Hey! My Name is Graham.
I’m so proud to call my self a Kona Ambassador!
How on earth did I wangle that one? Well, it’s petty sweet really, I’m a mountain bike guide and coach from the Lake District UK. I also do lots of other bike related things and after one hell of a journey, it has enabled me to say that my job revolves solely around riding bikes and helping others ride too!
At this time of year, my diary is packed full of varying trips, Bikeability and days out on the bike which is super exciting!
So I wanted to give you a little insight to what I carry while guiding a group in the lakes, the layout shows what I always carry in my rucksack before I have packed clothing, water, and food for the day.
My rucksack is an Evoc Fr Trail 20L. I have used petty much every bag under the sun and found that this particular vessel is the best suited as it stays put on my back, that’s important when you’re slinging your bike down a mountain with enough tools to fill a small workshop and the kitchen sink inside it!
Anyway, I thought I’d go through a few key bits that will stop you ruining a nice day out.
1. Spare hanger, Now this one is obviously for a Kona, I do think everyone should carry one of these bad boys. What is it? It’s a tiny bit of aluminum that holds your rear mech (derailleur) to your frame, and legend says it’s designed to break under load and save your frame or mech from total destruction! Even the less mechanically minded could fit one of these in a situation where it breaks, it can save you one hell of a walk home. Ask my friend Stid! Years ago we were in Wales riding some of the trail centers and his rear mech had a fall out with the frame some 20k from the van, rendering him completely stuck and preparing himself for a long walk. However, by some incredible miracle, I had the exact mech hanger to fit his bike in my bag! We were back riding again in 5 minutes with high 5’s all around!
Wicked Awesome Cool Kona Fact. The G2 Process has a spare hanger hidden in the down tube… go find it!
2. Fibre spoke, Yeah, a string spoke… super light and packs up small, adjustable in length and can even stretch through multiple holes.
My other friend Dan knows about this little guy. He had a falling rock smash 5 or 6 spokes out of his front wheel leaving it unrideable. Luckily for us, the fibre spoke was there to save our ride, pulling the wheel back enough so it passed through the fork and spin freely. We even did extra runs that day!
3. Group Shelter, or a ‘Bothy’. if you ever need this things have generally gone bad, but on that occasion, it can save someone’s life,
It’s just what it says on the tin: a shelter for your group. Mine will comfortably sit 6 people and 8 at a squeeze. It’s a tent-shaped bit of fabric to protect you from the elements, or even carry this thru the summer months and it can be pretty exposed on those hills. Mine weighs 300g which is nothing compared to some of the tools I carry!
As you can see from the layout (damn that was satisfying) I have so much stuff in my bag but it’s all there for a reason. Here’s my kit list for anyone still interested in reading!
Tubes x3
Tubeless repair kit
Normal puncture repair kit
Pump
C02 inflator
Shock pump
Knipex pliers
Knife
Cable ties (various)
Multi tools
Gear cable
Fibre spoke
Dropper post clamp
Hanger
Power links 9,10,11,12
Brake pads
Crank bolts
Crank bolt tool
Spd cleat bolts
Various brake mount bolts
Coach bolt (in case you break a pedal)
Tube of grease
Bottle of lube
First aid kit (too vast to photograph or even list)!
Group shelter
Back up food
Duck tape
Sniper tape
Dingy repair tape
Scissors
Super glue
Fold out saw
Rear light
Compass
Map
Permanent marker
Pencil
Waterproof paper
Sun cream
Bug repellant
Bike lock
Money
Credit card
On top of this ridiculous list of things, I pack clothing/water/food to suit the day and most importantly I always carry my phone!
I ALWAYS carry this bag while I’m out Guiding.
Although I have got to admit if I’m not working, you will probably find me carrying as little as a water bottle and a Mars bar with whatever tool I can strap to my bike!
Please feel free to fire me any questions on my social about any of the kit I carry and why IG handle @graham_beaumont
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