EDC Bike Tool Thread

[MattTuck]

Ok, what do you folks carry on an EDC "Every Day Carry" basis?

I'm looking at the Lezyne multi-tool (http://www.lezyne.com/products-multitools.php), and Crank Brothers multitool line up (https://www.crankbrothers.com/category/tools-pumps/), though the Y series looks a bit like a gimmick.

I see things like Fixit sticks (http://fixitsticks.com/for-bikes) and the Fabric Chamber Ratchet tool (http://fabric.cc/shop/tools/chamber/) and they REALLY seem more like a gimmick.

PRO Multitools (http://www.pro-bikegear.com/en-gb/catalogue/accessories/113/tools)

Then there are some of the more traditional offerings...
Pedro's Multitools (http://pedros.com/products/toolsfor-the-ride/)
Park Multitools (http://www.parktool.com/category/multi-tools)
Topeak Multitools (http://www.topeak.com/products/Mini-Tools)


Chain tool? (Either as part of a multi-tool or separately)
Spoke wrench?

Does anyone have a list of the most common repairs required on the road, and then reverse engineer what tools are required for a 2 or 3 sigma type event? Similarly, do people swap out hardware on their bike so that a single tool (allen wrench, for instance) covers more of your potential needs.

[tumbler]

I've carried a Crankbrothers M-Series tool for the last 10 years or so. I can't think of a situation when it has let me down in the field and I have used almost every tool on there. It has started to develop a little surface rust and I have been looking at some of the newer designs lately, particularly the ones with a flatter shape when folded, so I'm interested to see what others are using. AngryScientist posted a pic of a PRO tool (http://forums.thepaceline.net/showpost.php?p=1951485&postcount=3) recently that looked pretty nice.

[MattTuck]

^^ Edited OP to include PRO.

[bmeryman]

I like the Crank Brothers M17 quite a bit, been using it for the last several years. It's got a chain tool and spoke wrenches in a couple different sizes which is a nice upgrade from the M10. I don't think the additional two tools and carrying case included in the M19 is worth the additional cost.

[Gsinill]

Topeak Ratchet Rocket Lite DX (http://www.topeak.com/products/Mini-Tools/ratchetrocketlitedx) for me, love it.

[carpediemracing]

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh3Zvt4SiaQ/UGOcU1f22kI/AAAAAAAAEbE/GbUcpMBHAEw/s800/DSC_0782.JPG

I try to carry a tool for everything on the bike. The above picture does not have an 8mm Allen, which I now have. I think it's a Bontrager multi tool that I carry nowadays.

Allen wrenches for most of the bike. Screw drivers also, since they're inevitably part of a multi tool.

8mm Allen wrench for pedals (now I check the multi tool for that before I'll consider it). Also for cranks, if applicable. If I had a external BB crank I'd get whatever tool necessary for that. A slightly loose crank is easy to tighten. A ruined crank is very expensive to replace. (and I'm not talking about "your" crank, it could be anyone on the ride with you).

Chain tool just for removing broken links. This is part of a multi tool although I also have a small Park stand alone tool as well.

KMC Missing Links to reconnect chain (with new chains it can be tricky to use a new pin/etc, although I've helped a friend by successfully installing a new Campy 10s chain using a primitive "before Hyperglide" chain tool). I carry a few 10s Missing Links.

I try to carry 2 tubes, at least one in a box (for booting a cut tire).

I have half of a two-lever set from Ritchey. Metal core tire levers with tools built in. My favorite but I lost one of the two levers. I carry other levers as well.

I carry a pump of some kind. On one bike it's a full size Park frame pump. On the other bike the pump doesn't fit so I carry some Blackburn little pump.

On one bike I have two Torx bolts (for the brake levers) but I don't have any carry-type Torx wrenches.

