A hammer and some duct tape.

If it moves and it shouldn't, use the duct tape.

If it should move and it doesn't, use the hammer.

i carry:

+ CO2 mini-pump and 2 cartridges
+ patch kit
+ 15mm craftsman stubby wrench
+ spare tube
+ allen wrench set

necro thread!

i keep a saris bones mini tool, a mini leatherman with an LED light, small adjustable wrench, park patch kit, small co2 inflator, two tire levers, presta adapter, and $5. fits in a small seatbag if i pack it right. it's usually in my bag since i never lock up with anything removable on my bike, but for real rides (as in not commuting or other daily riding) i can just stick it up under the saddle.

i carry:

set of allen keys
small adjustable wrench (for removing wheels)
tire lever
patch kit
spare tube (sometimes)
small hand pump

at home:
basic metric wrench set
big adjustable wrench
various additional allen key sizes
tape measures
electric drill
adjustable pliers
wire cutters
crimper
polylube & shimano slick spit
chain tool

3 items i really need:
- chain whip
- bottom bracket remover
- wire cutters / crimper for bike brakes

Wow, this is really helpful. I'm going to try to build my first bike soon. Which of the following tool kits would you recommend for a n00b? I'm going to get the headset and bottom bracket professionally installed.

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/145...--21-Tools.htm

https://www.nashbar.com/profile.cfm?c...bcat%3A%20Kits

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4218

I'm leaning toward the Nashbar kit. I'd have to get some additional tools, too, I guess, like a lockring spanner and brake cable/housing cutters.

my portable kit in my messenger bag:

rusty old cool tool
old park crank bolt wrench
co2 cartridges (also rusty)
inflation thingie for the co2 cartridges
spare tube
patch kit
rag
park tire levers
3 AAA batteries
monkey pipe (loaded)
lighter

i have this set. i used to be a mechanic, so i've got a huge toolbox already full of tools, but this was a good deal for the specific tools i didn't have. the pedal wrench isn't quite 15mm (it's a bit larger, probably due to poor casting) so i don't use that end of the tool, and the cone wrenches are a bit off as well, but everything else has been decent.

Thanks. So I'll need to buy a lockring spanner, a pedal wrench, a cable/housing cutter, and some cone wrenches, and I'll be good to go? Or are the pedal wrench and cone wrenches okay to use, just a little imprecise?

Did the other sets look okay?