Heeeyho Readers! Do you carry bicycle tools on your rides?

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There are two types of cyclists. The ones who go out carrying a whole bag of tools and spare parts, pump, emergency kit, etc. And there's me... who goes out with a cellphone and basic multi-tool. What specimen are you?

The second type never carries specific tools on bicycle rides until something goes wrong. Then, we [not to say dumb me] are hanging beside the road thinking: "Why the hell don't I carry the damn tools." That's my story.

A few weeks ago I broke a derailleur hanger (the aluminum insert that fix a rear derailleur to the frame). A quick emergency fix involves cutting the chain and going home on a single 'fixed' speed. But I didn't have a chain cutter {sigh}.

^{Teenie-weenie bicycle tools}

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The internet is certainly the best modern problem-solver. After click-clicking on a famous Chinese marketplace, I found a cool kit of two useful emergency tools. You see, my issue with carrying stuff on the bike is the added weight, which, for competition-oriented rides is quite annoying. The way around the problem is finding minimalist emergency tool kits.

Tubeless Repair

Sometimes a tire puncture is big enough that the sealant doesn't work. When that's the case, we need to plug the hole using an insertion tool and rubber plugs — that I never have... until now.

^{Tubeless repair tool}

This little tool is incredibly useful, though I never had the chance to find a minimalist one (compact, lightweight, discrete) that's also cheap. I hope to never need it, since its use means dealing with nasty punctures {laughs}.

^Compact

The tool comes packed in a well-constructed anodized aluminum case that's smaller than a women's lipstick — truly teenie! I believe the case is big enough to hold a spare Presta valve core and maybe a spare chain missing-link. Gotta test and see.

Chain cutter

This cute chain cutter is by far my favorite. A chain cutter (or chain breaker) is rarely used on a bicycle ride, but it's the tool to solve the problem when it comes. In other words: there's no way to fix a broken chain without one. Still, most chain breakers are bulky and heavy to carry on the bicycle all the time. Not the case with this one.

^{Chain breaker}

It works by fixing the chain between the two anodized aluminum parts. The left bit holds the chain in place, whereas the bit on the right contains the pin remover. We still need an Allen key to turn the bolt that pushes the pin.

^{Chain breaker and multi-tool}

I tested on a 12-speed chain and the tool removed the pin without any problems. Although sturdy and well-constructed, it's worth noting that this is an emergency tool that's not meant for everyday use. Let's see if it lasts (by the looks, it will). Compare it to a regular chain breaker below. Isn't it shockingly small?

^{Minimalist chain cutter vs. regular cutter}

Attachments

Both tools came with expanders to fix them inside the handlebar. To be honest, I don't feel safe having them dangling in there. Plus, if for any reason they detach, it would be annoying to take them out. It's an option though. I found it safer to put both tools plus a multi-tool inside a pocket knife pouch that was laying around in a drawer. The pouch goes in my jersey pocket and voila. Easy, compact, safe, minimalist.

^{Handlebar attachments}

Uff! Feeling a lot safer now.

I don't know why it took me so long to get these tools. And I hope they are not used anytime soon. Now my emergency kit is complete and contains the following:

• Tubeless repair kit
• Compact chain breaker
• Compact pump
• Missing-link

On giganormous rides far away from home (+100km) I add the following:

• Spare derailleur hanger
• Emergency tube (on top of having tubeless wheels)
• Carry-on chain lube
• Puncture repair including levers and patches

Do you carry bicycle tools on your rides?

I'm curious to know what the fella cyclists carry. Do you have any minimalist tools? Let me know in the comments.

Happy rides!

Peace.

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Disclaimer: The author of this post is a convict broke backpacker, who has travelled more than 10.000 km hitchhiking and more than 5.000 km cycling. Following him may cause severe problems of wanderlust and inquietud. You've been warned.

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I'm Arthur. I blog about Adventure Stories, Brazil, Travel, Camping, & Life Experiences.

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