Tools for cycling

[steve]

Just after the sprint to end our ride this morning my left crank fell off. Fortunately, Lister pulled out a special allen key and was able to limp home with a broken crank. I think this was what he pulled out for the roadside fix - probably get you out of a few different jams:

http://www.mec.ca/Products/product_deta ... 8879634484

Thanks for the help Lister!

Steve

[Lister Farrar]

Bummer for you Steve, that'll mean a new crank.

Cranks are something that can get very expensive if they are ridden loose, but it's free to tighten the bolts periodically. An interesting (for me anyway... ) trivia bit: left cranks come loose more than right, because riders tend to go over bumps right foot forward, which creates a back pressure on the left crank, that helps work it loose.

That's the tool I had, but I'd encourage people to support their favourite bike shop and shop there. Many of them are competitive with mec. And they have service (ie. people who know encyclopedic amounts) and support the local cycling scene. The best way to make your bike work, and last, is to know it as well as you can, and have a mechanic who knows you and your bike.