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Minimum Light Trail Riding Kit

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#21 ·
I don't carry extra sealant. If the sealant in my tire doesn't work time to move on to plan B. I wouldn't consider that a minimalist item at all.

Tube
Patches
Plugs
Tool
Tire lever
Quick link
Valve core
Pump
Small roll of gorilla tape(VERY important)

That's it. On truly big backcountry rides I'll bring a second tube.

Sent from my moto g(6) forge using Tapatalk
 
#22 ·
bmaster7 said:
Assuming you are not joking, I would never consider carrying a spare tire other than my beer belly. I honestly do not know anyone that does in the MTB community. I run tubeless with Stans Sealant and flats are very rare. Honesty in 15 plus years of riding I have never used the backup tube. I have given it away to other needy riders 3 or 4 times. We can get in pretty remote areas so being prepared for the unlikely situation is a must. The weight penalty is very minimum. Now an extra tire no way am I carrying that thing around with me.

I have not tried many other trail pumps but the 100cc EDC is the best I have tried. It is a trail pump so there is a balance between weight, size, and pumping volume. It gets the job done. Only reason to carry a co2 is to seat the bead but I have never had to do that trail side. Absolutely carry a Dynaplugs, Stans Dart, or any other type of plug. There is 0 weight penalty. Also I don't know about you but when I get to hit the trail it is the highlight of my week. I do not want to spend my trail time fixing stuff. Plugs will get you back on trail and you can address issues later at home with proper tools if need be. Trail time is sacred time for me. Also the EDC solves any trail tool needs. One-up also sells any replacement parts needed if something breaks so u do not have to buy the whole thing again.
Click to expand...
Not joking. So I'm just trying to figure out, like the rest of you, what I should carry with me, and what I shouldn't. I just went back and looked at photos and see that it wasn't an actual tire these EWS guys are carrying on their bike, it's a tube? So I guess I just need to carry a spare tube or 2? But can you explain why you wouldn't bring a spare tire? If I already have a small/medium backpack that also has my water bladder, that can easily hold a spare tire, why wouldn't I just skip all the patches and other tools and carry 1 spare tire? Then I could just put the new tire on and ride that instead of going through all this extra work with patches and plugs and stuff like that? Or is that not a good idea? I don't know, that's why I'm asking. Thanks

And thanks for the info about the OneUp 100cc pump! That sounds awesome, thanks
 
#23 ·
I wouldn't bother carrying a tire because in my 35+ years of mtb I can't ever remember destroying one beyond field side repair to limp out. That includes riding flats for miles and miles.

As Harold said, several live in my vehicle at all times and I would carry one on an extended bike pack trip.

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#24 ·
SuperWookie said:
...is it still a good idea to at least bring a Dynaplug kit and 1 spare tube...
Click to expand...
I didn't see it in this thread, but

Putting a tube in a tubeless tire can be a dodgy proposition. The inside of the tire could look like a porcupine if the sealant has been doing it's job and sealing thorns etc. If the bacon-strip doesn't work and you have to resort to a tube, you have to be super diligent to make sure the inside of the tire is spike free.
 
#25 ·
WHALENARD said:
I don't carry extra sealant. If the sealant in my tire doesn't work time to move on to plan B. I wouldn't consider that a minimalist item at all.
Click to expand...
The tiny bottles of Stans are perfect for the purpose. You need a knife to cut the tip off to use a fresh one (I wouldn't want to keep a re-filled used bottle in my pack for emergencies), but these things are great. I have one in my tool roll and a few in my toolbox that I've picked up for free at bike events. You can reuse the little bottles at home to measure out sealant from the bulk bottle. I know plenty of shops that use these instead of syringes to fill through the valve stem.

It's less about "the sealant in my tire doesn't work" and more about what happens if you have a puncture big enough that it spurts too much sealant out. The sort of thing you might use multiple plugs on. Squirt some extra sealant in there to make sure the plugs take, and there you go. Still faster than pulling the tire, booting or installing a tube, etc, etc.

SuperWookie said:
Not joking. So I'm just trying to figure out, like the rest of you, what I should carry with me, and what I shouldn't. I just went back and looked at photos and see that it wasn't an actual tire these EWS guys are carrying on their bike, it's a tube? So I guess I just need to carry a spare tube or 2? But can you explain why you wouldn't bring a spare tire? If I already have a small/medium backpack that also has my water bladder, that can easily hold a spare tire, why wouldn't I just skip all the patches and other tools and carry 1 spare tire? Then I could just put the new tire on and ride that instead of going through all this extra work with patches and plugs and stuff like that? Or is that not a good idea? I don't know, that's why I'm asking. Thanks
Click to expand...
There really is no need to lug around a whole tire all the time. Even for a race (especially for a race). I mean, if you're in a race and you need to replace a tire, you're already DFL. Plugs are infinitely faster. The last time I used my Dynaplug, it took seconds to put the plug in. Most of the time was spent inflating the tire. All told, from flatting, to stopping, checking over the tire to see the problem, to removing my pack to get my pump and plug kit, to fixing it and reinflating, all took me a couple minutes tops. I wasn't racing, but I finished close enough to my riding buddies that they really only had time to make one joke about me before I caught up.

