Ok, so DS, DW and I are getting bikes for christmas this year. With that in mind, I started looking around to see what kind of tools or other items might be needed for emergency repairs and such that could be easily carried (via small pack or belt pouch) or attached to the bike frame (I'm guessing by some of the posts I read that they make assorted bags or pouches that attach to the bike frame). I did a search here on ETS but my search fu is weak at best. I did see a few ideas for what to include in a bicycle tool kit, including:

- leatherman sidekick (or similar multi-tool)
- fix it sticks
- spare tube
- tube patch kit
- tire levers
- emergency tire boot
- chain repair links

as per this thread

In addition I was also thinking that the following items might be useful as well:

- mini pump (these can usually be attached to the bike frame, yes?)
- water (either the water bottle clipped to the frame or a small hydration pack)
- duct tape (this was an invaluable bit of kit during the troop's recent 25 mile bike ride)
- an adjustable wrench and/or vice grips (smallest versions practical)
- a set of folding hex wrenches

In my search I also saw a topeak alien 2 tool mentioned.

Is there anything I am missing? Are there any items I can delete (or at least leave at home/base camp)? Are there newer items/tools for bike repairs on the trail? For the most part, I don't expect we'll be riding too far off the beaten path, at least not at first, so we'd likely not be far from home or base camp but I'd like to be able to do minimal repairs without having to walk the bike (or worse carry it) back to home/base camp.

As always, thanks in advance for your help and insight.

I would say it depends on what kind of riding you are going to be doing. Shortish recreational rides? Loaded touring? Off road singletrack?

At a minimum I would carry a patch kit and/or spare tube (or 2), tire levers and an inflation method, whether a pump or CO2 canister. The most common issue you will run into is a flat tire.

I have an old version of the Alien tool and it works fairly well. The large majority of issues will be tire related or can be adjusted with an allen/hex wrench selection. I keep mine in an under seat bag so it is out of the way. Depending on how much gear you want to carry, there are racks/pannier options, trailers for tons of gear, or if you are off-road you may look into bikepacking gear.

I have never needed to break a chain on the road, but have done it several times at home (installing components, etc.). The chain repair links weigh nothing so they are nice to haves and make life easy if they are already on your chain. Most bike specific multitools will also have a chain breaking tool.

If you are touring I would take spare spokes or a fiber fix temporary spoke. Tire boots are ok but rarely needed and can be improvised. Also for touring spare brake and derailleur cables don't weigh much and can come in handy. Not really necessary for short rides.

Get a bottle cage and always take water. That's a no brainer. On my touring bike I have 3 cages and bottles. Camelbaks work too but bottles are more versatile.

Most importantly I would take a maintenance class and learn how to work on your bikes. I took one many moons ago and learned a great deal. I have built the last 6+ bikes from the frame up. That way you know how to fix it if something breaks. REI offers them for free for members. I took mine through an adult ed class. Check with the bike shop you get your bikes from, they may offer a class.

Enjoy your new rides and have a great time!

I like to include a pinch light.

and

a five dollar bill, to be used to cover a hole in the tire (hire boot for high pressure tires) and for some emergency snacks or gatorade along the way.

I've seen a lot of CO2 inflators fail. I carry a compact two-stage pump, and mine fits next to one of my bottle cages.

The Topeak tools have a great reputation, and if you carry one (or another folding hex wrench tool) you wouldn't need to carry everything else suggested.

I always have my keyring with me, which includes a 1xAAA flashlight and a whistle. I don't go out without ID, a credit card and (at the minimum) a $20 bill. Water is a given; I tend to bring enough to share.

Look carefully at the fittings on your specific bike tools to and be sure you have the right tools to work on them. Nearly everything on mine can be worked with a 4mm hex key.

I agree - take a bike maintenance class. You will leave with good notions about which tools to take and how to use them. most issues will be with tires. While I carry a patch kit, I also have spare tubes and fix the punctures later at home.

Also, carry a suitable FAK. The most precious bike component that can be damaged is YOU.

