There you are at the start point of your favourite trail. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, you've got your favourite tipple in your drinks bottle. Friends and family are raring to go when, psssssssssss. Yes, that sinking feeling that you get when you know that something that is very dear to you is leaving - the air in your tyres.
Punctures are not a problem if you have tyre levers, a spare tube and a means of inflating it. If you haven't then you are faced with either no ride with friends and family, unless they have spares, or, if you are already on the trail, a long walk home - not the point of the day out.
We have the answer - always expect the unexpected and like the little boy scout or girl guide you once were, or are - be prepared.
You don't need a fully equiped workshop in your car, or strapped to your bike, just a few "simple" tools, a pump and of course those spare inner tubes.
Starting in reverse order, talk to your e-cobr member who will be happy to inform you of the size of inner tube you need (it's on your tyre wall) and the best way of carrying them (they sell natty little bags that fit under your saddle, or attach to the top tube).
You will then need a couple of tyre levers, and whilst it may sound stupid, to know how to use them. You don't want to be "nipping" your new inner tube when you're putting the tyre back on.
The next item you need is what is referred to as a Multi-tool. Make sure you buy a high quality product. Ideally you want a tool which, in terms of quality, would be equally at home in the workshop.
Finally a trail pump. Again don't skimp on the quality of this accessory and make sure it comes with a secure fixing mechanism for your bike. Remember, you want to get fit by cycling rather than the exercise you would get from inflating a tyre, or walking home because "it fell off".
