Tools you always have on your bike?
- Thread starter Babonk
- Start date
RandallS
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Calgary
My water bottle holder has a built in multi-tool holder, so I always have that. LINK
That's what I use for local rides (i.e. walkable to get home).
If I am further away, but still in the city, it's a tube, pump, levers etc... for tire repair. In a back pack.
Non-urban trail riding, it ratchets up from there, including personal repair tools (AKA first aid kit), bear spray, tie wraps and tape and other things that would allow me (or others) to get back to civilisation (parking lot).
Oh - I NEVER ride without a fully charged phone.
Even in the back country - we normally have pretty good cell coverage around here.
Stay vertical!
That's what I use for local rides (i.e. walkable to get home).
If I am further away, but still in the city, it's a tube, pump, levers etc... for tire repair. In a back pack.
Non-urban trail riding, it ratchets up from there, including personal repair tools (AKA first aid kit), bear spray, tie wraps and tape and other things that would allow me (or others) to get back to civilisation (parking lot).
Oh - I NEVER ride without a fully charged phone.
Even in the back country - we normally have pretty good cell coverage around here.
Stay vertical!
m@Robertson
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
All this is in the context of being a daily utility rider.
talesontwowheels.com
That was in 2020. In 2022, the wrench is replaced with Knipex pliers. The hand pump with an electrical one powered by the bike's battery.
A Proper (e?)Bike Tool Kit
You need to carry tools as a matter of routine. Especially if you ride daily for transportation or commuting. But what do you really *need*?
talesontwowheels.com
That was in 2020. In 2022, the wrench is replaced with Knipex pliers. The hand pump with an electrical one powered by the bike's battery.
Prairie Dog
Well-Known Member
- Region
- Canada
- City
- Red Deer
I have a similar setup to @RandallS albeit on my road bike. A Lezyne Flow strorage cage houses a multi tool along with a couple of C02 cartridges. I purchased the stand alone version as I already had a tool that would fit inside the base of the cage.
A small bottle pod holds a spare tube, tire levers, spare chain link, rubber gloves, zip ties, patches as well as the C02 inflator.
I also have a similar bottle pod inserted in the cage of my mtb as the frame space is too tight to accommodate a conventional water bottle. A hydration pack fills that need along with carrying other essentials that I would have on hand when riding the trails.
A small bottle pod holds a spare tube, tire levers, spare chain link, rubber gloves, zip ties, patches as well as the C02 inflator.
I also have a similar bottle pod inserted in the cage of my mtb as the frame space is too tight to accommodate a conventional water bottle. A hydration pack fills that need along with carrying other essentials that I would have on hand when riding the trails.
Catalyzt
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
Weight weenie urban trail / broken pavement mixed use rider. Multi-hex wrench, leatherman-type multi tool, fix-a-flat (for exhausting my patience and making a fool out of myself, I'll never be able to use it in an emergency, can't even read the instructions/tiny font), one small water bottle for rides up to 15 miles, a second small bottle on a cross-body sling for rides up to 40 miles, stuffable thermal shirt or rain poncho in under-seat bag, spring-assisted knife (the one with a zytek handle to save weight for longer rides), sometimes a second barely-legal carry of undisclosed type for areas that are remote or have higher than average crime rates. Most recent addition is a second cheap-o lightweight headlight on the bars that has a broader beam than my primary, useful for full-dark conditions or as a backup in case the primary fails, I usually use one on low power after dusk to save battery, then usually one or the other on full power depending on road/trail conditions, and both at the same time when it's really hard to see. Also have been carrying a micro rear light as well for when I forget to charge the primary taillight or my helmet rear light. Phone with full charge in belt holster that also holds an all-weather pen.
I have two tiny bags, one under the seat, and one mounted on the top tube, one water bottle behind the seat mounted on the seat post.
I have two tiny bags, one under the seat, and one mounted on the top tube, one water bottle behind the seat mounted on the seat post.
Mr. Coffee
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- A Demented Corner of the North Cascades
Every ride carry:
Clockwise from left: Pump w/duct tape, spare tube, tire levers, sharpie to mark holes in tubes, Knipex mini pliers, patch kits, Blackburn wayside multi tool.
I have more stuff that I carry on expeditions but the above has got me through anything that has happened in the last five years. Quick links are stashed in the tire levers. The multi-tool, my valve caps, and the tire levers also include valve core tools.
Clockwise from left: Pump w/duct tape, spare tube, tire levers, sharpie to mark holes in tubes, Knipex mini pliers, patch kits, Blackburn wayside multi tool.
I have more stuff that I carry on expeditions but the above has got me through anything that has happened in the last five years. Quick links are stashed in the tire levers. The multi-tool, my valve caps, and the tire levers also include valve core tools.
Taylor57
Well-Known Member
Phone, multi tool, portable pump, AAA card and my reading glasses.
fooferdoggie
Well-Known Member
plus tubes and inflators and such
Avg_Joe
Well-Known Member
- Region
- USA
- City
- RDU, NC
- Spare tube
- Patch kit
- Manual mini pump
- Zip ties
- Small bag of spare nuts, bolts, washers, aluminum spacers
- Basic first aid kit
- JIS bit set w/ 2 small drivers (one ratchets, the other is more of a traditional driver). 100% of the time works better than allen wrenches and traditional screwdrivers, and includes hex drivers in all needed sizes.
- Tire levers
- When riding my Rad Rover, stuff an 18mm wrench in the tool bag - in case I need to remove the rear wheel.
- Multi-tool that includes pliers, knife blades, file, bottle opener.
- Valve core removal tool
- Spare MissingLink + chain link assembly/disassembly tool
Aside from the above, always have my mobile phone, wallet, water, and bike & lock keys.
Pine_marten
Active Member
- Region
- USA
I noted years back that my patch kit stopped workimg well. Patches were not adhering to the tubes. Apparemtly the advemt of synthetic rubber caused the problem. Tubes can be butyl rubber or latex. Are the new patch kits universal in terms of adhesive?
Alaskan
Well-Known Member
- Tubolito lightweight spare tube
- Tubolito patch kit
- Topeak ratchet driver with assorted bits
- Co2 Valve with two cartridges
- Topeak High Volume Pump with pressure gauge
- Spare 2025 & 2031 coin batteries
- Brake pad spacer
- Brake centering adjustment tool
- Small Knipex plier/wrench
- Tire Irons
Pine_marten
Active Member
- Region
- USA
So far just a multi tool and a spare tube. I have a hand pump in my mc tank bag i need to dig out. Over time i reckon i'll learn through experience what i really need. I also have some Park Tool tire irons around that might be handy. If flat tires crop up often. I may install some Flat Out in my tubes. I recall from my youth that the flats i got tended to be small punctures and more common when my tires were well worn.
I have a small folding tool set for bicycles. I think it's a Pedro brand. Anyways, I zip-tie it under my basket so it's always along for the ride. Now you will love this part of the story!
I use HexLox on my wheels and seat clamp. One day I get a flat. No biggie. But I quickly realized I didn't have a HexLox key on my key chain! I was a long walk home but at least it wasn't demonic hot out or raining. I now have a HexLox key for each bike, zip tied to a secret place.
I use HexLox on my wheels and seat clamp. One day I get a flat. No biggie. But I quickly realized I didn't have a HexLox key on my key chain! I was a long walk home but at least it wasn't demonic hot out or raining. I now have a HexLox key for each bike, zip tied to a secret place.
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