Nuts and Bolts.

[neptune]

Just a quick question, and just for a change, it has nothing to do with electronic cigarettes. I am toying with the idea of organising a group bike ride when the weather comes warmer, and was thinking about what spare parts to carry, not just for myself, but other riders. Apart from puncture kit, tubes, and chain repair tools, I thought that a handful of small nuts and bolts would be handy. I am thinking about things like mudguard stay bolts, and the bolts that screw into the frame for things like rear racks, water bottle carriers etc.
Modern metric thread sizes are a mystery to me. Has anyone any idea of what to order, and where from please?

 

[D C]

Strong plastic cable ties can be really useful to fix loads of things and very light to carry.

 

[Alan Quay]

M5 and M6 machine screws with hex heads are the most common.

I have one of these kits, you could make about 20 emergency kits from it:
http://www.toolstation.com/m/part.html?p=72721

 

[flecc]

The M number refers to the bolt diameter. In addition to the M5 and M6 bolts referred to above, wheel nuts on bikes are usually M10 but on some hub motors are M12. These wheel nuts are 1.25 mm thread pitch, not the regular 1.75 mm.

Item 2 on this website page shown as "Fine pitch" includes those two sizes and that supplier also sells the other bolts and is familiar with bicycle needs.

 

[peerjay56]

Strong plastic cable ties can be really useful to fix loads of things and very light to carry.

Include part of a roll of duct tape, squashed flat to save space. Can be used for all sorts of repairs, including to people.

 

[grldtnr]

a selection of brake & gear cables would help, you won't stop a bike easily with one brake, and should a deraulier gear wire go you would only be left with top gear.

 

[eHomer]

I know you mentioned puncture kits and chain repair tools, but it may be worth expanding that eventuality for the "group" spares and toolkit.

Maybe some spare inner tubes too, even though the individual riders should really be carrying the correct tubes for their own bikes.

Many bike rims are drilled with the slightly smaller hole for presta valves, so a schrader tube won't fit them, so I would carry both types, or just the Presta, if trying to save weight, in 16", 20", 26" and 700c.

Also, many bikes now have very deep section rims, which is less critical with Presta valves, but Schraders need to be extra long in those to be able to pump them up because of the way the pump adapter fits.

From bitter experience (twice !), I've found that bad punctures in rear motorised wheels can be the trickiest roadside repair, because of the need to drop the wheel from the frame. Some motor cables don't have a line plug/socket near the axle, so it may have to be disconnected at the controller and released from any zip ties or conduit, (and then refitted).

Emergency chain repair links for each width of chain, and maybe a spare chain in each width too, though that would add quite a lot of weight, so a few links may do.

A small multimeter to check for voltage and continuity in case a multi pin connector gices a problem.

I now also carry half a dozen pairs of extra large silicon disposable gloves too !

 

[neptune]

Many thanks for the wide range of useful replies I received. This trip is planned for just ordinary bikes rather than electric ones, but the majority of information still applies. I intend to make it a rule that everyone will carry at least one inner tube as appropriate, and a puncture kit. Some gear will be shared, such as a track pump. It will be a flat land ride on the fens, so riding with one brake is no big deal, but I take the point about gear cables. We shall carry thermos flasks, and I sometimes carry a small stove and brewing gear. I thing I always carry in my own kit is a yard of copper wire.

 

[flecc]

And don't forget the pumps. Unbelievably I've twice rescued cyclists who had the full puncture kit and had repaired their punctures, but had no pump and were waiting for someone with one to come along!

 

[daveboy]

Try this flowchart.

 

[flecc]

Great flowchart, but you left out the skip stage at the end.

 

[daveboy]

Ok flecc just for you.

 

[los monty]

Ok flecc just for you. View attachment 7600

Would look much better with a picture of a skip. Then could proudly hang on garage wall.

 

[tillson]

This flow chart has always served me well over the years and may be of assistance to you if you attempt a repair on someone else's bike.