There have been times when I have been so excited to get out on my mountain bike and hit the singletrack that I have forgotten to bring along an essential bicycle tool or something else that is important, like food or sunscreen. Not having the right bicycle tools or gear can not only make your mountain bike ride uncomfortable, but can be a safety issue.
A hydration pack works well for keeping all your bicycle tools and gear organized, which is basically a backpack that has a water bladder with a tube connected to it. Another option for carrying your tools and gear is to get a bicycle seat bag and a couple of water bottles if you have room on your frame for a couple of water bottle holders.
Bicycle Tool
It is always a balance between how much weight you want to carry with you and what needs to come along on the trail. It's good to get lightweight gear, but make sure it is also functional and that you know how to use it before you get stuck in an emergency on the trail.
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Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool (17-Function) Feature
- Includes 17 Tools
- Disc-Brake-Rotor-Friendly Torx T-25 Wrench
- Comes with Seven Hex Wrench Sizes
- Has a Universal Chain Tool
- Four Spoke Wrench Sizes
Crank Brothers Multi Bicycle Tool (17-Function) Overview
CrankBrothers Multi-17 Tool features both a chain tool and a disc-brake-rotor-friendly Torx T-25 wrench alongside the usual package. The Crank Brothers Multi 17 Tool has mountain bikers first in mind. Nothing besides a flat or a broken bone will stop your ride as quickly as a busted chain, and if you ride hard you're bound to snap a link sometime. The Multi 17 might not be the absolute lightest tool or smallest on the market, but the extra grams are well worth it because if you don't have the right tool when the chips are down, you're dead weight anyway. This tool features four spoke wrench sizes, seven hex wrench sizes, an 8mm and 10mm open wrench, and both a phillips and flathead screwdriver. Specs: Weight: 168 grams; Length - 3.5 inches; Frame - 6061-T6 aluminum; Tools - 6051 high tensile steel.Available In Stock. |
Multi-Tool:
This is a good item because it reduces the weight of carrying a bunch of tools. It should have various sizes of allen wrenches, hex wrenches, and both types of screwdrivers. Many multi-tools also include a chain tool and a spoke wrench. If your multi-tool has all these tools, you do not have to worry about bringing these tools separately.
Chain Tool:
A bicycle chain tool is necessary for repairing a broken chain. A couple extra links and pins for your chain are also important to have along.
Spoke Wrench:
If you wheel starts wobbling, this can be unsafe and cause your bike to malfunction. A spoke wrench is useful for tightening up the necessary spokes to straighten out the wheel.
Flat Tire Gear:
A spare tube and tire levers are important to take along on your mountain bike ride. There are many different types of tire pumps on the market that attach right to the bike frame. CO2 cartridges are great for quickly filling the tire with air. A tube repair kit is also good to have along in case your spare tube also goes flat. Believe me, it happens!
Water:
Having water along is a necessity. Hydration backpacks are handy but a couple water bottles work fine too.
Energy Snacks:
Mountain biking burns a lot of calories. Try to eat a good meal before riding and wait an hour or two after eating before hitting the trail. It is also important to bring some food along when riding, such as energy bars, gel shots, energy drink powder, fruit, and other lightweight snacks.
Sunscreen:
Being out on your mountain bike for hours means being exposed to the sun for prolonged periods of time. Do not forget to protect your skin. Chapstick with SPF is also great for protecting your lips.
Cash and ID:
It is a good idea to bring an ID and a little cash. You never know when you may need it. You can also use a dollar bill to temporarily patch a sidewall cut in your tire.
First Aid Kit:
It is important to bring along a first aid kit with basic essentials like bandages, medicine packets (such as ibuprofen, antibiotic ointment, and corticosteroid cream), and antibacterial wipes.
Warm Clothing:
Be prepared for changes in weather, especially in areas of high altitude. I have often run into cold or rainy conditions after beginning a ride in sunny hot weather, so now I always bring lightweight rain gear and extra layers of clothing. Cycling leg warmers and arm warmers are convenient because they are lightweight and easy to keep stashed in a jersey pocket, seat pack, or hydration backpack.
An extra pair of cycling socks is also good to have along in case your feet get wet. For cold weather conditions, full-finger mountain bike gloves and a cycling cap are good to have along since our head loses heat quicker than any part of our body in cold weather.
Be Prepared! Mountain Bike Tools and Gear Essentials For the Trail