Mountain Biking/Gravel Riding

There is little that can outdo the feeling of freedom and elation that comes with being out in the bush, finding your rhythm on singletrack or quiet gravel roads – that is until your top 10 road bike brands rhythm is interrupted by a flat or mechanical. Being caught out and ill-prepared can mean having to navigate your way out of what feels like the deep wilderness. Short of being equipped with a military survival kit, a few handy additions will ensure the flow and fun goes on.

Hydration packs are the obvious answer, a backpack with the capacity to carry water in a ‘bladder’, zippered pockets, and clips around the hip and across the chest to keep the bag from swinging. There is no shortage of options, but choosing one that has a bit of room to keep your spares will serve well. The other option is tool bottles – the same as you can carry on a road bike. The only disadvantage being the removal of one water bidon, or mountain bikes that have a rear shock sometimes don’t have space for an extra bidon mount. Finally, saddle bags are an all-around pick – as long as they are attached securely and have space for everything required.

A bit of bush-mechanics is always inevitable, but the right spares selection for off-road riding should always have a place on your ride!

Spare chain link: Chains can snap, and can be a challenge to nurse a mountain bike back home over tricky trails. Today, most mountain bikes will be 10, 11, or 12-speed taking a spare link and choose a multi-tool with a chain breaker on it as a back-up.

Tubeless plugs: Plug what? If you have ever experienced a puncture straight into the tyre, then these little rubber plugs are inserted into the hole of the tyre and plug the leak with a sticky rubber ‘worm’, sealing the tyre and letting you roll on. They are faster, stronger and more likely to seal than a glueless patch or just sealant itself. Such an example are Dyna-plugs.

First Aid Supplies: With the thrills, come the spills. With compromised medical access out in the bush, a basic first aid kit will give you a better a chance if the worst does occur. Cleaning dirt out of wound immediately after you have an accident will reduce the risk of infection later, as will having the capacity to restrict bleeding or animal bites with a basic bandage. It’s easy enough to pack down a small vial of saline solution, a bandage, gauze and a few wound patches. Any chemist will have something to suit, thank your future self later!