Do you carry a chain tool on your rides?
06-16-21, 03:22 PM
#1
PBP Ancien (2007)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 358
Bikes: Cannondale CAADX (for commuting), Cannondale CAAD12, Cannondale CAAD12 Team CNCPT, Giant Contend 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times
in
106 Posts
Do you carry a chain tool on your rides?
If so, what one? I'm interested in something small enough to fit in a jersey pocket that will work on 10-speed and 11-speed chains (both with a master link). I have workshop quality chain tools at home but would like a quality chain tool for day rides and general riding. Thanks in advance.
06-16-21, 03:39 PM
#2
Hear myself getting fat
Join Date: Jul 2011
Location: Inland Northwest
Posts: 754
Bikes: Sir Velo A Sparrow
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 335 Post(s)
Liked 265 Times
in
134 Posts
I've never carried a chain tool on my rides. Are you experiencing problems with your chain coming undone or breaking?
I'm guessing there's a nifty Park Tool that will fit in a bag if needed.
I'd check Wiggle, I'm guessing they might have some good ones at a decent price.
I'm guessing there's a nifty Park Tool that will fit in a bag if needed.
I'd check Wiggle, I'm guessing they might have some good ones at a decent price.
06-16-21, 03:40 PM
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 3,947
Bikes: Trek 1100 road bike, Roadmaster gravel/commuter/beater mountain bike
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2281 Post(s)
Liked 1,710 Times
in
936 Posts
I do carry one on one of my bikes, just in case I break a chain. Never had to use it, though. I don't remember what brand it is.
06-16-21, 03:47 PM
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 2,599
Bikes: 06 Lemond Reno, 98 GT Timberline mtn.bike
Mentioned: 8 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 426 Post(s)
Liked 696 Times
in
435 Posts
I do. Not digging it out from the bottom of my bag, but it's a small Park one. Haven't used it for at least 17 years. But it did get used occasionally when I rode mostly mtn.bike trails-usually on someone else's bike (guess I kept my chain in better shape or just had better luck?). A chain tool and quick link can come in handy, if you're unlucky enough to have a chain break.
06-16-21, 03:53 PM
#5
Banned
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Mississauga/Toronto, Ontario canada
Posts: 8,721
Bikes: I have 3 singlespeed/fixed gear bikes
Mentioned: 30 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 4227 Post(s)
Liked 2,488 Times
in
1,286 Posts
I ride fixed gear and singlespeed bikes so I don't really worry too much about busting up a chain...But I still carry a small chain tool plus a few chain links because I like to be prepared for anything.
Likes For wolfchild:
06-16-21, 03:58 PM
#6
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Houston, TX
Posts: 890
Bikes: 2017 Co-op ADV 1.1; ~1991 Novara Arriba; 1990 Fuji Palisade; mid-90's Moots Tandem; 1985 Performance Superbe
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 388 Post(s)
Liked 567 Times
in
330 Posts
I carry multi tools that have chain tools plus quick links. Saved me twice in commuting context.
06-16-21, 03:59 PM
#7
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
If a chain tool is on my multi-tool, then yes, I do. I've seen other people break a chain on a ride (mountain bikes), but I haven't yet.
06-16-21, 04:04 PM
#8
PBP Ancien (2007)
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jan 2020
Location: South Wales, UK
Posts: 358
Bikes: Cannondale CAADX (for commuting), Cannondale CAAD12, Cannondale CAAD12 Team CNCPT, Giant Contend 2
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 77 Post(s)
Liked 156 Times
in
106 Posts
Not really - three times in the last 30 years but one of those was because I'd incorrectly re-joined a Campag chain. I'm often out riding when my wife is at work so I can't call her to pick me up if the worst should happen. I'd just like to be self-sufficient and not relying on a multi-tool based chain tool. I carry an old 9-speed chain tool (stored in one of those bottle cage storage cases) on my commuter bike but would like something to tuck into a jersey pocket when out on my roadbike.
06-16-21, 04:15 PM
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Mission Viejo
Posts: 5,801
Bikes: 1986 Cannondale SR400 (Flat bar commuter), 1988 Cannondale Criterium XTR, 1992 Serotta T-Max, 1995 Trek 970
Mentioned: 20 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1943 Post(s)
Liked 2,164 Times
in
1,323 Posts
I carry a compact Park tool CT-5 in my mtb bag along with a quick link. I don’t carry one with me on my road bike.
Park makes a folding chain tool CT-6.3, but I have not used it.
John
Park makes a folding chain tool CT-6.3, but I have not used it.
John
06-16-21, 04:34 PM
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: South shore, L.I., NY
Posts: 6,857
Bikes: Flyxii FR322, Cannondale Topstone, Miyata City Liner, Specialized Chisel, Specialized Epic Evo
Mentioned: 18 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3221 Post(s)
Liked 2,048 Times
in
1,170 Posts
The Topeak Alien I have on all my bikes has one.
Likes For Steve B.:
06-16-21, 04:36 PM
#11
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 7,843
Mentioned: 38 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6935 Post(s)
Liked 10,940 Times
in
4,674 Posts
I have one in my multi-tool, though I have not yet ever needed it and hope to never need it. Still, I never go on a ride without it.
06-16-21, 04:44 PM
#12
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2016
Posts: 316
Mentioned: 4 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 83 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 64 Times
in
48 Posts
Park IB-3 multi tool with chain breaker on remote rides or multi-day tours. In 45+ years of cycling, I’ve used a chain tool 3x on rides but never on my own bike. Little need to carry but adds assurance sometimes.
