which tools n stuff to have on a ride?

dirkdiggler69

hi all,
training is starting this week for the cheshire cat at the end of march.
which multitool do people think is best to take with you on longer rides?
i'm thinking of taking an innertube, patch of tyre rubber in case if a tyre slash, little tyre levers and i can't make my mind up whether to buy one of those co2 inflators or a mini pump?

is there anythig else people take along i may have forgotten

rick_chasey

No need for the patches - just put the new inner tube in and fix them at home.

Something to inflate tyres is alway useful. A standard multitool should cover the rest, for little adjustments that you might need - rubbing chain - fidling with your saddle height, saddle position, rubbing brakes, etc.

Wooliferkins

I have a CO2 and mini pump combined so on a pants day with PF you have a get you home scheme there are as many opinions as multi tools I would say one with a chain tool on. An appropriate quick link for your chain is a good standby

danowat

Multitool
2 tubes
2 co2 canisters
3 tyre levers

sheffsimon

Topeak Alien 2 multitool.
2 tubes
Tyre levers
Chain quicklink
Park self adhesive patches - just in case
Workshop gloves - really thin with rubbery grip, ideal for keeping sh1te off, and gripping tyre to roll it on.
Pump

Just bought a Cage Rocket plastic container thing designed to fit in bottle cage, is waterproof, all the above fits in, except pump which clips to frame.

Erudin

I have a Topeak Ratchet Rocket RX which is a neat and functional multitool, there is an optional chain tool for it as well. The Shuttle 1.2 levers are good for tight-fitting tyres.

paulus69

In my repair kit I carry:-

Spare inner tube (after the first puncture I use this) Puncture repair kit (in case I get a further puncture) Tyre leavers Chain splitter Quick links Zip ties (really useful for improvised repaits) Insulation tape (in an obvious colour so I know what I've repaired) Multi tool (a simple one which only has allen keys) Spoke key Minipump (as the CO2 infalters are expensive and don't account for a vendetta from the PF)

I also take with me an energy gel sachet, foil blanket and spare batteries for my lights.

MichaelW

Pretty much the same as Paulus69 in my kit.
Def take a patch kit, you may have multiple punctures.
CO2 is good for race and group rides. For solo you need a pump instead/as well.
I have a length of ductape around my pump, good as a tyre boot, shoe/clothing temp repair.

Keep the inner tube in a plastic bag to prevent wear.
Take a patch of cloth to wipe your hands.

A small windproof/waterproof (like the Aldi special) is useful insulation whilst you deal with repairs.

vorsprung

I carry far too much stuff, because I do audax which is more focussed on self reliance

My tools / spares are

Toppeak Alien RX 16 - includes allen keys, spoke key, chain tool, knife, screwdriver 175g
2 x steel tyre levers
puncture repair kit
2 x tubes
small screw driver
pliers with cutter
small adjustable spanner
assorted cable ties
old credit card with duct tape wrapped on it
tyre boot made from old tyre
Road Morph pump - does 120psi, has pressure gauge
some m5 nuts, bolts and washers

If I needed to pare this down I would keep the Alien RX, get some glueless patches, only carry 1 tube, one cable tie, get a co2 inflator, one 1cm allen key socket head m5 bolt...hmm and maybe the pliers too

The "most used" kit are the tyre levers and tubes. Next it's mudguard repair time with the cable ties. Then the M5 nuts and bolts. Did you know that SPD cleats take M5 bolts?? Don't ask how I know. The pliers can be used to do up nuts, cut gear cables and remove sharps from punctured tyres.

I've used the tyre boot and the chain tool once each but I was extremely pleased to get rolling again in each case

When I'm on my commuter bike I also carry a large 15mm spanner to tighten the track nuts

CiB

I take:

Spare frame
Wheels (2 of each)
Ditto tyres & tubes
Chain
Rings, front & rear mech
Workstand
Allen Keys [metric / imperial]
Track pump
Puncture outfit
Rubber mallet (you never know...)
Lucky Clover Leaf - it works; I've never used any of the spares so far.

Seriously - what can go wrong? Puncture - carry a tube & a puncture kit + pump so that >1 puncture doesn't leave you stranded. Take the one Allen Key that fits most of the bike. That should do it. Preventative maintenance should prevent any serious issues, so that your bike is capable of functioning properly for a seven hour stint. Is there a reason to assume that a bike that can easily do 25 miles without missing a beat will suuffer catastrophic failure doing 60? Pffft. As if.

paulus69

My bike kit is about the size and thickness of a wallet, a kit can be quite comprehensive and at the same quite comapct and light.

All of the stuf in my kit is in there based on things I have needed or others in my group have needed.

trtimothy

+1 for taking less stuff.