In terms of gear and equipment to carry that has already been mentioned, not much else to add but to carry a 1/2 roll of TP. Do enough bike riding and some day, having the TP for yourself or SO, will be very useful.

I carry all my gear in a rack trunk bag which are available on REI, MEC and other related sites. The great thing about these bags, such as the one I have, is that it mult-compartment and holds plenty of bike repair gear, wallet, keys, glasses etc and a small pump. Depending on how much gear you carry, there is room for a 1L water bottle and a smaller 750ml bottle. I prefer carrying the water in this way as it keeps the water bottle out of the hot direct summer sun and less subject to having to drink warm water on a hot day.

If your SO is biking with you, having the same bag on his/her bike gives more then enough storage such as carrying more water, lunch and snacks for a long day of riding.

My trunk bag attaches to the rack via Velcro straps which makes for easy removal so it does not get stolen if I need to leave the bike unattended. Also the straps can be used to carry the bag, backpack style.

If your looking to do overnight or multi-day rides, panniers are a must.

In addition to what had been recommended above: I'm always installing a bell, a rear view mirror, and a kickstand on my bikes.

Here is what I currently have in my bike tool kit…my riding ranges from errands around town to day-trip rides to overnight/weekend tours, all on-road:
-frame pump (spring-loaded, I attach it behind the seat tube)
-spare tube
-tire levers
-patch kit
-small adjustable wrench
-Topeak multi-tool with allen wrenches/screwdrivers
-mini chain breaker
-spoke wrench
-Gerber multi-tool with pliers (I believe the model is called Diesel)
-pair of work gloves (drop your chain on a ride and you will appreciate why these are a good idea)
-a couple of tie-down straps for attaching things to rear rack
-spare rack/fender bolts (these can vibrate loose--it helps to apply some blue Loctite to prevent this problem)

All except the pump is in an Ortlieb handlebar bag that has a quick release so it can be detached when I am off the bike…there is also a shoulder strap for carrying. It's nice for running errands etc. because I can put my wallet/keys/phone in it as well. I also carry water/snacks/extra clothing as appropriate for the ride I am doing…anything that doesn't fit in the handlebar bag goes in a trunk bag on the rear rack; my bike lock is generally in that bag also. Usually I have detachable front and rear lights in the handlebar bag as well…they pretty much stay in there unless charging or being used.

The above is what I carry on all rides…overnight trips involve more gear and panniers are definitely needed (unless you use a trailer). Incidentally, you can make decent, inexpensive panniers out of square plastic buckets with a few simple pieces of hardware. The first aid kit somebody mentioned is a good idea…I do carry one on longer rides but probably should just keep it in the bag all the time. And ditto to taking a bike maintenance/repair class! I actually volunteer at a community bike shop in my town and have learned a lot there (how to basically overhaul a bike)…as a result, I am able to take care of most of my own maintenance and repairs provided I have the right tools.

Good ideas, with some caveats. You need to be careful installing kickstands to avoid damaging the frame on bikes that don't have kickstand plates (see this link for why I did NOT put one on mine...http://surlybikes.com/info_hole/spew/kickstands_on_long_haul_truckers). Instead I use this: http://www.click-stand.com. Actually, it holds the bike up better than a kickstand would, I think, and it removes the chance of doing any damage. Rear view mirrors are helpful if they stay in position and don't get in the way…this is easy on some handlebar configurations but not others. And I agree about the bell--get a nice loud one! I have a Crane bell that is quite loud, there are other good ones but just make sure you don't get one of the cool-looking but wimpy bells that are out there.

Rear view mirrors are excellent, but I prefer them mounted on my helmet - Helmet? did someone say helmet? Don't even think of mounting your bike without a good one.....

My wife would have been killed or left with severe brain damage if she hadn't worn her bicycle helmet one time. Wear one every single time you get on your bike.

Zip ties.
Front and rear LED lights.
A small small roll of toilet paper (actually, that is in EVERY kit of mine). :-)
-Blast

Pardon my ignorance, but what is a tire boot?

