The Size of Your Tool Does Matter
#26
Passista


Joined: Jul 2005
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Bikes: 1998 Pinarello Asolo, 1992 KHS Montaña pro, 1980 Raleigh DL-1, IGH Hybrid, IGH Utility
#27
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
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From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
That's the same way we are about locks too. To what extent are we willing to safeguard against disaster vs inconvenience? I keep hoping (especially to try and shed the weight of my U lock) that everyone else realizes how "worthless" my bikes are on any market. Yet, there is always the individual anomaly 

I leave a couple of things on my bike that could be stolen such as my taillight. If it gets stolen, I'll be annoyed, but for now, I'll keep leaving it there. Maybe I'll change my mind.
I used to lock my bike by securing the frame and one of the wheels in my U lock. I used a cable lock to secure the other wheel to the bike. A thief could have easily cut the cable and had a wheel, but no one ever did. I did this for decades and never had a wheel stolen. I don't really understand the thief's mind.
I now have security skewers so I only need to lock the frame.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
#28
#29
Senior Member




Joined: Apr 2019
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From: UK
I like the balance/ingenuity of size and function in the OP’s kit though - if I was bikepacking that would be a great setup.
#30
I have that ratchet tool too and it's a neat concept but it's difficult to apply leverage without the bit slipping down from the ratchet. I do like the torx bits on it, though.
I still ride with my Crank Bros mini multi tool because it's got a chain breaker.
I like the simplicity of just carrying some hex keys but I've got 2.5mm bolts on the saddle light mount all the way to a 10mm for my cranks (both of which have loosened during rides previously) so that means I'd be carrying the whole set.
I still ride with my Crank Bros mini multi tool because it's got a chain breaker.
I like the simplicity of just carrying some hex keys but I've got 2.5mm bolts on the saddle light mount all the way to a 10mm for my cranks (both of which have loosened during rides previously) so that means I'd be carrying the whole set.
I had this mini Park Tool chain breaker, but it just doesn't have enough leverage for my 11 speed chain. I needed an adjustable wrench on the loop handle to get more leverage. A multi tool version might be even worse.
So I got the larger Park Tool cast iron tool -- so nice. I don't bring a chain tool on rides.

#31
Thread Starter
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Joined: Jun 2024
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From: Usually on one of my bikes
Bikes: '93/'94 Yokota Grizzly Peak (MTB), 2021 Bear Bike Armata (Track), 2021 Schwinn Kedzie (SS)
I would want to test the multi tool chain breaker at home before needing it on a ride.
I had this mini Park Tool chain breaker, but it just doesn't have enough leverage for my 11 speed chain. I needed an adjustable wrench on the loop handle to get more leverage. A multi tool version might be even worse.
I had this mini Park Tool chain breaker, but it just doesn't have enough leverage for my 11 speed chain. I needed an adjustable wrench on the loop handle to get more leverage. A multi tool version might be even worse.
#32
aka Tom Reingold




Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 44,201
Likes: 6,459
From: New York, NY, and High Falls, NY, USA
Bikes: 1962 Rudge Sports, 1971 Raleigh Super Course, 1971 Raleigh Pro Track, 1974 Raleigh International, 1975 Viscount Fixie, 1982 McLean, 1996 Lemond (Ti), 2002 Burley Zydeco tandem
This. I use my gravel bike for commuting, 70+ mile round trip including a 21% gradient so I need gears. I carry a pump and dynaplugs. Got enough weight with change of clothes and sometimes a couple of kilos of laptop. Used to leave a lock at my old place but luckily have secure basement bike racks at the new office.
I like the balance/ingenuity of size and function in the OP’s kit though - if I was bikepacking that would be a great setup.
I like the balance/ingenuity of size and function in the OP’s kit though - if I was bikepacking that would be a great setup.
__________________
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.
Tom Reingold, tom@noglider.com
New York City and High Falls, NY
Blogs: The Experienced Cyclist; noglider's ride blog
“When man invented the bicycle he reached the peak of his attainments.” — Elizabeth West, US author
Please email me rather than PM'ing me. Thanks.