I carry 1 tube, 1 set of patches and 1 tiny CO2 pump with 3 canisters. This will see me through three punctures. (although touch wood have yet to get 2 in one ride)

Give the bike a check before you head out, don't ride on really shite roads where you're gonna puncture and carry a phone with a taxi number to take you to the nearest bike shop in case it really all goes wrong!

plife

I take the following

Inner tube in plastic bag
Puncture repair patches
Tyre levers
Mini tool
Chain tool
CO2
Pump

Luckily I don't use much of it!!!

JD_76

CiB wrote:

I take:

Spare frame
Wheels (2 of each)
Ditto tyres & tubes
Chain
Rings, front & rear mech
Workstand
Allen Keys [metric / imperial]
Track pump
Puncture outfit
Rubber mallet (you never know...)
Lucky Clover Leaf - it works; I've never used any of the spares so far.

Seriously - what can go wrong? Puncture - carry a tube & a puncture kit + pump so that >1 puncture doesn't leave you stranded. Take the one Allen Key that fits most of the bike. That should do it. Preventative maintenance should prevent any serious issues, so that your bike is capable of functioning properly for a seven hour stint. Is there a reason to assume that a bike that can easily do 25 miles without missing a beat will suuffer catastrophic failure doing 60? Pffft. As if.

LMAO - I was thinking exactly the same.

Poor maintenace will lead you to a failure , before the event check everything over on the bike and you will be fine.
Also if you get a puncture throw the tube away as they are only cheap to replace, a repaired tube is at a higher risk of letting you down as its dependant on how well you fixed it.

Tube
Tyre levers
Mini Pump
3 x allen keys

Done.

danowat

JD_76 wrote:

Also if you get a puncture throw the tube away as they are only cheap to replace, a repaired tube is at a higher risk of letting you down as its dependant on how well you fixed it.

I've got a pile of tubes in the garage that I keep telling my missus I'll get round to fixing one day.....

JD_76

danowat wrote:

I've got a pile of tubes in the garage that I keep telling my missus I'll get round to fixing one day.....

jonmack

I carry

cheap multi tool (2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6mm allen keys, torx, posi/flat head screwdrivers)
cleat covers
mobile phone

I ride tubs though, I'm not carrying a spare one of those with me, if I get a puncture then i'm fucked, so I'll use the phone to ring someone to come get me.

AndyF16

In addition to my great Crank Brothers 17 multi-tool, I also carry an old Leatherman Micra which was laying around the house - only 5.0 x 1.0 x 0.7cm, but with scissors and a small sharp blade plus 5 others, it's already got me out of the sh1t once 8)

Edit; Jebus I've just seen the price of them nowadays, I got mine free when buying 4 full sized Leatherman Waves for guys who worked for me, 10+ years ago :shock:

Bobbinogs

I also carry loads of stuff, but wondered if I might be posting some slower times as a result...

CarleyB

cash and cash card... for the cake stop and if i need a cab on the way home cos ive used my spare tubes and what not.

ukhornet

spare tube & slime punture patches, pump, 3 cable ties, chain link, mobile phone, cash & card & i've just bought a top peak multitool that has 2 tyre levers moulded in to its sides. after getting a punture today though i wish i had disposable gloves or piece of rag to clean hands with.

chunkytfg

I have a Top peak saddle bag which has a layer of tools in it with a multitool, levers, spanners, chain tool and a puncture kit.

Plus I carry 2 tubes and 2 Co2 cartridges, mobile phone, debit card(plus £20 if I have any money in my wallet!) and my Oyster card

unixnerd

Take a chain tool, wish I'd had one tonight. My chain snapped, first time ever. Wasn't that old either.

Chicago Dave

if CiB is a she,I'm in love.

Steve_F

As someone mentioned above wrapping duct tape or the like around a credit card, a punture repair kit or a pump can be a life saver, if it can't be fixed by duct tape it's terminal!

Great stuff for fixing ripped tyres especially when combined with a used energy gel wrapper.

CiB

Chicago Dave wrote:

if CiB is a she,I'm in love.

Oooerrr. Bloke mate, bloke. Deffo.

<runs for cover...>

Dirk1978

Cheap multi-tool
Spare tube inside a disposable glove
puncture repair kit
tyre levers (all within a waterproof bag)
pump
mobile phone

all I have ever needed and lightweight!

Good advice about watching where you ride, keeping clear of crap on the road.

Proper
Planning and
Preparation
Prevents
Piss
Poor
Performance and broken bits on your bike!!

unixnerd

If you're getting tools get good ones. Last night my chain snapped, so I fixed it. Then it snapped again a few miles later, so I tried to fix it and my chain tool snapped. Luckily I was able to freewheel most of the way home from Loch Morlich as it's downhill!

The tool's body was a cheap casting and was brittle with the cold. Replacement is made from decent steel.