Inner tube change kit

[Feastie]

So massively late to the game I have learnt how to change the inner tube and punctures and so on myself (I'd say don't judge me, but after 3 years you probably should...) and I want to buy my own kit so I can get on with it at home.

The way I see it, I need:
- a spanner to get my wheels off
- tyre levers
- if possible, a small pump as mine is super big and only just fits in my bag
- spare 23x700 and 26x700 inner tubes
- glue & patches

Does anybody have any recommendations for basic kits that they know to be decent quality which will have at least the spanner, levers and pump in? Ideally for less than £20 or as cheap as possible without buying something that won't last me a few years.

Also, I've only ever used metal levers but most kits I can find seem to come with plastic ones - do these snap in two often?? Internet reviews are confusing me with tales of snapping levers.

This may be total noob stuff but I could use a hand if anybody's bought this stuff and has recommendations! Thanks!

 

[smokeysmoo]

The way I see it, I need:
- a spanner to get my wheels off Does it not have quick release wheels? If not then yes, you will need a spanner, usually about 15 or 17mm IIRC.
- tyre levers Yup, you need a pair of levers. Stick to plastic as you'll be less likely to damage your tubes IMO.
- if possible, a small pump as mine is super big and only just fits in my bag For at home use get a TRACK PUMP, you'll thank me later.
- spare 23x700 and 26x700 inner tubes Yup.
- glue & patches Get self adhesive patches, again you'll thank me later. Don't even attempt to fix a puncture at the roadside, no need, just carry a couple of tubes and swap the tube, fix tubes at home at your leisure.

 

[slowmotion]

I've used Tacx tyre levers for five years and they are pretty good.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/tacx-tyre-levers-3-pack/rp-prod75798

 

[HLaB]

Forget a wee pump, they are fine for road side but for home get a track pump and get to pressure (you cant do that with a wee pump unless your popeye) and touchwood you'll get less subsequent p'tures.

 

[MikeG]

Plastic tyre levers, to my mind, are better than anything metal. Metal levers could mark your rims. I have a pair of plastic levers which must be 20 years old, so they do last.

Mike

 

[John the Canuck]

i saw a vid recently, where - because the tyre bead was stiff/difficult - he used a pair of old toe-straps to hold installed sections of the tyre in place whilst struggling to get the remaining 25% over the rim

worth it..?

 

[Feastie]

Cheers guys I'll get some plastic ones then!

Sadly my wheels are indeed the old fashioned spanner jobs, although on the plus side they're (thus far!) therefore too much effort to jack off my bike so I don't bother carrying my lock extension around! Probably going to jinx it now :P I have a spanner but it's an all-purpose megalith of a spanner and I couldn't possibly lug it around with me.

I have always coveted a track pump after using them at bike shops, that's for sure. A zillion times better than my hand pump! My student budget has yet to stretch that far, but it will. In time.

Your point about not bothering to fix punctures and just carrying around spare inner tubes is super valid! No idea why that didn't occur to me before xD

Thanks again!

 

[slowmotion]

i saw a vid recently, where - because the tyre bead was stiff/difficult - he used a pair of old toe-straps to hold installed sections of the tyre in place whilst struggling to get the remaining 25% over the rim

worth it..?

Is that the Spa Cycles video of how to fit a Marathon +? A masterpiece. Usually you don't need the straps except with a few very stiff tyres. Keeping the bead down in the well of the rim is a useful trick.

Edit : ...and yes, Marathon+ tyres are one of the stiff ones, especially when new.

 

[smokeysmoo]

i saw a vid recently, where - because the tyre bead was stiff/difficult - he used a pair of old toe-straps to hold installed sections of the tyre in place whilst struggling to get the remaining 25% over the rim

That'll be this one I'd have thought?



[EDIT] x posted with slowmotion

 

[400bhp]

If your tyres are a little tricky to put back on then get a Var tyre lever - the dogs danglies

 

[John the Canuck]

^^^^^^^^

yep that's the one

and yes...I have Marathon Plus tyres....

 

[jefmcg]

I can't vouch for the quality, but poundland sells patch kits that have funny little flat spanner, tyre levers and several other things I don't need or already have. Might be a quick way to get started.

Edit: like this ... http://www.poundland.co.uk/my-cycle-puncture-repair-kit