On top of what you carry, I carry a CR2032 battery just in case one of my sensors runs out of juice. Only really relevant if you have cadence/speed/heart sensors that use them.
Your pronunciation is excellent. Every single word coming out of your mouth is crystal clear. That's a rare commodity nowadays. I tip my hat to your Language teacher at school. Subscribed!
I once used a Dentists appointment card as a tyre boot, to stop the tube poking out of a small rip in the sidewall. Reduced the pressure in the tyre a bit and was able to finish the ride - I was about half way round a 100km ride when the ripped tyre occurred.
It's worth remembering that CO2 permeates through tubes and tires quicker than air, so don't be fooled into thinking that you have a slow puncture. Top up with your track pump when you get home. Thanks for the series.
Great point! Ahhh - wish I'd mentioned that. Also, if you happen to use latex tubes (for weight saving) the CO2 gets through that way faster and the tyres go down quickly.
Also- and this just happened to me: I forgot that CO2 reacts with Stan's sealant (at least), turning it into a watery liquid. I came back to a pool of it next to a flat tyre yesterday after a trail ride. Doh! Easily fixed with more sealant.
@@nigelatkinson2939 you're right, in purely scientific terms. "Common science" and my own experience has led me to find this to be the case, although tubes/tubeless/Tire wall thickness and density will all play a part. There are some fora describing this as some people's experience.
I have my full tool kit under my seat in a silicone ziplock bag attached using a Backcountry Research strap. My micro pump is next to the ziplock bag in the Backcountry Research elastic bands. I have basically the same gear in the bag except 2 x tubolito CX/gravel tubes as they are so compact. I have added 1 tube of superglue just in case I need to close a wound (years of mtb’ing resulted in that add). It is very compact and frees up the second water bottle point.
I'm one of the tubeless enthusiasts you spoke of ;) I love it, done properly they are reliable and stable. I still carry a tyre boot and spare tube however. The tip you give about a second, race tube is brilliant.
Well done. Thoroughly enjoy watching your TH-cam channel. Like GCN it's informative and precise. I purchased a bicycle back in 2019 and with COVID19 Lockdown took to it like a fish in water. I have enjoyed plenty of evening rides and was surprised at how much city (Toronto, Ontario) I'd taken for granted or never new existed. As such I have added to my wardrobe and have taken tips from both venues yours and GCN, so a big thank you. I was surprised by the amount of British, Scotland and Europeon content and found very little from Canadian or American sites. It would seem most haven't taken to the sport as in England and Europe although I suspect this may change as we await Wave 2 of this virus. I myself plan to ride till snow falls and maybe beyond although goal presently is till end of december as riding in -21C may be a little much into January and February but one never knows. Keep it up and thanks.
Thanks again for another useful video. Personally I would like to see a video covering how to change tyres/tubes. A lot of experienced people will already know this but I think it would go well with the Beginner tips series.
Excellent video, I have been cycling for over 40 years and found it useful. I take your point about a multi tool. I have never used mine and may swap it for a few relevant Allen keys, a spoke key and a chain splitter (as we did in the old days) to free up space as I also carry two inner tubes, all under the saddle.
Glad you like it Michael, and of course, it's only my opinion. Others do things differently. Gravel does make different demands on the bike and can leave saddle-packs filthy. That said, I'm still learning...
My multitool includes a chain breaker, a really sharp knife a selection of screw bits and 7 useful hex keys. It's very compact and strong. I take a piece of old tube in case I have a blowout/prolapse. Large cable ties and spare brake blocks.
