rsbob 

I am not talking to you but to the OP.

rsbob 

I am not talking to you but to the OP. It’s not always about you. Besides, I have been self sufficient my entire life whether it is cycling or making enough to retire early. AND I carried a chain tool for 3 dozen years but wheels are so much better constructed, if you can afford good ones, you don’t need to carry one. Haven’t had a wheel out of true in 17 years, but don’t ride crappy streets either.

shelbyfv

Sy Reene

It's a simple tradeoff, risk/reward analysis or roll of the dice decision. I don't carry a chain tool. However I can call an Uber because I do carry my cell phone. I could carry a chain tool, and have that sitting in my pocket for years and years of rides, going unused but for the unlikely eventuality, but choose not to. Aside from flat tire parts/tools, this tool has sufficed for years of day-riding. Other tools I don't carry = 8mm (pedal) hex, bearing extractor, pliers, wheel truing stand, peening tool, torque wrench, etc. If I toured, I'd probably do something different.

Windsore

Google - The essential bike tool kit, Craig Davis. I can't post a link, not enough opinion.

Leinster

I've used the chain-tool on my multi-tool about 5 times over the years. At least twice from a snapped chain, 2 other times from other mechanical mishaps requiring a quick on-the-fly single-speed conversion.

I always bring a multi tool, and after those previous experiences, all my multi-tools have a chain breaker.

afm199

People still use chain tools? I went to quik links a while back. That chain tool is tiny and just spread the link.


https://www.gearx.com/kmc-11s-quick-...All%20Products

shelbyfv

You might want to think this through....

afm199

Honestly, I'm open to any comments, as far as thinking it through, I'm not entirely sure what angle you are coming from. I carry a spare link and quick link tool, and in fifty years of bicycling plus have never needed a chain tool on a ride.

PaulRivers

If you're carrying a quick link tool that is a chain tool.

afm199

It is indeed, it's a twisted piece of wire that weighs about an ounce. This thread has been about chain breaker tools that punch pins.


Here it is. https://www.amazon.com/Caija-H-Break...303209&sr=8-19
Thanks.

mgalginaitis

When I remember my small tool bag, I carry a Park CT-5, and is what I usually use at home as well.

shelbyfv

Think about breaking a chain, what it will look like. You won't be able to fit the quick link w/o having a way to remove another pin.

Leinster

Quick links are great for removing your chain (to clean it, strip down your bike, etc) and for putting a new chain on, but for roadside repairs (My chain got bent! My chain snapped! My derailleur is busted and I need to shorten my chain) that involve damage to your chain anywhere except right next to the existing quicklink, you will probably need to break out at least one of the old slow-links. And while there are various bodges and get-arounds for that, the easiest way to do it is to use a chain-breaker tool.

I don't think anyone on this thread is advocating using a chain-tool to put a chain back onto the bike as a roadside repair, although I have found myself doing that in the past; for modern chains (ie, anything more than a 6-7spd) where the pins are flush and mushroomed into the plate, it's actually unsafe to put them back together with a multi-tool.

The one that comes on the Crank Bros multitool also doubles as a spoke key (which again, is a tool you won't need on most rides, but on that one where you do need it, you'll be kicking yourself you didn't bring it) so the "weight penalty" really isn't an issue.

I have used every tool on this multi-tool on a ride. Even the teeny-tiny allen keys; I think I've used them to poke holes in plastic wrap or something, but the point is, it's all been used.

PaulRivers

Stoped carrying more repair equipment than flats after cell phones and uber became ubiquitious.

Had to use it once to, came out to find my ulock refused to unlock and didn't want to walk back to my car several miles away. Carrying tools to bteak a lock and steal my own bike around just in case that happens again seems a bit excessive when uber exists. Suppose I could follow up on the other guys suggestion of carrying a folding bike on every trip...lol...

For something that might happen once on 10 or 20 years, doesn't seem worth it to carry tools I probably won't remember how to use when needed anyways.

edit: lol not diving into the bait below, but it is funny how bikeforums (or probably any forum) you always get a minimalist (no bags, no rack, only jersey pockets) or a everything-and-the-kitchen-sink thing.

Leinster

The multitool in my post literally right above yours is probably cheaper than the surge-pricing uber ride you will take back to your car. And if you forget how to use it you can always use your cell phone to look up a how-to vid on youtube. (Beside which, forget how to use a chainlink tool? Seriously? Do you wear slip-on shoes for a week and forget how to tie laces?).

As frustrating as a seized u-lock must be, I don't think it's a valid justification for not carrying a 6oz multi-tool in your saddlebag.

captkkk

I only bring with me a little bag with a multi-size spanner, multi-size allen keys, that's it.

MAK

I agree. I have a chain tool on my multitool and also carry a Wolf Tooth Pack Pliers w/2 quick links. I haven't needed them, but I'm sure I'll have a problem if I left them home. The extra 1.35 ounces also gives me a solid excuse for being slow. I consider it a win-win for me.

ksryder

Can confirm. I only had one spare tube on my road bike because it's not my gravel bike and I never need more than one tube, right? The other day I pinch flatted and of course the spare tube didn't hold air. Luckily a group ride came along and someone hooked me up.

Related: I made it rain earlier this week by getting all my gear prepared the night before so I could get up early and go for a ride before it got hot. Naturally we got intense thunderstorms that morning.

Cakonopka

I don't carry one but after taking a link out and putting it back in I think I might squeeze one in my bag if I can.

drahimi

In sixty years of riding -- including a marathon from London to Rome -- I have never needed one. So, I don't carry one, even on long tours.

rydabent

Actually not only do I have that chain tool on my multi tool, I carry several other tools as well. I simply dont like to walk home.

Jumpski

Yes, fortunately I have never used it.
- earlier version of the Topeak mini PT30

seypat

I carry a chain whip..............when I'm in a Devo sort of mood.