Tools/equipment rad commuters carry

[ChubbyBike]

Hey guys - started commuting with the rover, and I can say - it can be a friggin workout! the weight is something else - well when you want it to be that is!
What I was wondering was what do people recommend carrying in their pack in respect to tools, gear, etc...For the eventual malfunction. It came with a bag of garbage tools- and I’ve stashed that for now.

 

[Nova Haibike]

You need to be prepared for a puncture. So tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit (if you are very unlucky and get more than one flat, or you do not want to remove the rear wheel), and either a pump or CO2 inflator. There is also Gaadi tubes that you could use for the rear wheel. There is a plethora of Swiss Army-style multi tools that have many if not all the tools you would need to tighten the odd loose fastener, repair a broken chain, etc. If you maintain your bike, chances are you will never touch the multi-tool out on the road, but they don't weigh much, so there is little penalty for carrying one.

I have never carried one, but a small first aid kit is worthwhile too.

 

[mrgold35]

I've been work commuting and fun rides for +2 years on my two 16 Rovers in the desert southwest (a little under 6000 miles between both ebikes). I added the Topeak super uni tourist rack with Topeak MTX DXP 22.6L QuickTrack bag with pop up top and 2 fold out panniers. I also use an Osprey Comet Daypack when commuting for my work cloths, lunch, computer stuff, battery for helmet light, and extra gear (easier to head into the building with a Daypack compared to taking everything in/out of the panniers). I save the rack bag for tools/tube/flat kits/pump. I use the panniers for extra capacity for rain or cold weather gear (20s-40s at 5:30am and 50-70s by afternoons). I usually have to pack 2 sets of riding cloths because of the daily temp changes in spring and fall. I'm probably pushing +300 lbs on the Radrover in full winter gear, accessories, and supplies. The Radrover has never failed to perform and I feel like a Juggernaut no matter the weather (don't ride in snow, ice, +20 mph winds, or heavy rains).

I updated my tires to 120 tpi Vee8s, use two 2-oz bottles Stans per tire in the tube, and Mr. Tuffy liners and that really helped against thorn flats. I haven't found flat resistant tires or tubes for fat bikes like you have with smaller tires. I still get flats from road debris like glass, screws, pinch flats, or broken auto parts in the bike lanes. Those flats are too large for Stans to seal and really make a mess in the tires. Just easier to replace the tube on the road instead of trying to clean and patch. Tools that cover every scenario and get me back on the road every time are:

- patch kit
- spare tube (for hole too large/many to patch)
- small wire cutters for zip ties
- spare zip ties
- screw driver
- wrench
- tube core remover (for adding Stans for a new tube)
- 5 long velcro straps (help hold the 120 tpi tire in place while using hand air pump to seat properly)
- Topeak MTB Mountain Morph bike pump
- Digital air gauge
- paper shop towels, alcohol wipes, latex gloves
- cell phone available if I don't want to deal with changing the flat

Another thing I'm trying out is using Lizard Skin Chainstay Protector, Amazon, $11: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0186OQS8O/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I'm trying this instead of always having to clip/re-zip the zipties for the power cable to the rear hub. I just wrap it on top of the existing chain guard and leave the zipties in place on the pedal end after the main power cable connection. So far, the Chainstay is working perfectly, water resistant, and saves me time if I need to remove the rear tire.

Another thing I did was purchase a battery charger from Rad to leave at work. One less thing to carry back and forth. I sometimes take fun ride detours after work and it is nice to have a full battery when I do.

 

[larry-new]

My AAA card, and the tools that came with the bike, plus air pump and patch. A cell phone, to call AAA.

Better hex t-handle tools are in the garage, but min. for the road.