I used to go to SoCal for a winter training camp (staying at a good friend's house). I don't pack tools because my friend is a long time cyclist (former manager at my shop, former leadout man, in the bike industry, etc). I arrived one day and realized I didn't have the key to their place. I was there at maybe noon? I brought my bike bag into their back yard, opened it up, and assembled my bike using my "EDC" tools from my saddle pack (remember, I didn't pack any tools other than the saddle pack stuff). Went for a ride. Came back about when they were expected home, and they were there. The biggest thing that day was the pedal 8mm, if I didn't have that I'd have been screwed. Stem, bars, post, that's okay, and I used my frame pump to get some minimal amount of air in the tires.

In the car I try to carry more stuff. Since I generally only drive to races (it's really the only time I ride outside) I carry as much as I can. I carry extra pedals, cleats, an extra helmet, wheels, plus various tools and such. I've loaned out pedals/helmet/wheel(s)/kit/bike, given away cleats/tubes.

I also carry a pretty loaded road rash kit (http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-road-rash-care.html), with a LOT of Tegaderm (50 sheet box + 11 yard roll), First Aid numbing/cleaning liquid, gauze pads, etc. I've gone through 1+ 50 sheet boxes and I'm about halfway through the 11 yard roll, this in maybe 4 years, and I only gave out stuff at my own races once or twice. I have given out stuff at "regular races" where I'm just a racer. The 11 yard roll is good for long stripes of road rash, the 4"x4" (approx) sheets are what you can normally get at a CVS. 50 sheet box is $30 or less, ditto the 11 yard roll; in the store a 4 sheet box might cost $16 ($4/sheet).

[parallelfish]

FixIt Sticks with the replaceable bits. They work well, and I can carry just the bits I need given the mix of hex, torx, flat blade and Philips bolts and screws on my bikes. Never was able to get the exact mix needed on the various multi-tools.

[Tony T]

Topeak Mini 20 Pro, Michelin Tire Levers, Rema patch kit, spare tube and a Lezyne mini pump.

[Dired]

Park chain tool
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/harris/images/TL7269.jpg

[chiasticon]

somehow I ended up with both a lezyne sv10 multitool and an sv5. the 10 has too much; torx tools and an 8mm hex are not something I need on a ride. the 5 has everything I want to carry on it, minus the chain tool. so I just took the chain tool off of the 10 and bring it along. the rest just sits with other discarded bike stuff.

not sure how necessary a chain tool even is, unless it's a MTB/cx/gravel ride maybe. I broke one once on a road bike, but that was because I stupidly re-joined a hollow-pin chain. idiot. for that sin, I now punish myself by carrying a chain tool and spare kmc links.

otherwise, yeah, just standard stuff comes along. tube, patches, boot, lever, frame pump. I don't see the need to be able to completely rebuild your bike or be prepared for any and every possibility. I prepare for the most likely stuff (flats, loose bolt here or there, dodgy shifting needing a few screw turns, etc) and some spare cash and a phone for everything else.

[oldpotatoe]

Ok, what do you folks carry on an EDC "Every Day Carry" basis?

I'm looking at the Lezyne multi-tool (http://www.lezyne.com/products-multitools.php), and Crank Brothers multitool line up (https://www.crankbrothers.com/category/tools-pumps/), though the Y series looks a bit like a gimmick.

I see things like Fixit sticks (http://fixitsticks.com/for-bikes) and the Fabric Chamber Ratchet tool (http://fabric.cc/shop/tools/chamber/) and they REALLY seem more like a gimmick.

PRO Multitools (http://www.pro-bikegear.com/en-gb/catalogue/accessories/113/tools)

Then there are some of the more traditional offerings...
Pedro's Multitools (http://pedros.com/products/toolsfor-the-ride/)
Park Multitools (http://www.parktool.com/category/multi-tools)
Topeak Multitools (http://www.topeak.com/products/Mini-Tools)


Chain tool? (Either as part of a multi-tool or separately)
Spoke wrench?

