bicycle faster if a tire has been damaged, and allow replacement of an unrepairable tire. The Kevlar-bead tire is more compact, but the wire-bead will fit in a touring bag or pannier if rolled into three loops as shown in the video below. | ||
== More tools, and tool advice== | |||
More tools, and tool advice | |||
CO2 Cartridges Compressors Patch Kits Pressure Gauges Pumps Tire Levers Wrenches Valve Adaptors | CO2 Cartridges Compressors Patch Kits Pressure Gauges Pumps Tire Levers Wrenches Valve Adaptors | ||
We now move on to describe tools in more detail, also including ones for the home workshop. | We now move on to describe tools in more detail, also including ones for the home workshop. | ||
Pressure Gauges | ===Pressure Gauges=== | ||
While an experienced thumb and forefinger, pinching a tire, can give a rough idea of the pressure, a pressure gauge is necessary to get accurate and repeatable readings. Pressure gauges are built into some bicycle pumps. Free-standing pressure gauges are of three types : | While an experienced thumb and forefinger, pinching a tire, can give a rough idea of the pressure, a pressure gauge is necessary to get accurate and repeatable readings. Pressure gauges are built into some bicycle pumps. Free-standing pressure gauges are of three types : | ||
* "Pencil" gauges are the simplest and cheapest. They look like a pencil, with a fitting at one end that you can press against the valve. When you do so, a rod slides out of the other end. This rod is calibrated like a thermometer, and slides out farther the more pressure is in the tire. This type is most commonly used for Schrader valves (though Presta versions are also available.) Note that "pencil" gauges come in automotive and bicycle types. The difference is the pressure range they measure. Automotive pencil gauges commonly only read up to 50 PSI, while those intended for bicycle use run up to 120 PSI. | |||
* "Dial" gauges are a bit more expensive, but are easier to read and may be a bit more accurate. Some dial gauges have double fittings, allowing the same gauge to work with both Schrader and Presta valves. Less expensive dial gauges must be read while they are on the valve, but better ones have a "memory" feature, and will hold their readings after being removed from the valve, until a "reset" button is pressed. | |||
* "Digital" gauges have a liquid-crystal readout, and an electronic sensor. They are probably the most accurate, though real-world accuracy of any type of gauge is limited by the fact that a small amount of air is lost as the gauge is removed from the valve. | |||
Presta- | ===Valve Adaptors=== | ||
Presta-adaptor | |||
If you have Presta valves, it is a good idea to carry a Schrader/Presta adaptor. It is a small thing and easily lost, unless you leave it screwed onto the valve of one of your tires. You can add a Schrader valve cap. | If you have Presta valves, it is a good idea to carry a Schrader/Presta adaptor. It is a small thing and easily lost, unless you leave it screwed onto the valve of one of your tires. You can add a Schrader valve cap. | ||
==Inflators== | |||
Inflators | |||
You have 7 possible choices of tools to inflate your tires. | You have 7 possible choices of tools to inflate your tires. | ||
CO2 Cartridges Compressors Floor Pumps Foot Pumps Frame Pumps Mini Pumps Track Pumps | CO2 Cartridges Compressors Floor Pumps Foot Pumps Frame Pumps Mini Pumps Track Pumps | ||
Cartridges | ===Cartridges=== | ||
CO2 cartridge inflatorCO2 cartridges are small cylinders of carbon dioxide, originally made for seltzer siphons. With a suitable adaptor, they can be used to inflate bicycle tires. When everything goes well, this is the fastest way to inflate a tire. They're also the lightest and most portable inflation device available, so they're fairly popular among competitive cyclists. | CO2 cartridge inflatorCO2 cartridges are small cylinders of carbon dioxide, originally made for seltzer siphons. With a suitable adaptor, they can be used to inflate bicycle tires. When everything goes well, this is the fastest way to inflate a tire. They're also the lightest and most portable inflation device available, so they're fairly popular among competitive cyclists. | ||
The downsides of CO2 cartridges are that they are expensive and wasteful, and that each cartridge is normally only good for inflating one tire one time. While a few of the cartridge systems do permit controlled release of CO2, most of them are "all or nothing" designs, so you can't use them for topping off a slightly soft tire. If you carry only one cartridge and get two flats on the same ride, you may be in for a long walk. We advise against relying on CO2 cartridges except in competition. | The downsides of CO2 cartridges are that they are expensive and wasteful, and that each cartridge is normally only good for inflating one tire one time. While a few of the cartridge systems do permit controlled release of CO2, most of them are "all or nothing" designs, so you can't use them for topping off a slightly soft tire. If you carry only one cartridge and get two flats on the same ride, you may be in for a long walk. We advise against relying on CO2 cartridges except in competition. | ||
