[Closed] What tools, bits & bobs do you take on your ride?

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Have a multi tool, pump and spare tube in the camelbak, think there's a couple of tyre levers floating around in there too. Normally keep a bit of gaffa tape wrapped around the pump.

Tube, multi-tool, first aid kit, phone, zip ties, spare tube, patches, spare brake pads, spare spokes blu tacked inside handlebars, spare chain links in various sizes, at least one extra layer of waterproof clothing.

Check bike is going to last the distance before setting off.

I've got a bad feeling about this thread...

Tools and spares wise:
Multitool, Chain Tool, Mini Pump, Levers, Patch Kit, KMC Missing Links, Levers, Cable Ties, Spare Tube, Brake Pads.

I've actually got a photo of all my stuff laid out nicely and annotated on Flickr but I'll be opening myself up to all sorts of abuse if I post that 😀

Depends how far Im going, if its a big day out i.e. a full loop of glentress black where it gets pretty remote then I take the following:

innertubes x 3
pump
multitool
tire levers
patches
split links x 2
brake pads x 2
spare clothes
foil blanket
jacket
ration pack
stove
kettle
compass
o.s. map
phone with gps

The same - I also take a gold-link for my chain. In carrier bags shoved in the side pockets of my Camelbak. I have toyed with carrying a folding XC tyre - but haven't succumbed to this yet.

I take the same when road cycling, but use a little saddle pack on those occasions. Whilst I would never want a saddle pak and water bottles jumping around on my MTB, it's great riding without the encumberance of a backpack.

"if its a big day out i.e. a full loop of glentress black where it gets pretty remote then I take the following:"

Just for a minute I thought you were serious until I got to ration pack!

Depends how far Im going, if its a big day out i.e. a full loop of glentress black where it gets pretty remote then I take the following

Really? For a trail centre? I can understand if you're heading into the wilds miles from civilisation, but not a trail centre! It's not [i]that[/i] long, it's 20 miles FFS! A stove? Kettle? Are you serious!? 3 tubes!?

I carry: CO2 pump, a tube if I see one as I'm walking out the door, a small multi tool, phone, £10.

If I'm going for a really long ride away from civilisation and the weather looks iffy I may take a gilet!

Spare spokes? Why bother, a broken spoke is never going to be completely terminal, and if it is, sticking a couple of new spokes in probably won't solve it. Do you also carry cassette tools!?

Brake pads? Do people really honestly stop at the side of the trail in the sort of wet, cold, filthy conditions that would destroy pads and replace them!?

I can understand first aid kits and what not, but not a whole bikes worth of spares! A rear mech and hanger makes more sense than spokes IMO!

For the Welsh Ride Thing (3 days)

1 x tube
Glueless Patches
Micro Pump
Mutlitool
3 x power links
Zip ties
Tyre boot
About 1m of Gaffer tape rolled round a plastic straw

What else do you need?

Not including all the other stuff for sleeping, cooking etc.

Local; 2 litre camelbak

Pump
Tube
Mulitool
Repair kit/tyre boot
Spare chain link
A few zipties

Longer rides;

Small waterproof jacket
An extra tube.
Snacks.

As light as possible at all times, cant be ar$ed with carrying too much gear...

Road ride - co2, tyre levers, tube, multi tool

MTB ride - 1 tube, tyre boot (Piece of milk carton), tubelss repair strings and poking tool, multi tool, pump, pliers, zip ties, powerlinks, bit of chain, bit of wire, tape, few bolts

Brake pads? Do people really honestly stop at the side of the trail in the sort of wet, cold, filthy conditions that would destroy pads and replace them!?

Why not? They're tiny and they clip in and out in about 30 seconds. Better than riding the rest of the way with no brake surely?

puncture kit, bit of a chain, crap chain tool/crap spoke key combo, basic multitool, pump, levers, tunnocks caramel wafers

Why not? They're tiny and they clip in and out in about 30 seconds. Better than riding the rest of the way with no brake surely?

Fair enough, I've just never had pads get [i]that[/i] worn out! I did once wear through the backing of some pads and was using the piston to stop, was still stopping, wouldn't have wanted to faff at the trail side changing pads personally! Each to their own.

davidtaylforth 😆

pump, multitool, chain tool, couple of powerlinks, spare tube, park patches, few zip ties.
Multi day rides would add a set of pads and another tube.
All fits in a saddle pack (Topeak aero thingy)

for a local ride i take
Multi-tool
Spare tube / repair kit
pump
oil
water
chocolate
phone
£10

Multi tool, 1 tube, tyre levers, puncture repair kit , small pair of pliers, phone.

