rear mech cogs - worth taking as spares?

[Bike-Rich]

Hi all,

Just getting the last bits for my tour and wondered if it was worth taking a spare of the 2 rear cogs. I have a Deore XT rear mech and by the looks of it they are just held in with a simple bolt so swapping them over if worst happens should be easy?

If it is worth taking them, what is the correct name for them please?

Thank you,

[thirdcrank]

I think you are referring to the jockey wheels.

[TonyR]

If you are referring to the jockey wheels then no its not worth bothering. They are one of the simplest and most reliable bits of the mechanism and it takes a lot for them to go wrong. The worst I've had is the teeth wearing away from use but that takes thousands of miles to happen.

[Bike-Rich]

Got it, will leave off the list, thanks guys,

Whist on topic, are any parts related to the mechs worth taking?

[FarOeuf]

gear cable (+brake cable).

cheers,

[cjchambers]

Jockey wheels of a certain age don't even have teeth! (eg. http://www.disraeligears.co.uk/Site/GB_ ... lleur.html). I lost a jockey wheel a few years back while doing a stripdown and someone on here very kindly posted me some free of charge!

If you are concerned about gear related issues, make sure you take enough stuff to break the chain and make a new shorter one for an emergency single speed conversion. The only time I have ever had to abandon a ride was due to a chain breaking, followed by my chain tool breaking. I now always carry a high quality chain tool (Park CT5), plus several spare links.

[Bike-Rich]

Thank you,

I have the 'Alien II' multi tool which has a breaker that i've used a few times and was ok, also have the smaller 'Alien classic' type tool which is smaller and lighter - i'm taking both just in case

Taking a spare chain and also 10 links which should be fail-proof (hopefully).

Thanks for the reminder on the brake / gear cable, just ordered a set.

I need to sort spare spokes though, still a bit confused as to what size to get so might takes wheels into LBS and get them to make me some?

Thanks guys,

[TonyR]

Got it, will leave off the list, thanks guys,

Whist on topic, are any parts related to the mechs worth taking?

Best to carry a spare bike just in case

Seriously though, no there aren't any parts worth taking unless you really are travelling in very remote areas. As someone else said a good chain tool and some quick links so you can shorten the chain into an emergency single speed if the worst happens. That'll get you to the nearest bike shop.

[cycleruk]

The main problem with the rear derailleur is if the hanger gets bent. If steel frame then hangers can be straightened. If it's a replaceable alloy hanger then might be worth considering a spare one of those as there are lots of variations of these. The other check is to make sure is the jockey wheel bolts/screws are tight. I have seen a couple of these come out.

[531colin]

If you are carrying spokes, can you get the cassette off in order to replace them?

[rfryer]

I've no experience of them, but these Fiber Spokes look a good idea.

[foxyrider]

If you are carrying spokes, can you get the cassette off in order to replace them?

just take an emegency spoke - no need for cassette removal then!

http://www.emergency-spoke.co.uk/

[andrew_s]

From what I've heard of those emergency spokes, it's not easy to get them tight enough to pull the rim back into true, and if you have to fiddle with the other spokes there isn't much point in using one. An NBT2 is light enough to carry - just make sure the lockring isn't over tight before setting off.

[bikes4two]

..... The other check is to make sure is the jockey wheel bolts/screws are tight. I have seen a couple of these come out.

+1 for this - was pedaling through the French alps with a friend when the tiny tinkle then loud clatter of jammed chain broke the peace.

Said friend had diligently dismantled the RD jockey wheels and re-greased them before the trip but on replacing the jockey wheel screws had failed to tighten up enough and use 'thread lock'.

Fortunately all bits were found after a careful search of the (quiet) road, otherwise an otherwise delightful trip would have been spoiled.

[TonyR]

Some more points.

Make sure they are the stock jockey wheels. The aftermarket ones with ball or roller bearings are much less reliable than the simple sleeve bearing stock ones.

And check your chain tool works. Like another poster I've had one fail on me with the pin snapping off when I first used it.

Also join your chain with a quick-link and carry a few spares to rejoin the chain if needed. Much better than faffing with the special joining pins some chains need ( but practice opening and closing the link at home rather than on the road in desperation)

Finally a plastic Aussie or Hong Kong currency note makes an ideal very light weight tyre boot if you get a split tyre.