RNAV

I'm looking for ways to consolidate and/or clean up what I carry for roadside repairs. Currently I carry one spare tube, two tire levers, one CO2 cartridge + head, and a minimalist mult-tool with a few hex keys in a saddlebag. Now that I'm commuting on a more regular basis (17 miles each way), I think I see the added value in having a chain tool and a mini pump. However, I don't have room for either in my saddlebag, and I don't want to ruin the clean looks of my bike.

Topeak just recently came out with their Ninja Series of integrated tool solutions, and I generally like the concept. Before I go whole hog into one specific brand, I was curious if anyone is aware of any other similar tool integration solutions out there?

tiiger

What do you carry on your person for your commute? Backpack of any kind? I toss a lightweight pump in mine.

shafter

I use an under the seat bag to carry about the same stuff.

k_kibbler

The only comparable multi-tool solution is Specialized SWAT. It's basically the same as Topeak's.

If we're just talking about commuting I say use a tool bidon and be done with it. A taller one can even hold a smaller pump.

Get a multi-tool with a chain tool built in.

Sidney Porter

Carry a 2nd co2 and a glueless patch kit. That gives you to option for 2 flats. Right now you only have one with the tube and one co2 abd no patch kit.

Store an extra tube and extra box of co2 at work. If you have have flats on the way to work you can replace the supplies you used.

The other option is get a mini pump that fits in the bag and give up the co2 for room. The trade off is time and effort.

I don't know if a chain tool is critical

Lazyass

Just get a Crank Bros M17 multi-tool for your saddlebag. I've also seen a similar Bell branded one at walmart. And no one on this planet would look at your bike and think "Oh my God nooo, he has a pump on it".

aubiecat

I carry a small wallet, various hand wipes, plastic gloves, minor trauma kit, tire boot, spare tube and a Topeak Hexus II multi tool in a small Topeak seat bag plus a Topeak mini morph attached to the seat tube.

I have to hand it to Topeak; the new ninja gear is pretty cool. They know who to innovate and then separate your money from your wallet.

gsa103

Learn to pack your saddlebag. I have a Lezyne Micro Caddy Small, and it takes 1 tube, patches, levers, 2x CO2+inflator. It's about the smallest saddlebag you can buy. Of your list, the only thing I'm realistically not carrying is the chain tool. Unless in the backcountry mountain biking, I question if you really need a chain tool. Chains just don't break that often, and when they do it's frequently in a non-recoverable fashion (RD into spokes, etc). Properly maintained chains simply don't break. The only chain I've ever seen break was on my mountain bike, which I bought used, on my second ride I shifted under full load and it broke. I suspect the previous owner re-used a pin (Shimano) or didn't get it pressed in right.

How often does someone in a group ride break a chain? Approximately never.

Elvo

Specialized Top Cap Chain Tool for Alloy Steerer

chaadster

Boy, pulling the post to get to the pump sounds like a real inconvenience and poor compromise, adding fussy, time consuming operations...just to get pump out of view? That might make sense for some, but not for me.

My Dahon folding bike came with a Biologic integrated pump post, but it's very oversized and large volume, has a long stroke, and a flexible hose, on a bike with a quick release post clamp and where the post gets moved every time the bike is folded, so in that scenario, it makes more sense to me than the tiny, fixed head, Ninja P for a road bike.

In any case, though, you'll be happy to have a pump on the bike when you need it, regardless of where it's kept!

Sidney Porter

I think the pump in the seat post makes more sense for mtb. You have a quick release. Plus on the mtb more chance yo get a frame mount banged up or knocked off. For a road bike I would not want to use it

TimothyH

I commuted for 10+ years, 20 miles each way. Storing supplies at work is wise advice. I had a full size floor pump under my desk for years. The suggestion to carry a second Co2 cartridge and glueless patch kit should go without saying.

There really isn't a need to buy expensive custom solutions like the Ninja or the SWAT. They are nice but a waste of money IMO.

17 miles requires only one water bottle. Everything except a pump can be carried on the second water bottle and so a bag isn't even needed. If you do want a bag then the XLAB Mega or anything similar should be able to hold everything you need plus your lunch.


-Tim-

indyfabz

+1. The chances of needing to repair/replace two flats are far greater than needing a chain tool. I commuted 10 miles each way for three years and never once had a chain problem. Moreover, I once crossed the country fully loaded with 12 other people. That represented some 55,000+ bike miles. Not one chain issue whatsoever.

topflightpro

Cannondale used to offer a multitool that fit into the headtube of its Lefty fork bikes. I'm not sure if they still do that though.

tiiger

Yeah, just use one of these type deals in your second cage. Should be able to fit a mini pump, no?

