Tools/Equipment to Bring.

[lagriff]

What are the minimum tools and/or equipment that should be taken on a road ride. I ask because I recently had both tires go flat and I had nothing on me. Any recommendations would be appreciated. Thank you.

 

[dabac]

There's really no set answer to that, it depends on a lot of things:

• how intent are you on finishing the ride?
• can you call someone for pickup, friend or a cab?
• how do you feel about carrying stuff?

Some really dislike carrying stuff and will either chance it, or rely on calling for help/pickup if something should happen. Some will happily carry a sizeable pack to be able to finish the ride.


As soon as I'm out of walking distance I always carry:

• one spare tube,
• tire levers
• pump
• self-adhesive patches to deal with a 2nd flat, if needed
• a small plier, to help remove any penetrating debris
• chain breaker
• quick link
• spare brake cable
• spare shifter cable
• a folding multi-tool
• Some zip ties, a length of duct tape

It all fits in one saddle bag and seems like a reasonable compromise between bulk and self-reliance to me.
Longer rides, I add another tube and spare brake pads.
Maybe even a spare tire.

 

[alienator]

In by seat bag are:

1. An inner tube
2. A patch kit (regular ol' glue-ons, not self-adhesive; and although not specifically gluons, there are **** loads of gluons on the interior volume of my seat bag)
3. 2 tire levers
4. A piece of Tyvek (used as a tire boot for for those occasions when a tire cut is large enough that the inner tube might poke through)
5. A bit of cash or a credit card

In one of my back pockets is a mini-tool.

 

[CAMPYBOB]

Tube
Patch kit
Spoke wrench
CO2 inflator
2 tire irons
Park Tool tire boot
Park Tool IB-12 multi-tool

In the jersey: cell phone, micro tire pump and the guy that's pulled my ass out of more hot water than MacGyver...our savior, in whom we trust.