If you cycle from one end of the country to the other there is a good chance something will go wrong with your bike and you will need to have the tools (and the know how) to fix it. I think most people will accept that.
But, every time you get on your bike there is a chance that something will go wrong. So you should always carry a basic tool kit to carry out fixes on the road, at least good enough to get you home.
These are the essentials:
- Inner tube (preferably 2) and patches
- Short length of old tyre (to act as boot if you get a tear in the tyre). Alternatively use a folded plastic food wrapper, like a crisp bag or even a folded bank note – this was obviously part of the design thought process for the new plastic ones
- Tyre levers – preferably strong plastic ones
- Pump or some means of inflating a tyre
- Multi tool with a chain breaker
- Quick chain link or link pin
You might also like to carry:
- Cash or card
- ID (for when you are not in a condition to talk to emergency services)
- A lightweight waterproof/windproof top (it can get cold stood around fixing you bike of waiting for rescue)
- Mobile phone for when the fix doesn’t work
Kickstart your Lands End to John O’Groats planning
Download FREE samples
Everything you need to know to get you started on your Lands End to John O Groats adventure is contained within these three books: a How To, a detailed account of riding the Google Map route for LEJOG and a ‘safe’ Route Book using GPX files.
Where to next?
The most popular pages on the site concern planning your End to End, including training for long distance cycling, thinking about the cycling equipment you will need, how to look after your bike, what you should be eating and drinking whilst cycling and how to create a route for Lands End to John O’Groats. Or you can read my own account of cycling End to End to get some idea of what to expect.
