Proposal: Small box of essential bicycle spares, and honesty box

Discussion
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Hi folks,

I’d like to propose setting up a small box for essential bicycle repair parts, in the workshop. The aim of the box would be to provide emergency spares for members with bicycles who have an urgent repair need, for example, when commuting, or realising they need a spare urgently and the Space is the only readily available source.

The bike spares box could measure from 15cm * 15cm * 15, if we wanted just the key essentials, so a very small footprint. It would contain the most common small ancillaries necessary to make a bicycle safe to ride following some of the most common malfunctions.

Proposed essential contents:
Road and MTB brake cables- 2x of each
Shimano and Campag gear cables- 2x of each
5mm coiled brake housing- 2m
4mm gear cable housing- 2m
Ferrules
Brake pads for road calliper, V-brake, cantilever brakes- 2x pairs of each
Tube valve adapter

With more space, some nice to haves:
20” inner tube, 1-2.3” to cover most folding bikes, presta valve- 2x each
26” inner tube 1-2”, 2-3”, 3-4” (sizes approx)- 2x each
700c (28”) inner tube 19-25, 25-32, 35-45c (most common sizes in adult bikes)- 2x each
Tyre boot

I would be glad to furnish the space with the first round of essentials; I can also provide the nice-to-haves at trade price if so desired.

In order to support all the members continuously, it would be useful for the box to be self-sustaining. Since infinite replication violates the physical laws of the Universe, we would need to replace the parts as they are used. I propose an honesty box with stated prices for each part, allowing purchase of new parts and a small donation to the Space for the special convenience. I also volunteer to provide parts at trade price for the box (caveat- I would reserve the right to stop providing parts if it becomes clear that they are being taken for reasons beyond their intended purpose, e.g., reselling or stock-piling; I am glad this is not the “vibe” of this community, but my trade providers would nix my contract if it became an issue)

Keen to hear your thoughts and insights!
Cheers!
H.

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Sounds really good Humberto! Thanks for the offer!

As we re-organise the messy room etc. will be good to put all the bike stuff all in a bit better order as well so people can find it and use it more easily. Cheers

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I’ve got a bunch of tubes I can kick in to suit 700c wheels and tyres at ~28mm and ~38mm since I run all my bikes tubeless these days. Might have some brake cables etc too since I only have one bike that needs them now.

Would it be worth having a bottle of wet lube in there too?

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This is a great idea!

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Thanks all for your replies and support.

@bbeesley nice one :+1: Perhaps a tubeless repair kit would be useful for us to have too. I’ll look around for one.

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I’d be happy to help with the design and reorganisation of the bike stuff / workshop, as needed.

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Separately, in case of interest to you or others who might use waxed bike chains, there’s a shop on Electric Avenue selling decent basic crockpots for £10.