First aid kit and Food if I take the Camelback.

Never bothered taking chain splitters or links out on a ride, never snapped a chain on a ride though...

When I go to the Lakes next year I'll probably take maps, chain splitter, cables and pads on the rides as its a much longer distance to travel with a snapped chain etc whereas at Dalby and Gisburn your never huge distances from the car/accommodation.

this is always in my bag regardless.. I'll add other things as required.

pump
spare tube
spare gear cable(never had to use it, but i'd rather it there just in case.)
repair kit
allen keys
2 metal dinner knives, better than tyre levers imo.
derailleur hanger
chain tool
wee shifting spanner(no idea why, might come in useful at some point)
screw driver(wouldn't be the first time i've fixed somebodies wonky shifting for them.)

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Local;
2 litre camelbak
Pump
Tube
Mulitool
Repair kit/tyre boot
Spare chain link
A few zipties

Longer rides;
Small waterproof jacket
An extra tube.
Snacks.

As light as possible at all times, cant be ar$ed with carrying too much gear

The bike is always in fabulous condition and will never fail mid-ride...

I take an Uzi 9mm.

Hexus II (although someone borrowed it and lost the chain tool tyre lever the other week 🙁 )
Inner tube
Puncture kit
Pump
Power link + a bit of spare chain
Gravy bones (for the dog)
Water (for me and the dog)

Phone if I remember it.

Make sure you can undo your power links - regular use keeps them free.

If I have driven to the trail I leave a bit more stuff in there so at least the day isn't ruined and I just need to get back to the car and head off again.

Local, nothing. Maybe a bottle of water if it's going to be hot. If I'm driving somewhere to ride then I'll take my bag with multi tool, spare tubes, pump, patches etc as I'd be pissed off if I had to cut my ride short and didn't have the right stuff to fix it. Locally I can just walk home and it doesn't bother me.

Hexus II (although someone borrowed it and lost the chain tool tyre lever the other week

Funny you should say that - I have 3 Hexus IIs, all of which have lost the chain tool tyre lever - I still carry it, would just need to find someone else with a 4mm allen key in the event of a broken chain! Makes me feel like I've got a chain tool at least!

storing stuff in the handlebars..... GENIUS!!!!

i must play with this idea

Quite a lot, commute is tube pump multitool patches, but proper rides is
2 tubes
puncture repair kit
UST "plug" kit
chain tool
chain links
powerlink
pump
tyre levers
[url= http://wheelsmfg.com/content/view/694/44/ ]multitool with spare gear hanger[/url]
proper gear hanger for my long distance bike
brake pads (tho possibly not the correct ones for the bike I'm on)
zip ties
caffeine power gel
ibuprofen
little bottle of lube
small square of cloth
space blanket (had to have 1 for keilder never took it out)
showerproof jacket
emergency £5
clothes/food to suit ride/weather.
Could do with a basic short ride toolkit in my 'bak and the above setup in my wingnut but CBA.

puncture kit, a tube, multitool, pump, shockpump too, but that's a waste of space so I don't know why i bother.

Chain link, and spare chain link.
Pump
Tubeless repair kit (never needed it....get that one in quick)
TopPeak mini wrench + mini chain splitter
Couple of plasti-ties
leatherdaddyman (used it a few times on other folks bikes)

Gels, cash, alpen bars (coconut),

If I'm doing a longer sportive ride then I get my cousin to follow me round closely in his Renault Espace. This enables me to take just about everything, including a spare bike! Obviously it doesnt work for mtb rides, but is ideal for road races

what's the reason for powerlinks? assuming you need a chaintool to remove the damaged section anyway..

if you only damage an outer link pop the power link on doing as little splitting/joining as poss

ah ok. i suppose actually now i think it means you only have to take links off with the tool, i quite often end up squeezing one on too tight..

Damn, though you were going to say you had broken a hexus II and had a spare tyre lever 🙁

You could always convert your seat post into a floor pump like a few you can get (but probably not great seat posts. I'm sure you could build a mechanism to fit into a Thomson 😀

what's the reason for powerlinks? assuming you need a chaintool to remove the damaged section anyway..

