From hair spray to cable ties; ten household items that can fix your bike for good – or simply save the day. – By Tori Bortman

Cooldrink Can

Use for Mating mismatched sizes
Cut 2.5cm strips to use as shims for your bar or seatpost.

Utility Knife

Use For Removing sticky stuff
Carefully slice off adhesive-backed bar tape and the electrical tape hiding underneath it.

Hair Spray

Use For Installing new grips
Coat the inside of the grip before sliding it onto the bar. The sticky residue will keep the grip in place.

Nail Polish

Use For Touching up a frame
Find a colour to match, or use clear to protect where housing rubs. Brush two coats over a blemish.

Olive Oil

Use For Chain-squeak relief
When you’re desperate for lube, a few drops of this medium-viscosity oil make a legit substitute.

Plastic Wrap

Use For Wrapping spare tubes
They’ll stay fresh, and pack down to fit more easily into your seatbag.

Rubbing Alcohol

Use For Removing old grips
Lift your grip slightly with a screwdriver, pour a little down the shaft, and slide off.

Shoe Glue

Use For Saving money on footwear
Patch a neoprene bootie or reattach your shoe’s upper to its sole.

Toothbrush

Use For Reaching tight spots
Scrub grime off cassettes, chain-rings, and derailleur pivot points.

Cable Ties

Use For Temporary attachments
Secure dangling parts, fenders without bolts, and loose housings.

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