essential tools?
#2
Goes to 11.

Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 2,548
Likes: 4
From: Wichita, KS, USA
Bikes: 2015 Soma Double Cross
Crank Bros. m17
15/17 cone wrench
tire levers
pump
patch kit
cassette cracker
Leatherman Freestyle multi-tool
That kit will get you at least 75% through a complete teardown. I'd also bring a small bottle of chain lube, and a small tin of grease.
15/17 cone wrench
tire levers
pump
patch kit
cassette cracker
Leatherman Freestyle multi-tool
That kit will get you at least 75% through a complete teardown. I'd also bring a small bottle of chain lube, and a small tin of grease.
#3
Membership Not Required
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 16,853
Likes: 18
From: On the road-USA
Bikes: Giant Excursion, Raleigh Sports, Raleigh R.S.W. Compact, Motobecane? and about 20 more! OMG
I carry a good multi-tool, Park Tool MTB-3 quite often a Leatherman, primarily for the pliers and the knife. Plus anything additional that might be specific to my bike or needs. If your bike is gone over and in good shape prior to leaving you probably won't have too much if any trouble. Just watch out for Murphy.
Aaron
Aaron
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ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
Webshots is bailing out, if you find any of my posts with corrupt picture files and want to see them corrected please let me know. :(
ISO: A late 1980's Giant Iguana MTB frameset (or complete bike) 23" Red with yellow graphics.
"Cycling should be a way of life, not a hobby.
RIDE, YOU FOOL, RIDE!"_Nicodemus
"Steel: nearly a thousand years of metallurgical development
Aluminum: barely a hundred
Which one would you rather have under your butt at 30mph?"_krazygluon
#4
Macro Geek

Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,362
Likes: 12
From: Toronto, Ontario
Bikes: True North tourer (www.truenorthcycles.com), 2004; Miyata 1000, 1985
You may not find all multi-tools convivial. I have gotten rid of as many as I have kept. Ones that try to do everything be limited at what they do well.
My current multi-tool happens to have a few hex keys. I use them in a pinch, but I also carry dedicated hex keys because they are easier to handle.
All of my tools fit, carefully packed, into a small sack slung under my saddle: my multi-tool du jour, a small crescent wrench, a small pair of needle-nose pliers, a hex key set, a tire patch kit, a spoke tightener (which I have never used), 3 plastic tire wrenches, and a vial of crazy glue. In my panniers, I keep a spare inner tube, a few feet of duct tape wrapped around a small tube of hand sanitizer, and a plastic bag of small spare parts (bolts, washers, etc.) I also have a Swiss Army knife, which I find I use quite often!
My current multi-tool happens to have a few hex keys. I use them in a pinch, but I also carry dedicated hex keys because they are easier to handle.
All of my tools fit, carefully packed, into a small sack slung under my saddle: my multi-tool du jour, a small crescent wrench, a small pair of needle-nose pliers, a hex key set, a tire patch kit, a spoke tightener (which I have never used), 3 plastic tire wrenches, and a vial of crazy glue. In my panniers, I keep a spare inner tube, a few feet of duct tape wrapped around a small tube of hand sanitizer, and a plastic bag of small spare parts (bolts, washers, etc.) I also have a Swiss Army knife, which I find I use quite often!
#5
Senior Member

Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,445
Likes: 116
From: Cape Vincent, NY
Bikes: Specialized Tarmac Expert, Schwinn Mesa, Huffy Rock Creek 29er, Fuji Cambridge, 1970s-era Ross ten speed. Various parts bikes in various stages of disassembly.
Spoke wrench.
Tire levers.
Patch kit.
Spare tube.
Mini pump
A couple of chain master links.
Chain breaker.
Cassette cracker. (This thing is great: https://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2456 )
Spare spokes.
Small roll of electrical tape.
Chain lube.
and whatever size hex keys and wrenches you need to adjust your seat, tighten your rack/fender screws, adjust your bars and handlebar bag, adjust derailleurs, tighten water bottle cages, etc. On my bike there's probably only a couple or three hex keys I need to do all that.
A decent leatherman is always nice to have, you've got the knife and pliers with screwdrivers as well.
Tire levers.
Patch kit.
Spare tube.
Mini pump
A couple of chain master links.
Chain breaker.
Cassette cracker. (This thing is great: https://harriscyclery.net/itemdetails.cfm?ID=2456 )
Spare spokes.
Small roll of electrical tape.
Chain lube.
and whatever size hex keys and wrenches you need to adjust your seat, tighten your rack/fender screws, adjust your bars and handlebar bag, adjust derailleurs, tighten water bottle cages, etc. On my bike there's probably only a couple or three hex keys I need to do all that.
A decent leatherman is always nice to have, you've got the knife and pliers with screwdrivers as well.
#6
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 3,423
Likes: 55
From: Chapin, SC
Bikes: all steel stable: surly world troller, paris sport fixed, fuji ss
crank bros multi-tool 19
leatherman blast
electrical tape
duct tape
tie wrap
krazy glue
needle & waxed thread
lube 2oz
proofide
shrader adaptor
tire levers
tube patch kit
spare tube
2 kevlar repair spokes
total 28 ounces
leatherman blast
electrical tape
duct tape
tie wrap
krazy glue
needle & waxed thread
lube 2oz
proofide
shrader adaptor
tire levers
tube patch kit
spare tube
2 kevlar repair spokes
total 28 ounces
Last edited by BigAura; 02-19-12 at 05:05 PM. Reason: added links
#7
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 2,766
Likes: 1
From: NE Tx
Bikes: Tour Easy, Linear USS, Lightening Thunderbolt, custom DF, Raleigh hybrid, Felt time trial
This and that from previous lists, plus a bit of Gorilla Tape for booting a blown tire or patching a leaking sleeping pad.
#8
Full Member

Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 256
Likes: 22
From: New Zealand
Bikes: LHT disc, Cannondale CAAD8, Cannondale Super 6, Avanti Agressor MTB
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=6089&v=i
This assumes you know how to effect any repairs which need the tools...
This assumes you know how to effect any repairs which need the tools...
#9
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 2,039
From: Up
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
I like an topeak alien tool this has allens, spike wrenches, tire irons and a chain tool. For a ride that is 200 miles long without being near a bike shop, I wouldn't expect anything to happen but that's when Murphy's Law takes effect.
I would also take a fiber spoke for emergency spoke repairs
tube
pump
4" crescent wrench
patch kit
tire boot
Just make sure everything is in good working order then put a couple of hundred miles on the bike before the tour to shake out any problems.
On my last four tours I only had a couple of flats.
I would also take a fiber spoke for emergency spoke repairs
tube
pump
4" crescent wrench
patch kit
tire boot
Just make sure everything is in good working order then put a couple of hundred miles on the bike before the tour to shake out any problems.
On my last four tours I only had a couple of flats.
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 4,697
Likes: 2,039
From: Up
Bikes: Masi, Giant TCR, Eisentraut (retired), Jamis Aurora Elite, Zullo, Cannondale, 84 & 93 Stumpjumpers, Waterford, Tern D8, Bianchi, Gunner Roadie, Serotta, Serotta Duette, was gifted a Diamond Back
https://www.crazyguyonabike.com/doc/?o=1&doc_id=6089&v=i
This assumes you know how to effect any repairs which need the tools...
This assumes you know how to effect any repairs which need the tools...
#11
A one month tour in a country with modern bike shops is not so long or remote that you need a huge tool kit. I like to think of what problems you are likely to encounter instead of a list of tools. You always need all the stuff to fix flats and have allen keys, wrenches, and screwdrivers to tighten things as they come loose. The Leatherman and bike multi-tools mentioned above are great for short trips. Breaking rear spokes on a loaded bike is common but unless you know how to use a spoke wrench and cassette cracker why bring them? Better to prevent as I discuss below. Other common bike tour repairs are broken chains or cables but these can be preempted as well.
I suggest these minimum upgrades to your bike unless you know these areas to be sound:
1. New rear rim and spokes. Have them hand built on your existing hub in a skilled shop. Instead of bringing all the tools to repair broken spokes a new quality wheel simply prevents them. I would still have a spoke wrench to touch up the new wheel but a shop can do that too. A spoke wrench in a unskilled hand can do more harm than good.
2. New tires. With new rubber under you it is pretty unlikely you will get a flat in 30 days. Remember to pump them to pressure using a gauge every week.
3. New cables - at least the derailers. New cables installed are not absolutely necessary if you think yours are in good shape but getting them installed at a bike shop insures brake and derailer adjustment.
4. New Chain. This does wonders to a worn bike and reduces the odds that your chain will break but I would always have a chain tool and joiner links anyway.
Hope that helps
Tim
I suggest these minimum upgrades to your bike unless you know these areas to be sound:
1. New rear rim and spokes. Have them hand built on your existing hub in a skilled shop. Instead of bringing all the tools to repair broken spokes a new quality wheel simply prevents them. I would still have a spoke wrench to touch up the new wheel but a shop can do that too. A spoke wrench in a unskilled hand can do more harm than good.
2. New tires. With new rubber under you it is pretty unlikely you will get a flat in 30 days. Remember to pump them to pressure using a gauge every week.
3. New cables - at least the derailers. New cables installed are not absolutely necessary if you think yours are in good shape but getting them installed at a bike shop insures brake and derailer adjustment.
4. New Chain. This does wonders to a worn bike and reduces the odds that your chain will break but I would always have a chain tool and joiner links anyway.
Hope that helps
Tim
#12
Senior Member

Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 12,948
Likes: 9
From: England
You need to practice with chain tools, cassette crackers and spoke keys before you leave.
Most people use a chain master link and carry a spare.
The best cassette tool (Pamir Hypercracker) is no longer available so we have to make do with NBT2 or Stein tool which lack leverage and are tricky to use.
Most people use a chain master link and carry a spare.
The best cassette tool (Pamir Hypercracker) is no longer available so we have to make do with NBT2 or Stein tool which lack leverage and are tricky to use.
#13
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 46
Likes: 0
thanks all! i have confidence in my abilities to handle any repair i may need to. what i'm more worried about is over packing. example: last night i was wondering if a fourth hand would come in handy. obviously not ...
#14
There are a lot of commonalities with previous posts on this list, but it is easier for me to be inclusive.
Patch kit with extra small size patches. These are the ones I use the most.
Tire levers.
Park spoke wrench.
Kevlar Spoke.
Park CT-5 chain tool.
Sram Quick Link.
4 oz chain lube.
12 ml. hypodermic syringe filled with Tri-Flow oil. For derailleurs etc.
Multi-tool. Make sure the hex that fits your shift lever clamp bolt (STI) is long enough to reach. Minor crashes often move shift levers rather than breaking them if tightened correctly. I found out the other day that the one my wife carries does not! Also make sure there is a hex that is small enough to fit your brake centering bolts
SS coupling wrench Wife's bike has SS couplings. Wrench also has a pedal wrench which is necessary if you are shipping/packing bike at end of tour.
Park 8/10 mm open end wrench, CBW-1 Small and fits SKS fender strut nuts.
Small assortment of spare bolts/nuts Including a cleat bolt.
Spare cleat if using Look (nylon) type cleats I've broken three in the last 3 tours. Switching to SPD's
2 or 3 one inch pieces of 3/32 heat shrink wire insulation. It make a great cable cap if you loose one or need to replaces a cable.
1 spare derailleur and brake cable. Never used them yet, but there were a couple of times I should have.
2 bar end plugs. It seems like I lose at least 1 per trip.
Small 3x5" sponge. A soft drink cup or a plastic bottle with the top cut off makes a good disposable bucket. Dish soap works well for keeping bike clean. Napkins and paper towels scrounged along the way are great for wiping chains.
1 or 2 pairs of nitrile or latex gloves. good when messing with your chain. Can also be picked up along the way at Subway sandwiches, etc.--Just ask and they will usually give you a pair of vinyl food handlers gloves.
All this fits in a 5x8 plastic box. In addition I usually carry a folding spare tire.
This has been used a couple of times, and I was glad I had it. Sometimes, I'll also carry a Leatherman type multi-tool. The file, pliers and wire cutters have come in handy. This is for 2 bikes and multi-month tours. For shorter tours I don't usually carry spare cables. On longer tours I also throw a pair of nail clippers in my tool box.
Patch kit with extra small size patches. These are the ones I use the most.
Tire levers.
Park spoke wrench.
Kevlar Spoke.
Park CT-5 chain tool.
Sram Quick Link.
4 oz chain lube.
12 ml. hypodermic syringe filled with Tri-Flow oil. For derailleurs etc.
Multi-tool. Make sure the hex that fits your shift lever clamp bolt (STI) is long enough to reach. Minor crashes often move shift levers rather than breaking them if tightened correctly. I found out the other day that the one my wife carries does not! Also make sure there is a hex that is small enough to fit your brake centering bolts
SS coupling wrench Wife's bike has SS couplings. Wrench also has a pedal wrench which is necessary if you are shipping/packing bike at end of tour.
Park 8/10 mm open end wrench, CBW-1 Small and fits SKS fender strut nuts.
Small assortment of spare bolts/nuts Including a cleat bolt.
Spare cleat if using Look (nylon) type cleats I've broken three in the last 3 tours. Switching to SPD's
2 or 3 one inch pieces of 3/32 heat shrink wire insulation. It make a great cable cap if you loose one or need to replaces a cable.
1 spare derailleur and brake cable. Never used them yet, but there were a couple of times I should have.
2 bar end plugs. It seems like I lose at least 1 per trip.
Small 3x5" sponge. A soft drink cup or a plastic bottle with the top cut off makes a good disposable bucket. Dish soap works well for keeping bike clean. Napkins and paper towels scrounged along the way are great for wiping chains.
1 or 2 pairs of nitrile or latex gloves. good when messing with your chain. Can also be picked up along the way at Subway sandwiches, etc.--Just ask and they will usually give you a pair of vinyl food handlers gloves.
All this fits in a 5x8 plastic box. In addition I usually carry a folding spare tire.
This has been used a couple of times, and I was glad I had it. Sometimes, I'll also carry a Leatherman type multi-tool. The file, pliers and wire cutters have come in handy. This is for 2 bikes and multi-month tours. For shorter tours I don't usually carry spare cables. On longer tours I also throw a pair of nail clippers in my tool box.
Last edited by Doug64; 02-22-12 at 08:00 PM.
#15
Full Member
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 359
Likes: 0
From: Wisconsin
Bikes: Salsa Fargo, One-One Inbred 29er, Blue Norcross
May I suggest that instead of bringing something like a cassette cracker to bring a couple fiber fix spokes and a spoke wrench? This saves the need to remove your cassette in the unlikely event of a broken spoke.
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joshuat80
Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg)
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