1. Spare Inner Tube
A flat tire is one of the most common issues when cycling. That’s why you should always carry a spare inner tube that fits your bike. It takes up little space, is easy to use, and allows you to quickly replace the tube and get back on the road.
2. Tire Repair Kit
In addition to a spare tube, you should also have a tire repair kit. You might wonder—why carry both? Isn’t that overkill? Not at all. Murphy’s Law tells us that even a newly replaced tube can go flat again. Plus, a repair kit can come in handy to help others. Two birds, one stone—why not?
Brad Morris, a cyclist from Pennsylvania, said, “I carry a repair kit to help others who might need it. But my kindness came back to me—I ended up patching my own tire six times, not counting the spare.”
Moreover, repair kits are compact and can handle nearly any issue your tires might face.
3. Tire Levers
You’ll need tire levers when fixing a flat. They help pry the tire off the rim so you can access the inner tube. Once that’s done, repairing or replacing the tube is a breeze. These levers can easily fit in your saddlebag or even a pocket in your cycling jersey—don’t leave home without them.
4. Pump (or CO₂ Cartridges)
Whether you’re using a repair kit or a spare tube, you’ll need to inflate your tire afterward. That’s where a pump comes in. Most bike pumps attach to the frame, and while compact, they’re powerful enough to get your tires road-ready again.
Some cyclists prefer CO₂ cartridges. These battery-sized canisters release compressed gas and can inflate a tire in seconds. They’re lighter than traditional pumps, but require some skill to use—you don’t want to pop your freshly installed tube. Also, each cartridge costs around 40 yuan and is typically single-use.
5. Multi-tool
Whether you’re on a long or short ride, your bike might need adjusting or minor repairs—and that’s where a multi-tool shines. These kits usually include various tools like wrenches, hex keys, screwdrivers, and chain breakers, all neatly packed into a compact unit that functions like a portable bike repair toolbox. Many also come with a bottle opener for those remote adventures.
6. Phone
Could we live without our phones? If you have one, make sure to bring it: it lets you call for help if your bike breaks down, stay in touch with fellow riders on long trips, or even book your favorite spicy chicken dish at a nearby restaurant.
Among the cycling friends I know, there’s more than one who only brings their phone when going out. If their bike breaks down, they can first have the shop transport the bike for them (a free service some bike shops provide when you buy a bike), then call a taxi to go home.
Seven: ID, Money, and Insurance Card
Bring these just in case, and hopefully, you’ll never need to use them. Carry some loose change to buy water and snacks along the way. If your outer tire gets a tear, you can also slide a one-yuan note inside the tire to cover the tear so the inner tube doesn’t bulge out. Similarly, remember to bring copies of your ID and insurance card. Though hopefully nothing bad will happen, if misfortune does strike, these documents will be crucial. One last reminder: write your emergency contact number on the back of these documents, as well as any medical conditions or allergies you have.