I had two pinch flats due too being too lazy to check tire pressure on rocky descends. And the front derailleur cable ripped. I think thw tools are fine. The only thing i can’t really do is loosen my pedals, but any car or bike shop can do that for me, same with the tightening (before and after flying). But f.e. i have never broke a chain in my life, i think next time i’ll just leave the chain tool at home.
I think you can’t prepare for everything maintenance wise, but usually it’s just flats that i have, if at all. Once i broke a pedal but could fix it with cable ties to make it to the next bike shop (broke it halfway riding rocky terrain and then fully weeks later just pedalling, bearing balls were almost all gone).
Some loose screws if you have mounted something new, but after a second tightening they usually stay firm for me. That reminds me of another problem i had this trip. I was using these little helpers for my fork cages, as i only have one lowrider eyelet on the fork. I use those so i can remove the cages more easily when not touring. One of those broke, that was because the other screw in the actual lowrider eyelet got loose and leverd it till it broke. I will replace it, not giving up on the system but keep more of an eye on the loosening. And bring an extra regular hose clamp, which is what i had used before.
The fix. Did not bring a hose clamp but was not hard to find one.
Insects were no problem, although yesterday at that spot i had a tic on me, but i spotted it early. I actually forgot to bring my tic removal tool, it’s real nice, bought it in a pet supply store. Just two small plastic hooks, better than the credit card thingies imo. Other than that just a few mosquitos and annoying flies. Did not use any repellent.
That was a bit verbose i guess :)
Edit: i forgot to mention in my gear list that i brought one shifting and one brake cable too. And i guess bringing some extra screws would not harm but i didn’t.
Unfortunately flats are the most common thing I get and suck most at fixing on the road. I used to pack way too many tools than were necessary simply because one time my chain got stuck between the hub and frame, and I didn’t have any tools with me.
Never thought about the mount-ability of those little straps since I always seem to have a spot for them on any bike I rode. It sucks to not have proper mounting, especially when doing a trip like this!
Ah, maybe that’s due to the weather you had there. In my experience some ticks always seem to end up on my legs going through dense forests.
I have posted my gear for this trip here:
https://lemm.ee/post/29991477
If you have any questions i’m happy to answer.
I see, a pretty nice selection of stuff! Did your bike break down at all through the trip? And did you find your tools to be adequate?
I’m thinking of making a trip like this, but not international, only around my country. Curious on what to expect maintenance wise.
Did any insects bother you, while cooking or while sleeping?
I had two pinch flats due too being too lazy to check tire pressure on rocky descends. And the front derailleur cable ripped. I think thw tools are fine. The only thing i can’t really do is loosen my pedals, but any car or bike shop can do that for me, same with the tightening (before and after flying). But f.e. i have never broke a chain in my life, i think next time i’ll just leave the chain tool at home.
I think you can’t prepare for everything maintenance wise, but usually it’s just flats that i have, if at all. Once i broke a pedal but could fix it with cable ties to make it to the next bike shop (broke it halfway riding rocky terrain and then fully weeks later just pedalling, bearing balls were almost all gone).
Some loose screws if you have mounted something new, but after a second tightening they usually stay firm for me. That reminds me of another problem i had this trip. I was using these little helpers for my fork cages, as i only have one lowrider eyelet on the fork. I use those so i can remove the cages more easily when not touring. One of those broke, that was because the other screw in the actual lowrider eyelet got loose and leverd it till it broke. I will replace it, not giving up on the system but keep more of an eye on the loosening. And bring an extra regular hose clamp, which is what i had used before.
Insects were no problem, although yesterday at that spot i had a tic on me, but i spotted it early. I actually forgot to bring my tic removal tool, it’s real nice, bought it in a pet supply store. Just two small plastic hooks, better than the credit card thingies imo. Other than that just a few mosquitos and annoying flies. Did not use any repellent.
That was a bit verbose i guess :)
Edit: i forgot to mention in my gear list that i brought one shifting and one brake cable too. And i guess bringing some extra screws would not harm but i didn’t.
Unfortunately flats are the most common thing I get and suck most at fixing on the road. I used to pack way too many tools than were necessary simply because one time my chain got stuck between the hub and frame, and I didn’t have any tools with me.
Never thought about the mount-ability of those little straps since I always seem to have a spot for them on any bike I rode. It sucks to not have proper mounting, especially when doing a trip like this!
Ah, maybe that’s due to the weather you had there. In my experience some ticks always seem to end up on my legs going through dense forests.
Thank you for the info, I appreciate it a lot!