Mach3Multisport.com

I get this question a lot from beginners and intermediate triathletes a lot and it always confuses me: “Should I take a spare tube and a tool kit, or should I save the extra weight that will slow me down?

The answer I give is: “Take the spare and tools.”

Now, if you’re a top-level Pro and you’re in a championship race and you know that if you flat you’re out of the running for the whole shebang, and saving a pound on your bike can make a difference, then drop them. If you’re an age group athlete and you paid your hard earned money on an entry fee and your friends and family are there cheering you on, then take it.

You know what Murphy and his law says is going to happen if you don’t take the tools: you will get a flat at the furthest point away from the transition area and that particular race won’t have any support until they sweep the course looking for your carcass. Or you will walk back and it may be 3 or even 6 miles. That’s nothing for a nice jog, but haye you tried walking even a mile in your cycling shoes? Or better yet, barefoot or in your socks?

A good tool kit doesn’t have to weigh a lot. For racing I take along the bare minimums: a spare inner tube and a multi-tool with allen wrenches to fit my derailleur, seat post, and stem bolts and a CO2 inflator or a pump. For training I have the works: CO2 plus a pump (or just a pump, but I like CO2 when people are waiting on me), 2 spare tubes and a patch kit (glueless patches are great for on the road), and a multi-tool with a chain tool and all the allen wrenches for my bike. Also carry an ID tag or write your contact information inside your helmet. And $20. You never know when you might be out of food and water and miles from home.

So yes, bring a tool kit. Strap it under your seat in a tool bag or stuff it in a hydration pack. Pray you won’t need it, but you’ll be glad you have it when you do.

Comments (0)

Subscribe to this comment's feed

Name

Email

Website

Title

Comment

Write the displayed characters

Add Comment