Does anyone have a list of the most common repairs required on the road, and then reverse engineer what tools are required for a 2 or 3 sigma type event? Similarly, do people swap out hardware on their bike so that a single tool (allen wrench, for instance) covers more of your potential needs.

Ahhh, none of the above. You mentioned 'road', like a 2-3 hour road ride. Ther than a flat tire, what else goes wrong? I have needed a tool exactly once in 35 years, loose cleat and a stop at a car repair place fixed that. Ymmv and all that but maintain yer bike, stuff doesn't break with a frequency to justify carrying a bunch of tools, IMHO

[MattTuck]

Ahhh, none of the above. You mentioned 'road', like a 2-3 hour road ride. Other than a flat tire, what else goes wrong? I have needed a tool exactly once in 35 years, loose cleat and a stop at a car repair place fixed that. Ymmv and all that but maintain yer bike, stuff doesn't break with a frequency to justify carrying a bunch of tools, IMHO

I dig this philosophy. :beer:

If you mitigate the chances of small things going wrong, all that's left are truly catastrophic failures, and in those cases will a multi-tool really be enough?

[FlashUNC]

One Pedros folding Torx and a spare tube and some levers. And a frame pump.

Everything else is overkill for the typical road ride.

[Tickdoc]

Sounds like a good time to make a "take a picture of your carry kit" thread, like a pocket dump shoot knife guys do.

Btw, anyone use these nifty Barends?


https://media1.rosebikes.de/product/1850/2/2/2221111_1.thrjunign6.jpg

[chriscap]

Topeak Mini 20 Pro, spare tube, patch kit, Lezyne Pressure Drive, Soma steel-core tire levers (for my stubborn tubeless-ready rims), $20 bill, a few antiseptic wipes/band-aids and an expired drivers license.

I keep most items in a Strawfoot ride wallet and toss it in my jersey pocket before heading out.

[Mark McM]

Ahhh, none of the above. You mentioned 'road', like a 2-3 hour road ride. Ther than a flat tire, what else goes wrong? I have needed a tool exactly once in 35 years, loose cleat and a stop at a car repair place fixed that. Ymmv and all that but maintain yer bike, stuff doesn't break with a frequency to justify carrying a bunch of tools, IMHO

The tools a cyclist carries with them is a history of mechanical problems they have suffered on past rides. Similar to what you say, most of my road riding problems have been tire/tube related, but every once in a while I'll have use for an Allen wrench or screw driver. I've had cleat screws loosen mid ride, or maybe discover a loose chainring bolt or some such. Just about any small mult-tool will do for most things.

I tend to carry more tools on MTB rides, because experience shows that more things tend to break on MTB rides. I've seen a wide variety of common and specialty tools carried (and actually used) on MTB rides (pedal wrenches, headset wrenches, crank bolt wrenches, etc.). I know some people who carry spare brake/derailleur cables, and even one who carries a spare rear derailleur.

[RowanB]

In my experience, correctly torqued fasteners seldom loosen of their own accord. I don't carry a multitool on the road as I simply haven't needed one.

MTBing is slightly different because of the increased possibility of crash damage (e.g. I've removed a disc caliper after bending the mounts) and the annoyance of not being able to ride out of the woods. I carry a multi-tool, park chain tool and quick links.

[gpendergast]

For daily commuting this goes in a small pouch; extra tube is underneath my saddle, pump is somewhere on the bike or in a bag.

On longer rides I bring a chain tool, small first aid kit, and an single-serving bottle of whiskey :hello:

[cmbicycles]

I carry a multi tool, patch kit, tube, co2, and tire levers. I've rarely needed the multi-tool except for going out and tweaking positions. I have used it plenty of times for others on group rides or other cyclists I encounter on the side of the road. Mtb I carry multi w/ chain tool just in case, but have thankfully never needed it.

[cachagua]

The tools a cyclist carries with them is a history of mechanical problems they have suffered on past rides...

This is a great insight. It's quite general; for example, contract law and biological evolution also follow this principle.