Hi, really enjoying the channel having watched many of the videos. One suggestion for content could be how to set up gear indexing easily as part of a maintenance routine. I have a cheaper bike which is fine on the bench but after just a few miles will not select low gears. Anyway, love what you are doing and find it all interesting. We have got back into cycling after a long time away from bikes. It is even better than I remembered and we are planning our adventures (60+ years old)
Hi Iain - 🤔 I’m not sure I know the answer to that one! Liz’s bike was doing that recently so I went onto GCN and did the whole rear set-up again to get it working. Odd if it works on a stand but not when force is going through the chain though... oh, and 60 is the new 40. That’s what I keep telling myself. On the way to the osteopath. 😂😫
Tubeless - I've just put 6 new tyres on our mountain bikes this morning - all brand new Specialized tyres but on four different rims. All went up first time using a tubeless floor pump. Gravel bikes - one is running tubeless, both went up first time (Kenda tyres), I've another bike to do this week with Giant OEM tyres on, but they are tubeless ready. Having had some hassle a few years ago, I'm a total convert. We've not had a puncture other than racing Enduro in two years. I top up sealant occasionally in the tyres, that's it across 8 bikes in the household. Even the skip find paperound hybrid bike runs tubeless on Halfords £5 steel beaded tyres!
@@alwaysanotheradventure we've had a few tyre / rim combinations in the early days which just didn't play nicely - loose sidewalls, rims with poor welds in and tyres too tight to seat. Getting a track pump compressor was what we needed, plus I think most tyre brands have improved. The Specialized today impressed me - they all went up first time with no sealant in and stayed up for the afternoon.
I imagine the tools/supplies one would carry vary depending on several things but to have the needed items should it be be required is a great idea. One of the things I carry is a 4" adjustable spanner which I have used as my side view mirror has a tendency to loosen up and move around, a spoke wrench, plastic tire remover tool x2, a mask for going in stores and such, stubby Phillips screw driver, sticky patches, air gauge and a tube I have to put in it.
@@alwaysanotheradventure I have a 1971 Nishiki too, not a newer model. I think they came out with the bike I have just after they invented the wheel, lol.
I agree with your comments about tubeless on road bikes. It's not reliable at sealing punctures at ~100psi, even when using fully tubeless equipment and quality sealant. However for my gravel and MTB bikes running below 45psi, tubeless is great. Keep up the great work! Thank you..
I really tried with tubeless, honestly. I got one on the new gravel rims working fine, but the other wouldn't stop leaking. My mate is coming in July (when we're allowed in Scotland) and is going to show me what I'm doing wrong. Glad you like the videos.
Excellent again 👍 Have wee under seat bag on 3 bikes but think I'll try the bottle type on bike 4. Think a roadside repair video would be good now. Sadly don't think many of us will be hitching lifts for a while. Keep the videos coming 👍
Hmm, good thought. I've just been asked for a puncture repair one, but if it gets much more complicated than that, I'd need to take advice! I'll definitely think hard about this.
always another adventure Fixing a flat is a must and amazing how many folk can't- including my wife. Only had to fix anything else once - broken chain - mountain bike - Glen Affric - 15 years ago.
Use muc off sealant, I’ve had the best results with that vs orange seal and stans. Although admittedly this is only on my mtb. My gravel bike still has tubes.
Interesting as I do more mountain biking than road and only just getting into gravel, I tend to take tools for issues I have experienced over many years. I agree with most of what you take but I also take a mini bivy in winter, I also take a gear cable, some gaffer tape and alloy chain pliers as I have found the Sram chain links notoriously hard to get apart and snap back in especially in bad weather.
Chain pliers are great if you have space - so far I've managed with what I have. Safety is a whole different matter and I have a playlist devoted to this, plus I mention it regularly in videos (there's a great example coming tomorrow). In wild places I take; extra food, warm clothing; plasticised foil bivy bag; map; and a Personal Locator Beacon. th-cam.com/play/PLi_RyC9IgDU0FL2kn-Yen7VOtguRZMUDT.html
@@alwaysanotheradventure sounds interesting I have done a lot of solo kayaking, mountain walking, and biking and love the heightened senses that are required but also acutely aware that I do not want to get into trouble and or have to call for help. Always on the look out for tips it’s amazing how everyone that does this sort of stuff evolves different ways of thinking, preparing or saving themselves and whilst some things are fairly common there are always gems that have passed you by.
Many who ride tubeless also carry a spare tube.There's often the time when the sealant won't work or you can't re seat the bead.A tube will get you home.
