In holiday spirit, I compiled a list of a few (50) of my favorite things for road bikes, a significant portion being maintenance/tool oriented. Would love to hear about a few of everyone else's. I posted the list and the reasoning behind each choice on my nascent blog as a public conversation starter.
http://danieldube.wordpress.com/2012/11/21/50-less-usual-but-very-helpful-road-bike-components-and-tools/.
It is continually astonishing to me how the cycling industry has developed to meet even the most esoteric needs.The longer I ride (now since 2003, in Montreal, Maine (coast/inland), Middlebury, Santa Fe, Cleveland (Chargin Falls/Hunting Valley), DC), the more refined become my problems, but there always seems to be a solution available. Would love to hear the thoughts of those many who know that better than me.
I'm sure some would also disagree with a few of my selections or reasons. I'm here to learn.
Dan
(Maine)