happy_accident

Hi, all. At present, in addition to a spare tube, patch kit, and tire levers, I carry a full sized 6-in-1 screw driver and a full range of Allen keys. I looking into replacing the last two items with a multipurpose tool. But I'm having trouble deciding which to get. Beyond the screw drivers and allen keys, I'm not sure what else I should be carrying. On Amazon, they seem to range in price from $15 to $100.

What do you guys carry, if anything?

demoncyclist

Something like this : https://www.topeak.com/products/Tools/hexus2 or this: https://www.crankbrothers.com/tools_multi17.php would fill the bill and not cost you an arm and a leg.

nashcommguy

On my 'mule' commuter I carry a Park MTB-3 availablefrom https://www.bikeisland.com for 20.00 w/no shipping. On my fg commuter I have a Topeak Mini-9. They're available alot of places online.

The MTB-3 weighs alot, but has everything you'll ever need including a chaintool. All my bike's toolbags contain tube(s), tire levers, multi-tool, patch-kit, chain-tool w/links and a homemade tire cleat. It's made out of a piece of thin aluminum pie-tin wrapped w/duct tape. Some people carry a dollar bill for this as well.

Rob_E

I have and like the Topeak survival gear box. I find that small, individual tools are easier to work with than one multi-tool. It has tire levers and room for patches, so it could replace all your tools unless you need/prefer a more robust, metal-centered set of tire levers.

Kojak

I carry one of these. Very compact, fits nicely in a jersey pocket. https://www.topeak.com/products/Tools/mini20pro_silver

Rob E. is spot on about individual tools being easier and more efficient to use than a little multi-tool. That said, for me something compact is more important and I try not to let my bikes get to a state where I'm going to need to do major repairs on the road. I keep real tools at home, and a multi-tool for riding.

jdswitters

Park mt-1, separate chain tool and levers. Planet bike mini pump.

mconlonx

Bontrager Multi Tool:




Topeak Mini 6:




and a vintage Ritchey CPR 9 in anodized purple:



The CPR 9 (w/ chain tool) and Mini 6 are in my usual flat fix pack; the Bontrager Multi Tool comes with me to work.

alan s 

Road bike: tire levers, CO2 inflator
MTB/commuter around town: tire levers, CO2 inflator, Park MT-1 multitool, Lezyne Road Drive pump
MTB off road: tire levers, CO2 inflator, Lezyne Rap 20 multitool, Lezyne Road Drive pump

Blind

I like the nashbar tool, it was about $10, has a chain breaker tool on it even.



https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_202585

I also carry a pedro's lever, a patch kit, a spare tube, and a road morph pump.

SactoDoug

I carry one of these:

https://www.performancebike.com/bikes...barebones+tool

Along with tire levers, a patch kit and a spare inner tube. The only thing I am missing is a chain tool but I have never had to use a chain tool so I don't feel like I am missing anything.

himespau 

I carry a topeak alien II. Tools are good, but I hate the plastic body. Next one I get will have a metal body. The plastic clip that keeps the two parts together wore off so now I have 2 separate half multitools in my bag and I've had the bolts that act as hubs for the tools come out a few times giving me loose tools with no leverage points in my bag until I got it back together. It is old and well-used, but still it shouldn't have fallen apart like that. If the one you get comes as two parts make sure the latch that keeps them together is metal on both parts so it's less likely to wear out than a metal hasp hooking onto a plastic hook like mine has.

qualla

Here's another vote for the Park MT-1 https://www.parktool.com/product/multi-tool-mt-1. One piece, simple and effective (an old Campy T-wrench would be nice too).
For anything that needs more than that, I like individual tools.

sggoodri

I've broken two chains on rides, each time without one of my chain tools with me. Now I carry one on each bike.
I try to avoid using my "carry" tools for work while I'm home. The "carry" tools are typically less durable, and when integrated into a combo unit, ruining just one compels you to replace the whole unit.

no1mad 

Another mt-1 user here.

happy_accident

Am I missing something, or does the MT-1 only have a flat head screwdriver and no Philips?

no1mad 

Your eyes are not playing tricks on you- there is no Philips. With a little bit of care, a flat head can turn a Philips screw without stripping it; however, I've never been able to use a Philips head to turn a flat screw.

ArtM

I carry a sock that contains the 3 allen wrenches that are needed for my bike, tire levers (although I never use them), a folding plier / screwdriver tool, a chain tool, and a small swiss army knife that includes those little scissors. The only thing I seem to ever use on a ride is one of the allen wrenches.

Gary in VA

I really like the Crank Bros tools. I also have and old Ritchey I like.

Transformer

+1 for the Park MT-1.

thenomad

ive been meaning to get one with a chain breaker.
Another good idea is to check the fasteners on the bike to be sure you have the right size allens to fit them all. Things like fenders and seatclamps can sometimes be the only oddball size on the bike.

A few zipties and a swatch of ducttape rolled onto itself can be liesavers.

xtrajack

I go both ways. I have a MTB-3 as well as a complete set of allen wrenches. Some times the multi-tool won't fit in some areas. My front rack mounts come to mind.
I actually carry all the tools to completely tear down my bike, chain whip, cassette tool, bottom bracket tool,etc. I do need to get some cone wrenches though.

vwhammer

I use a Park tool MTB-3 multitool.
https://www.parktool.com/product/rescue-tool-mtb-3
I have used it for all sorts of things.

Comes with a chain tool that also functions as a bottle opener.
I Think I paid $25 from My LBS.

thenomad

got inspired and picked this up for the commuter today.
Pedros ICM 17 for $19. At least now I have some emergency items to keep me rolling. My workbench is filled with tools so all I have to do is get home.

waynesworld

I have the Topeak Mini 6 mentioned above, with a separate chain tool, on one bike. Another has a Topeak multi-tool that includes a chain tool. Both have either pliers, Vise-Grips, or at least a mini crescent as well. This is all not including the tire related stuff, rag, rubber gloves, etc...