A basic toolkit consists of standard tools, many of which you may already have.
- A pump with a gauge – Presa or Schrader
- Flathead Screwdrivers – small, medium & large
- Phillips Screwdriver – small & medium
- Tire Levers x 3
- Spare Inner Tubes x 2
- Puncture repair Outfit
- Adjustable Wrench – 6 inch
- Pliers – needle nose and regular
- Set of metric Allen keys – 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm
- Torx Keys – common sizes are T25 & T30
- Pedal Wrench – 15mm
- Chain Tool
- Chain Elongation Gauge
- Spoke Key – to match your spokes!!!
- Grease – specific to bikes
- Chain lubricant
- Rubbing Alcohol
- Electrical Tape
- Rags – lots
- Safety Glasses
- Rubber Gloves
- Bucket, dish soap, large brushes, sponges
What Tools to Carry
I have seen some many people walking back to the car park with a broken bike. All because they did not carry a few basic tools. You should always carry a tool kit that works with your bike. I have 2 bikes and each has its own tool kit specific to the bike.
You should carry as a minimum:
- Small Bag to keep your tools in.
- Spare Inner tube – always carry 1, but you should carry 2
- Pump – be aware of your valve type (Presta or Schrader), or carry an air cartridge
- Tire levers – at least 2, but 3 are better
- Puncture repair kit
- Small screwdrivers for adjusting derailleurs etc. (multitool)
- Allen keys – 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm and 8mm (multitool)
- Torx T25 key (multitool)
- Spoke key – and the knowledge to use it!
- Chain tool (multitool)
- Spare chain links
- Rubber gloves
- Zip ties
- Tape – wrapped round your pump body
- Power link tool (cold winter days)
Most of these tools can be found on a good multitool, so it is always worth spending as much as you can afford on one. Also, when riding in a group you can spread the weight around so everyone carries a few bits and you don’t duplicate loads of the same tools, but bear in mind should you get split up the tool you need maybe at the bottom of the hill and you are not!!!
