Must carry tools: what are yours?

[Jeremy McCreary]

After spending the $$$ for a lightweight and somewhat aero low-power fitness/gravel bike (Specialized Vado SL 1), I've been determined to keep it that way by minimizing baggage and cargo.

The generally empty collapsing rear rack bag is only for shed outerwear that doesn't fit in a jersey pocket. Could be removed 8-9 months of the year here in coastal SoCal.

Saddle bag contains tubeless tire repair kit and sealant, electric pump with Clik valve adapter, multitool with chain breaker, tire levers, spare quicklink, and a dubious tire boot for bigger tire wounds.

Top bar bag contains keys, garage door opener, and reflective unlit and LED high-vis ankle bands in case I stay out after dark.

Jersey pockets contain wallet, a folding ball cap for stops, and sometimes a gillet for borderline weather. Phone also goes there when my shorts lack a secure side pocket for it.

Having little experience with tubeless flats, tire-related tools are still a work in progress. Know of only 2 punctures in my 2 years with this bike, neither of which turned out to be pluggable. (Might have botched one of these.)

Still debating carrying a spare (TPU?) inner tube. Thoughts, anyone?

 

[mrgold35]

I just tow a spare bike

I do have two spare fat tire ebikes at home!

The repair kit is because of trail riding and being sometimes 5-10 miles away from my home or vehicle. I can sometimes call the wife to pick me up if that is faster compared to a field repair. Everything I carry is from a previous problem I didn't account for and left me pushing my ebike for miles.

 

[Base]

for my daily rides I carry my normal tools with me. I've been carrying a Swisstool X with bit kit with me since 1999. Besides that there is always a flashlight next to it and a knive, last years I've been carrying a EDC37 and a single blade knive.

If I ride in non-office clothes I usually stick a pair of these topeak ratchet with tyre levers in a pocket with currently a topeak e-booster with a patchkit.

Besides that, in the Netherlands there is almost in any settlement a bikeshop, and there are also a few few of these Schlauch-o-mats around here

 

[Gionnirocket]

After spending only $ for an extremely heavy and somewhat high-power fitness/cargo bike (Erectric Terdo SH), I've been determined to keep it that way by not giving a flock

 

[6zfshdb]

You can do it with a conventional bike too.

Would be tough to pedal though.

 

[Gionnirocket]

You can do it with a conventional bike too.

View attachment 213087

Would be tough to pedal though.

Hard to see but it does have a small hub motor... but I think he brick'd his controller

 

[6zfshdb]

Note the rope reinforcement of the front forks.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Note the rope reinforcement of the front forks.

That's why they're bent...

 

[Gionnirocket]

Bent Fork... isn't that where cousin Ernie's from?

 

[rob feature]

Multi-tool, Stan's tire plug tool, Small bottle of Stan's sealant, levers, Fumpa pump, spare chain link, on every ride...

Bitchin'. I carry almost this same kit - piece for piece except for some brands. Right down to the Park valve stem tool . I've used everything but the plugs in the field. Apologies to self for jinxing self

I carry a few more things on the bike or in a backpack - depending on the bike & mission. But these things are mandatory if I'm going further than I'm willing to walk back. These will get you out of pretty much anything. And your fellow riders. I've used more rescue tools on them than myself.

 

[DaveMatthews]

Bitchin'. I carry almost this same kit - piece for piece except for some brands. Right down to the Park valve stem tool . I've used everything but the plugs in the field. Apologies to self for jinxing self

I carry a few more things on the bike or in a backpack - depending on the bike & mission. But these things are mandatory if I'm going further than I'm willing to walk back. These will get you out of pretty much anything. And your fellow riders. I've used more rescue tools on them than myself.

Awesome!
I've used the Fumpa once for me in the field, but mostly for unfortunate people I've met on a ride. Used the multi-tools once after a chain drop on the front ring.
The rest of them are waiting for their chance to shine, although I'd prefer if that did not occur.
I "think" I have my bases covered for most possibilities. Additional suggestions are always welcome!

 

[edobici_forza]

on a ride less than 40 miles or so i don’t carry anything.

40+, i carry a wolf tooth multitool, which has hex bits and a chain tool, a dynaplug capsule, and a mini electric inflator. a bigger problem than that and its a train or uber home!

View attachment 212919

I love your newer WolfTooth 8-bit Chain Plier tool. That is really smart! If I didn't already have those functions (though bulkier when all my separate tools are combined), I would pick this up.

All of my rides are under 40 miles... but I am a bring almost the kitchen sink guy, often riding on trails, not too remote, but far enough away. sometimes without cell service even though only 15 miles from home, (in the trees or a canyon). But, I get your approach.

 

[edobici_forza]

I have been trying to reduce redundancy, but currently have two storage I use with the Creo, Gravel/Road Bike, and Mountain Bike.

Saddle bag - Almsthre 0.5L Creo and G/R bike only

Flextail Electric inflator
TPU inner tube 700c - 32mm and 45mm gravel tires (2025)
DynaPlug tool
Tire Lever
Tire Boot
Valve core remover
Spare valve cores (Blue tape)
Schrader to Presta valve adapter
Chain Link pliers/tire lever
Lezyne V Pro 11 Bicycle Multi-Tool
Spare SPD cleat bolts (Blue tape)
AXS derailleur mini battery
11 speed Shimano chain link
12 speed SRAM chain link
CR2032 battery (AXS shifters)

Gray Zipped Pouch - for jersey back pocket or inside hydration pack

TPU inner tube 29” up to 2.5in MTB
DynaPlug tool
Pocket Knife (Blue tape)
Tyre Glider
Valve core remover
12 speed SRAM chain link
Lezyne SV Pro 17 Multitool
(With chain breaker, and tubeless plugs, but no 2.5, 8mm hex)
Flat duct tape

Note: the Manual Mini pump shown in photo would go in jersey pocket or hydration pack

Not shown (for pouch)
ID
Cash
Zip ties
Extra DynaPlug refills

Not shown (for Hydration backpack mostly used for Mountain biking, or long gravel rides)
Reflective Leg bands
Rear taillight
Extra AXS battery
Manual Mini Pump, for backup
Velcro straps
Large Zip ties
2oz of tubeless tire sealant
Mini First Aid Kit
Insect repellent
Nitrile gloves

^ The loaded Almsthre 0.5L Saddle bag

^ Size comparison of sage bag to the zipped pouch

^ In the saddle bag

^ In the zipped grey pouch.

 

[mrgold35]

I think it was Ben Franklin that said (paraphrasing): "By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail."