Originally Posted by
striknein
I agree with you in principle; when I'm on the track bike I bring my trixie and _maybe_ my park allen wrench mini-set. When I'm on the mountain bike or touring, however, it's nice having a compact, everything-but-the-kitchen-sink tool for field repairs. Also, when you're doing a shakedown ride and it seems like every little thing needs a minor adjustment (like handlebar angle), having a complete set of tools is really handy.
To my minor embarrassment, I've been referred to as Mr. Boy Scout (who has actually never been in the Boy Scouts). I can be super paranoid and over prepared about some things, and carrying bike tools while riding is one of them, for better or for worse. The best thing I've done so far is get a saddle bag, it does take away from the bike aesthetically, but good thing I'm not trying to impress Mr. Johnny Fixed gear coming from the opposite direction (not implying anything here for peeps who keep their bike minimal because I try to do that too).
And now that I have one, I put everything in there: tube, levers, Trixie AND the multi-tool, co2, PDW shiny object, banana, granola bar, hell I even carry my KS bead jack.
I can't comprehend these kids riding around with
nothing. In the city makes sense because of public transportation and LBS. But on open roads? Asking for trouble.
End brool story.