I hadn't fully appreciated that Philip until I read Emily Chappell's book 'Where there's a will' about the TransContinental. Wow - that is a cracking cycling book.
I've been riding since the 70's. You're video are very well done and insightful, even to a veteran. You must have been a presenter at some point of your life, or still are. Which leads me to my next comment, what is your audio Video set up for you videos, specifically your audio? Cheers.
Hi Trevor, I do my best, thanks. Yes, TV reporter for many years and still occasionally shoot for the BBC Scotland's Adventure Show. I've been asked a few times to make a video about my cameras etc and it's in the works. It'll be live in a couple of weeks.
@@arcoulant87 Thanks Stephen - that really does look good. Popular too - Wiggle out of stock. I've found one elsewhere so I'll get it and give it a go. Appreciated.
Inner tube under the saddle off road. That will get covered in mud & possibly even get cut by stones flying off your back tyre. At the very least put it in some sort of bag or wrap it in a cloth
Hi new subscriber, I have been cycling for years & I struggle with presta valves, do you unscrew the wee lock fully or half way? only seen a couple of videos so far, keep up the good work
Just slacken it half a turn Graeme. If you press it quickly with your finger, a burst of air should come out. If it doesn't, then something is a bit stuck. If it does, then when you pump it up, the air will go in. Want to find out more? Look carefully and you'll see two flat bits on the valve between the end and the main barrel. You can get a small tool (or needle nose pliers) and completely unscrew that part of the valve from the main shaft - do this on an old one and you'll get to see how the whole thing works.
I have always had an issue changing my back wheel for some reason? Any change you could show how this is achieved without screaming and shouting and throwing the bike around and sitting sulking for hours before talking it to the shop. lol
I don't think I do this the 'proper' way. I put it in the small chain ring and small cassette ring first, but then the controversial bit - I turn the bike upside down! I've been screamed at for this! However, I find it the best way to get the skewer seated in the dropouts. I'll be in the LBS on Friday so I'll ask how they do it.
When bikepacking I carry my repair kit in a small waterproof cuben fibre pouch and I put this in my frame bag. If you don’t mind, here is a link to some pictures of all my repair kit for my Sonder Titanium bikepacking bike. instagram.com/p/B_SfKN4FOhj/?igshid=cr7ouw2lvv1f Found this vlog interesting and agree you need to take more kit to be self sufficient when out in the wilds, especially now 😊
For a multi-day trip that looks great. Those orange tubes - are they the ones which allegedly don't puncture? They're about £25 each I think - are they any good? I've been looking at them and wondering.
always another adventure They are a lot more smaller and lighter than regular tubes. I’ve never used one yet but as I’m running tubeless, the6 will be ok for emergency use. I believe they do puncture but stronger than normal tubes.
Please add your suggestions in the comments - we can all learn stuff!
On top of what you carry, I carry a CR2032 battery just in case one of my sensors runs out of juice. Only really relevant if you have cadence/speed/heart sensors that use them.
Your pronunciation is excellent. Every single word coming out of your mouth is crystal clear. That's a rare commodity nowadays. I tip my hat to your Language teacher at school. Subscribed!
My language teacher was my Mum who didn’t want me growing up with a Geordie accent - but it’s there and comes out occasionally.
I once used a Dentists appointment card as a tyre boot, to stop the tube poking out of a small rip in the sidewall. Reduced the pressure in the tyre a bit and was able to finish the ride - I was about half way round a 100km ride when the ripped tyre occurred.
It's worth remembering that CO2 permeates through tubes and tires quicker than air, so don't be fooled into thinking that you have a slow puncture. Top up with your track pump when you get home.
Thanks for the series.
Great point! Ahhh - wish I'd mentioned that. Also, if you happen to use latex tubes (for weight saving) the CO2 gets through that way faster and the tyres go down quickly.
I'd add that co2 cannisters are awful environmentally - balanced against a good midging while pumping up...
Also- and this just happened to me: I forgot that CO2 reacts with Stan's sealant (at least), turning it into a watery liquid. I came back to a pool of it next to a flat tyre yesterday after a trail ride. Doh! Easily fixed with more sealant.
