Roadside Repair Recap

Thank you for the ladies that stuck around to talk about roadside repair!  Here is a recap for those of you that couldn't make it.  This is a skill-share that I'd like to repeat again.  If you'd like an additional topic covered, please let us know!

Facilitated by Kat and Lowrah

1.  Give Yourself a Break- Sometimes you are unable or unwilling to do a roadside repair, and that's perfectly okay!

Phone a friend, use a bus pass, use your guaranteed ride home pass, or walk.  Flip your bike upside down as a distress signal.  Secure your bike with a U-lock using proper locking technique, and come back for it later.  Throw your bike on a bus rack.  Know where your local bike shops are.

2.  Tools to Carry- We opened our tool bags/ tool burritos and compared the things that we carry.

Susan's tool kit

Lowrah's Tool Burrito

Lowrah's tools

3.  Avoiding Flats!

Keep your tires at or near maximum pressure.  Use high-quality, puncture-resistant tires.  Avoid potholes, broken glass, etc.

4.  Fixing Flats- Practice= confidence!

Inspect the wheel, tire, and tube.  Is it a pinch flat (snake bite), puncture (hole) or tire fail (blow out)?  Is it patchable, do you have a spare tube and pump?  If you can identify a patchable hole, sand it down well, let the glue dry fully, firmly put on the patch.  If you have a tire blowout or hole, boot the tire with a dollar bill as a temporary fix.

5.  Chains

Keep your chain clean and lubed.  Know how to put your chain on your bike if it falls off.  Know how and when to use your chain tool.

For more information about Grease Rag Skill-Share topics and schedule, please check out the Skill-Share page to your right.