Can I inquire as to everyone's views of "slime" or other flat proofing tire inserts? ( Not meant as a hijack. More like alternative to tire fix-it kit? )

When choosing bike tools:
- Generally a multitool with hexes you need. Do check what the bike needs (Generally hexes, but some have screwdriver slots, Philips or torx)
- CO2 is fast, but one canister = one try. I also broke a regulator once. A pump is much more reliable.
- Chain tool and chain-link
- Spare tubes and/or patches (both inner tube patches and an outer boot)
- Proper tire levers
- Spare bolts

Some even carry spare derailleur hangers and such to repair derailleurs, but with a chain tool you can convert a bike in to a single speed.
When carrying things on the bike:
- Always pack things in plastic or other kind of waterproof container, otherwise they will get wet and rust.
- Things will rub and will cause damage, check and replace plastic bags often

Choose the location of the bags carefully. If you want to be able to throw your bike in any direction, carry it on your back. If that isn’t the case under need the saddle is my favourite place.

This is what i got in my saddle bags:
https://youtu.be/irFCgJI0V10

And what i got in a backpack for MTB'ing.
https://youtu.be/4U5RM8UvUrk

What works even better than repairing is preventative maintenance and choosing the right equipment for the job. Puncture resistance tires are a great investment.




Tire boot = patch for outer tire
Bike sealant, my experience: very messy to put in. Might clog up the valve and cause it to leak (so might need to re valve the tube). But on the other hand I have had a sealant that worked so well, it also stopped me from pumping up my tires. Had to puncture the sealant with a needle to fix it.... I now run my tires dry.

I have had problems with tire sealants; they will clog your valve. Better are protective strips between the inner tube and the tire.

When you are mounting new tires and tubes, tire liners are a good thing, but don't forget http://www.rei.com/product/545060/velox-rim-tape. A little bit of additional protection can prevent the need to break out the tools for repairs in the middle of nowhere.

My MB is mostly used on streets. Fat slicks may not be as fast as skinny road tires, but they make great tires for use in a city with potholes and cobblestone streets with the occasional gravel bike path. I have never (knock on wood) had a flat.

Coming from the other direction, I gave up skinny tires for fat (38mm) road tires for both commuting and touring. They were much better on surfaces other than pavement.

A paper towel or two make excellent TP as well as wiping off grease.

In rough order, what I'd recommend
1. helmet ( sunglasses, sunscreen)
2. water bottle
3. minipump
4. bike multi tool. w/ 3,4,5 mm wrenches
5. sturdy lock
6. gloves - look for heavier padding
7. cell phone, map, cash

yes, yes, and yes to the bell, kickstand and helmet

The number bicycle repairs in the field depend on the quality of the bicycle components chosen and especially the quality of wheels. I don't use a narrow chain for 9-10 speed drive trains. I only use DT Swiss stainless steel spokes. Bicycle frames are usually high alloy steel for comfort and resilience. My current bicycle frame is a Columbus Nivachrome steel frame I silver soldered together 20 years ago.
I've heard to many horror stories with folks using Carbon Fibre parts breaking. Much of todays cycle parts are overpriced rubbish. I'm still a fan of square taper bottom brackets Campagnolo standards and 7 speed drive trains.

Finding parts is now getting quite difficult but there is NOS vintage kit, which is excellent quality. For example to replace the headset on my current bicycle

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-NOS-NEW-NIB-Shimano-600EX-HP-6207-BSA-BSC-headset-/391319158318

Thanks. That's definitely an important thing to keep in mind. All three of my mountain bikes have a dedicated mounting plate for a stand.

Its Christmas time and just like the Flashlight threads, the Bicycle tool talk has now giving me some more temptations...


http://www.steel-vintage.com/carrera-nos-frameset-columbus-el-detail

Now all I need to find is a NOS Campagnolo Super Record Groupset or Dura Ace from the 1990s..

I don't care for kickstands - they tend to be rather unreliable. I prefer locking the bike to a sturdy upright or else laying the bike down gently, derailleur side up. Dedicated bike stands are fairly common these days.