(There's also an analogy here to helmet use. One attempts to predict the unpredictable, to see into the future -- one imagines what may happen, and makes their best guess how to prepare.)

Me, I'm in the ounce-of-prevention camp. If I look at the history of problems I've suffered on past rides, virtually all (excepting flats) were the result of neglected maintenance, or less-than-thoroughness in originally setting the bike up. So -- that's what I carry with me now: a very carefully set up, and I hope not too neglected, bike.

And a couple tubes.

[chiasticon]

...maintain yer bike...this. best tool you can have, really.

although the chain lube is a great idea. I can think of specific people right now that I'd love to just ride beside and spritz chain lube into their cassette, the next time I see them.

[choke]

Being old school, I carry an old school tool. - http://digitalhippie.net/mountain-biking/mtb-tools/cool-tool-the-multipurpose-bicycle-repair-tool/

I haven't found anything better in all the years since that one came out. Yes, it's heavy but it has everything I figure I need. The adjustable wrench has come in handy on a few occasions....some of my bikes (and other people's as well at a vintage ride) have hex head fasteners and with a modern tool you're SOL for those. I do leave the 14mm socket at home as it doesn't fit anything I ride.

[purpurite]

Topeak Hexus tool with a CO2 pump in my pocket. Even that's too much for me.

[Gsinill]

Ahhh, none of the above. You mentioned 'road', like a 2-3 hour road ride. Ther than a flat tire, what else goes wrong? I have needed a tool exactly once in 35 years, loose cleat and a stop at a car repair place fixed that. Ymmv and all that but maintain yer bike, stuff doesn't break with a frequency to justify carrying a bunch of tools, IMHO

Well, I only keep one saddle bag with everything I need that I switch between bikes.
Your approach might work for a bike after it is "broken in" but not necessarily one that has just been built up and might require tweaking like saddle adjustments etc.

[dustyrider]

The thing I do most around here is fix flats from goat heads. I prefer an easy tire rim interface and rely on a Topeak frame pump more than anything else.

My kit includes Pedro's levers, Pedro's folding hex set(screw driver bits in there too), park chain tool, park patch kit. I usually have paper money for a boot and a new tube or a patched tube. I keep a saddle bag and appropriate tube on the bike and rotate the tools around as needed.

Carrying the kit has less to do with fulfilling the Boy Scout motto of being prepared and more to do with the complete, and total, independence I crave/enjoy while riding a bicycle.

[oldpotatoe]

Well, I only keep one saddle bag with everything I need that I switch between bikes.
Your approach might work for a bike after it is "broken in" but not necessarily one that has just been built up and might require tweaking like saddle adjustments etc.

Well, that's hardly a repair. BUT a well built bike when new, shouldn't need mechanical attention as it 'should' be 'broken in' before the first ride. I get a giggle out of 'some' who talk about a wheelset needing a 'tune' after the first rides, after it 'breaks in'..folly.

[echelon_john]

Maybe because I'm fat, (although I like to think it's the massive watts I put down) but I've broken chains a couple of times, so I prioritize chain repair, along with fixing a flat and compensating for (not replacing) a broken spoke.

I like the Park IB-3 tool; compact & light, decent construction, inexpensive, okay chain tool, and all the other usual suspects.

http://www.parktool.com/product/i-beam-mini-fold-up-with-chain-tool-ib-3?category=Multi-Tools

Along with that, I carry 2 extra KMC connector links (which weigh nothing), a tube, CO2/inflator, spoke wrench, a presta adaptor so I can use gas station air if it comes to that, and a $50 and a $10 bill. Whole kit fits in a tiny saddle bag or jersey pocket easily.

If I'm going for a more remote ride in the National Forest where there's little human presence & no cell reception I'll usually bring a patch kit/second tube and a mini-pump as well. And a banjo so I can blend in with the natives.

[William]

My usual riding EDC...




William

[echelon_john]

You forgot to pack the...





My usual riding EDC...




