Introduction
Mountain biking takes us far from civilization, often deep into remote wilderness areas where self-sufficiency becomes crucial. When mechanical issues arise on the trail—and they inevitably will—having the right spare parts and tools can mean the difference between a minor inconvenience and a long walk home pushing your bike. This guide covers the essential spare parts to carry on mountain bike rides of varying lengths and remoteness, helping you prepare appropriately without overloading your pack with unnecessary weight.
Core Spare Parts for Every Ride
Regardless of ride length or location, these fundamental spare parts should accompany you on virtually every mountain bike outing.
Tire Repair Essentials
For Tubed Setups
- Spare inner tube: At least one appropriately sized tube for your wheel diameter
- Tire levers: Minimum of two durable plastic or composite levers
- Tube patches: Self-adhesive or traditional glue patches as backup to spare tube
- Valve cores: Small but critical if you have removable-core valves
For Tubeless Setups
- Tubeless repair plugs: Bacon-strip style plugs with insertion tool
- Spare inner tube: Even with tubeless, carry a tube for major tears tubeless sealant can’t fix
- Tubeless sealant: Small 2oz container for topping off or emergency addition
- Valve core remover: Allows adding sealant through the valve
Drivetrain Components
- Master link/quick link: Compatible with your chain speed (9/10/11/12-speed)
- Chain pins: Alternative to quick links for some chains
- Spare chain section: 3-6 links of chain for significant chain damage
- Derailleur hanger: Specific to your bike’s frame model
- Shift cable: Compact emergency cable if running mechanical shifting
Fasteners and Hardware
- Chainring bolts: 1-2 spares that match your drivetrain
- Various bolts: M5 and M6 are most common on mountain bikes
- Zip ties: Multiple sizes and at least 6-10 pieces
- Small roll of duct tape: Wrapped around pump or tool for compact storage
- Derailleur pulley: Spare jockey wheel if riding very remote trails
Organizing Your Spare Parts
Effective organization ensures you can find what you need quickly during trailside repairs.
Storage Options
- Seat bags: Compact storage attached to seat rails and seatpost
- Frame bags: Triangle bags, top tube bags, or storage built into the frame
- Handlebar bags: Roll-style or harness systems for additional capacity
- Hydration packs: Dedicated tool pockets in riding backpacks
- Tool bottles: Water bottle-sized containers designed for tool storage
Organization Systems
- Small zippered pouches: Categorize parts by system (drivetrain, tire repair, etc.)
- Plastic containers: Waterproof options for small parts
- Labeled bags: Silicone or cloth bags with markers for identification
- Pre-assembled kits: Commercially available or self-assembled repair kits
Ride-Specific Considerations
The spare parts you carry should vary based on your ride’s duration, remoteness, and terrain.
Short Local Rides (1-2 hours)
For quick outings close to home or civilization, a minimalist kit is usually sufficient:
- Spare tube or tubeless repair kit
- Multi-tool with chain breaker
- Master link
- Tire levers
- Inflation method
Total weight: Approximately 200-400g
All-Day Adventures (3-6 hours)
Longer rides warrant additional preparation:
- All items from the short ride list
- Spare derailleur hanger
- Additional master link
- Small section of chain
- Basic fasteners (bolts, zip ties)
- Spare cleat bolts (if using clipless pedals)
Total weight: Approximately 400-700g
Backcountry Epics (Remote, All-Day or Multi-Day)
When help is far away, comprehensive preparedness becomes essential:
- All items from the all-day list
- Spare brake pads
- Spare valve (tubeless) or additional tube
- Comprehensive fastener selection
- Brake fluid (small container for hydraulic systems)
- Spare brake cable (for mechanical disc brakes)
- Derailleur pulley wheel
- Chainring bolts
- Spare valve core
- Additional tubeless sealant
Total weight: Approximately 700-1200g
Bike-Specific Considerations
Different mountain bike types and component groups require specialized spare parts.
