Ah, yes, the parking lot mechanic. There's guys like that at the trailhead near my house all the time. I just don't get it. I prefer to install that new crankset/bb or cut that threadless steer tube at home in my shop, where I can put my bike in the stand, crack open a cold beer, and have easy access to all my tools. I understand, maybe, on weeknights, where you've got guys heading straight to the trail after work and they didn't have time to change that flat beforehand or whatever, but some dudes do serious work on their bikes at the trailhead on a Saturday morning.



Back on topic; I stopped riding with a camelback full of tools and what-not on shorter rides. I don't like the weight on my back. Pocket-sized multitool, spare tube, mini pump, single water bottle, all stashed on my bike or on my person. I started riding with nothing for a while, but got a flat one night and had to hike back to the truck. I stopped tempting fate after that.