William

[William]

You forgot to pack the...

The cowbell is currently hanging in Mrs William's trunk. Seriously, we play jokes on each other all the time. She still hasn't figured out what that noise is when she hits good sized bumps driving down the road. :D






William

[oldpotatoe]

My usual riding EDC...




William

And forgot-Relax, it's just a joke->:):confused::rolleyes::D:o:hello::banana:

[dk2ck]

I carry a tube, Pedros tire levers, a mini pump, and a multi tool on most of my rides. I use a saddle bag or a tool roll anyways so I figure I might as well load 'em up. I even threw in an instant patch kit in one of my saddle bags. I am a big fan of the Crank Brothers M17 because of the chain tool. While it's not the greatest chain tool, you can definitely remove a link so that you can install a quick link if you need to.

[Louis]

My usual riding EDC...

William, you really should see a dentist...

[Tickdoc]

The cowbell is currently hanging in Mrs William's trunk. Seriously, we play jokes on each other all the time. She still hasn't figured out what that noise is when she hits good sized bumps driving down the road. :D






William


Brilliant:banana:

[William]

William, you really should see a dentist...

What, there's a lot of life left in that toothbrush!:confused:







:)
William

[OldCrank]

+1 on the spare link & chain tool, since being let down by a not-that-old Ultegra chain.

Now, the voltage checker and spare chainsaw (?) plug, that looks MTB-required.

The tiny Park patch kit has been tossed in for longer rides lately. Belt&suspenders.

I don't see any bottle openers, but between pedals, cleats and any number of surfaces, a beer has never survived.

[dpk501]

http://images.mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/article_640x430/public/costanza-wallet_6.jpg




http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Oh3Zvt4SiaQ/UGOcU1f22kI/AAAAAAAAEbE/GbUcpMBHAEw/s800/DSC_0782.JPG

I try to carry a tool for everything on the bike. The above picture does not have an 8mm Allen, which I now have. I think it's a Bontrager multi tool that I carry nowadays.

Allen wrenches for most of the bike. Screw drivers also, since they're inevitably part of a multi tool.

8mm Allen wrench for pedals (now I check the multi tool for that before I'll consider it). Also for cranks, if applicable. If I had a external BB crank I'd get whatever tool necessary for that. A slightly loose crank is easy to tighten. A ruined crank is very expensive to replace. (and I'm not talking about "your" crank, it could be anyone on the ride with you).

Chain tool just for removing broken links. This is part of a multi tool although I also have a small Park stand alone tool as well.

KMC Missing Links to reconnect chain (with new chains it can be tricky to use a new pin/etc, although I've helped a friend by successfully installing a new Campy 10s chain using a primitive "before Hyperglide" chain tool). I carry a few 10s Missing Links.

I try to carry 2 tubes, at least one in a box (for booting a cut tire).

I have half of a two-lever set from Ritchey. Metal core tire levers with tools built in. My favorite but I lost one of the two levers. I carry other levers as well.

I carry a pump of some kind. On one bike it's a full size Park frame pump. On the other bike the pump doesn't fit so I carry some Blackburn little pump.

On one bike I have two Torx bolts (for the brake levers) but I don't have any carry-type Torx wrenches.

I used to go to SoCal for a winter training camp (staying at a good friend's house). I don't pack tools because my friend is a long time cyclist (former manager at my shop, former leadout man, in the bike industry, etc). I arrived one day and realized I didn't have the key to their place. I was there at maybe noon? I brought my bike bag into their back yard, opened it up, and assembled my bike using my "EDC" tools from my saddle pack (remember, I didn't pack any tools other than the saddle pack stuff). Went for a ride. Came back about when they were expected home, and they were there. The biggest thing that day was the pedal 8mm, if I didn't have that I'd have been screwed. Stem, bars, post, that's okay, and I used my frame pump to get some minimal amount of air in the tires.

