Remember when you could fix a flat with just a patch kit and a hand pump?

I was at a group ride in Austin about 8 years ago and got a bad sidewall tear. A guy there showed me how to use a dollar bill as a boot to get home, which saved me a long walk. That trick made me realize I didn't need to buy a new tire right away or call for a ride. Now I always keep a few old energy bar wrappers in my seat bag for the same job. It's a small thing, but it changed how I prep for rides. What's your go-to trailside fix that saved your day?

2 comments

2 Comments

carr.daniel22h ago

That dollar bill trick is a perfect example of how the best solutions are often simple and free. I see this all the time in my workshop, people come in stressed about a broken part when a zip tie or some duct tape can get them rolling again. It's easy to forget we can fix things ourselves without buying a new product. That mindset of using what you have changes how you see every problem, not just bike repairs. What was the most creative fix you've seen someone pull off with just junk from their bag?

patchen12h ago

Honestly I used to be the guy who'd just buy a new part right away. Seeing someone fold up a dollar bill and make it work totally flipped a switch for me. Like @carr.daniel said, it's that mindset of using what you have. My best save was using a shoelace to tie a broken rear derailleur into a single speed so I could limp home. It looked stupid but it worked, and now I always pack a few zip ties.

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