A Cyclist’s Essential Tool Kit (& Mini-Contest)
24. May, 2011 
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A basic set of tools for a road cyclist.
Tire inflators and pumps come in all types and sizes. Choose whichever one you will be most comfortable using.
If you cycle enough it is just inevitable that you will one day get a flat, have your chain fall off or have some other little break-down. It’s just one of those little things that happen when you least expect it, so it isn’t worth worrying about, just live by the scout motto and “be prepared!” Carry with you the items you’ll need if you have a break-down of some sort and it can be fixed quickly and you’ll be on your way.
Over the years, equipment has become more compact and lighter in weight than ever before. Thanks to CO2 cartridges and inflators that are less than 2 ounces, one doesn’t have to be weighed down or need a large bag for all the tools.
The only thing worse than experiencing a flat tire on a ride, is getting a flat tire and having no way to fix it. Cycle and Style has set out to help you with this problem. The following are basic things you should take with you on a ride, whether in a wedge pack, top tube bag, hydration pack, or stowed in a jersey pocket.
The Basics
- New Tube: Even if you are with a friend who has a handy tire changing kit, bring your own tube, so you don’t feel like a moocher if you end up needing one. If you have an odd-sized wheel (650cc)—you really need to bring your own tube.
- Patch kit: a patch kit works just as well to mend the hole in your tube. The tube is bigger but faster to fix while on the road. Just remember to keep the bad tube to fix at home later.
- Tire pump or CO2 Cartridge & Inflator: I have a preference for the quickness of the inflator and CO2 combination. But it is only good for one use. Bring an extra CO2 cartridge just in case and don’t forget to change out for new ones when you get home.
- Tire Levers OR the Speedlevers: If you only have room for a few tools, this is a must. They are necessary to change a tire. As a plus, the levers come in various colors, so choose your favorite! The Speedlever is the faster version, all though it is slightly larger and only comes in basic black. (See below for description & review.)
- Mini tool kit with Allen wrenches: This tiny tool kit is great to tighten anything that might come loose. This set of tools and a MacGyver sense of resourcefulness may allow you to fix just about anything. Mountain bikers may want to get a mini-tool with a chain tool, and perhaps a master link. Shimano and SRAM will have different procedures for fixing the chains, so it would be good to learn how to fix your bike’s chain.
A handy list of "must-haves" for your ride helps you to not forget anything! (Great idea, Tami!)
Some Extras:
Dollar bill: This is a MacGyver-type trick you can use when you have to repair a pinch flat. If the tire gets a hole, place the folded dollar bill inside the tire to cover the hole and protect the newly inflated tube. Although ideal for a “pinched tire,” if the tire has a blowout because it is too worn, it probably won’t work. You could use the money for a bus fare instead. That’s why I keep a $5 or $10 bill, as it might come in handy for other needs.
Identification card with emergency numbers (or wear an ID bracelet) If you’re riding alone, you need this, just in case something happens…
Disposable gloves or wipes for cleaning dirty grease off your hands. No, guys, this is not just a girl being fastidious and protecting a manicure! This really is a good idea if you have light colored bar tape or handle grips.
Hand warmers: These will help keep you warm on an unexpectedly cold ride. Put under your gloves on the back of your hand. (Seasonal use)
Sunscreen: Even if you put on sunscreen before the ride, if it is long enough, you may want to reapply.
Lip Balm with SPF: The sun and wind will take a toll on your lips. Keep some lip balm handy and reapply if needed.
Chamois Cream: A reapplication of chamois cream may be needed on a long ride. If you can get it, a small container of this is ideal for pack-ability.
Small candies or mini-bars for a little extra energy. Even if you’ve brought the food you intend to eat on the ride, having a little more tucked away can save the day.
Small first aid kit: Especially important for mountain bikers (who crash with more frequency than road cyclists.)
A Cyclist’s Code of Chivalry
When she was 14, my daughter got a hand-me-down: my former road bike which had down tube shifters and tires which were extra stiff and hard to remove from the wheels. She carried all the necessary items for a tire change, but found it was difficult to change by herself. She was delighted when some older teenage boys stopped to help her change her tire. It’s perfectly fine to accept help, but it is good cycling etiquette to have your own tubes or at least offer to pay for a tube that a Good Samaritan gives you. (Although when it’s your turn to help and offer your spare tube, it’s always nicer to not take payment and just say “pay it forward.”)
When you see another cyclist trying to fix their bike alongside the road, you can ask, “Do you need any help?” or alternatively, “Do you have everything you need?” (the latter is best when you can provide tools and supplies better than expertise.)
Hook the nose of the Speedlever under the tire and rotate 360 degrees to quickly get the tire off the wheel.
Review of Crank Bros. Speedlever
This little device extends out (telescopes) to several times its compact length and can be used to quickly change a tire without pinching. To remove a tire, just slip the hook nose under the hire, extend the handle to snap it to the wheel’s axel and rotate it. Presto! The tire comes off quite quickly. It can then be used to attach a tire by engaging the hook onto the rim and rotating. It fits all wheel sizes.