In the car I try to carry more stuff. Since I generally only drive to races (it's really the only time I ride outside) I carry as much as I can. I carry extra pedals, cleats, an extra helmet, wheels, plus various tools and such. I've loaned out pedals/helmet/wheel(s)/kit/bike, given away cleats/tubes.

I also carry a pretty loaded road rash kit (http://sprinterdellacasa.blogspot.com/2008/07/how-to-road-rash-care.html), with a LOT of Tegaderm (50 sheet box + 11 yard roll), First Aid numbing/cleaning liquid, gauze pads, etc. I've gone through 1+ 50 sheet boxes and I'm about halfway through the 11 yard roll, this in maybe 4 years, and I only gave out stuff at my own races once or twice. I have given out stuff at "regular races" where I'm just a racer. The 11 yard roll is good for long stripes of road rash, the 4"x4" (approx) sheets are what you can normally get at a CVS. 50 sheet box is $30 or less, ditto the 11 yard roll; in the store a 4 sheet box might cost $16 ($4/sheet).

[Vera J. Hogue]

EDC Commuter Kit
Kaufmann Mercantile EDC Kit
Stealth EDC Kit
EDC Bike Kit
EDC Kit 2.0
EDC Kit 3.0

[Neil]

https://c2.staticflickr.com/8/7735/26872462430_496cd5c69d_b.jpg

Add an inner tube for a bike with clinchers, deduct Silca for bike with frame pump, change currency depending on location.

[dgauthier]

(...) I have needed a tool exactly once in 35 years(...)

Good point. I've carried a Park fold up multi tool for over 10 years. I have yet to use it. But I also carry three tubes, three 16 gram CO2 cartridges, and Genuine Innovations Air Chuck (chosen because it's tiny), and I use those *a lot*. Everything fits in one small saddlebag.

[spiderwj]

I like the Crank Brothers M17 quite a bit, been using it for the last several years. It's got a chain tool and spoke wrenches in a couple different sizes which is a nice upgrade from the M10. I don't think the additional two tools and carrying case included in the M19 is worth the additional cost.


Agreed. I have an M17 I carry on my road and off-road bikes. It does it all. I have saddle bags for CO2, tubes, and tire lever. I carry the M17 in my pocket for quick access and cost savings (I don't want to outfit all my bikes with one....I'd have to sell a bike to do it and that just won't do ;)


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[spinarelli]

Snacks, always have snacks with you.
Oh, and water. Most important thing you can carry with you is hydration.

[Gummee]

I have an old Niterider light repair kit/water bottle with screw-on top that I load up with a tube, a few CO2s, allen wrenches, tire levers, patch kit, and the most critical bit: folded up piece of plastic for an emergency vest.

That emergency vest has saved me from freezing when I get my layering wrong. :nod

If I start out and its chilly, but I know its gonna warm up, I'll bring my bigger piece of tyvek and leave the emergency vest in the tool kit.

M

[Clancy]

FixIt Sticks with the replaceable bits. They work well, and I can carry just the bits I need given the mix of hex, torx, flat blade and Philips bolts and screws on my bikes. Never was able to get the exact mix needed on the various multi-tools.

I picked up a set of FixIt Sticks when they showed up on Kickstarter. That was quite some time ago. W/O a doubt the best and lightest tool to carry for use on a road bike. Mine came with a simple inner tube carrying case. The new ones come with a different case and interchangeable bits as mentioned.

I prefer a small, compact seatbag, Arundel, FixIt sticks, tube, inflator, 2-3 16g cartridges, and a $5 bill. The bill doubles as $ for a coffee and a tire boot.

Compact and light.

Long rides in the middle of nowhere I put 2 tubes in the seatbag, chuck the inflator and CO2 and carry a frame pump. All my bikes have a pump peg.

[chiasticon]

Add an inner tube for a bike with clinchers, deduct Silca for bike with frame pump, change currency depending on location.curious to hear your thoughts on the Silca Pocket Impero. is it as good as they claim?