Why does a bigger molecule permeate faster?
@@nigelatkinson2939 you're right, in purely scientific terms.
"Common science" and my own experience has led me to find this to be the case, although tubes/tubeless/Tire wall thickness and density will all play a part. There are some fora describing this as some people's experience.
I have my full tool kit under my seat in a silicone ziplock bag attached using a Backcountry Research strap. My micro pump is next to the ziplock bag in the Backcountry Research elastic bands. I have basically the same gear in the bag except 2 x tubolito CX/gravel tubes as they are so compact. I have added 1 tube of superglue just in case I need to close a wound (years of mtb’ing resulted in that add). It is very compact and frees up the second water bottle point.
I'm one of the tubeless enthusiasts you spoke of ;) I love it, done properly they are reliable and stable. I still carry a tyre boot and spare tube however. The tip you give about a second, race tube is brilliant.
Thanks - my friend is a pro triathlete and hopefully he'll be coming on the channel soon, telling me where I went wrong with my attempt at tubeless.
@@alwaysanotheradventure that sounds excellent, I do triathlon myself so interested to know who that is!
Thumbs up and subscribed. One of the best channels for amateurs like me.
Cheers
Well done. Thoroughly enjoy watching your TH-cam channel. Like GCN it's informative and precise. I purchased a bicycle back in 2019 and with COVID19 Lockdown took to it like a fish in water. I have enjoyed plenty of evening rides and was surprised at how much city (Toronto, Ontario) I'd taken for granted or never new existed. As such I have added to my wardrobe and have taken tips from both venues yours and GCN, so a big thank you. I was surprised by the amount of British, Scotland and Europeon content and found very little from Canadian or American sites. It would seem most haven't taken to the sport as in England and Europe although I suspect this may change as we await Wave 2 of this virus. I myself plan to ride till snow falls and maybe beyond although goal presently is till end of december as riding in -21C may be a little much into January and February but one never knows. Keep it up and thanks.
Thanks Michael, much appreciated. Comparisons to GCN are flattering considering I'm a lot older, slower and fatter than most of that team 😀
Thanks again for another useful video. Personally I would like to see a video covering how to change tyres/tubes. A lot of experienced people will already know this but I think it would go well with the Beginner tips series.
Good idea - I'll work on that. Thanks.
Your delivery is very professional and a pleasure to listen to. I hope you get more subs!
That’s kind of you to say thank you. Spread the word please!
Excellent video, I have been cycling for over 40 years and found it useful. I take your point about a multi tool. I have never used mine and may swap it for a few relevant Allen keys, a spoke key and a chain splitter (as we did in the old days) to free up space as I also carry two inner tubes, all under the saddle.
Glad you like it Michael, and of course, it's only my opinion. Others do things differently. Gravel does make different demands on the bike and can leave saddle-packs filthy. That said, I'm still learning...
My multitool includes a chain breaker, a really sharp knife a selection of screw bits and 7 useful hex keys. It's very compact and strong. I take a piece of old tube in case I have a blowout/prolapse. Large cable ties and spare brake blocks.
I’m now retired and beginning to cycle again. Thanks, great tips 👍🏽
My pleasure Norma. Thanks for the comment.
as always, clear and practical. Thanks again, Simon!
Glad you liked it Jeff
Hi, really enjoying the channel having watched many of the videos. One suggestion for content could be how to set up gear indexing easily as part of a maintenance routine. I have a cheaper bike which is fine on the bench but after just a few miles will not select low gears. Anyway, love what you are doing and find it all interesting. We have got back into cycling after a long time away from bikes. It is even better than I remembered and we are planning our adventures (60+ years old)
Hi Iain - 🤔 I’m not sure I know the answer to that one! Liz’s bike was doing that recently so I went onto GCN and did the whole rear set-up again to get it working. Odd if it works on a stand but not when force is going through the chain though... oh, and 60 is the new 40. That’s what I keep telling myself. On the way to the osteopath. 😂😫
Tubeless - I've just put 6 new tyres on our mountain bikes this morning - all brand new Specialized tyres but on four different rims. All went up first time using a tubeless floor pump.