Normally it is the outer link that gets mangled which the powerlink replaces along with the pin and some chains just do not like being broken and re-joined as when breaking it you shear off the mushroom on the pin which provides a lot of the links strength.

folding chain tool,
multi tool with 4,5,6 mm allen keys and both screw driver types...
spoke key
tyre lever
park patch repair kit
set of brake pads
2 zip ties
cool little micro pump i bought from charliethebikemonger..

and it all fits in a teeny little deuter saddle bag..

for longer rides where i have a backpack i take a tube as well.. 🙂

A spare powerlink makes a repair much faster than trying to rejoin links.

I carry an old Shimano cleat and bolts too, as people in my club have a habit of losing them on rides...

-water
1-x tube
-pump
-quick patches
-multi-tool
-a map if in the hills. if the shit hits the fan i want to be able to give co-ordinates of where i/we are.
-first aid kit inc. heat blanket and disinfectant
-clothing depending on weather

whistle and camera are attached to my pack.

Multi-tool
pump
inner tubes 2
Tyre boot (old washing up bottle)
puncture repair kit
power links(8 and 9 speed)
Cable ties
duck tape
cling film(graze dressing)
sanitary towels(wound dressing)
first aid kit(including tick twister)
Sushi fish (spare lube)
universal gear hanger
brake cable
gear cable
m4/m5 bolts
spare crank bolt
spare rotor bolts
spare chain ring bolt
spare brake pads(v-brake)
spare old brake pads (for my own bike)
Midge repellent
sun cream
Sweeties(jelly babies or haribos)
cereal bars
Tow rope
group shelter
survival bag
spare warm gloves
buff
waterproof jacket and/or trousers
whistle
mobile phone

Not too much.....
[url= http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3333821498_5f2b49e266.jp g" target="_blank">http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3540/3333821498_5f2b49e266.jp g"/> [/img][/url]
[url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/milkiekula/3333821498/ ]Camelbak Kit[/url] by [url= http://www.flickr.com/people/milkiekula/ ]MilkieKula[/url], on Flickr

Toolswise:
Pump
Multi Tool
Long Allen key for saddle
Gerber Tool
Powerlinks
Tubeless repair kit
H/D Tyre Levers
Spare Gear Cable
Cable Ties

You take a full set of mixing decks.....ah [url= http://www.flickr.com/photos/milkiekula/3333821498/ ]I see[/url] thats's been done before 😳

Enjoyed Bikepawl's list immensely...I agree with nearly all of it.

Found the sushi-fish for chainlube leaked badly, so switched to a Purple-Extreme Lube bottle with Weldtite PTFE chainlube.

Also 2 pairs of nitrile gloves...weighs 10 grams but very nice to work knowing your hands should be clean afterwards.

A knife and small pliers such as on a Gerber mini-tool can be surprisingly useful.

And yes, I have an NBT2 cassette tool!

Go on, just ridicule me; but do not expect help or sympathy in return.

PaulD

Why would you need a cassette tool!? Nuts!

Do you take a chainwhip as well?

Riding solo/with mates:

Multi-tool
Pump
Tyre levers
Tube
Power-links
Water*
Jacket*
Phone with GPS mapping

Add map & compass if I'm riding somewhere I don't know inside-out.

*only if I'm going to be out for a while - more than a couple of hours

Guiding:

Multi-tool
Pump
Tyre levers
Tube x2
Wee box of spares, inc. power-links, various bolts, tyre boot, etc.
Water
Jacket
1st aid kit
Map, compass, GPS
Survival blanket (not a useless foil one!) or group shelter
Stash of sugary sweets or gels or similar
Camera

Add head-torch & hat/gloves if going really remote.

Kingtut,

Check out the NBT2 for yourself...

http://www.m-gineering.nl/indexg.htm

Clearly it is not worth removing a cassette to replace spokes if you are 20 minutes walk from the carpark, but if you are out for hours or on tour, then it is a different matter.
I am not talking about an XC race.

Thanks PaulD, so the NBT2 is a lot like the hypercracker. No problems so far with the sushi fish.
I forgot about the gloves for dirty work.
I used to carry a small socket set mainly for loose cranks but so many bikes have 8mm bolts now. Could have done with a crank extractor and bottom bracket tool last week, but I can't carry everything.
And yes I have used everything there.

Ooo now then...

