Bike Maintenance on Tour in Valdres
Learn to fix a puncture, adjust gears and brakes, and handle common bike problems in the field. Complete guide for cycling in Valdres.
What do I do if my bike breaks down in the field in Valdres?
Patch the puncture with the included patch kit, or replace the inner tube if necessary. Adjust brakes with a 5mm hex key. Lubricate the chain with a portable chain lube. Always carry a multi-tool, 2 spare inner tubes and CO2 cartridges. Nearest bike shop: Fjellkjeden Fagernes and Fjellkjeden Beitostølen.
Cycling in Valdres is a fantastic experience — but the mountains are far from the nearest bike shop. A puncture on Valdresflya or a loose gear on Mjølkevegen can quickly turn a great day into a long walk. This guide gives you the knowledge you need to handle the most common problems in the field.
Emergency Tools — Always Carry These
A good cyclist multi-tool (Topeak Hexus II, Crankbrothers M19) covers most situations. Pack everything in a small saddle bag — you'll never forget it that way.
Puncture — Step by Step
A puncture is the most common bike incident, and with a little practice it takes 5–10 minutes to fix.
1. Find the Leak
Pump a little air into the tube. Hold it close to your ear or submerge in water (streams are everywhere in Valdres). Bubbles reveal the hole.
2. Apply a Patch (Vulcanizing)
- Release all air
- Roughen around the hole with the included sandpaper
- Apply a thin layer of rubber solution — let dry 2–3 min until tacky
- Place the patch, press firmly for 30 seconds
- Peel off the foil carefully
3. Or: Replace the Tube Entirely
For experienced cyclists, replacing the tube is faster than patching:
- Release air — press down the valve core
- Use tire levers to unhook the tyre (one side)
- Pull out the old tube
- Check the inside of the tyre for foreign objects (glass, stones)
- Insert the new tube — start with the valve
- Hook the tyre back on by hand (avoid tire levers if possible — they can easily cut the tube)
- Inflate carefully — check that the tube is not pinched
Tubeless Setup: Use Sealant
Got tubeless tyres? Most punctures seal themselves with Stan's No Tubes or similar sealant. Ride, shake a little, pump up — done. Larger holes: use a tubeless plug (Dynaplugs).
Chain — Breakage and Lubrication
Broken Chain
A master link is small, cheap and can save your whole trip. Bring one!
- Find the damaged link — look for bent or broken links
- Use a chain tool (part of a good multi-tool) to press out the chain pin
- Connect the chain with the master link — click and pull
Chain is Dry and Grinding
A dry chain wears down sprockets and causes poor shifting. All portable chain lubes (e.g. Squirt, Finish Line Dry) fit in your bike bag.
- Spin the rear wheel while dripping chain lube
- Wipe off excess with a cloth
- Done!
Brakes
Disc Brake — Rubbing
Disc brakes often rub after transport or a fall. Most common cause: bent rotor or misaligned brake caliper.
- Bent rotor: Turn the bike upside down, rotate the wheel and find where the rotor rubs. Use Torx T25 to loosen the caliper mounting bolts, adjust and tighten.
- Rubbing pad: Hold Shimano/SRAM pads and work to open the caliper with a flat screwdriver between the pads.
Cable Brake — Slack Cable
Tighten the cable via the adjustment screw on the brake lever (turn counterclockwise for more pull). Straightforward.
Gears
Gear Skipping
Most common cause: slack derailleur cable. Adjust with the rear derailleur's B-screw (at the back):
- Set the gear to the lowest gear (largest sprocket)
- Tighten the cable via the barrel adjuster at the handlebar
- Test shifting — repeat until smooth and precise
Chain Falling Off
Adjust the front derailleur's guide plates so the chain stays in place on the smallest/largest chainring. Adjust the L (low) and H (high) screws.
Wheels — Loose Spokes
Loose spokes lead to a bent rim. If you notice the wheel moving sideways: find the loose spoke (just grab them one by one), use a spoke wrench (part of many multi-tools) and tighten a quarter turn at a time. Don't overdo it — a small adjustment goes a long way.
Simple Preventive Measures
Take 5 minutes for this check every morning on a multi-day trip:
- Tyre pressure (feel with thumb — should not give easily)
- Chain: lubricated? Running quietly and smoothly?
- Brakes: enough friction? Pads worn down?
- Mounting bolts on saddle, handlebars and wheels: tight?
- Disc brake: no visible oil on the rotor?
Emergency Numbers and Help
- Nearest bike shop: Fjellkjeden Fagernes and Fjellkjeden Beitostølen
- Emergency number: 113 (AMK) — but remember mobile coverage is poor in the mountains
- Mountain rescue: 02800
Always let someone at home know your planned route and expected return time on all demanding mountain routes.
Sources: Manufacturer instructions (Shimano, SRAM), Fjellkjeden bike service, ut.no safety tips.