ac220v

Okay, today I just have discovered that mechanical problems are still problems even on really short commute, (2-5 km, depending on route)... Especially stupid ones, fixable in 3 minutes with a right size wrench. OTOH I didn't want to look like I'm doing 300 km brevet either So, here's version 0.9 of my "always on me" toolkit:





Weighs about 300 grams.
Is there anything I missed?

Pragmatik

An extra tube? I carry my multi-tool, tire levers, patch kit and a tube in case it's a big hole. My pump is on my frame.
What brand/model tool is that if you don't mind me asking? I like the spare design of it a lot.

MrCjolsen

Carry a tube. I carry at least one and some glueless patches.

ObjectAgnosia

That pretty much covers it, just as long as the tools you use do what they are suppose to. I bought a compact crank bros pump with a gauge that is totally useless to me. I ended up purchasing a Road morph and love it. I also carry an inflator along with 2 Co2 cartridges in case I'm running late for work. Oh yeah, and carrying a spare tube is faster than patching one on the spot. You can patch it when you get to your destination and keep it as your spare.

Jonahhobbes

deffo on the extra tube and I always carry a couple of extra nylon tire levers as they can break and they don't weigh much either. Mind you I always carry too much crap in my tool kit though, (p.s. include some pliers )

ac220v

If my route was longer, I'd take everything above+ tube, adjustable wrench, better tire irons, etc.
This toolkit is for just that <5 km route with my place at the one end and well-stocked shop near the other one. So, if really bad flat (ripped valve, seriously big hole) or something similar happens on the way I _can_ walk the bike in more or less reasonable time. But walking it back isn't fun, paying LBS extra for guaranteed same-day repair is neither and asking co-workers for adjustable wrench or, even better chain tool is... Well, dorky.

Multitool, - I don't remember, some German brand (Ventura?), made in China, not particulary expensive, chain tool isn't of perfect quality but should work, Allens and screwdrivers look ok after some (not really heavy) use.

ADD:
Pump, - really need a better one, this sort of works, but just doesn't pump tire to max pressure.

Everything else is more or less field tested and/or foolproof. (6-15 mm wrench and second pouch are from another toolkit, irons came with patch kit, kept them as spares, superglue is a superglue, as is electrical tape... )

Extra Irons, - yes, good idea... Won't fit in the pouch, though...
Pliers... Well, small but good ones are hard to find, but yes, worth it.

orange leader

I carry 2 multitools, there's always something on my bike or someone else's that needs a tool on either side (bolt and nut), like my seat post binder, it needs 2 allens, both the same size. And I carry metal tire levers, as I tend to break the plastic ones or they just bend like warm butter. Also, I usually carry a small tube o' chain lube so when I ride in the rain, I can lube my chain for the return trip. also a tube of grease. And Pepper spray, my anti dog tool. And my Jethro tool for after work, and/or removing my 15mm axel bolts fixie hubs.

ac220v

Inspected everything on my bike and replaced all the bolts that might cause this particular trouble and are likely to need fiddling in the field (coaster brake hanger...) It's always allen bolt/box end nut now..

Andy_K 

I'd add a couple of zip ties or small bungee cords. A bungee cord saved my ride once when I lost one of the bolts on my front fender. Tools don't help when you don't have the hardware, but the bungee kept it stable until I got home and could fix it properly.

Pragmatik

"I'd add a couple of zip ties or small bungee cords."

Good call

genec

Wrap several turns of duct tape around the pump. (actually I too recommend a better pump). The duct tape will come in handy if you ever rip a tire... from a chunk of metal or some nasty glass... you can put a couple pieces, over lapping, on the inside of the tire, to keep the tube in. You can ride on that for quite a ways. (don't wrap it around the tire, but put it on the inside like a bandaid)

And duct tape has a way of being useful for other things too.

adebrunner

I may have misunderstood something, but if you're planning on walking the bike if it's disabled anyhow (e.g.-big flat), why would you carry any tools at all? If it's only a short trip, what could possibly go wrong that you would want to fix if not a flat?

Bikehead

I carry a few wrappers, that the powerd sports drink
come I split them,longways and use them if I get a split
in the sidewall of my tire if the spilt is big use two .
Has saved me a couple times from walking home.

ac220v

To not to walk it both to work and then back mostly.

Well, derailed chain on coaster-brake SS (NO quick release) Actually happened twice (still finding out why, everything seems to be "by the book".) Once I had the tools and fixed it in five minutes, another time I hadn't walked it for fifteen, then had problems getting home.

ac220v

good idea. Added

Paraphen

What are you thinking would go wrong that would necessitate the chain tool?

I'm just worrying now because I've got all that stuff covered except that and now I feel like there's some horrible potential mechanical failure lurking out there I'm not even aware of.

stevage

Yeah, I'd go with cable ties and duct tape. Don't see much use in a chain tool for commuting, it's really unlikely that you chain will go, if your route is relatively flat and you're not going crazy. Low risk, and low cost (ie, if the worst that can happen is you have to walk a few k's...) = low value in insuring against it.

Steve

ac220v

As stevage said, nothing really. But it's the part of the lightest/most compact multitool of reasonable quality I've found so far, and may be needed during longer/"wilder" rides.

AEO

I've managed to break the chain on a sprint start once. Chain was a bit worn down in the first place, but it does happen to any condition chain.

adebrunner

I think this can be attributed to your desire to buy the tool. That's rationalization at work. I have a chain tool and never have I actually needed to use it on the side of the road or on the trail. I do use them at home though occasionally. That said, they're pretty inexpensive, so why not.

climbhoser

I broke a chain last year. Sucked. Would have been nice to have my chain tool on me.

I have a multi-tool with allens, phillips, flat head, chain tool and even a can opener!

I started carrying an extra tube when my valve ripped the other day. I was pissed that I had to call for a ride home.

I also take Accelerade, but riding almost 40 miles a day sometimes I need it on the way home, when battling a headwind.

I have a patch kit, a GOOD pump, steel-core levers (won't break, evar), and a rain proof saddle cover.

I go minimal. I should probably bring a bungee/zip ties/duct tape, but problems that necessitate those items don't seem to persist all that often, so I'll risk it.

Trek930

A dollar bill works just as well. You should have a few bucks on you anyway.