Likes For veloz:
06-16-21, 04:48 PM
#13
Full Member
I've got Topeak Ratchet Rocket which has one, but only ever carried the ratchet until a friends chain snapped mid ride! Now I carry the whole thing!
06-16-21, 04:54 PM
#14
Expired Member
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: TN
Posts: 11,505
Mentioned: 37 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 3654 Post(s)
Liked 5,392 Times
in
2,737 Posts
I carry Crank Bros multi tools that include a chain tool. Kind of heavy, there may be newer and lighter choices. Also spare quick links in 10 and 11. I've never broken a chain but I've used both the tool and links to get others back on the road.
Likes For shelbyfv:
06-16-21, 05:05 PM
#15
Recreational Road Cyclist
Join Date: Sep 2013
Location: MetroWest, Mass.
Posts: 546
Bikes: 1990 Peter Mooney road bike
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 255 Post(s)
Liked 252 Times
in
134 Posts
If so, what one? I'm interested in something small enough to fit in a jersey pocket that will work on 10-speed and 11-speed chains (both with a master link). I have workshop quality chain tools at home but would like a quality chain tool for day rides and general riding. Thanks in advance.
—I ride on the road, not off-road
—I weigh less than 160lbs.
—I am a spinner, not a masher
—I have long ago switched to quick-connect links, and away from re-pinning.
—I don't carry tools to fix others' bikes (but I help if I can!)
If I were a heavy masher riding off-road on a re-pinned chain, I might think differently. I read lots of reports here of riders who bust a chain. So consider your circumstances before you add one more tool to your kit.
06-16-21, 05:10 PM
#16
I'm good to go!
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 14,949
Bikes: Tarmac Disc Comp Di2 - 2020
Mentioned: 51 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6177 Post(s)
Liked 4,794 Times
in
3,306 Posts
No.
Likes For Iride01:
06-16-21, 05:23 PM
#17
Dead but dreaming
Join Date: Oct 2020
Location: Bay Area, CA (East Bay - Contra Costa County)
Posts: 423
Bikes: 2020 Santa Cruz Stigmata, 2022 Cannondale Synapse
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 171 Post(s)
Liked 326 Times
in
186 Posts
I carry a multi tool with a chain breaker and a couple spare quick links. It's been a long time since I've had to do a chain fix on the road, but better to be prepared.
06-16-21, 05:33 PM
#18
Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: Mich
Posts: 7,354
Bikes: RSO E-tire dropper fixie brifter
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6 Post(s)
Liked 2,944 Times
in
1,906 Posts
i carried a jaw breaker for the times I would have the little guy rolling along. Helped keep them paying attention while riding! As long as I keep up on the maintenance, I forfeit that tool from the buttocks tool bag.
__________________
-Oh Hey!
-Oh Hey!
06-16-21, 05:37 PM
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,214
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18397 Post(s)
Liked 15,492 Times
in
7,316 Posts
No. Not even when I tour.
06-16-21, 05:50 PM
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2005
Location: northWET washington
Posts: 1,197
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 383 Post(s)
Liked 690 Times
in
396 Posts
The one time I used one, I did not have one. Borrowed from a cross-country cyclist who happened to pass us on the North Cascades highway. At the end of the process it looked as if I had on elbow length black opera gloves - what a mess.
Likes For kahn:
06-16-21, 05:51 PM
#21
With a mighty wind
Join Date: May 2015
Posts: 2,582
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1086 Post(s)
Liked 858 Times
in
487 Posts
When I did the White Rim I took one. Just seemed like a long way from help. I’ll have one this weekend on a wilderness ride for the same reason.
I have one made by Specialized that goes into my steerer tube.
I have one made by Specialized that goes into my steerer tube.
06-16-21, 05:55 PM
#22
Senior Member
Join Date: Jul 2017
Location: Walnut Creek, CA
Posts: 756
Bikes: 1969 Peugeot PX10, 1992 Della Santa, Linus Roadster 8, Biria 700C ST-8
Mentioned: 3 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 791 Post(s)
Liked 504 Times
in
320 Posts
One of my “rules” is to carry along any tool that I used on my most recent repair or adjustment. After a couple rides then I can put that tool away. My chain tool has been put away now for many years. But I know where it is, just checked. I think my rule is a combination of witchcraft and insecurity. For example I just put away my hex key that I had used to adjust my new seat. Never needed it after that first day but it is light and it felt good to have it in my pocket. After a few weeks I put it away. The most important thing is to get out and ride.
Likes For Joe Bikerider:
06-16-21, 06:01 PM
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2010
Location: Bastrop Texas
Posts: 4,464
Bikes: Univega, Peu P6, Peu PR-10, Ted Williams, Peu UO-8, Peu UO-18 Mixte, Peu Dolomites
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 955 Post(s)
Liked 1,619 Times
in
1,039 Posts
I carry a small Park chain tool with two extra links. I do short solo back road rides mostly torn up asphalt and loose small gravel. I carry tools and a few spare parts just in case I get stuck. A chain break tool is about as fancy as I carry.
__________________
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
No matter where you're at... There you are... Δf:=f(1/2)-f(-1/2)
06-16-21, 08:01 PM
#25
Senior Member
I carried a chain tool for many years but after about 20 years I looked back and never had any problems so I stopped carrying a chain tool. That was 20 years ago. I do keep a close eye on my chains and probably replace them too early. Chains are cheap in the scheme of things.