With tubeless and a proper repair kit, you shouldn't need more than 1 tube the vast majority of the time. Again, I'd limit carrying the extra stuff like that to bikepacking trips and other BIG rides where you're an extended distance from help. In the days when tubes were the only way, then yeah, I learned to carry 2 sometimes. I had plenty of double flat rides back then and the occasional triple flat ride. Since patching tubes is such a PITA in the field, I'd rather carry a whole tube than try to patch in the woods.

J_Westy said:
Putting a tube in a tubeless tire can be a dodgy proposition. The inside of the tire could look like a porcupine if the sealant has been doing it's job and sealing thorns etc. If the bacon-strip doesn't work and you have to resort to a tube, you have to be super diligent to make sure the inside of the tire is spike free.
Click to expand...
Yeah, very true.
 
#27 ·
This is the perfect place to ask questions like this no matter what your experience level is. Generally some awesomely helpfully guys/gals here with a vast experience base. And way better than social media in my opinion. As far as your carrying an extra tire question. A tire is A) large, B) heavy, and C) 99.9% unnecessary. In my opinion it would take away from the ride overall enjoyment. I usually do not even ride with a pack if it is a shorter (under 2 hours) ride. I am lighter, faster, and less sweaty. Tools are necessary for way more than just tire problems that come up. I probably have as many "other" issues as I do tires (EDC tool solves). Carrying a tube is enough and recommended in my opinion. Now and MORE IMPORTANTLY make sure there is always at least 2 to 4 oz of sealant in the tire.
 
#28 ·
Thanks for all that info everyone!

Ok, so having the little Dynaplug repair kit/tool, a mini pump (such as the OneUp), and 1 spare tube should be plenty good for most riding that is within 1-2 hrs max from the parking lot or nearest human area? Most of the riding I'll be doing will be MAX 30-45 min (or less) hike back to my car. So it sounds like you guys are just saying to carry the bare minimum and keep the weight and amount of tools to a minimum?

I will usually be riding with my small USWE pack/water bladder, and a strap on the frame. In the pack or on the frame strap will be:
  • Small portable pump (like the 100cc OneUp)
  • Small great multi tool (like the ToPeak Mini 20 Pro)
  • Spare tube x1
  • Spare valve core x1
  • Tire levers x2
  • C02 cart and adapter (fits right inside the OneUp 100cc pump) x1
  • Spare derailleur hanger
  • Spare chain quick links x2
  • Small flat pliers

Plus a small but useful first aid kit I'll make myself. And if I can find it, a small roll of Gorilla tape. Does that sound like i'd be covered for almost any/all scenarios except ultra long multi day rides? Thanks
 
#30 ·
Harold said:
The sort of thing you might use multiple plugs on. Squirt some extra sealant in there to make sure the plugs take, and there you go.
Click to expand...
I've just personally have not seen or had much success with this taking and holding. Usually it's a big time suck anyway only to come undone within the next 5 miles or so. Granted I've yet to use the dart style plugs and they do infact look like a better system. I've also had what seem like dramatic holes with sealant spraying everywhere but always a couple ounces remain in the tire. There's only so much psi in the tire to expel x-amount of sealant, then it's over and the rest remains.

I've got several of the Stan's little bottles free from large orders & stuff. I prefer the 4oz orange seal bottles with the little hose and connector fitting for adding sealant. Works a treat like you say.

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#31 ·
SuperWookie said:
Thanks for all that info everyone!

Ok, so having the little Dynaplug repair kit/tool, a mini pump (such as the OneUp), and 1 spare tube should be plenty good for most riding that is within 1-2 hrs max from the parking lot or nearest human area? Most of the riding I'll be doing will be MAX 30-45 min (or less) hike back to my car. So it sounds like you guys are just saying to carry the bare minimum and keep the weight and amount of tools to a minimum?

I will usually be riding with my small USWE pack/water bladder, and a strap on the frame. In the pack or on the frame strap will be:
  • Small portable pump (like the 100cc OneUp)
  • Small great multi tool (like the ToPeak Mini 20 Pro)
  • Spare tube x1
  • Spare valve core x1
  • Tire levers x2
  • C02 cart and adapter (fits right inside the OneUp 100cc pump) x1
  • Spare derailleur hanger
  • Spare chain quick links x2
  • Small flat pliers

Plus a small but useful first aid kit I'll make myself. And if I can find it, a small roll of Gorilla tape. Does that sound like i'd be covered for almost any/all scenarios except ultra long multi day rides? Thanks
Click to expand...
Thats a great list. For rides that short, i wouldn't even take a tube, nor do i even carry a tube unless i am on a high risk trail that my friends are likely to flat on.

I did end up needing a multi tool with a 8mm to repair something. Even some of the smaller tools like SWAT have this.

Top off your sealant!

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#33 ·
SuperWookie said:
... just saying to carry the bare minimum and keep the weight and amount of tools to a minimum?
Click to expand...
Good list.