I bought the Speedlever (which sells for about $8 at REI–and more at the LBS I bought it at) at a Ladies’ Night at my local bike shop after seeing it demoed. Two short weeks later I got a flat and had the chance to use it. It was the quickest tire change I’ve ever done. My husband and his friend were impressed. I now prefer it over regular tire levers. However, there are two cons: it is a bit longer than tire levers (just over an inch longer.) Also, I have heard that some guys have broken it while trying to use it. (Note the word “guys.”) It does have a “lifetime warranty,” which means they’ll replace it if you break it. However, I recommend you use brains and not brawn with this device and it will work just fine.
We have another Mini-Contest for our Readers!
The handy-dandy Speedlever
Which items have you found to be essential in your tool bag or as an “extra” that you have found to come in handy in other ways? Comment below. It’s another little contest! We’ll choose among the commenters, and send them the Crank Bros. Speedlever to add to their tool kit PLUS an absolutely great looking wedge pack made by Sherpani (see below)! Cycle & Style will also add a few little surprises in your package!
Please use a real first name and have a mailing address in the USA or Canada for us to send it to. This mini-contest will go through Friday, June 10th.
I am prone to bonking, so the most useful item has been having sports beans or a clif bar. I hadn’t thought of the gloves- that’s a good idea!
mine is more of a thought on this story: i would NOT NOT NOT advise anyone to ride with an ipod, as is on the checklist in the picture above. holy moly, SO DANGEROUS!!! please think twice ladies.
I use a big safety pin to pin to top of my seatbag, I use this to keep my car key and a dog tag with my ID attached , and my bike lock key also if I am not using my combo lock. With the dog tag my name and ICE # (incase of emergency #)that way if I lose my keys the ID tag give the finder a # to call. The same if something would happen to me, the ICE# is available. Helps me feel a little safer.
Elizabeth, I agree that wearing an I-pod isn’t safe–and it’s not my list! But the idea of a list was great!
(I will say that I have seen some of the smarter i-pod users having just one earpiece in.)
This is a great article and very helpful with the arrival of warm weather! A few years ago we had an warm day in early spring and feeling inspired and energetic, I embarked on a nice long ride–only to end up with a flat about 8 miles into it. Luckily I was rescued and and fortunately I knew the person who helped me and I was able to send him an inner tube and a CO2 cartridge. Good story, happy ending and I never leave without my flat tire rescue kit. Thanks.
well I usually bring my favorite tool with me when I ride, The husband. Fixes most any breakdown or mechanical emergency
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WE are heading out to cycle the atlantic coast from maine to florida in sept. I would happily carry along any prize I win > Thanks. Tabatha
Thanks for the list! I just started biking and found this blog. So great! I know I have to organize a little emergency kit as I bike more often. I do have an extra tube already! I imagine that’ll come in handy one day…
GREAT list. As a new cyclist this is sooo helpful. Thank you! Definitely need things for emergencies but I MUST have my chapstick for every ride!
I have found my patch kit to be indispensable. It is small, light and has been used several times to fix a flat until I got home for a new tube.
I had a friend recommend carrying a pre-pay cellphone & a pre-paid credit card so if you crash you are not destroying a expensive smartphone . But you still have the ability to make a call.
I carry my flat kit everyday as I bike to work, and the tool that gets most used is the multi-tool. It’s so handy to be able to pull it out to adjust things on my bike, on others bikes, and other random stuff (like tightening a loose screw on someone’s front light). The second most used tool is my hand pump, usually to help other cyclists top off before rides or help to fix a flat. Since I have one of those pumps that lets you pump shraeder and presta valves and also has a little foot step to help you get some good leverage, I’m always ready to get it out if someone needs it!
The gloves are a great idea!! I’m going to have to stash some in my tool bag next, and maybe stuff some extra restaurant wetnaps in there while I’m at it.
I love bringing along granola bars & sport beans as a little something extra.
-Katie Smith
Aside from my RoadID (which I never ride without), my favorite extra that I keep in my saddlebag along with all my tools is a ziploc bag. I most commonly use it to keep my phone and money/ID/etc dry in case of sweat or rain, but it’s also good for keeping track of small items (like cleat screws). I’m sure that it will come in handy for something else one of these days, too.
Some Excedrin Migraine– variable weather conditions (especially sun/ heat) can give me a headache and the shot of caffeine in that variety of aspirin can come in handy.
I keep a small amount of duct tape, rolled into a little tube. I’ve used it for tons of minor emergencies, from patching a tube or tire just to get me home, to taping a loose cadence wire sensor. I’ve used it, along with a little plastic bag, to keep my cycling computer covered during a hard downpour. I once lost a tightening bolt from one of my pedals that came loose during a ride, and wrapped the end of the pedal with tape (the little part that holds the cleat in) so my shoe wouldn’t come loose on the way home. My husband joked that if he ever split his bike shorts, we could use my duct tape to fix them, though I hope I don’t ever have to try that!
I’ve always rode on a trail and never thought that i would need a tool kit. two days ago my partner got a serious flat on the road, I had to go home and come back with my car. I will going this weekend to get a kit. and Thanks to everyone for all their ideas, I’m taking notes.
I always keep a spoke wrench with me.
I bring along extra chain links just in case someone breaks a chain. I also have started to bring along extra screws for my cleats on my clip-less pedals and have had multiple friends need to borrow them. A couple non-essentials that a super light and are nice to have.
I always bring a mini Luna bar for long rides. also, tissues.
Electrical tape, aspirin, a couple zip ties, extra batteries for my lights, bus fare, presta-schraeder adapter, chain lube.