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Essentials for your trailside mountain bike tool kit
I’m always amazed how little gear most people bring with them on rides. I don’t expect people to carry a full-on shop with them but I do question the wisdom of riding without a tube (even if you run tubeless) or patch kit, a pump, tire levers, and a multitool.
Essential gear for your bike’s tool bag (or your hydration pack)
- Tube (for your first flat, repair punctures at home)
- Patch kit (for your second, third, and fourth flats)
- Tire levers
- A decent pump (a decent pump shouldn’t cost an arm and a leg)
- A multitool, with integrated chain breaker and spoke wrench
- Zap straps / zip ties
Optional equipment
- Cell phone
- Lightweight shell jacket
- Spare derailleur hanger (when possible)
- Spare gloves
- Flashlight & matches
- Small first aid kit with tensor bandage, scissors, gauze, and band aids
Armed with this gear and assuming you know the basics about bicycle maintenance, you should be able to make basic repairs to your bike while on the trail. And, speaking from experience, it’s a whole lot better being able to ride your bike (even if it’s partially hobbled) out of the bush than walking it out on a cold or rainy day.
1. Posted by Essential mountain bike tools » The Biking Hub | 10:40 pm, 28 November 2005
[…] Following up on an earlier entry about essential tools for a good trail side tool kit, this entry outlines some of the first tools that you should gather together. Learn how to use them properly and you’ll be on your way to lowering maintenance costs and your reliance on your local shop for mundane repairs. […]