Gravel bikes - one is running tubeless, both went up first time (Kenda tyres), I've another bike to do this week with Giant OEM tyres on, but they are tubeless ready.
Having had some hassle a few years ago, I'm a total convert. We've not had a puncture other than racing Enduro in two years. I top up sealant occasionally in the tyres, that's it across 8 bikes in the household. Even the skip find paperound hybrid bike runs tubeless on Halfords £5 steel beaded tyres!
I just couldn't gt them to stay up on my Hunt rims. Everyone says I must be doing something wrong. Hey ho.
@@alwaysanotheradventure we've had a few tyre / rim combinations in the early days which just didn't play nicely - loose sidewalls, rims with poor welds in and tyres too tight to seat. Getting a track pump compressor was what we needed, plus I think most tyre brands have improved. The Specialized today impressed me - they all went up first time with no sealant in and stayed up for the afternoon.
I imagine the tools/supplies one would carry vary depending on several things but to have the needed items should it be be required is a great idea. One of the things I carry is a 4" adjustable spanner which I have used as my side view mirror has a tendency to loosen up and move around, a spoke wrench, plastic tire remover tool x2, a mask for going in stores and such, stubby Phillips screw driver, sticky patches, air gauge and a tube I have to put in it.
Interesting additions, thanks John
@@alwaysanotheradventure I have a 1971 Nishiki too, not a newer model. I think they came out with the bike I have just after they invented the wheel, lol.
I agree with your comments about tubeless on road bikes. It's not reliable at sealing punctures at ~100psi, even when using fully tubeless equipment and quality sealant. However for my gravel and MTB bikes running below 45psi, tubeless is great. Keep up the great work! Thank you..
I really tried with tubeless, honestly. I got one on the new gravel rims working fine, but the other wouldn't stop leaking. My mate is coming in July (when we're allowed in Scotland) and is going to show me what I'm doing wrong. Glad you like the videos.
Thanks great advice looking forward to watching your videos 👍🏻🚴♂️.....stay safe all the best ....colin.
Thank you Colin - much appreciated 🙏
Brilliant video - thanks.
Glad you enjoyed it
Thank you very much! I really appreciate your insights :)
My pleasure Marius
Excellent again 👍 Have wee under seat bag on 3 bikes but think I'll try the bottle type on bike 4. Think a roadside repair video would be good now. Sadly don't think many of us will be hitching lifts for a while. Keep the videos coming 👍
Hmm, good thought. I've just been asked for a puncture repair one, but if it gets much more complicated than that, I'd need to take advice! I'll definitely think hard about this.
always another adventure Fixing a flat is a must and amazing how many folk can't- including my wife. Only had to fix anything else once - broken chain - mountain bike - Glen Affric - 15 years ago.
Use muc off sealant, I’ve had the best results with that vs orange seal and stans. Although admittedly this is only on my mtb. My gravel bike still has tubes.
Interesting as I do more mountain biking than road and only just getting into gravel, I tend to take tools for issues I have experienced over many years. I agree with most of what you take but I also take a mini bivy in winter, I also take a gear cable, some gaffer tape and alloy chain pliers as I have found the Sram chain links notoriously hard to get apart and snap back in especially in bad weather.
Chain pliers are great if you have space - so far I've managed with what I have. Safety is a whole different matter and I have a playlist devoted to this, plus I mention it regularly in videos (there's a great example coming tomorrow). In wild places I take; extra food, warm clothing; plasticised foil bivy bag; map; and a Personal Locator Beacon. th-cam.com/play/PLi_RyC9IgDU0FL2kn-Yen7VOtguRZMUDT.html
@@alwaysanotheradventure sounds interesting I have done a lot of solo kayaking, mountain walking, and biking and love the heightened senses that are required but also acutely aware that I do not want to get into trouble and or have to call for help. Always on the look out for tips it’s amazing how everyone that does this sort of stuff evolves different ways of thinking, preparing or saving themselves and whilst some things are fairly common there are always gems that have passed you by.
