I commute to work, and have recently moved to Arizona from the north. I would rarely get flat tires in the north, but I had one here within the first week and have learned that flat tires are a very common thing in this city.

So, I think it's time to get a small pump that I can carry with me on the bike. I already have a patch kit and tire levers so I don't really need a "kit," although I did see one on REI for about $30 (Topeak Deluxe Kit; https://www.rei.com/product/695177/topeak-deluxe-kit). However, I really only need a pump and a multi-tool. Would you guys recommend just getting that kit from REI, or can you tell me where I can buy a pump and multi-tool cheaper, or of better quality for the same price?

Also, I want a seat bag to carry the tools and patches in. There is one for $20 at REI (https://www.rei.com/product/825302/no...edium-seat-bag), but again, maybe someone can recommend a cheaper source?

Thanks!

i went with this

https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Aero-We...opeak+seat+bag

and can fit a front light, multi-tool, tube, maps, tire levels and like 20€ in coins in there

it also has a loop for a rear blinky!

bike looks like this (i think you can see the saddle bag):

The Topeak kit is an OK deal; I think it's about the same as buying the parts individually. Thing is, by going individual, you get more customization if you want different brands of stuff.

Given that you already have a couple of the components in the kit, I think you can save a little money by getting individual parts.

Pedro's multi-tool: https://www.amazon.com/Pedros-Folding...dp/B000IZEH9C/
I like that one because it has screwdrivers; can't believe other multi-tools leave those out while including random stuff you'll never use. Some people go apecrap carrying stuff like chain tools and spoke wrenches, but for your average joe, I think that one will serve well.

Pocket Rocket mini pump: https://www.amazon.com/Topeak-Pocket-...dp/B000FI6XGC/
Popular, serviceable, cheap. Others will prefer other, more expensive mini pumps, but I don't think anyone will argue you got a lemon with that one.

If you're a commuter, I suggest you think hard about getting some tires with major flat resistance. A tire like Marathon Plus is almost bombproof and has awesome longevity. They can be a ***** to get on, but IMO the money spent is well worth the peace of mind, durability, and convenience of not having to mess around changing a flat at a bad time. (Really, is there ever a good time to change a flat?)

Fold the tools you need in a piece of canvas, roll it up and tie it under your saddle,
with a toe strap..
if you fold it all up in or with a shop towel
you will have something to wipe off your hands upon.

nonlinear, what part of Az? I'm an Az native, and still consider Tucson 'home', even though I haven't lived there in a decade now. As frequently as I used to get flats, I would honestly recommend some good tire liners. They really don't add that much to the rolling mass, and they drastically cut down on the flats. The only flat I ever got in almost 6 years of riding with tire liners was from one of those big, copper box staples with the razor sharp points. To me, it was worth it to not have to change/repair the tire every 2 - 3 weeks.

Also, if you haven't, get yourself a mtn bike, there are some phenomenal trails in that area!

Stans No Tubes, Zefal Tire Sealant or self-sealing tubes (Michelin) would be my choice over a spare tube, pump and tire irons. Puncture resistant tires just make the whole package even easier to live with. Haven't repaired a flat on a personal bike equipped that that on three years and counting.

+1 ...and here are more instructions. https://www.rivbike.com/product-p/ba-rito.htm

You could make a dandy one if you cut up an old pair of jeans.

I really like this pump: https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...54&cagpspn=pla
I've used compact pumps, and never liked them. I'd only use the "Road Morph" above, or a full size frame pump: they make pumping up a tire much more efficient and pleasant.
For bags, I've always found military surplus a good deal, and a great value for the quality.

I picked up a bag at a surplus store the other day that makes a perfect seat bag. Big, tucks nicely under the seat, lots of external loops for hanging my blinky lights and stowing sunglasses, and my cable lock fits perfectly in the external pocket. I'll have to get a photo of it and see if I can find an online source.

Added: Here's the only photo I have of it so far, from a lousy phonecam pic, but you can see how big it is.


Added more: Found it with a google image search and some well chosen keywords. Interestingly it is a water bottle carrier and the Amazon listing shows it with a Camelbak hose coming out of it. No sign of a reservoir to fit into it, however.

If 50psi is enough this pump is inexpensive, fills fast, and is only 12" long. It doesn't come with a frame mount but fits easily in a bag. Zefal Mini Multi Sort

Tools and bag can be cheap, with possible exception of tire levers.

Do. Not. Ever. Think. About. Cheaping out on a pump!

Topeak Road Morph or Lezyne products.

Good luck

SF

For a seat bag, any chinese crap is sufficient. For the torque levels used on bikes, chinese crap tools are also sufficient. If you only need chinese quality stuff, the easiest place to get them directly from the chinese factory are sellers on ebay or dealextreme. It usually takes a couple weeks to get to you because it is shipped directly from china but it's hard to beat their prices.

I got my seat bag from ebay for $5 shipped. It is a Roswheel brand.

I got this multitool https://www.dealextreme.com/p/chromed...tool-set-18472. It is actually very well made and has a lot of stuff. The chain breaker is pretty good; have used it 3-4 times and has always provided plenty of leverage. I have used the spoke wrench to true 2 wheels without any problems.

If you ever run out of patches, I recommend getting the 48-patch kit from dealextreme for $3.37. Usually there will be an ebay seller that tries to undercut dealextreme by a little. I have used over half of them without any failing.

For pumps, if you only need to get it to 70 psi, the Topeak Pocket Rocket mini is perfectly adequate. If you need it for a road bike, you might be able to get it up to 80 or 90 psi if you are patient and energetic. If you only need 70 psi, Harbor Freight had a short foray into selling bike accessories maybe a couple years ago. They sold a mini pump for $5 that had the same nozzle design as the Pocket Rocket. Last year, they gave up on that market and clearanced all of their bike at 75% off. For a $1.25 pump, it has never failed me. Your local Harbor Freight may still have them on clearance.

My philosophy on a pump that I'm gonna leave with a locked bike is, a cheap one is less attractive to a thief, and no big deal to replace. You don't need 100+ psi just to finish your trip after fixing a flat. Yeah, with those ultra cheap all plastic pumps, I'd probably carry two at all times, just in case.

+9000.

The Lezyne Pressure Drive mini pump I have was the best $40 I ever spent. It's amazing. Only downside is that the pressure gague hose that's available for their pumps is sold separately. I'm planning on getting one, though.

Because they're expensive, people don't like leaving them on their bikes, but I've heard of people stashing them in seatposts with stick on velcro and stuff.