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For some reason, triathletes love placing themselves into different categories. Whether it be finishers and competitors or pros and age-groupers, there’s at least one group for everyone. In fact, the title of this site, Middle of the Pack Triathlete, is just one more example of the phenomena. Today, however, I’d like to discuss one thing you need to join the class of triathletes that are perhaps the most elite of all: those who have suffered a bike problem mid-race, fixed it themselves, and went on to finish. What you need, of course, is a bike repair kit.

This article will tell you everything you need to put into your repair kit and what it’s used for. Let’s get started.

Tire Levers

Unless you have fingers of steel, taking along a couple of tire levers is a good idea. They come in handy when removing a tire and can help when getting it back on as well, though you should be careful not to rip the tube when doing so. Cost: $3-5.

Spare Tube

Especially for a race, it’s a good idea to take along a spare tube. It does add some weight, but will greatly speed things up when you have to fix a flat. Also, you’ll have more confidence in the repair and not be looking down at your tire every 30 seconds for the rest of the race. Cost: $7-12.

Patch Kit

Even if you do take along a spare tube, a patch kit is invaluable if you are lucky enough to get two flats in a single race. By the way, if you do get two or more flats, I’ll consider you the elite of the elite. There are two types of patch kits: those where you apply glue and those that you just stick on. I prefer the instant stick-on kind. They are easier and quicker to use. Plus in my experience, I’ve found them to be more reliable, but that just might be because it’s easier to not make a mistake when using them. With either type, you’ll need to rough up the tube a little with some sandpaper that’s usually included. Cost: $3-4.

Your Fingers

You don’t actually need to put these in your kit. In fact, if you remove them from your hand and do, they will become much less effective. Most humans are equipped with these amazing sensors that fit perfectly inside a tire and can detect rocks, nails, glass, etc. I’d recommend using them before putting on that new (or newly patched tube). Cost: Priceless (you knew it was coming).

Emergency Tire Boot

If you’ve damaged the sidewall of your tire, you’ll need something to hold it together. That’s what an emergency tire boot is for. Just peel and stick it to the inside sidewall of your tire. Cost: $3-4.

Dollar Bill

You may need to go to your local bank to pick one of these up. If there’s a small hole or bump inside your tire, you can fold up a dollar bill and use it to protect the tube. As an added bonus, you can use this to get a candy bar at a convenience store if you ride ten miles too far and realize you don’t have the energy to make it back home. Cost: $1-100 (I’d recommend going with a lower denomination to cut costs for the same effect).

Pump or CO₂

Have you ever patched your tube, gotten your tire back on, and realized that you don’t have a way to pump it up? I hope not. That doesn’t sound like it would be a very enjoyable experience. Make sure you either have a pump or CO₂ cartridges with an inflator. An entire article could be written on the pros and cons of each option, but I’ll give you a one-sentence synopsis of each. A pump is slow, but reusable, and is easier to inflate to the desired pressure (especially if it has a gauge). CO₂ is fast (i.e. great for races) but is more difficult to be precise. Whew! If you go with CO₂ I’d recommend an inflator a way to adjust pressure and turn it off. Cost: Pump- $10-40, CO₂ inflator- $10-20, CO₂cartridge- $4-6 depending on size.

Multi-Tool

Up until now, the focus has been on tube and tire repair. These are by far the most common issues you are likely to have. However, you’ll want a multi-tool that can be used for other problems, such as a loose seat post—a seat pushed all the way down will be hard on your legs, though it will give the race organizers a good laugh when you enter transition with your knees up in the air. When getting a multi-tool look for one with several hex wrench options and both flathead and Phillips screwdrivers. There are additional functions you can get but keep in mind that the more you add the heavier and more costly it will be. Cost: $10-20 (unless you really go all out).

Bike Bag

Of course, you’ll need something to hold your repair kit. Some people go minimalist with a ziplock bag or a water bottle attached to the bottom of their seat. I like to use a seat bag. They can be fairly aerodynamic and don’t get in the way when you’re putting your bike on a rack like frame bags can. Be sure to consider how easy it is to open and get to your tools. A bag that opens in the back like the one pictured below is a good option. I have one bag that opens from the side and tends to spill my gear when I open it. Cost: $15-30 (unless you go with the ziplock and tape option).

There you go. These are the items I include in my repair kit. However, a lot depends on your race. If you can get away with less, the lighter you will be, but the more risk you’ll take on by potentially not having what you need in an emergency. Some races provide a lot of support and can help you get back on your way while others leave it mostly up to the racers. You should take all that into consideration when building your repair kit. Did I forget anything (besides the kitchen sink)? Let me know in the comments.

Now get out there and get a flat so you can become a truly elite triathlete!