Tools

john9215 said:

Can you folks tell me what kind of tools you normally keep with you on your bike. I ride alone a lot and figure if my bike broke down I would just use my cell to call my wife. That said, I really don't want to do that, so....... Other than a tube and things to change a tire, what other things do you carry on your bike for potential breakdowns you can fix yourself on the road?
Thanks

I carry a cycling specific multi-tool and a small adjustable wrench.

My saddle bag has a tool similiar to Scotty's above, $20, a bag of lollies plus all the tyre stuff. When I ride, I add a mobile phone...

Small saddle bag, one multi-tool (i have a cheapo topeak that my bike shop gave me), tire levers, one inner tube, and of course one small inner tube patch kit (and, of course, my frame pump). A mobile phone is also a useful tool! 🙄

Never needed more on a ride, assuming of course that you start your ride out on a well maintained bike!

Powerful Pete said:

Small saddle bag, one multi-tool (i have a cheapo topeak that my bike shop gave me), tire levers, one inner tube, and of course one small inner tube patch kit (and, of course, my frame pump). A mobile phone is also a useful tool! 🙄

Never needed more on a ride, assuming of course that you start your ride out on a well maintained bike!

Good point, I probably should've added that. Except for the occassional flat, and cracking open the bag of lollies, I've never had to open my sadle bag..

Thanks folks. Anyone carry anything related to a chain issue? Like an extra link or anything?

No extra link for me... I ride with an original Campagnolo C10 chain, so no need. 😉

Jokes aside, I do not think that carrying a chain tool/extra links is really that necessary for road riding.

[font=Arial]I carry a multi tool with a chain brake included on it. I also carry an extra replacement pin for my Shimano chain. I don't know why but I have had links separate a few times and having this tool has helped save me some long walks. In fact, just this past weekend one link separated and caught the front der and bent it. I broke the chain to get rid of the bad links and put it back together with the spare pin which it saved me a good 5 mile walk.[/font]

I used to carry a chain breaker, but recently took it out. It probably wouldn't be a bad thing to throw back in there though . . . Otherwise I always take a 4, 5, and 6mm allen wrench, a small flathead screwdriver, glueless patches (should replace them with an actual tube at some point, I suppose), two rosin tire levers, and a cell phone. I always carry a Blackburn mini pump that attaches to my frame. I've never yet actually HAD a flat tire on a ride, but I know that the one day I decide to ditch the tools to save some weight, that'll be the day I flat out 15 miles from my vehicle.

I figure that the three hex wrenches will allow me to not only make adjustments to brakes and derailleurs, but also almost completely disassemble the entire bike. The only reason to carry a screwdriver is to adjust the set-stop screws on the f&r derailleurs if I crash and something gets bent. Any repairs that require anything other than those BASIC tools is probably not worth doing on the side of the road anyway. That's when the cell phone comes out.

I like the Crank Bros tools and have a Crank 19 in my pocket most times.

And also a mobile phone just in case!

domaindomain said:

I like the Crank Bros tools and have a Crank 19 in my pocket most times.

And also a mobile phone just in case!

I carry a spare tube, and a pump and thats it, oh and a mobile, not that it helps as I drive a manual car and my misses can only drive an auto ( and doesn't have her own car) but yeah I spose I can just tell her i'm gona be late hehe!!

I carry a bum-bag ([censored] pack) with an Alien multi-tool - it's got a knife, chain-splitter, tyre-lever, allen keys, spoke keys, and spanners (8,10,12mm I think) and screwdrivers.

Into the pack also goes another 2 tyre levers (just cause they weigh next to nothing and are more convenient than the Alien ones), a single allen key (same reason), a mini-pump, a spare tube, a patch kit (leeches), a biro and a piece of paper.

Finally, there's the mobile and some coins (a couple of quid). The money is there for when don't have a signal and need a callbox, or just to buy a banana if I'm getting tired (or an emergency beer).

Oh, and a couple of spare bolts. Brake/bottle cage bolts eem to fit most parts of the bike.

Using a pack like this means you don't have to leave your tools on the bike when you lock it up, but carry them with you when you're off the bike. (My gloves and bottles go in too).
When I get home I simply clip it over the top tube, so it's ready to go next ride.

The only time I didn't have a pump I punctured about 12 miles from home (3 miles from civilisation), and ended up packing my tyres with grass. Not good - like riding a shopping trolley. 😄

Wheelist.

I carry a pump, tire levelers, patch kit, tire gauge, spare tube, 2.5,3,4,5mm allen wrenches.

And a cell phone (just wish I could remember to pack it all the time). I also carry an old sock (rolled up) as a rag to clean my hands after a repair. If the chain comes off carry a couple latex gloves (they only weigh 1 gram).

I've been considering adding a chain tool, link, pin and such now that the length of my rides have increased to the point I'm spending more of my time 10+ miles from home.

Sensible advice above.
But I would add:

ITEM # PCS-4
Deluxe Home Mechanic Repair Stand

The PCS-4 has all the features of the PCS-1, but adds our Adjustable Linkage Clamp (the same clamp used in our heavy duty shop stands) and a new leg stabilizing system that creates a rock-solid base to resist tipping. Perfect for heavier duty home use or light duty shop use.

Weight: 26 lbs. (11.8 kg)

Its only 26 lbs so you can put it on a sturdy rear rack. Just make sure you tie a red flag on the end so it's legal.
.

[quote="Durangodave"]Sensible advice above.
But I would add:

[b]ITEM # PCS-4[/b]
Deluxe Home Mechanic Repair Stand

[i][b][size=1]The PCS-4 has all the features of the PCS-1, but adds our Adjustable Linkage Clamp (the same clamp used in our heavy duty shop stands) and a new leg stabilizing system that creates a rock-solid base to resist tipping. Perfect for heavier duty home use or light duty shop use. [/b][/i]

[i]Weight: 26 lbs. (11.8 kg)[/size] [/i]

Its only 26 lbs so you can put it on a sturdy rear rack. Just make sure you tie a red flag on the end so it's legal.
.[/QUOTE]I think you're being silly. My LBS has a Topeak Prep Stand Pro, which only weighs 6.2 kg, and has built in digital weight scales. Far more practical for those on the go repairs, plus you can check the weight of your bike.

john9215 said:

Can you folks tell me what kind of tools you normally keep with you on your bike.

[font=Comic Sans MS]I do every one of my rides be it a quick hour up and down the mountain [/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS]or a full days ride,with my cycling pack on my back.[/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS]Inside this pack i carry all that i deem necessary to survive some unfortunate [/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS]events and of course goodies to enhance my ride.[/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS]So the most obvious being tools,Puncture repair,multitool, chain breaker and magiclinks a rear break cable,a gear cable,mini pliers,cable ties,some chain lube and pocket knife.Not that i go anywhere without a pocket knife.As well as a spare tube in the baggie under the seat and pump on its place.[/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS]Then i Always carry a small first aid kit,eye drops,antihistamine tabs and cream,headache pills,plasters,ant acid and some crepe bandage.[/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS]My rain jacket,longsleave top,sunglasses ,clear glasses and tissues,not forgetting my energy bars,jelly babies,spare change,cellphone and camera.[/font]
[font=Comic Sans MS]Its sort of become part of my ride and i feel strange with out it on my back.🙂 [/font]