I'd personally throw in a couple zip ties and either rubber gloves or a rag.

Zip ties can be used in a pinch to undo a quick link, hold a pack together, etc.

I wrap my stuff in a cheapo microfiber cloth inside the seat pack to keep things from rattling around, then use it to wipe my hands if they get greasy from repair.
 
#35 ·
WHALENARD said:
I've just personally have not seen or had much success with this taking and holding. Usually it's a big time suck anyway only to come undone within the next 5 miles or so. Granted I've yet to use the dart style plugs and they do infact look like a better system. I've also had what seem like dramatic holes with sealant spraying everywhere but always a couple ounces remain in the tire. There's only so much psi in the tire to expel x-amount of sealant, then it's over and the rest remains.
Click to expand...
it's certainly possible to lose enough sealant that what remains is insufficient to seal holes. if not the one right now, but later ones. it's happened to me.

I also get that some plugs, especially the plain tire bacon type, would be easy to spurt out. I use the Dynaplugs that have brass ends to help prevent that. The one I have has 2 different sizes to help further.

Extra sealant also helps when you have a "riding buddy" who forgot to top up his sealant, and discovers mid-ride that he can't keep his tire inflated.
 
#36 ·
Harold said:
Extra sealant also helps when you have a "riding buddy" who forgot to top up his sealant, and discovers mid-ride that he can't keep his tire inflated.
Click to expand...
That's basically where all my little bottles go[emoji846]

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#37 ·
Just to be clear. The One-up pump has a tool (purchased separately) that fits inside the pump. 2 birds one stone type of thing. This is half the reason why I am such a big fan of it. Also, there is a 3rd tool (powerlock pliers) that can be purchased as well. $60 for the pump, $60 for the tool, and $35 for pliers. All money well spent. I don't want to confuse you but if rolling with the pump might as well resolve the tool problem as well with the tool that goes with it.
 
#38 ·
bmaster7 said:
Just to be clear. The One-up pump has a tool (purchased separately) that fits inside the pump. 2 birds one stone type of thing. This is half the reason why I am such a big fan of it. Also, there is a 3rd tool (powerlock pliers) that can be purchased as well. $60 for the pump, $60 for the tool, and $35 for pliers. All money well spent. I don't want to confuse you but if rolling with the pump might as well resolve the tool problem as well with the tool that goes with it.
Click to expand...
or you can screw a co2 cartridge on the bottom of the tool. I kinda play with my system a bit. Currently I have the tool and pliers and extra bacon strips and an extra spoke tool in the little container on the EDC tool in my pump and I run the plug kit in my stem. I don't carry co2 as I don't really need a fast inflation. I guess in theory you could run some other "loose" stuff in the stem if you have a way to get it out. Would be nice if they just made a longer container to store things in the stem. if you keep everything else in the pump. Oh, just in case you don't know or it hasn't been mentioned the head on the pump can be used with the co2 cartridge.
 
#39 ·
SoDakSooner said:
I don't carry co2 as I don't really need a fast inflation.

Oh, just in case you don't know or it hasn't been mentioned the head on the pump can be used with the co2 cartridge.
Click to expand...
CO2...I rarely have had to use mine. There have been a few seating tire bead trailside, but otherwise...

Anyone that intends on using the pump fitting for CO2 needs to loosen it when you get it and not trail side. Everyone that I know that has this pump had to use pliers to break it loose.
 
#40 · (Edited)
SuperWookie said:
Thanks for all that info everyone!

Ok, so having the little Dynaplug repair kit/tool, a mini pump (such as the OneUp), and 1 spare tube should be plenty good for most riding that is within 1-2 hrs max from the parking lot or nearest human area? Most of the riding I'll be doing will be MAX 30-45 min (or less) hike back to my car. So it sounds like you guys are just saying to carry the bare minimum and keep the weight and amount of tools to a minimum?

I will usually be riding with my small USWE pack/water bladder, and a strap on the frame. In the pack or on the frame strap will be:
  • Small portable pump (like the 100cc OneUp)
  • Small great multi tool (like the ToPeak Mini 20 Pro)
  • Spare tube x1
  • Spare valve core x1
  • Tire levers x2
  • C02 cart and adapter (fits right inside the OneUp 100cc pump) x1
  • Spare derailleur hanger
  • Spare chain quick links x2
  • Small flat pliers

Plus a small but useful first aid kit I'll make myself. And if I can find it, a small roll of Gorilla tape. Does that sound like i'd be covered for almost any/all scenarios except ultra long multi day rides? Thanks
Click to expand...
Looks good. I guess the pliers are a more multipurpose solution than carrying a valve core tool? Interesting, I am going to consider that, although my Stan's valve core tool is so small I barely notice, and often forget where it is...

Here are some things to consider that hardly add any weight:
  • safety whistle, probably without the ball inside, (I have a S.O.L. Survive Outdoors Longer Slim Rescue Howler Whistle)
  • zip ties, like @J_Westy wrote

For other folks on the "carry the tube or not" decision, one thing to keep in mind is that it might be able to double as a sling if someone breaks something in their arm/hand, or so I hear...
 
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