* basic tool kit not roadside repair kit btw.

A roadside repair kit is part of the basics IMO

right.

but if one has a choice between quality shop tool vs. a lesser-quality tool thats portable
it would be wise to get the shop-grade tool, first.
that is, if the OP intends to do his own work instead of have the local bike shop wrench for him, like he described.

portable tools are great, but often not a great substitute for the real thing.

park bbt-4 bottom bracket wrench which I will likely never use again
pedro's multi tool with chain tool
3 prong allen wrench
park ccp-2 crank puller
phil wood oil
park grease
brooks saddle care kit
screwdrivers
tape measure
this tool kit

http://www.microcenter.com/images/sh...671_306555.jpg

in the mail:
pedro's cable cutter
mks dust cap tool
shimano chain whip/lockring tool

And now the tool I've been thinking about getting for weeks has been dumped out of my brain. Good ****ing point.

No one who doesn't know what it is will look at the Fixie Trixie Mixie whatever tool and think "Oh god, a 15mm wrench, just what i need to steal this wheel". They'll just see a flat black object attached to your bike or not even notice it. If you don't U-lock your wheel to the frame or take your wheel/seat with you, the thing fits in your pocket. The real reason not to buy it is that it's $10-15 worth of tools at a $30 price.

Longer leverage isn't always possible for "carry on bike kit" and the quality of the Parktool SS-15 is as good as any of the tools in my at home toolbox.

You can carry this tool in a pocket or mess bag. Carry it wherever you carry your standard 15mm wrench right now.

Can you post a link to the $4-ish lock ring spanner you are referring to? This tool is not a bad buy even if you just use it as a lock ring spanner at the house.

In my bag I always carry an allen wrench set, two 15mm wrenches, an 8, a 10 and 17mm wrench, and a phillips screwdriver. I have the Nashbar pro tool set at home, which is actually not that bad a set. The Nashbar decals actually are poor quality and fall right off....oh darn :rolleyes: