Carbonfiberboy 

I used to carry a separate chain tool, but one is included in the multi-tool I use now. I've never needed it on the road for my bike, but I have used a chain tool to fix other riders' chains. Usually it's a bent link from some mis-shift, chain suck, or thrown-up stick. One removes the problem link(s), puts the chain back together either with a Shimano pin or a quick link. I carry a few different quick links and a couple pins. They don't weigh anything and being able to get someone back on the road won't hurt your rep any.

northtexasbiker

Short of crashing, what kind of things happen on a road ride where a multi tool comes in handy? Is it just a better to have it and not need it attitude, or is it like getting flats and it's just a matter of time before it happens.

GuessWhoCycling

I'm guessing in the last 20+ years I've been riding and maybe 150,000 miles, I've never once broke a chain. Nor any of the several riders I have ridden with. Some periods I can do 30,000 to 40,000 ft of gain per month and still never a broken chain.

Snapping frames yes, chains no!

I don't carry one on the road. I find single allen wrenches fit in the seat pack taking much less room than a tool so no chain tool.

Never had anybody ask for one either. Spoke wrench yes, I have made many spoke adjustments for other cyclists several times.

wphamilton

I have broken a chain, early on in my cycling "career" but it was purely because I didn't know any better. That said I do carry chain tools on my bikes because:

a, it's easier for me to keep up with in the saddle bag,
b, one of my multitools has one, and mainly
c, I have had a DR problem where the chain tool was useful.

pesty

Yes, I cary a chain tool and a KMC missing link. I have only had to use it once on my road bike when I had a link break going up a hill. Removed that link, put in the KMC, was back on the road in a handful of minutes.

The one I'm carrying now was originally part of a Crank Bros. multi-tool that I took apart. It has spoke tools integrated into it and takes up less space than a park spoke wrench. Better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it.

Jazzguitar

Most of my rides are solo and I’d rather carry the tool than have to make a call. I honestly can’t think of a good reason to not have one.

Nachoman

No. But luckily one guy was, the only time someone in my little group broke a chain.

Zaskar

Yep. I've used it 3 times that I can remember.

Once was in a race - Snake Creek Time Trial... 17 degrees, windy (probably sub-0 with the windchill). Split a link on a climb, knocked out the repair and was back on the bike in a couple minutes. I lost time, but more importantly, was able to ride out - and not freeze my *$#& off!

Sy Reene

I'll guiltily admit that I don't carry a chain breaker and would rely on someone else in the group supplying one if need be.. I do carry a couple quicklinks though. That said, never had an issue with a chain yet in the last dozen years (knocking on wood as I type).

banerjek

Are you sure you're not a 'bent rider? They like carrying extra stuff.

Knoffler

Negative

popeye

I carry a multi and have used it multi times but not just for me.

San Pedro

I don't have one, and don't know how to use one. I'm thinking I should get a multi-tool with one, and learn how to use it. I'll need to replace my chain when my arm is ready to ride again anyway, but was thinking to have the LBS do it, as I would like to support them somewhat since I occasionally stop in and oggle their wares.

CasualInSoCal

I actually tried to use the chain tool on my multitool once, while at home, and found that it's too small and can't provide enough leverage to pop the pin out of the chain.

I have the Crank Brothers Multi-19 https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1

woodcraft

Yes.

I've shortened the chain to single speed after three RD trashing incidents- one on the road, two CX on fire roads.

the other week I stopped to assist a rider w/ broken chain. There were already two samaritans there, & between them

they had a chain tool but didn't really know how to use it. I offered fix it w/ a quick link, which they had never heard of & declined,

& eventually left them to struggle on.

jitteringjr

You might as well leave the quick links at home too then because its not like the chain is going to break in such a matter as to leave you with two exposed inner side links for you to put the quick link on without having to remove a pin.

seypat

Anything with threads can work itself loose. Crank bolts, stem bolts, etc. etc. You need something to tighten them back up. Don't be "that guy" who relies on others to get him out of a mechanical jam.

Maelochs

Along with the chaian tool .... I have used the multi-tool to tighten loosened bolts, and to fix my derailleur when a cable snapped---fix as in "wedge it in place" so I had the middle gear of the cog set instead of the top.

Not suggesting anyone else should carry tools, tubes, pump, whatever. I do and I will. Not saying it is right for anyone else, but i will and always will.

Yup.

Lazyass

When you're on a ride and you get a loud squeak or tick with every crank revolution because some bolt or spoke nipple came loose you'll wish you carried one. They're so tiny I'm not sure why anyone would not want to carry one.

northtexasbiker

Not against it just haven't learned my lesson yet I guess. I am still a relative newbie to cycling.

pesty

Ooooh... This just reminded me of the second time I had to use my chain tool. Crashed and snapped my rear derailleur hangar. had to break the chain and turn my bike into a single speed in order to get home.

chaadster

Ritchey made the best multitools; I had a purple anodized 1st gen CPR9 many years ago that left me when my bike got stolen! Today I’ve got a couple of CPR14s on my old trail bikes, and a trio of the modern CPR-9s —the chaintool-less “stick” design which just recently we t out of production— on the current road machines. Brilliant tools, and peerlessly light at 27g.

But to the topic, No, I do not carry a chaintool on the road. It’s just an outlier need, which to rationalize carrying would just as likely lead to carrying a spare freehub, Epi-pen, or first aid kit. Obviously reason has to step in somewhere...

banerjek

Interesting examples.

With regards to the freehub, I had mine fail before 9 miles from the closest bailout point in 16F weather some years back. Solved that problem by cannibalizing a spiral bound notebook and wired the cogs to the spokes to limp in. Now, I keep about a half dozen zip ties in my handlebars. They've come in handy a few times over the years to help myself and others.

Epi-pen would be highly recommended for those allergic to insect stings. I have no idea how many times I've had stinging insects trapped in my helmet or jersey. I've been stung several times and am glad I'm not allergic.

You can ride with most injuries that a small first aid kit would help with. However, there are certain situations involving rubs where it could make a massive difference if you had far to go. Electrical tape is very useful in such situations and a couple extra winds around the bars when you're installing tape is all you need to have it on hand. It's handy for a bunch of things.

Having all of these things plus the chain tool will add 2 oz tops to the total weight and takes negligible space.

chaadster

I carry a couple of zip ties, too! If they were any bulkier or heavier than they are, though, I would not, as again, the instance of need is exceedingly rare. I ride primarily in groups, and have done so for many, many years, and I've never once needed a chain tool or zip tie on the road, at least not since the early '90s; I think I zip tied Deb's lower derailleur cage after her cable broke during a ride in '91 or '92.

Maybe toss a NarCan in there too, what with opiod addiction raging across America.

I can see tossing a quartet of Tylenol in the seatbag...

Well, remembering that 2oz = ~56.5g, adding even a simple chain tool like the Park Mini which is 77g puts us over that. If I swapped my 27g Ritchey CPR9 multitool for a chain tool integrated one, like the 96g Ritchey CPR12+, that's still more than 2oz for that alone. I run Campagnolo, so I need the peening Park CT6.3 tool, which is 135g, closer to an addition of 1/4lbs than 2oz! None of that stuff would fit in my Cyckit Aeroclam anyway.

cthenn

Ooh, zip ties! That seems like something that could come in handy for a variety of emergency fixes. I'm gonna add a few to my saddle bag, thanks!