Cycle Breakdown Recovery

[yellowjack]

Kermit power said:

...a spare hanger lets you get back on with the fun!

Only if your cassette doesn't eat the rear mech for it's lunch when the hanger snaps...

[AlasdairMc]

Mr Will said:

You can cut that down a lot without risk:

Spare mech hanger (that fits your frame!)

• remove the mech and shorten the chain instead

Spare gear cable

• You can ride just fine without one set of gears

Couple spare split links
Spare brake pads

• You can ride just fine without one set of brakes

2xspare inner tube

• One is sufficient

pump
multi-tool that can do every bolt/screw on your bike
A little duct tape
10x zip ties

• a couple is enough.

You are also missing:
Glueless patches
Chain tool
Tyre-boot

It depends where and what you're riding. I'd consider that to be a normal kit if I'm out riding right in the wilds, i.e. several hours' walk to a road, or if I'm in a race where you want to continue no matter what. Single speed isn't an option in those circumstances if at all possible, but my frame has an EBB if I really have to. This extends to the gear cable too, as I run 1x10.

Two tubes is mandatory, because I run tubeless so I need the backup just in case. However, they're thin tubes (2.2" for 3" tyres) as they're a backup only. I don't use glueless patches as they're generally crap, I prefer traditional patch kit in addition to the tubeless anchovies. Tyre boot is a cut up toothpaste tube, and I've got Gorilla tape wrapped around my pump if I need to secure it.

Brake pads - again for longer rides you need these. There are some places I ride where single brake just isn't feasible, and you don't want a single brake because if it fails you're screwed. I debated carrying a small bleed kit after losing my rear brake midway through a very long race, but since shifting to Shimano (from Avid) this isn't a problem.

However, if I'm riding in the hills near my house, generally I'll carry nothing except a drink and a bar. I can walk home in a maximum of a couple of hours, and then repair my bike using proper tools in the comfort of my home.