Bike components- the small bits! #2

Doffing the cycling cap to some of the less glamorous bike components.....

#2 Valve dust caps

These bits of plastic or metal are there to keep the valve core clean. This means that you will still be able to inflate your tyre/tube when you need to in the future.

Time-triallists sometimes remove them to reduce air resistance but if that's not you then leave 'em on!

Aero bike, aero suit, aero bars, aero helmet, aero socks and no dust caps!

Maintenance tips

The essential "crapnel" tray

1. Don't overtighten the plastic ones- they are very easy to split.

2. Whenever you change a tube or valve, keep the old cap and lock ring in your "crapnel" tray- you'll always need a spare if you don't have one!