Consider carrying a few pairs of nitrile or similar gloves for dealing with greasy repairs. Also handy if you must deal with another's blood or other fluids.

If you want high reliable and low maintenance, go for enclosed parts. So rollerbrakes, interal hub gears, enclosed chains and sprockets.

My communter bike has shimano roller brakes, 3 speed shimano nexus internal hub gears, enclosed sprockets and chain. Also close fitting mudguards, bolted on led front and back lights, cargo carrier and bungees, puncture resistant tires and ofcorse a bell. All mounted on a heavy duty frame. Requires very little maintenance and keeps you clean.

Not just CF. Many of the MB's these days use aluminum alloys to get the weight down and then they need to add shocks to help with the impact. My old MB has a Cro-Moly frame and parts that were high-end 20 years ago -- they're still fairly high-end parts. If you choose to get a bike, buy quality. If money is an issue, buy a quality used bike rather than a new bike that will never get that old.

Steel is real (and rides nicely)

You really don't need a kickstand or bell. I've been riding for 40+ years and carry a whiste around my neck on a ball chain. Bells and kickstands add unecessary weight, and if you carry what most people are suggesting, your bike will weigh in at 30-40lbs PLUS you! Hope you got some good granny gears cuz you'll need em. Spare tires don't weight much if you're going LONG distance. If your taking your time touring, I got a bag that mounts between the handle bars with a clear map pocket on the top. I've had it over 30 years now and it's still going strong. I carry a CO2 tire inflator system, and have had it fail just once in over ten years. That's averaging about 2500 miles a year, so not that much mileage at all. A small under seeat saddle bag to carry the essentials. I don't carry spokes, cuz you can true a wheel just fine if one breaks. You'd need to lose a couple in the same area of the wheel to make it unridable, but that is unlikely. If that should happen you're probly on the ground in pain anyway. Good riding shorts...DO NOT scimp on these. They have literally saved me on a number of occasions. And nutbutter for saddle sores. Cuz you'll get those too.

True, but that also depends on where one is riding and the distances that need to be covered. It sounds like you're describing the standard Dutch bike, which is suitable for fairly short commuting distances at a leisurely pace in a not-very-hilly area and has the advantage of making it easy to ride in one's work clothing etc. Certainly the low-maintenance aspect is also helpful. However, a bike like that would not work as well for many of us in North America where distances that need to be covered tend to be longer and there may be lots of hills to contend with depending on the region. For that situation, a bike with more gears (and I think internal hubs only go up to 8-speed) and a more efficient riding position is needed. It's all about choosing the right bike for your particular application. That said, I definitely agree with you about the fenders (mudguards)! It's nice to be able to ride on wet roads without getting dirty. Having a rack for cargo is also highly recommended. On that note, for those who may be picking out a bike that they intend to use for any commuting/transportation purposes: Make sure it has attachment points for a rack and fenders…many bikes nowadays do not (most road bikes, for example). Riding with a backpack is really uncomfortable and completely unnecessary if you set your bike up properly.

wow, lots of great information shared by everyone so far, I'm loving it and thanks to everyone who has contributed so far, I'm going to make some general comments here to hopefully help clear some things up.

First, as we're getting three bikes and our budget is fairly slim we're going for lower end bikes to start, we ordered these for like 60 bucks each on a black friday sale. The reviews on it were generally good and I grew up riding lower end bikes (huffy usually) so I know pretty much what we're getting into.

Next, our intended riding will likely be just here close to home, at local camp grounds, or on gravel type trails with the boy scout troop. The trail rides are mainly just day rides, the longest being 25 miles so far (note here, due to DS's inexperience on a bike we did not actually go on that ride we just camped and he rode a bike close to the area we camped in). When camping is involved it does not require us to have the ability to carry our camping gear on the bike with us. So my main concern is to have the tools needed to do minor repairs on our bikes when away from home, away from the campsite at the campground, or on the trail with the troop, and if it doesn't add too much weight and space wise, with the capability to make repairs on other bikes as needed on the trail with the troop. For ourselves, until we get our feet wet, I'd expect not to be more than a mile or two at most from home or camp site.

