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9 Must-Have Race Tools
Written by
Greg Kaplan,
You have your transition bag checklist down—from helmet to nutrition and everything in between. But experienced triathletes know that adding a few extra tools and accessories will get you to the start line worry-free. Bring these items, and be prepared for almost any minor bike issue that could be thrown your way on race day.
Floor Pump
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You could ask around for one to borrow, but you're better off bringing your own trusty floor pump to fill your bike tires to the ideal psi before toeing the line. You'll be more familiar with the gauge accuracy and not be in as much of a rush to get it back to its owner.
Bonus Spare Tube
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If you've arrived at a race only to find you have a flat, be prepared with an extra, extra tube. Leave your on-the-bike spare tubes, tire levers and CO2 cartridges in place, in case you need them mid-race.
Plumber's Teflon Tape
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If you use deep-profile race wheels and have to change a tube before racing, put a wrap of plumber's Teflon tape on the tube valve threads before swapping your valve extender. This will create an air-tight seal between the extender and the valve, which will keep air from escaping while pumping your tire and keep your pre-race frustrations low.
Disc Wheel Valve Adapter
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This adapter, also known as a "crack pipe" because of its resemblance to a device one would use for pipe smoking, will allow you to inflate the tube in a disc wheel without damaging the wheel or the tube valve. You might want to keep one of these must-have tools in your on-bike spare pack, too.
Multi-tool
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Even if you have one already packed in your flat kit, having a second, easily accessible multi-tool at the ready will save your time and trouble. You'll want one with 2.5mm/3mm/4mm/5mm/6mm allen wrenches and flathead and Phillips head screwdrivers.
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Your Next RaceTorque Wrench
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If you notice any of your fasteners have come loose in travel, you'll need to snug them up but not crank them down. Overtightening bolts and fasteners can have catastrophic consequences, such as sheared aluminum or cracked carbon. Use a torque wrench to snug loose bolts to the proper manufacturer specification—those little numbers with Nm printed on your bike and its components.
Spare Battery
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You spent a lot of money when you bought a new bike with electronic shifting, paid your race entry fees months in advance and already checked into your hotel room. Don't let a little lack of power—or forgetting to "top off" your drivetrain battery—ruin your race. Bring a fully-charged, spare battery with you, just in case.
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Your Next RaceElectrician's Tape
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Unlike duct tape, this is the do-it-all tape that's not terrible for your bike. Use electrician's tape to fasten almost anything that cannot be secured with a torque or Allen wrench, or to secure race nutrition to your bike frame.
And wait, it gets better. Have you ever left your wedding band on instead of leaving it at home? A band of electrical tape will even keep it on your finger throughout the race (and save you a difficult conversation with your significant other later).
And wait, it gets better. Have you ever left your wedding band on instead of leaving it at home? A band of electrical tape will even keep it on your finger throughout the race (and save you a difficult conversation with your significant other later).
FInd:
Your Next RaceChain Lube
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If you've driven your bike through rain on your way to a race, you'll want to give your chain a quick lube before you start cranking. Just a small amount of chain lube will silence squeaks, as well as also reduce friction, which means more speed for the same effort.
About the Author
A lifelong endurance sports athlete, Greg raced bikes on the road as a junior prior to changing his athletic focus to rowing. Upon retiring from elite rowing competition, Greg revisited his passion for racing bikes and also added some swimming and running into the mix, competing at the ITU Age Group World Championships on multiple occasions. He and his wife Shannon—also a rower, bike-racer, and triathlete—enjoy traveling, learning about wine and keeping up with their rescue cats when they are not training or racing.