What tools do you carry when out?

jedi_master

Soon i shall be getting some sort of tools for when i out on my bike but i wanted to get some feedback on what some of you carry with you. Some of the multi tools look nice, good quality and compact like the park tool I-Beam 3 and the topeak alien series, also the park tool mini tool kit and bag and the topeak survival gear box(this i do like). The only problem that concerts me is some of them look a bit too stumpy like the hex keys.

Another option would be too carry indevidial tools as i could get a draper 8 piece hex set for about £3, a couple of spanners, small chain tool, puncher kit, etc..... problem here would be more room taken up, proberly more weight, jingling sound of the tools hit each other plus im not sure about carry screwdrivers could stab you if you come off.

Will Snow

id go for a multi tool, make sure its got your allen keys, screwdrivers. Separate chain tool, tyre levers, tubes, pump, erm, punture repair kit, spanner (adjustable), spoke key (if you know how to use one) and my secret weapons... paracetamol and one of those instant ice pack things, the ones you open and they get cold.

Spend enough money (ie not wilko cack) and they should all be good enough quality. If you can, get a set in a pouch (so much easier!!)

dunker

tools in my backpack - topeak alien II, crank bros power pump pro, spare tube (bontrager medium tested), tiptop puncture kit, soma tyre levers, seperate chain tool.

jedi_master

@dunker, which chain tool do you carry when out ??, i'm going to get the park screw type workshop one for my home tool box, but for out and about ?? ive used one or two of those small ones before and i found the grip and leverage to be poor.

Just remembered a small first aid kit would be good with the tool kit.

dunker

it's a small park tool one, this is the fella here http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=7843 don't forget some sheets of bog roll.

dav1

Topeak hexus multi tool, puncture repair kit and a pump.

I don't bother with spare tubes because I use slime self healing tubes which work very well. Worth the weight penalty IMO because i hate changing tubes, especially on the trail.

Noodoo

Allen key set (8 - 2mm) not one of these fold up pocket jobbies. They all look like they're made out of chocolate!
Chain Splitter
Puncture Kit
Double ended screwdriver (flat and Philips)
Flat Cycle Spanner
Roll of Copper wire

all fits in one of these (Top Right):

and sits under the back of my seat out of the way.

Then I have a mini-pump strapped to the down tube.

Mog Uk

Half a dozen cable ties aswell, can prove very handy...

jedi_master

@Noodoo... why a roll of copper wire ??

Noodoo

for fastening stuff to other stuff...
came in handy when my mate ripped his rear mech off and we had to convert his bike to a makeshift singlespeed... We just fastened the cables to the frame.

Cableties do the same job, but Copper wire is easier to undo and re-use... Plus, I couldn't find any cableties and I happened to have some wire knocking about when preparing to go out on a rideone time.....

Scubar

Topeak Alien Multi tool. Tyre Levers, Puncture Repair Kit, Pump, Spare inner tube, Mobile Phone., MP3 player, Keys and Wallet.

Ciaran500

Why do people bring a chain tool? Never needed one when out.

clanton

Chain tools are for when your chain breaks! which does happen quite often. You need to remove the damaged link and then either use a Sram Powerlink (best option) or rejoin the chain with the chain tool (can work but not ideal).
I tend to carry too much really - multitools (bike + leatherman types), cable ties, pump and shock pump, spare tubes (2 for most rides, 3 for epic rides or Peaks and Lakes type riding), tyre levers, puncture kit (in addition to the tubes, have had up to 8 punctures on one ride!) Powerlinks, spare brake pads, small amount of cash, some duct tape, tooth paste tubing (precut and cleaned). I would carry a spare hanger but mine is not replaceable on my Scott but those are essential if you have a replaceable hanger.

Will Snow

Ciaran500 wrote:

Why do people bring a chain tool? Never needed one when out.

because, according to the acient "sods law" the time you dont have one is when you will need the most, ie when your out on your own, no mobile, chain snaps when you smack it into something. Its a bit like an ambulance not carrying a defib, if theyve never had to use it, doesnt mean there not gona take it???

jedi_master

Interesting feed back, but don't stop keep it coming

At the mo im pondering on ..

Allen key sey
small adjustable spanner
chaintool
puncher kit
tyre levers
zipties

Looking at some of them multi tools they do look good but also look a bit fiddley.

Problem at the mo is screw drivers, like before i dont want to get stabbed by one. So i was pondering getting something like this instead of a allen key set....
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=13805 the allen keys and screwdrivers look a decent length

Would need some sort of pouch to carry anything rather than having them loose in the bag.

clanton

Most multitools have screw drivers attached and folded inwards - the one you're looking at is exactly this, possibly a little limited in the number of functions though.
If you have those that come in a puch it will stay folded up and "safe"
They are not a perfect solution and don't substitute for "proper" tools but are a good compromise to carry in the field for emergency repairs.

jedi_master

Well i still would get other items like i listed, i was suggesting that more for the fold away screwdrivers, im not overkeen on carry normal screwdrivers incase of them stabbing me in the back if i was to come off. Not too keen on the multi tools that have most stuff as they seem fiddley, just the screw drivers i need to sort really.

This doesn't look too bad as its individual tools http://www.topeak.com/2007/products/tools/sgb.php

Carry separate tools i would mind having a pouch/bag like this (only looking at the bag not the tools) http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=3888