I carry probably far too much:
Mini tool
spoke key
chain tool
leatherman wave
HT2 plastic circle spanner thingy for tightening HT2 cranks.
small bottle chainlube
rag
zip ties
tubes x 2
park tyre boots
park super patches
spare brake pads
spare seat clamp (broken seat clamp QR can really ruin your day)
spare cleats and spare cleat plate (after i had a cleat pull out once)
couple of spokes and nipples (can be replaced easily if non-drive side.
few bits of chain and power links
pump
shock pump

I guess you need to decide what to take based on how long you are out for, where, how heavy/bulky is the spare, likelyhood and implications for failure (inconvenience or very long walk home?).

I know some guides that carry a spare XC tyre in the bottom of their pack in places like Idaho or BC. Also riders in BC have been known to carry spare rear mechs and brake rotors.

Common sense really isn't it?

😆 some of those lists got me thinking that maybe people would be better buying some slightly heavier but tougher parts and not having to carry so much weight in spares!

simon1975 - Member
A spare powerlink makes a repair much faster than trying to rejoin links.

I carry an old Shimano cleat and bolts too, as people in my club have a habit of losing them on rides...

ahh yes cleat bolts. I need some of them. I lost one the other week but actually back tracked and found it where I last unclipped - to the amazement of my friends.

I carry a spare bike in my bottomless bag. you just never know!

In my Camelbak
Tube(s) 2/3 for long, 1 for short
Puncture repair kit (inc pump)
Brake pads
Mini tool thingy and any extra allen keys not on it
Quick link
Mini Leatherman (long rides)
Sometimes Swiss Army Knife
Zip ties
Chain jollop
Water
Gels (Torq)
Sun tan cream (long summer rides)
Germolene - large tube of
Painkillers
Ranitidine
Lipsyl
Lipstick
Toilet roll (lots plus plastic bag for used)
Spare clothinq appropriate to time of year/weather
GPS and spare batteries
Phone
Some cash
Credit and Debit cards
House key
All in varying amounts according to where I'm going and what time of year it is and which bike I'm riding

This one so make me laugh - people spend loads on getting a light bike and then carry round kilos of useless junk!

Me -
tube
3 cable ties
m6 nut and bolt
m5 nut and bolt
3pr sram links
2 chain links (only cos the timing chain on the tandem is fixed length)
Pump
Patches and glue
Multitool

Add a gear hanger and spare pawls for multiday rides

I have never needed more than that. I do keep my bikes in good condition tho

edit

a full loop of glentress black where it gets pretty remote then I take the following:

TandemJeremy - Member
I have never needed more than that. I do keep my bikes in good condition tho

Lately I've been enjoying the minimal approach;

1 x 750ml water bottle
1 x £20 note
1 x mobile phone

Not wearing the Camelbak is really quite liberating!

*edit* Never more than about 5 miles from the car at most during a ride though

Bikepawl do you carry rear mechs? anyway ridden back SS stylee - the pads was user error fo shur

No I don't carry a rear mech, but if they had been properly maintained!!!!!!!
And yes I know cause I helped you SS them.

http://www.sjscycles.co.uk/fiber-fix-emergency-replacement-spoke-prod20155/

Solves the drive side spoke issue. Not used mine yet. Although i agree that if one spoke snaps, the rest are sure to follow.

Credit [b]and[/b] Debit cards

One card yes, but multiple ones?! Why?! Ridiculous! Surprised no one takes a laptop, better for emailing your position if you get lost 🙄

Why do people also take a multi tool, a Leatherman and a Swiss Army knife!? Insane.

Lately I've been enjoying the minimal approach;

1 x 750ml water bottle
1 x £20 note
1 x mobile phone

Not wearing the Camelbak is really quite liberating!

Me too, when out on the HT I can manage without the CB, but not the FS. Its great riding without a camelbak....

I only carry a rucksac for deep winter or really remote / high rides. Its so nice to ride without a rucksac and a few bits and bobs in a seat pouch and a pump and bottle on the frame does me fine for local rides

debit card in case I need lots more cash, ie, for a very long taxi ride
Credit card in case I end up at a hotel/b&b or train fare
Both also in case anyone breaks in while I am out - my cards won't be there
I take my car key for the same reason and keys to bike locks, spares are at work. Burglars have to get past the dog first then cut the locks off everything.
Leatherman has pliers
Multi tool has allen keys and screw drivers
Swiss Army Knife/mini Leatherman has scissors and tweezers
I don't need my laptop cos I can email off my phone LOL

[IMG] [/IMG]

Although, last night, I didn't take a thing!

