Tools - Race

[Skuda25]

What do you pack in your pockets for tools and parts for a race? Do you use a saddle bag? I am doing my first race soon.

[Frunkin]

multi tool, tire lever, sram powerlink, mini pump/co2 inflator. I ride pretty light

[GFjoshF4]

I've only done a few races so far but I ride with a small saddle bag that carries multi tool, power-link, tire lever and an energy pack or two.

[RIC0]

chain breaker, multi tool, patches, 3 chain links, mini pump and a tire lever. If was allowed to only take 1 tool it would be a chain breaker for sure.

[alumrock12]

you all ride with all these co2 inflators, pumps, tire levers...


ever cross your mind to also carry a patchkit or spare tire? hehe

[apclassic9]

In your jersey back pockets: tube folded tight with a rubberband to hold it. power link (sram link, connex link - whatever you use)for your chain. multi tool, tire levers (little plastic ones)
Taped to you seat post: CO2 dispenser. Some people tape the power link to their handlebars.

Those under the seat packs tend to unzip themselves & scatter your stuff all over the trail....

[Bike Lover]

I have a mini tool that also has a chain tool, a quick link, tube, pump, and some other stuff I don't need but didn't take out since my last ride, all in my Hydrapak. The most important, to me, is the energy drink heed and water (both).

Also, if you're going to tape anything, tape a gel to your top tube right at the rip-off point. If done correctly, you can open it with one quick yank and eat it faster than having a gel in a pack somewhere. I also keep one or two, depending on how long I'm going and feeling, I may stick one or two under my shorts to the outside. It sounds funny but it keeps it warm so it flows quicker/easier when required.

FWIW, I've used a seat pack for many years before and never had a problem.

[ZeCanon]

mid-race wrenching is all about speed, so you want access to your tools/tube/whatever FAST. You also don't want to carry any more than you have to.

I use electrical tape to attach my CO2 inflator and a to my seatpost underneath my seat. I can grab both off in one go and have everything I need for a flat. Learn how to take tires off without tire levers so you don't need to carry them. It's not difficult, you just need someone to show you the technique.

Along with the tube/co2 under my seat I have a small chain breaker combined with a 5 and 4mm allen key thing that I put in my pocket along with a sram powerlink. If anything worse than a broken chain or flat tire happens during a race, you'll probably be running anyway so don't bother with a heavy full mini-tool.
The gel on the top tube is a good idea. one, because it's easy to access, and two because you can see it the whole time which should remind you to actually eat it (which most people don't do in their first race for some reason). You should have a gel for every 40 minutes of racing, plus one extra in case you drop one or something.