I find that cyclists often help cyclists. ‘Help the next guy’ being a phrase I’ve heard a few times.
A $5 tube is so small a cost. Not having one can make a minor inconvenience into an utter shambles if you have to call home go a lift from 50km away at 6am.
You know what else is a nice thing to carry? A wad of paper towels to get the grease off. Even if someone can repair their own bike, they often don't have a plan for the grease.
I've handed out paper towels to 4-5 people this year and they were all delighted.
And alcohol wipes. Just the other day someone stopped to give me alcohol wipes after I put my chain back on. The alcohol cleans off the grease completely, unlike paper towels. I'm carrying a pack in my car now.
I’ve started waxing my chain rather than oiling it.
It’s a hassle, but doing 2 at a time means the admin is much reduced.
There is a huge amount less dirt and grease in my life now. Even when I change it to re-wax it I don’t get dirty. I probably get 2-3 weeks, 500-600km out of each waxing.
Interesting. My usual approach at home is actually to put a few drops of cooking oil on my hands, which dissolves the grease; regular soap can then remove the oil.
I already have some alcohol wipes in my bag as part of an emergency medical kit. I'll add a few more for grease emergencies. :-)
A $5 tube is so small a cost. Not having one can make a minor inconvenience into an utter shambles if you have to call home go a lift from 50km away at 6am.