Loved It!
Ta muchly.
Many who ride tubeless also carry a spare tube.There's often the time when the sealant won't work or you can't re seat the bead.A tube will get you home.
I hadn't fully appreciated that Philip until I read Emily Chappell's book 'Where there's a will' about the TransContinental. Wow - that is a cracking cycling book.
I've been riding since the 70's. You're video are very well done and insightful, even to a veteran. You must have been a presenter at some point of your life, or still are. Which leads me to my next comment, what is your audio Video set up for you videos, specifically your audio? Cheers.
I’m curious too...how did you get your intro shot with the camera in front of you? Is that a drone?
@@bennyayaya that I can answer I think. Insta360 or the GoPro max and a thin selfie stick. Just a guess.
Hi Trevor, I do my best, thanks. Yes, TV reporter for many years and still occasionally shoot for the BBC Scotland's Adventure Show. I've been asked a few times to make a video about my cameras etc and it's in the works. It'll be live in a couple of weeks.
@@bennyayaya I wondered that too! But take a look at the shadow - you'll see the selfie stick which has been edited out ;)
Thank you!
You're welcome!
I Always carry a multi tool with a chain breaker what ever bike I ride and quick link its a no brainier.
Hi Stephen - I've yet to find a small, light one that I'm really happy with. Any recommendations?
@@alwaysanotheradventure Topeak Mini 20 Pro 20 Function Multi Tool works for me.
@@arcoulant87 Thanks Stephen - that really does look good. Popular too - Wiggle out of stock. I've found one elsewhere so I'll get it and give it a go. Appreciated.
Inner tube under the saddle off road. That will get covered in mud & possibly even get cut by stones flying off your back tyre. At the very least put it in some sort of bag or wrap it in a cloth
Hi new subscriber, I have been cycling for years & I struggle with presta valves, do you unscrew the wee lock fully or half way?
only seen a couple of videos so far, keep up the good work
Just slacken it half a turn Graeme. If you press it quickly with your finger, a burst of air should come out. If it doesn't, then something is a bit stuck. If it does, then when you pump it up, the air will go in.
Want to find out more? Look carefully and you'll see two flat bits on the valve between the end and the main barrel. You can get a small tool (or needle nose pliers) and completely unscrew that part of the valve from the main shaft - do this on an old one and you'll get to see how the whole thing works.
I have always had an issue changing my back wheel for some reason? Any change you could show how this is achieved without screaming and shouting and throwing the bike around and sitting sulking for hours before talking it to the shop. lol
I don't think I do this the 'proper' way. I put it in the small chain ring and small cassette ring first, but then the controversial bit - I turn the bike upside down! I've been screamed at for this! However, I find it the best way to get the skewer seated in the dropouts. I'll be in the LBS on Friday so I'll ask how they do it.
Seen someone use a candy bar wrapper for a boot.
The ‘classic’ is a gel wrapper but that would be hard. I tried and failed with one of our new-ish plasticised £10 notes.
Full agreement on tubeless. Have don’t like them. Don’t want to buy a compressor to inflate tires.
Is a cheap mountain bike same as gravel bike?
Different geometry
🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲🚲
When bikepacking I carry my repair kit in a small waterproof cuben fibre pouch and I put this in my frame bag.
If you don’t mind, here is a link to some pictures of all my repair kit for my Sonder Titanium bikepacking bike.
instagram.com/p/B_SfKN4FOhj/?igshid=cr7ouw2lvv1f
Found this vlog interesting and agree you need to take more kit to be self sufficient when out in the wilds, especially now 😊
For a multi-day trip that looks great. Those orange tubes - are they the ones which allegedly don't puncture? They're about £25 each I think - are they any good? I've been looking at them and wondering.
always another adventure They are a lot more smaller and lighter than regular tubes. I’ve never used one yet but as I’m running tubeless, the6 will be ok for emergency use. I believe they do puncture but stronger than normal tubes.
An old piece of toothpaste tube cut to size makes a good tyre boot.
That’s a good one!