Tools
Tools
Equipping yourself with a basic selection of tools and spares will go a long way in getting you back on the road should you suffer a mechanical issue. Fortunately this doesn’t mean having to tow a trailer with your tool box behind you, with compact and lightweight multi-tools available that can easily be carried on your person or on the bike.
In your saddle bag pack you should have two spare inner tubes along with tyre levers just in case you need an extra aid to remove the tyre from the rim. One tip is to put the tubes in a plastic bag before packing to isolate them from anything else in the saddle bag and prevent puncturing the tube through the vibration and rubbing movement that can happen when riding.
Often you can slip a multi-tool, with all of the essential allen keys as well as a chain splitter, inside the bag as well, and some bags have a dedicated tool pocket for this. Lezyne’s glueless patch kit has bailed me out on a number of occasions along with their tyre boot that can be used to mend a split tyre should the unthinkable happen. A lightweight mini-pump is the final on-bike essential that you shouldn’t overlook. Aside from that a spare tyre, chain and chain lube should all make their way into your kit bag.