Drew Eckhardt 

The chain tool is a fine idea. It's much nicer to ride home than deal with alternate transportation, and I've never seen a chain break a a non-recoverable fashion.

I broke at least 3 in 15 years, although I was riding Campagnolo 8/9 speed chains that didn't have flush peened rivets.

With 10 speed chains and flush peened rivets I've had ~18,000 trouble free miles apart from one over-shift to the outside where my chain went back on with two loops and bent a link which I needed my chain tool to remove.

TimothyH

Even that is a bit much IMO. Again, nice, but not needed.

I'm able to fit everything that would typically go into a saddle bag into an ordinary bike bottle. Easy, cheap. Keep a second, exact replica of the "tool bottle" in your desk or locker at work in case you loose the primary on the way.

RNAV

Thanks all for the tips and input.

The train of thought that got be down this road was the realization that I really need to be self-sufficient on my commutes (just started last week). Calling my wife to rescue me during rush hour traffic while she's got to drop kids off at school just isn't going to work. So that means I definitely need to add a second tube / second CO2, chain tool, and mini pump. When commuting I wear a backpack, so it's no problem at all for me to carry these additional items.

But then I got to thinking that I should really be just as self-sufficient on my non-commute rides . . . but I wouldn't be wearing a backpack, so where to put the extra stuff?

My limiting factor is that I run a seat post mounted rear light, so I can't go much bigger on my existing saddlebag (don't really want to for aesthetic reasons either) or else it will block the light. Here's my normal setup:



Anyways, I thought integrating some tools into the bike would help and wanted to know what else was out there. Thanks again.

rpenmanparker 

I carry tons more than OP in a back jersey pocket pouch. Two tubes, 3 CO2 cartridges and injector, spoke wrench, Allen wrenches, small screwdrivers, Var tire lever/jack combo, patch kit, and I'm sure some stuff I am forgetting. The rear pocket bag is by far the best and most convenient approach. It sits comfortably on my back.

PepeM

I've heard of biking shirts with pockets on the back. Never seen one myself but you could try Googling it.

datlas 

The penman has a good solution. I do the same but use a ziploc bag.

rpenmanparker 

Thanks. As I have said elsewhere, I use the amenity pouches they give away to business-class air passengers. They are often waterproof, zippered and just the right size to hold it all and still fit in the jersey pocket. If you don't fly like that yourself, perhaps a friend does. A businessperson who travels overseas would get many more if those than they could use. Even a couple on vacation via business-class air travel would come away with at least four of them for a single trip. My SIL probably gets 30 or more of them a year.

DXchulo

A small frame bag might be a good idea in this situation: https://www.amazon.com/Vaude-Cruiser-.../dp/B00XU1O8SG

It's easy on/easy off and gives you a little extra room without needing to add a seatpost rack.

chaadster

Pedro's has the Tülio, an 8 function multi-tool integrated into a rear quick release skewer:

https://pedros.com/products/toolsfor-the-ride/tulio/

TimothyH

Carrying a bunch of supplies to fix a bike that isn't properly maintained is really putting the cart before the horse. I'm not accusing you of doing that - I really know nothing about how your bike is maintained. I did commute for over a decade however and will offer that the first step to self sufficiency is to keep the bike properly maintained. A properly maintained bike breaks down less, has fewer flats, is generally more reliable and is a joy to ride.

The first step to keeping the bike properly maintained is to have a written maintenance plan. Motor vehicles come with written maintenance plans. Your bike is now your vehicle. Do you have a written maintenance plan, and budget to execute it?

Do you inspect the tires for cuts? Do you know how to tell when a tire is worn out? How often do you clean, inspect and lube drivetrain parts? Do you replace parts (chains, tires, cassettes, chainrings, etc.) when they break (bad idea) or do you replace them proactively as they wear? On a bike you rely on to get to work it might make sense to replace parts like chains and tires even though they are not 100% worn out. All rhetorical questions.

Daily tasks before each ride
Weekly tasks at the end of the commuting week
Monthly tasks
Yearly or semi-annual tear down

Having spare tires and tubes, spare chain, cables and housings, bar tape, maybe even a cassette, tools, etc., at home and knowing how to service all this requires a bit of effort and budget. The upside is the joy of flying to work on a great running machine.