[BobH]

Hi Folks,

I live in a rural area. Most of my riding is within 7 miles of home. I know the day is coming when I will have a flat tire or some other failure. My question is "What should my basic bike tool kit include?" Do any of you have favorites tools and brands that you could recommend?

Thanks in advance,
BobH

[rola643]

First tool I pack...a cell phone ! Then Road ID® USA's #1 Source for Runners ID, Cycling ID & Medical ID Tags If I am going much more than 50 miles I carry a credit card just for peace of mind.

Obviously a tube, at least 2 tire levers, and I prefer CO2, small fast and convenient. If you choose CO2 you should deflate the tire when you get home and remove all the CO2 you can and refill with your favorite pump. I would also carry a multi-tool.

Park Tool Co.- Rescue Tool for example and CO2 Bike Pump Reviews should you decide to go that route. You may also wan to look at something like one of these to carry it all in Topeak® Cycling Accessories

I don't personally carry anything more than that and not always a multi-tool cuz it's pretty heavy

Just my .02 worth, opinions many vary Hope it helps.
^^^
*may*

[LarryM]

Like rola, I always carry a cell phone, ID, and insurance card.

I think the minimun tool set for any trip that's farther from home than you care to walk back consists of tire levers, a spare tube and a patch kit in case there is a 2nd flat, and some kind of inflator. I prefer a pump to a CO2 inflator because I never have to worry about running out of CO2 charges. I have a Topeak Mountain Morph and my wife has a Topeak Road Morph.

For me, a typical ride will range 15 to 20 miles from home. And my wife and I take fairly rides way out in the sticks or away from home for several days or weeks in a row. In addition to the minimum tire change stuff, on longer trips I always carry:

• a set of 6 allen keys
• a small Leatherman with needle nose pliers, standard and Phillips screw drivers, a can opener, scissors, and a knife blade.
• a 10mm open end /box end wrench ( needed for the center pull cantilever brakes on both of our bikes )
• a spoke wrench
• a chain tool
• a few zip ties

A good general rule, however, is to never carry anything you don't kow how to use.

[stdu007]

a co2 pump, a tube, tire lever, a chain tool, spoke wrench, an alen key set, few buck (5$)

[froze]

Keep the spare tube in it's box so nothing in the bag will poke a hole into it.

A pump, there are several good ones on the market, don't get a real small mini because they will only pump to about 65psi, no matter what the manufacture claims are, and it will take about 500 strokes! Get a mid size mini like the Topeak Road Morph, most LBS's carry those; or SKS Raceday Carbon that I have; or the Lezyne Pressure Drive M; either of those 3 pumps represent the best on the market for their size and all about the same price. CO2's are fast but you have a limited supply of air, I have no use for them.

A mini tool like the Park MTB3 that I have, or Topeak Mini 20. These tools have built in spoke wrenches, chain tool, allen keys, 10mm open end wrench, blade and phillip screw drivers plus others. That eliminates carrying around a bunch of separate tools. I bought a cheap Target brand small leatherman that has scissors, a knife, can opener, needle nose pliers.

Zip ties could be useful.

Duct tape is useful but you only need a 2-3 of feet and wrap it around the tube box but not so that you can't get the box open.

I carry $50 in cash just in case, along with state ID, insurance ID, and a small first aid kit. I also carry 2 alcohol pads to clean the tube to prepare for patching after buffing; and 4 GOJO pads for cleaning hands.

I also take a ultralight tightly folded racing tire in case I blow a tire.

Like Cycles, I find my self wondering 50 or more miles from home on a Saturday in areas that are remote. Once you start riding further you will come to realize just how valuable carrying this stuff can be, or perhaps helping a stranded rider. All the stuff I outlined, except for the pump, fit in a expandable wedge seat bag.

[BobH]

Folks,

Thank you for the info. I think I'm up for the Park MTB3 and a Leatherman type tool. I want to pet some tire pumps /CO2 inflators before I decide. I had not considered a spare tire, I believe that Wifey's Haro Heartland and my Giant Sedona can share a spare. The currency, insurance cards, and IDs are great ideas. Do I need to carry a spare set of brake pads? Typically, my billfold is not with me.

My wife is equipped with (2) cell phones. So far, I have not needed a cell phone to talk to myself. (grin)

I want to keep the kit simple, and I want to get it right the first time. Any more thoughts on the tool kit?

BobH

[LarryM]

Originally Posted by froze

Keep the spare tube in it's box so nothing in the bag will poke a hole into it.

A tube can get pin holes worn in it after rattling around in the box for a couple thousand miles. It's happened to me once, and I've seen it happen to others.

I always remove the tube from the box and put it in a Hefty Zip-Lock bag along with some talcum powder. The talc helps to seat the tube in the tire properly, and the sock serves as a rag, or I can put my hand in the sockwhenever I have to handle the chain.

[LarryM]

I just noticed that none of us mentioned carrying something to boot the tire.

If the thing that caused the flat cuts a slit in the tire, the inflated tube could herniate thru the slit. You can "boot" tire by placing a dollar bill, power bar wrapper, or a piece of an old tube inside the tire covering the slit. I always have a power bar or old power bar wrapper in my bar bag.

[gs46]

I just carry a cell phone and a map, sometimes my wallet. I call AAA road service (my wife) for help.

[whyeyebike]

1 tube, 1 compact patch kit, tire levers, CO2 auto injector with 1 extra cartridge, and a small bag to put it in under my seat. Keep my cell phone and keys with an ID pouch (holds my driver license, debit card and cash) in my back jersey pocket. And I never ride without my RoadID.