canklecat

You may be missing out on one of the best things about the cycling community -- looking out for each other.

I prefer to be as self-sufficient as possible but I rarely pass up an opportunity to assist another cyclist. When I see a cyclist on the side of the road I'll at least slow down and ask if they need help. Some of my real world friendships came about that way.

I never expected any returns of favors. But when I was hit by a car in spring 2018, I was overwhelmed by the response from folks I barely knew, several of whom came to the ER to check on me and see if I needed anything. One of them stayed until late that night to drive me home. Another kept my bike in his garage for months while I was recovering, and even replaced my damaged wheels and handlebar from his own parts bin.

Granted, I was probably programmed that way from childhood and it even influenced my career choices, starting with joining the Navy as a Hospital Corpsman right out of high school. But I wouldn't change a thing. I'm still a hardcore skeptic about most things and even a bit of a cynic about humans collectively. But on a one-to-one basis in real life, we're not too bad. I'd have missed out on getting to know some good folks if I hadn't stopped to lend a hand.

oldguy47

it's similar to carrying an umbrella so it won't rain.

yukiinu

I always carry tools that fit everything on a bicycle. Including extra spokes, brake pads, cables.

acidlung

I probably developed the habit of carrying a multi-tool along with two spare tubes because I was cycling long before mobile phones were de rigueur. This practice carried over to today and in that time, I've had to bust out the multi-tool probably three or four times a year. Just three rides ago, the temp was really cold and my temperamental Campy front derailleur wouldn't shift. Quick 3-minute stop to adjust the limiting screw with the multi-tool and I was back on my way without irritating my riding buddies (too much). I've had to repair two broken chains -- one was 20 miles from nowhere in the days before mobile phones. On two occasions, I have broken a spoke and needed to do a dirty "true" so the tire wouldn't rub the frame. On one late night commute, it was raining and I took a spill and bent the arm on my rear sidepull. Luckily I had a tool with me and was able to remove the brake and make it home. But you can't fix everything with a multitool. This year, I've blown out a fork seal and broken a seat.
For multi-tools, I really like the Topeak Mini Pro 20 for my modern bikes. For older bikes, fixies, and anything with bolt-on wheels, my favorite is an old, discontinued multi-tool from the early 90's that integrated a crescent wrench, chain tool, and 15 mm socket (easily substituted with a 14mm) called a Cool Tool.

rose359

I carry the biggest multi-tool that Park offers. I would rather have it and not need it than need it and not have it. The more weight I carry the more exercise I get.

The bike I rode through the 1990s had a propensity to break seat bolts. After the first, I always carried a spare and the means to drive it. Riding home ten miles standing is a powerful lesson. As often as I have used the tools to repair my own gear, I have used it to help others.

bbbean 

Lots of things shouldn't happen, and yet they do occasionally happen. One doesn't carry tools because one expects problems, one carries them because if and when problems happen, one can fix the problem and go on. The Boy Scouts were on to something with that whole "be prepared" thing.

Racing Dan

That is true, just stop to think what scenarios are actually likely to happen and what is in reality fixable in the event it does happen. From my experience 95% of failures are related to the tyres, then the chain or stuff breaking, bending or getting banged out of alignment form at crash. This includes the rider ..

Imo, if you are serious about being prepared you should bring a chain connector and a spare derailleur hanger, - besides all the other items.

TheDudeIsHere

The funniest thing! I replied to a thread, same topic on another site. I posted about a small tool I got at Sears. Small 1 inch flat folding set of pliers with a screwdriver on each end (1 Phillips/1 flat head).

I was shocked at how many people stated there was no need for a screwdriver on a bicycle, turned into a heated debate. Must be a whole lot of crappy running bikes out there!

Yes, the tool I mentioned, much smaller than a multi tool, and 3 most common Allen wrenches.


I have use the screwdriver to adjust plenty of derailleurs for cyclists I have met on the road, roadside repairs and helping others in need with my screwdrivers.

So I can not figure out why in the world they would say there was no need for a screwdriver on a bike. Wow!

Moishe

canklecat

Probably depends on where and how we ride too. My favorite road bike training route for intervals and hill repeats is a loop only a mile and a half from my home. If I stick with that 5 mile loop I'm never more than a couple miles from home. Close enough to walk if I need to, or just call Uber or Lyft. So I carry a minimal kit for flat fixes and the little Hero Kit multi-tool in the Lezyne Road Caddy.

But if I venture out for a 50-100 mile ride that includes a lot of rural highways I'll sometimes strap a folding tire under the saddle, and shove a second tube between the saddle rails -- the rails and Lezyne bag will hold it in place with friction. Not that I've ever needed it, even back in the 1970s-'80s on rides throughout SoCal and Baja, back when the first folding bead tire came out as a spare (I think they recommended against using it as a full time tire back then). But I prefer to be self sufficient, and a 50 mile Uber would be kinda pricey.

On casual group rides when I'm on my hybrid I'll sometimes carry extra tools and a first aid kit. There's often a minor crash in large group rides. I doubt the first aid kit is medically necessary, but as a former Navy Corpsman and emergency responder, and former amateur boxer (and occasional patient when I've crashed or been struck, or got a cut near my eye from an opponent's elbows and forearms in the ring), I realized long ago there's a powerful and reassuring psychological effect to a calm face and voice with a few bandaids and Ace wraps. Or a clotting sponge because some folks get panicky over dripping blood, and a simple clotting sponge can be reassuring. Folks who were borderline shocky and rattled by crashing often feel well enough after a few minutes sitting or lying down to continue riding. On the flip side, it's disheartening to see a bunch of cyclists milling around impatiently or doing nothing after another rider crashes. Sometimes it's worth carrying a few extra ounces of what basically amounts to a placebo, just for the morale boost.

tFUnK

To fix a snapped chain. To adjust handlebars after a crash/impact. To help other (beginner) riders adjust their saddles before a group ride. To adjust my own saddle height for descents (mountain biking before the days of dropper posts) and to compensate for fatigue/discomfort on a long ride after not riding for a while.

