Crank It Cycles

OK, for when the maintenance plan mentioned in an earlier article hasn't worked - what tools should you carry? Here's what I consider to be an essential Mt Biker's tool kit:

• Spare tube with correct valve for your rim - even if you have tubeless (sealant is only good for holes up to 3mm in size.)
• Tyre levers, at least 2.
• Pump, configured for your valves and tested recently
• Patch kit, in case you pinch the tube or get a 2^nd flat
• Tyre boot, or you can use an empty gel sachet a le Cabin, to cover a large cut in a tyre
• Multi-tool, with allen keys and screw drivers to suit your bike, minimum: Phillips and flat head screw drivers and Allen keys 3mm, 4mm, 5mm
• Chain breaker, a decent one, I don't trust the ones on cheap multi-tools
• Rag to clean parts and your hands
• 2 SRAM Powerlinks for your chain (i.e 8 or 9 speed) - much faster to use and more reliable in the field than pins and they work with all brands of chain. A length of spare links is handy too.
• Zip ties - it's amazing what you can fix with these!
• Emergency Fuel - your favourite gel or bar

Most of this stuff doesn't take up much space and I use an old film canister or patch kit box for the small bits so they don't let lost. About the only thing I leave behind on road rides is the Chain Breaker and links.

Author: Phil.

Extras, for epic rides like Karapoti, or if you want to be invincible:

• 2^nd spare tube
• Lube just in case cables get gunged up or chain gets dry, a general purpose one like Tri Flow
• CO₂ gun and full cartridge if speed is important, good for seating tubeless tyres
• Spoke key for your wheels (some multi-tools have these)

I use a hydration pack for Mt Biking and my tool kit lives in it, so it never gets left behind on a ride. Check the kit from time to time to make sure everything's there and working and replenish anything used for repairs immediately, including the tube - I forgot before Karapoti one year, fortunately I didn't need it, but unfortunately I gave my bag away on the pretext that there was a spare tube in it (sorry, Matt.)