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.