Sy Reene

Sounds like you don't need one either -- your only use for one has been to work on other peoples' bikes?

Moishe

Yeah, Dude, Sy is absolutely right. Your problem all along has been that you spent far too much time on other people’s bikes. I mean, yeah, I’ve given the occasional rider my one and only spare tube, but you gotta draw the line somewhere. Otherwise, you’re an enabler.

TheDudeIsHere

Nah! Been riding 23 consecutive years and met tons of people. Helping a few out here and there is no problem. Plus I have adjusted my derailleurs a few times on the road after installing new cables during a break in period.

myisland

I only carry pump and flat repair and rubber gloves but I've never used it. The last time my tube popped so I pushed the bike back. I mostly carry something just in case there's a lady stranded. Guys, you're on your own.

Jeff Wills

I carry one as a rabbit's foot. I figure if I leave it at home I'll break something that will require a multi-tool to fix.

I also carry a spare gear cable. I haven't had to use it on my bike, but I did salvage someone else's ride when his broke 20 miles away from anywhere and several hills to climb before we got home.

UKFan4Sure

A pair of pliers can come in awfully handy at times, especially at holding odd hardware wrenches don't fit.

phillman5

From around home I do carry two spare tubes, dry patch kit, and either a pump or two CO2 cartridges and inflator and plastic tire wrenches. I usually ride alone, or with those capable to fix their own bikes. Riding cross country a few more things not found at near by homes, like stuff to change a broken spoke, and that was needed for my brother's bike not mine and a farmer supplied a vice. Over the 40 years or so, I only had to call the wife unit three times, and all were due to weather, not mechanicals.

bitpuddle

Things that have happened on more than one ride:

• someone crashes and the shifter gets twisted to the side
• someone’s saddle slips
• someone breaks a link in their chain
• someone’s non-drive side crank falls off

All of these are easily fixable with a small multi tool (one with a chain tool). It might not happen to you, but it is good to be prepared. You might be able to help someone else. For this reason, all my saddle bags also have a few tire boots and a valve extender (we regularly come across someone who has a flat and a spare tube with a valve too short for their deep wheels). I also keep a few of those Grease Monkey degreaser wipes in the bag, for when someone has to wrestle a chain back on.

bldegle2

I carry a Rock Bros multitool in the little canister. The chain breaker is a must. I snagged my rear derailleur and broke a spoke last summer 16 miles from home. Was able to break the chain and make it a single speed to limp home. As they say, DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

Butt saver for sure...

hokiefyd 

This is the primary reason I carry the tools that I do when I ride. Granted, I don't carry everything and the kitchen sink with me, but I have a (low cost non-bike specific) multi-tool, a small cross- and flat-head screwdriver, tire levers, a bead jack, tube scabs, a tire boot, a CO2 inflator and two cartridges, a travel chain tool, and KMC 6.6mm, 7.1mm, and 7.3mm quick links. All of this fits into a very small CVS first aid kit bag ($4 in any CVS store) that I keep in my trunk bag. I ride recreationally and, on occasion, come across someone who may have a problem on the path. I fancy myself a somewhat skilled shadetree cycle mechanic and enjoy helping others if they need it. It's not uncommon to find folks who don't have the appropriate tools to fix whatever may need fixing (such as a flat tire even!).

In a second CVS first aid kit bag, I have actual first aid kit stuff, like travel size bug spray, sunscreen, Neosporin, Benadryl creme, and bandages. I have used this more often than my tools, and consider them more critical to cycling happiness. I've more than once helped either one of my own kids or someone else's kid who took a spill on a bike with these light medical supplies. This was all prompted when my brother took a header when we were all at a bike skills park a few years ago. Fortunately, we had a first aid kit in the vehicle. That was the last time I went anywhere of consequence on my bike without that small kit with me.

It was highly satisfying when my daughter was able to use the first aid stuff on a group ride with a friend and her friend's sibling and mother this past summer. Someone took a spill and needed some clean-up stuff, and my daughter knew that first aid stuff was in my trunk bag and saved the day out on the trail.

Paul Barnard

I have one in every one of my seat bags. I rarely use them. I have never regretted having them.

Paul Barnard

Only on the internet are people maligned for helping others. Thank you for what you do.

easyupbug 

I keep 6 to 8 bikes for a daily rotation and usually have a dozen or so outfitted with a seat bag. Most are as skinny as some of you, when my wife is around for a call, which is typical, 3,4,5,6mm hex, patch kit, tire levers, chunk of kevlar for tire blowouts/slices, CO2, and a spare tube in my jersey. I have some bikes heavier equipped for when the better half is not around to call, longer rides, out of cell service rides and I add another tube, chain tool in a bike specific multi tool rather than the 3,4,5,6, and wipes in a foil pack, $, etc.

jbucky1

I carry because there have been times. 1 in 70 rides where I will need it.

I carry a $10 park multitool, its inexpensive, light, small and has all the right stuff on it.





On gnarlier adventures I have a Topeak tool that has chain breakers and what nots, for times when I am really remote and I need to be more prepared.

- James
www.buckyrides.com