
The same holds true if you’re going for time or racing-you want to carry as little weight as possible.
#Bike multi tool with torque wrench full#
If you've already got a bag full of books, clothes, notebooks and a laptop, you’ll want something small and efficient, micro even. Riding fast and light isn’t an excuse to leave your tools behind, but what you pick to bring on a light ride will probably look different from what’s necessary on a longer or more remote excursion.Ĭonsider all the “what if’s” about what you’re riding, where you’ll be, who you’ll have around, and which equipment you’ll need to fix things up if and when things go wrong and use those factors as a guide in choosing a bike tool kit. But not just any tool or set will suit you the same every time. Depending on the distance and terrain of your ride, the age of your bike and components, and your proximity to help will all factor into determining what tools you should keep handy.įrom regular maintenance, like fixing a flat or adjusting your chain, to making upgrades and geeking out on the finer mechanical details of your ride, having the right tools at the right time makes all the difference. It’s not a question of if you’ll bring tools, but what specific tools fit the bill. Think of your bike tool kit like your bike helmet: essential equipment. Know Before You Go: Everything You Need to Know About Torque Wrenches But when something goes awry or needs a fix, the right tools will get you back on the saddle in time to enjoy the rest of your ride-or at least make it home safely. Fixing it may be as simple as making a seat adjustment on a long ride. No matter how good your bike is or how well you take care of it, something’s going to give at some point-a flat most likely, maybe worse. Follow me on Instagram at What to Look For in a Bike Tool Kit

My garage is filled with my family’s precious collection of bikes, neatly organized and maintained for daily riding, racing, and adventures. Formerly the managing editor of VeloNews magazine and the operations director of DuVine Cycling + Adventure Co., where I cared for a fleet of nearly 100 bikes, I now guide gravel cycling and bikepacking tours with my company Alter Exploration. The Expert: I’ve been riding, racing, and lovingly caring for all variety of bikes for over 30 years. Best For Tubeless Repair: DynaPlug Racer.Best For MTB: Fix It Sticks Mountain Kit.Most Versatile: Wolf Tooth Components 8-Bit Pack Pliers.Best Overall: Fix It Sticks Compact Ratcheting Multi-tool.

Just like a great bike, the best bike tool kits will last for years or decades, if not a lifetime, if you care for them properly.

Figuring out what you need, either for your garage or to carry on your next ride, will ensure you're ready when your bike needs a tune-up.

They also span a wide spectrum of prices. Tool kits come in a wide array of sizes, with gear to fix lots of different problems. To make fixes with confidence, you'll need a decent bike tool kit-whether it's a simple multitool containing the most frequently used Allen keys, or something more robust with a range of tools like a chain breaker and a torque wrench. A dependable bike tool kit can remedy an unfortunate mishap and prevent a minor situation from turning your Sunday ride into a major catastrophe. It behooves anyone who rides a bicycle to know something about bike maintenance-and to have the ability to make basic adjustments and repairs on the go.