Full-Suspension Specific
- Shock hardware: Mounting bolts and reducers specific to your frame
- Pivot bearings: For known problem areas on your specific bike
- Suspension air valve caps: These small parts are easily lost
Hardtail Specific
- Seat collar bolt: Essential if your seatpost slips
- Extra-robust tire repair: Hardtails transmit more impact to the rear wheel
Drivetrain-Specific
- SRAM: Eagle derailleur clutch spring and cover for XX1/X01/GX Eagle derailleurs
- Shimano: Clutch tensioner adjustment screw and plate for Shadow+ derailleurs
- Mechanical: Shifter cable end caps and housing
- Electronic: Charging cable for Di2 or battery for AXS systems
Brake-Specific
- DOT fluid systems: Small container of appropriate DOT fluid (typically DOT 5.1)
- Mineral oil systems: Small container of mineral oil
- Mechanical: Brake cable and housing section
- All systems: Appropriate brake pads for your calipers
Essential Companion Tools
Spare parts are only useful when paired with the necessary tools for installation.
Basic Tool Kit
- Multi-tool: With 3-6mm hex keys, Torx T25, screwdrivers, and chain breaker
- Tire inflation: Mini-pump, CO2 inflator with cartridges, or both
- Tire pressure gauge: Critical for proper inflation, especially with tubeless
- Pliers/multi-purpose tool: For stubborn fasteners or bending metal
Advanced Tools for Longer/Remote Rides
- Compact shock pump: For air suspension adjustments
- Spoke wrench: Matching your nipple size for wheel truing
- Chainring nut wrench: For repairs involving chainring bolts
- Small adjustable wrench: For pedals or odd-sized nuts
- Quick-stick or similar: Specialized tool for reinstalling stubborn tire beads
Pre-Ride Preparation
Proper preparation before heading out makes trailside repairs faster and more effective.
Inventory Management
- Regular checks: Ensure your kit is complete before each significant ride
- Replacement system: Immediately replace any parts used during previous rides
- Expiration awareness: Check sealant, patches, and other perishable items
- Seasonal updates: Adjust your kit based on seasonal riding conditions
Knowledge Preparation
- Practice repairs: Familiarize yourself with common fixes before you need them on the trail
- Bike-specific knowledge: Understand the peculiarities of your frame and components
- Video resources: Download repair videos to your phone for trailside reference
- Owner’s manuals: Save digital copies of component documentation on your phone
Weight vs. Preparedness: Finding Balance
Carrying everything can become impractical due to weight and space constraints.
Minimalist Approaches
- Multi-purpose items: Select items that serve multiple functions
- Group distribution: Distribute different spares among riding companions
- Statistical preparation: Focus on carrying parts for statistically common failures
- Ultralight options: Seek the lightest versions of essential items
Strategic Compromises
- Risk assessment: Evaluate the likelihood and consequence of specific failures
- Repair vs. replace: Choose patch options over full replacements where practical
- Trail accessibility: Carry less on trails with frequent exit points or cell coverage
- Trail support: Research whether popular riding areas have trail centers with tools
Emergency Alternatives and Improvisation
When carrying the ideal spare part isn’t practical, knowledge of alternative fixes becomes valuable.
Improvised Repairs
- Tire boots: Using dollar bills, energy gel packets, or duct tape to patch tire sidewalls
- Broken chain fixes: Single-speed conversion by shortening a broken chain
- Derailleur hanger: Creating a temporary hanger from found materials
- Tube repairs: Using patches for valve issues and multiple punctures
- Broken spoke management: Securing a broken spoke to adjacent spokes
Field Repair Techniques
- Zip tie applications: Securing loose components, creating cable guides
- Duct tape uses: Wrapping damaged sidewalls, securing loose grips
- Gear limitations: Limiting usable gears when shifters or derailleurs malfunction
- Single-speed conversion: Removing damaged rear derailleurs and shortening chain
Conclusion
Carrying appropriate spare parts is a fundamental aspect of responsible mountain biking, especially as you venture farther from trailheads and support. The specific array of spare parts you choose to bring should reflect your bike’s components, the ride’s duration and remoteness, the terrain’s technical demands, and your mechanical skillset.
Remember that a comprehensive spare parts kit isn’t about anticipating every possible failure—that would be impractically heavy. Instead, focus on addressing the most common and consequential mechanical issues while building knowledge to improvise solutions for less likely scenarios. With experience, you’ll refine your kit to include just what you need for your typical riding adventures.
The peace of mind that comes from being properly prepared allows you to ride with greater confidence and enjoyment, knowing that you can handle mechanical challenges that arise on the trail. After all, the goal is to maximize riding time and minimize walking time—and the right spare parts are key to achieving that balance.
