So here’s a list of what tools you really do need. Like not the nice to have the actual need to have. First things first, as a general concept, the longer the tool is, the better – as they say… – no but for real, the bigger the tool is, the easier it will be to use (more power!). Okay, I don’t know if that sounded better, but you get the point…
Next up: A multi-tool. A multi-tool is a tool which has multiple functions, as the name kind of reveals. This is a must, because it’s something you will also bring with you when you ride. It could be stored in a saddlebag together with a spare tube and tire levers. I like this one: www.topeak.com/global/en/product/1627-BURRITO-PACK-slim. It’s kind of cute in the burrito style. For a mulit-tool the Tubi 18 is a good option. www.topeak.com/global/en/product/1343-TUBI-18 , quite doable. But there is so many good choices, just make sure that one of the tools can take off your wheel! Uh, reminds me you also need pumps.
Now, when we are in the tire area, two bigger tire levers are nice to have, if you don’t have so much finger strength and you like your nails, two big ones can be quite powerful to have at home, for tire changes and so on (https://www.topeak.com/global/en/product/1620-SHUTTLE-LEVER-PRO)
These are the tools I use the most. You can always get more, of course, but these I feel are essential. You can make your own little toolbox or get a premade one.
Hope this was helpful! All the best Malene
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It’s been a bucket-list type of race. The kind I had to try at one point. The biggest Gravel event in Europe - TRAKA. With 4 different races and distances over the course of 4 days, it seemed more like a little bike festival than anything else. I decided to do the 200km race on Saturday, which seemed to be the most competitive in the not-ultra-long gravel scene. I mean, the longest distance you could sign up for was 560?! Mama Mia. And also the 200 was a distance that for me would be challenging, but achievable, while still feeling kind of ultra…
Almost caught them again, and then the biggest climb of the day came as a wall in front of me. The temperature was rising up to 30 degrees, we were almost 5 hours into the race at this point, and I was having my first proper crisis. Time to find the famous 'panic'-gear (the smallest I had). After the downhill, there was a longer flat section again, where a group from behind caught me. I did my best to stay with this group, but I really felt how the pain and efforts were creeping up on me. And there were still 60km and 2 climbs left. My mind was questioning everything at this point. I had no more left in me, I felt how my brain started to work more slowly and how the effort made me dizzy. How much longer? One of the best parts of the day was my equipment to be honest, the bike was so comfortable to ride. Okay, well, on the rocky sections I definitely missed some suspension (but which mountain biker wouldn’t want that??). But the way the Scott Addict gravel is handling the corners, climbs and downhills is so cool. And the gears and brakes, just wow, was an absolute pleasure. For mechanical emergencies, I had a saddlebag with a tube, tools and CO2. Besides this, I also carried a pump and a plug ready to go. I had all my fixing stuff with me from Topeak, which I fortunately didn’t have to use. I was terrified to flat on those little tires tbh.
An overall great experience with a fun group of friends and a challenging yet spectacular race to finish it off! What now? Maybe it’s time to shift to another bike for the next month? A little change never hurt nobody ;-) Yesterday I watched the race in Albenga and it inspired me write this: Today, on International Women’s Day, I’m at a mountain bike race on the Italian coast. I’m not racing today, but standing on the other side of the tape, and I’m reminded of something bigger than just racing. I mean today it’s about the women here—racing, supporting, working behind the scenes—each of them contributing to the incredible cycling community.
Imagine if, instead of feeling threatened by someone else’s achievements, we saw another woman’s success as proof of what’s possible, as inspiration rather than intimidation.
So today, I want to shine a light on the women who make this sport what it is. The racers giving their all out there. The racers who celebrate each other on the other side of the finish line. The teammates offering a word of encouragement. The mechanics, coaches, managers, volunteers, sisters, mothers, and fans who show up and make it all possible. You are seen and you are valued.
Let’s keep showing up for each other. Let’s keep pushing boundaries. Let’s keep riding—together. /Malene |
Reflect what you desire, become what you respect Archives
May 2025
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