This is a list of spare parts I have/use on my bike.
Spare Tubes
I’ve had my fair share of road-side flats, so I know that carrying spares can help you or someone else get rolling again. More rolling = more fun
Tubes tend to sell out quickly, so it’s always good to order more than one. I usually carry one spare if I’m commuting (2 if doing a group ride), and then leave the rest at home.
4″ and 4.25″ tubes work for most Super73 models. The S2, R, and RX use a 20 x 5″ tire and come with a 4.5″ tube, but I’m confident that 4.25″ will work all the same. I’d only use a 4″ tube on the 5″ tire if it’s the only thing available in a pinch.
The only place I’ve seen 20 x 4.5-5″ tube is directly from Super73, so you’ll have to buy from them if you want ones that are specified for 5″ wide fat tires.
Bike Tire/Tube Patches
When replacing the tube isn’t an option, tube patches are an essential. One reason why you’d want to carry patches is because you don’t need to remove the wheel to patch a tube. Albeit more difficult, with enough effort you can unseat your tire, pull your tube, and locate the puncture without taking off the wheel.
Patches are also a cost-effective way to repair punctures if you can’t find tubes in stock. I’ve used several types of patches and I’ve found that the ones that use a vulcanizing fluid/glue work much better. STAY AWAY FROM SLIME SCABS AND SIMILAR PRODUCTS THAT ARE PRE-GLUED
Tire Inflators
Some folks prefer manual pumps, I on the other hand prefer CO2 Cartridges. You don’t have to agree or disagree but I keep CO2 with me on rides because if I do get a flat it’s much easier to seat the tire with the blast of air that CO2 cartridges provide. It’s highly recommended to refill your tires with air ASAP since CO2 by nature seeps out slowly. These all function the same way, so it comes down to how much you’re willing to spend on a CO2 inflator.
CO2 Tire Inflator
CO2 Cartridges (threaded)
Manual Bike Pumps
Brake Pads & Rotors
In the world of brake pads and rotors there are many different types of materials and designs to choose from. The material and design you choose is entirely up to things like your riding style, riding conditions, comfort, cost to replace, longevity, etc.
All I’ll say regarding brakes is that I prioritize stopping power, so I choose the parts and materials that give me the most confidence to stop the bike no matter what speed I am going. I am less concerned with things like how loud the brakes are or how expensive the parts are because at the end of the day if I can’t stop my bike when I need to…most likely I will break my body or even worse hurt someone else.
Valve Stem Converter
These are always hand to keep on hand because when I used to get my tubes replaced at a shop they’d usually only have presta valve tubes. This made topping off my tires a chore when I didn’t have a pump or CO2 cartridges. I would get to a gas station and be relieved that I could fill my tires only to be devastated when I realized I had presta valve tubes. Leaving these on isn’t really an option since you have to twiddle a part of the valve to open before you can fill up with air. I keep these in my bag just in case someone else has presta valves on a ride.