Compressors | ===Compressors=== | ||
Compressors are a popular alternative, when available. Most gas stations will have a compressor available, either for free or coin-operated. While these are convenient, they can also be dangerous. If you use a gas-station compressor, you risk blowing the tire off the rim, so you need to be extra-careful, and use a separate, hand-held pressure gauge, too. The problem with using gas-station compressors for bicycle tires is that the volume of a bicycle tire is so much smaller than that of a car tire, so the bicycle tire inflates too quickly. | Compressors are a popular alternative, when available. Most gas stations will have a compressor available, either for free or coin-operated. While these are convenient, they can also be dangerous. If you use a gas-station compressor, you risk blowing the tire off the rim, so you need to be extra-careful, and use a separate, hand-held pressure gauge, too. The problem with using gas-station compressors for bicycle tires is that the volume of a bicycle tire is so much smaller than that of a car tire, so the bicycle tire inflates too quickly. | ||
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Gas-station compressors work only with Schrader valves or Schrader adapters. | Gas-station compressors work only with Schrader valves or Schrader adapters. | ||
Floor ("Track") Pumps | ===Floor ("Track") Pumps=== | ||
The most effective human-powered inflation tool is the "floor" or "track" pump. Floor pumpThis has a long vertical cylinder, with a "T"-shaped handle that you raise and lower with both hands. This type of pump has some sort of footrest to keep the bottom held in place, and a hose that connects to the valve. Floor pumps get most of their action from the user's back, and with an assist from gravity, as the actual pumping occurs on the downstroke. | The most effective human-powered inflation tool is the "floor" or "track" pump. Floor pumpThis has a long vertical cylinder, with a "T"-shaped handle that you raise and lower with both hands. This type of pump has some sort of footrest to keep the bottom held in place, and a hose that connects to the valve. Floor pumps get most of their action from the user's back, and with an assist from gravity, as the actual pumping occurs on the downstroke. | ||
A floor pump for bicycle use should have a barrel about an inch in diameter: a thicker barrel will make pumping up a high-pressure tire too difficult. The better floor pumps have built-in gauges and holding tanks, so you can see just how much pressure you've got, while you're pumping. This makes them very fast and convenient to use. They also provide a bit of upper-body exercise to balance out all the leg exercise which bicyclists get! | A floor pump for bicycle use should have a barrel about an inch in diameter: a thicker barrel will make pumping up a high-pressure tire too difficult. The better floor pumps have built-in gauges and holding tanks, so you can see just how much pressure you've got, while you're pumping. This makes them very fast and convenient to use. They also provide a bit of upper-body exercise to balance out all the leg exercise which bicyclists get! | ||
Foot Pumps | ===Foot Pumps=== | ||
A less-common type of pump, similar to a floor pump, also sits on the ground, but is operated by pressing with the foot. These are fast, but mechanically complex due to the extra linkages required. They also tend to be designed more for delivering volume than for pressure, so they don't generally pump up to high enough pressure for narrow road-type tires. | A less-common type of pump, similar to a floor pump, also sits on the ground, but is operated by pressing with the foot. These are fast, but mechanically complex due to the extra linkages required. They also tend to be designed more for delivering volume than for pressure, so they don't generally pump up to high enough pressure for narrow road-type tires. | ||
Frame Pumps | ===Frame Pumps=== | ||
frame pump | frame pump | ||
"Frame" pumps are portable pumps designed to be carried on the bicycle's frame. They are typically about as long as one of the frame tubes, and have a spring-loaded handle that holds the pump in place along one of the frame tubes. Older bikes often had two brazed-on "pump pegs" to secure the ends of a frame pump. Many newer bikes have a single peg just below the top tube on the back of the head tube, for a pump running below the top tube. | "Frame" pumps are portable pumps designed to be carried on the bicycle's frame. They are typically about as long as one of the frame tubes, and have a spring-loaded handle that holds the pump in place along one of the frame tubes. Older bikes often had two brazed-on "pump pegs" to secure the ends of a frame pump. Many newer bikes have a single peg just below the top tube on the back of the head tube, for a pump running below the top tube. | ||
