ONE
Take off the lil' collar nut, because a) you don't really need it and b) if you think you need it, there should already be one on your bike and c) it can rub your tube wrong while in your kit and put a hole in it! Really. It's happened to me before.
TWO
Put your tube in a plastic sack so that it SLIPS easily into your flat kit and has an extra layer of protection from rubbing on other things in your kit.
VOILA!
And in case you wanted to catch what's inside my flat kit:
*I have many bikes and each has a different flat kit! This is just ONE example of A flat kit that I carry on my light/fast bike. My commuter bike, on the other hand, has a much larger pump, a larger multi tool that includes a chain tool, spare batteries, and more! My mountain bike has a chain tool, a spare derailleur hanger, lube and even a emergency whistle and flint!The BASIC flat kit should have:
- Tire levers to get tire on and off
- Patch kit
- Tube in case the patch kit doesn't work out or for a faster change
- Source of air-- whether pump or CO2
- A multi-tool for on-road maintenance. Even if you don't know how to fix it, a passing cyclist may!
Other items that are nice to have in a flat kit or rack bag:
- Tire boot, for patching the TIRE, not the tube. A dollar bill or wrapper also works in a pinch.
- Cash, for buying a phone call, bus fare or a Snickers bar.
- Chain tool and spare chain link.
- Spare batteries for lights.
- Spare generic/temporary derailleur hanger (most common for mountain biking).
- Emergency snack, like a lil' bag of Luna Moons!
- Tiny bottle of lube.
It's also a good idea to carry with you:
- Cell phone
- Identification
- Debit card
- Insurance card
- CAMERA! ;)
