Basic bicycle kit list with some notes on flats

I put a basic bike kit together for my daughter (currently in college with her bike) including a companion shared iCloud Note. I think the note is kind of useful, so here it is for reuse:

Bicycle Kit

Lighting

(Charge these when you get home then every 2-3 weeks even if not used)

Bike Light (NiteRider)

Rear Bike Light Blinky

Repairs

Multi tool in saddle bag

Chain lube (dry)

General Lube for derailleurs, other parts

Inner tube spare

Patch kit and pressure gauge

Tire lever

Bicycle Pumps (floor and mini) 

Schrader adapter

Clothing

Wind shell

Pant ties

Other

Water bottle

Cable and kryptonite locks and keys

Helmet

Bike bag

Register bike

Before ride

Charge lights

Check pressure

Look for loose parts

Check brakes

Changing tube

• Picture below of tire lever (remove tire), schraeder adapter (carry just in case, is small, can carry by putting on one of your valve stems) and a small pump that doesn’t work great but better than nothing.

Options before patching a flat

1. See if bike shop nearby
2. Call a friend to help or bring home
3. Maybe uber?
4. Remove tire and replace with new tube
5. Remove tire and tube, patch and replace.

Links to directions

Using speedier lever - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZbO_03rKyPk 

How to patch a flat  (REI)

• https://www.rei.com/learn/expert-advice/flat-tire.html
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jo8M0jX_2K4 

Things to know

1. This is the hardest thing most people do on a bike.
2. Some tires are really hard to remove and getting tire back on can be hard (Usually have to do with thumbs but speedier lever can be used.  Most tools just make a hole in the tube.)
3. It’s quite easy to trap a bit of tube under tire. I like to inflate a bit then pinch tire all around the rim trying to free any trapped tube. Then deflate, repeat pinch, then inflate.
4. Inflation options include: floor pump (best), mini-pump, CO2 canister (meh), gas station pump with Schrader adapter below

Using the Schrader valve adapter

1. You need to undo the top Presta valve!
2. Put on adapter
3. Fill in small steps, but some modern gas station pumps may be slower to fill. Don’t overfill, can blow tire off rim in some older pumps.