Its been revised a little now too. I take a smaller bottle of lube and don't take the shock pump much.

one of these is handy when all else fails and you are waiting for "i'msorrymate" recovery service

[url] http://www.mapstop.co.uk/product9042_Pub-Stops-of-the-Peak-District---Tube-Maps.aspx [/url]

depends on the length of the ride but usually.....

1x multi tool (allenkey style)
1x multi tool (plyres type)
2x tyre levers
1x spare tube
1x pump

longer rides adds:

chain links and a spare gear cable + zip ties.

I thought it was just me...

Pump
Patch kit (tube and tyre)
Cable ties
first aid kit (used a plenty)
useless foil survival blanket
mini compass and mountain whistle
spare riding gloves
gerber spring multi tool
top peak multi tool
spare tube
tyre levers

spare glasses (prescription)- so I don't look a nob in the pub after with my cycling ones on!

depending on weather there may be a waterproof jacket in there too.

usual water in the camelback and a tasty snack....

no wonder i'm slow up hill!!!!

Two pages in and I'm not seeing the word Hipflask anywhere ;-(

Nor proper food / sandwiches... I'd swop your spare spokes cables and bloody shock pumps for these any day of the week.

Seriously though - I can hardly believe the list of unnecessary junk some of you boys are carting over the hills!

95% of the time all i need is 1 litre of water and a ceral bar, sometimes a gilet or a LS baselayer.

However I always take far more than I need.

😯 😕 😆

[color=blue]
Whatever is currently living in the Camelbak Chaos. Usually -

spare tube or two
mini pump
shock pump
alien 2 multitool
leatherman wave
'socketdriver' and a few sockets
glueless patches
zip ties
tape

And then the 'non-bike' stuff -

2L water (bladder)
flapjack/cereal bars/sweeties
phone/GPS
house keys
cash
debit card
whatever extra clothing is appropriate

slainte 🙂 rob[/color]

Well, its nice to see others using their initiative and riding well prepared.

All you naysayers will be sobbing when you're lost or broken at the far reaches of your local trail centre, with a 2+ mile walk back to the car.

But if you see me riding past (i'll be going slowly, my camelback is quite weighty!) be sure to flag me up, i'll offer you a hand. And a piece of my mind about about being prepared.

>All you naysayers will be sobbing<

I really doubt it mate - couple of decades heading out into the wilds have taught me that food, appropriate /spare clothing, some basic tools and spares and a good old map and compass are all I actually need. I could strike 14 items from Karinofnines first list and still feel properly equipped for remote riding.

All you naysayers will be sobbing when you're lost or broken at the far reaches of your local trail centre, with a 2+ mile walk back to the car.

I doubt it. what issue could you solve that I could not?

I bought the iCycle app. It's made pretty much all my other kit redundant.

Pump
Shock Pump
Multitool
Tyre Levers
Spare bolts and pads bag
Cable Ties
Powerlink Tool ('cause i'm rubbish with splitting them :oops:)

carry round kilos of useless junk!...

I do keep my bikes in good condition tho

I can fix anything conceivable with what I carry. I just don't carry a load of unneeded junk.

Tell me what I cannot fix that you can that would leave me walking where you would be riding?

TeeJ... why don't you just add the link to the previous thread that you discussed all this on and free up your day... you could do some baking?

Blimey, there's some huge packlists there.
Mine is...
1. Enough to fix a flat
2. Enough to rejoin a snapped chain
3. Banana and an energy bar.
4. Enough coins to get tram home in an emergency.

Camera goes in left pocket, GPS goes in right pocket, mobile phone goes in the secure zipped pocket.

On the CX bike, all that will go in a small saddle pack thing.

I'm with TJ on this! The obvious things that are going to go are rear mechs (as IMO it's very rare for the hanger alone to go), and yet no one carries one of those. And anyway, you can just SS your bike to get you home.

Spokes and cassette tools is just mental! Like I say, a broken spoke is not going to stop you riding the bike, if the wheel's sufficiently buckled that it won't go round in the frame/forks then a new spoke is unlikely to solve it!

All you naysayers will be sobbing when you're lost or broken at the far reaches of your local trail centre, with a 2+ mile walk back to the car.

Really? FFS, ridiculous! In the 30 minutes it takes you to sort through your pack I'll be back at the car! There's being prepared and there's insanity! I thought you may be joking when you said that was for a trail centre!