I really appreciate all the input on the bike specific stuff. I think it goes without saying I anticipate carrying other gear on my person or in a pack or possibly attached to the bike frame in a pack (options and suggestions here would be greatly appreciated as far as carry and attachment options go although I think several have already been mentioned, such as the rack, saddle bags and other assorted packs) to supplement the bike specific gear. I was thinking maybe a small pack with a hydration bladder and some of the ten essentials (plus the 11th that several folks have mentioned). Maybe an emergency blanket and a mini survival kit to round things out.

The first aid kit and helmets are great suggestions. I'm thinking knee and elbow pads and gloves might be a good idea too. I also plan to see what tools I will need specifically for repairs on our bikes, but as i mentioned above I'd also like the capability to make repairs on other bikes if it won't add to much weight to the kit (for when we ride with the troop in the future). I also noticed the bikes we ordered have very little in the way of included storage options so we'll likely be looking at getting some to attach to it (in particular a behind the seat rack). DW has already found a starter kit that includes a pump, water bottle and cage, front and rear lights and a few other doo dads for like 20 bucks.

Standard disclaimers apply to any and all products, links, etc

Wow! If you will be tinkering with the bikes for an entire troop, you need just about everything, including some sort of course on bike maintenance and/or a good manual.

On the bike you have - the first worthwhile accessory I would purchase would be a pair of toe clips for the pedals (after the helmet). They are rather old fashioned, but they will improve pedaling efficiency immensely. They can be used with almost any kind of shoe which is not the case with more modern pedals. Toe clips can go along to the next upgrade.

If/when you want to upgrade, a quick and relatively easy path is the purchase of lighter, stronger wheels with aluminum rims and quick release hubs. They will make an immense difference in the ride of this bike and they can also go along to your next bike, if you stick with this same tire size.

Just a bit more about helmets, a subject on which I am a bit fanatical, having been present at more fatality scenes than I care to recall where a proper lid would have made a big difference. You will find an enormous price range in helmets, many of which will cost more than your bike. Look for the certification level - that is critical. As I understand it, all helmets certified to a given level all provide the same degree of protection. Anything extra you pay is just so much bling.

For carrying gear, I would heartily second a rack. Backpacks ride high, and mess with your balance, while gear carried low on the bike will actually stabilize it, especially if a front rack is used. I also recommend a waist pack when riding. It sits low and contains valuable items that go with me, even when I hop off. It even has a mesh bag for another water bottle.

I'll bet that very shortly you will be able to school all of us in bike repairs - a whole scout troop (good grief!)

LOL hikermor, I'm hoping it won't be nearly as bad as it sounds. Most of the bikes the troop uses either belong to the scout and are in generally good repair, or are rented (or borrowed from someplace that rents) and are also in generally good repair. The rented/borrowed bikes are probably the worst case bikes as you can never really be sure what you are getting. We found this out the hard way with the 25 mile trip I mentioned on or about the 14th of last month. As it was a district/council event (part of a triple crown event our troop/district is hosting, the 50 mile canoe trip was the first leg, the 25 mile bike trip we just had was the second leg, and there is a 20 mile back pack trip in april that will be the last leg), we had to find other sources for bikes. Most were in good repair but a few of the bikes left a little to be desired. The most common on the trail repair was apparently securing loose cables using a roll of duct tape.

At any rate, the tools will most likely not be for me, but for the scoutmaster, who is a mechanic, and an assistant scoutmaster who is an experienced rider (I say this by virtue of him being on far more of these type bike trips than I have) and also mechanically inclined. However, they like to travel light and typically leave a lot of stuff behind, either at home or in camp. When they need something, they know who the guy is that is usually prepared (bordering on over-prepared) and come to me asking if I have this or that, which I typically do.