Frame pumps are appropriate to carry on the bike for emergency, on-the-road use. They take a fair amount of work to get up to full pressure, but it beats walking! They pump fairly easily at first, but they can require a fair amount of strength as the pressure gets high. | Frame pumps are appropriate to carry on the bike for emergency, on-the-road use. They take a fair amount of work to get up to full pressure, but it beats walking! They pump fairly easily at first, but they can require a fair amount of strength as the pressure gets high. | ||
Frame Pump Technique | ====Frame Pump Technique==== | ||
Older frame pumps have a hose that screws onto the tire valve. This works poorly with a Schrader valve because air escapes when the hose is being unscrewed. Newer pumps have a clamp-on head that holds pressure better. | Older frame pumps have a hose that screws onto the tire valve. This works poorly with a Schrader valve because air escapes when the hose is being unscrewed. Newer pumps have a clamp-on head that holds pressure better. | ||
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Be careful that you do not bend or twist the valve stem when using a frame pump with an integral head. Bracing the pump against a tree or a rock can help to hold the valve stem straight, so you don't risk breaking it off or tearing the inner tube. A pump with a hose avoids this problem. | Be careful that you do not bend or twist the valve stem when using a frame pump with an integral head. Bracing the pump against a tree or a rock can help to hold the valve stem straight, so you don't risk breaking it off or tearing the inner tube. A pump with a hose avoids this problem. | ||
One Is Not Enough | ====One Is Not Enough==== | ||
A frame pump is not a substitute for a good floor pump: the well-equipped cyclist will own both. The floor pump is for routine pressure topping off at home, and the frame pump is for fixing flats that occur while you're out riding...it's too hard to use for non-emergencies. | A frame pump is not a substitute for a good floor pump: the well-equipped cyclist will own both. The floor pump is for routine pressure topping off at home, and the frame pump is for fixing flats that occur while you're out riding...it's too hard to use for non-emergencies. | ||
Mini Pumps | ===Mini Pumps=== | ||
The most popular type of pump to carry on the bicycle -- already mentioned in this article -- is the "mini" pump, a shorter version of a frame pump. A clip may attach a mini pump to water-bottle cage bosses or directly to a frame tube, or the pump may even be pocket-sized. Mini pumps are small and easy to carry, but they can take much longer to use than full-sized frame pumps. Some newer mini pumps engage the pressure chamber on both the push and pull stroke; these are faster than others. Topeak Morph ™ series pumps have some floor-pump features including a footpad and hose. As already described, mini pumps address the problem of theft, as they are small enough to be carried in a bike bag that you can remove when parking in high-risk locations. They also are lighter than than full-sized frame pumps.. | The most popular type of pump to carry on the bicycle -- already mentioned in this article -- is the "mini" pump, a shorter version of a frame pump. A clip may attach a mini pump to water-bottle cage bosses or directly to a frame tube, or the pump may even be pocket-sized. Mini pumps are small and easy to carry, but they can take much longer to use than full-sized frame pumps. Some newer mini pumps engage the pressure chamber on both the push and pull stroke; these are faster than others. Topeak Morph ™ series pumps have some floor-pump features including a footpad and hose. As already described, mini pumps address the problem of theft, as they are small enough to be carried in a bike bag that you can remove when parking in high-risk locations. They also are lighter than than full-sized frame pumps.. | ||
==Tire removal/installation tools== | |||
tire levers | |||
tire levers | |||
Traditional tire levers, a.k.a. "tire irons" have already been mentioned. I have an assortment of them for different tires. For very tight-fitting tires, you need tire levers with thin ends, able to get underneath tight beads. For less difficult tires, a single tire lever with a rounded, grooved end can be faster. I particularly like the "Quick Stick." | Traditional tire levers, a.k.a. "tire irons" have already been mentioned. I have an assortment of them for different tires. For very tight-fitting tires, you need tire levers with thin ends, able to get underneath tight beads. For less difficult tires, a single tire lever with a rounded, grooved end can be faster. I particularly like the "Quick Stick." | ||
Zeile 148: | Zeile 142: | ||
The Kool Stop "bead jack" is an articulated tool for installing really tight tires. It has a comfortable handle and two ends, one of which is on a hinge. The rigid end uses the edge of the rim as a fulcrum, while the hinged end lifts the bead up and over the opposite edge of the rim. This is a very nice tool for dealing with really difficult tires. | The Kool Stop "bead jack" is an articulated tool for installing really tight tires. It has a comfortable handle and two ends, one of which is on a hinge. The rigid end uses the edge of the rim as a fulcrum, while the hinged end lifts the bead up and over the opposite edge of the rim. This is a very nice tool for dealing with really difficult tires. | ||
Kool Stop Bead Jack | Kool Stop Bead Jack | ||
Patch Kits | ===Patch Kits=== | ||
Patch kits are available in any bike shop. A patch kit is usually a small plastic box containing a few patches, a tube of rubber cement, and a bit of sandpaper or a metal scraper for preparing the tube surface. The metal scraper is not advisable for use on bicycle inner tubes -- it cuts too deep. The best patch kit is the Rema "Tip Top" from Germany. | Patch kits are available in any bike shop. A patch kit is usually a small plastic box containing a few patches, a tube of rubber cement, and a bit of sandpaper or a metal scraper for preparing the tube surface. The metal scraper is not advisable for use on bicycle inner tubes -- it cuts too deep. The best patch kit is the Rema "Tip Top" from Germany. | ||
Make sure to follow the instructions. | Make sure to follow the instructions. | ||
Glueless Patches | ===Glueless Patches=== | ||
Glueless (peel & stick) patches are available, and they are slightly more convenient than conventional patches. Unfortunately, they don't have a very good reliability record, and I can't recommend them--you're much better off with a standard patch kit. | Glueless (peel & stick) patches are available, and they are slightly more convenient than conventional patches. Unfortunately, they don't have a very good reliability record, and I can't recommend them--you're much better off with a standard patch kit. | ||
Duct tape | ===Duct tape=== | ||
Don't laugh. Duct tape cam patch an inner tube well enough to get to the next bike shop, and can also be used as a tire boot. You probably won't carry a roll of duct tape with you, but you could roll up a length of it, or buy, beg or borrow some in an emergency. | Don't laugh. Duct tape cam patch an inner tube well enough to get to the next bike shop, and can also be used as a tire boot. You probably won't carry a roll of duct tape with you, but you could roll up a length of it, or buy, beg or borrow some in an emergency. | ||
Wrenches | ===Wrenches=== | ||
Unless your wheels have quick release hubs, you'll need a wrench or two to remove the wheels. (The term "wrench" is not common in British usage, where the the term "spanner" or "key" is generally preferred.) | Unless your wheels have quick release hubs, you'll need a wrench or two to remove the wheels. (The term "wrench" is not common in British usage, where the the term "spanner" or "key" is generally preferred.) | ||
Wrenches are divided into two families: | Wrenches are divided into two families: | ||
* Fixed Wrenches are made of a single piece of metal, and only fit specific sizes of fasteners. Types of fixed wrenches include: | |||
** wrenchesBox wrenches have a complete loop that surrounds the fastener. They are substantially stronger than open-end wrenches, and are the best for high-torque applications, both because the wrench is stronger, and because it can contact more than two corners of the fastener. | |||
** Open-end wrenches have ends shaped like a two-tined fork. They normally have two parallel surfaces which bear against two of the sides of a fastener. Open-end wrenches are faster to put onto fasteners, and are the only kind that can be used where there is not clearance to slip a box wrench over the end of the fastener. Open-end wrenches don't get as good a grip as a box wrench, since they only engage two of the 6 corners of the nut. If you over-stress an open-end wrench, the jaws can spread, ruining the wrench. | |||
** Combination wrenches are double-ended wrenches with an open end and a box end, usually for the same size on each end. This is the most useful and most common general-purpose wrench style. | |||
* Adjustable Wrenches, already mentioned, can be adjusted to fit different sized fasteners, usually with a thumbscrew. They don't fit as well as the correct-size fixed wrench, so good, well equipped mechanics only use them as a last resort. A small adjustable wrench is convenient though to carry on the bicycle. See my Tool Tips article on Adjustable Wrenches. | |||
adjustable wrench | adjustable wrench | ||
Wrenches are sometimes confused with pliers, and naive users sometimes try to use pliers for jobs that really require a wrench. This usually results in damage to the nut or bolt so abused. It can also cause failure due to undertightening the part involved | |||
===Siehe auch== | |||
Our page on tires | Our page on tires | ||
British English version! Our page on tyres | British English version! Our page on tyres |