Now all this said, I used to ride a bike a LOT as a kid. Any time the weather permitted, and a lot of times even when it didn't. In the place I grew up, just about every kid in the subdivision had a bike, so we'd ride the streets to get here or there, and there were assorted trails off the beaten path as well. My dad and I used to troubleshoot my bikes all the time, tightening this and loosening that so I do know my way around a bike, but it has also been quite a while since I've tinkered much with one so I wanted to be sure I am as prepared as possible to deal with it, especially while on the trail and away from home or camp site.

As a final note, with regards to the troop and riding bikes, we usually only ride about once or twice a year. However, after seeing how much DS enjoyed riding a bike at the event, even though he had some difficulty with it, DW and I decided it was time he had a new bike to get more experience riding. Surprisingly, DW also wanted a bike, so it's likely to become a family thing which is also very good.

LED bike lights are getting so small and cheap, its good to include at a minimum a red blinky one, * and maybe a white headlight in your kit for early and late rides or darkening storms.



(*Sorry for the technical language - I'm in the business.)

I plan on replacing my old style PFD blinker with one made for bikes! I was just about blinded by one of those new LED headlights while driving.the red flashers make those C cell pilots blinkers look like toys.

Thanks for reviving this thread, Teacher!

We've been doing a lot of biking this summer and have started needing to make repairs on the fly. The theory of my emergency kit has started to be enhanced with real life experience. So far, the worst has been a broken chain on one of the kiddo bikes, a flat tire on mine, and some adjustments to the Kiddie Trailer.

I have a small basic emergency repair kit attached to my bike seat, along with a Leatherman Wave, and have been carry other stuff in a secondary pack. (i.e. a bright LED headlamp and removable front and rear LED lights, water bottle, etc.) I use a backpack to carry my extra gear and get home stuff when I'm commuting to and from work, and agree that a bike rack or panniers would be better. I also have a bag that's designed to hang from the handle bars, but it's too bulky when I load it, and it hangs in the front fender, obscuring the front reflector. So, I've moved that bag to my newest upgrade.......

We bought a bike trailer a month or so ago! It cost a whopping $25 at a garage sale. WOOHOO! It's designed to carry two kids and some gear or groceries, and it's awesome! I've towed two kids all over town with picnic stuff in the back, and we've also a couple of big road trips with my daughter in one seat, my backpack in the other, and picnic and fishing gear in the back cargo area. The blaze orange flag is a little dorky but we'll probably upgrade it with a pink and purple streamers soon enough. LOL!

I am a rack and panniers guy when loading the bike significantly, as in a multi-day tour. When more lightly loaded, I like a medium to large size waist pack. It is low to the ground, doesn't affect my agility on the bike as far as I can tell, and stuff in it is always with me. That stuff will usually include a Wave, although dedicated bike stuff (patch kit, hex wrenches) is typically stashed in a bag hanging from the saddle.

I really want a rack and panniers set up, hikermor! I'm saving my pennies and researching DIY alternatives.

bpj,

Go with a good quality rack, like Tubus, Surly or Bruce Gordon. You won't regret it. The lightweight aluminum ones are cheaper but are much more likely to break when you can least afford it. Avoid racks that mount to seatposts like the plague, if you ever intend to carry any weight at all.

I really like Ortlieb panniers (Arkels are really nice as well), but if you are on a budget you can make your own out of kitty litter buckets (or something similar). There are instructions on the internet all over the place and they are quite simple to put together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noCNXUsmyYs. You can make your own brackets or buy some ready made.

Trailers work well (especially for kids) but I also prefer panniers for touring.

I use an Ortlieb handlebar bag for my routine riding, it carries my pump, Alien tool, energy bar, shower cap for my Brooks saddle, and any other miscellaneous stuff I need that doesn't weigh much. Spare tubes, levers and patch kit go under the saddle.

Greg

I was going to nominate REI pannniers (Novara), but I see that brand is no longer in their lineup, being supplanted by a whole bunch of Ortlieb bags. I would therefore second Sackett's remarks.....

Thanks so much, Greg! Much appreciated!