A couple years ago, no tools ๐ . I was commuting between home and campus just a mile away, so if something went wrong Iโd just lock the bike and come for it later.
Nowadays, just a few to do an inner tube & chain replacement, and some other small bits that might come in handy.
- 2 spanners (one adjustable)
- Backup lights & head torch
- Tyre levers & adhesive puncture patches
- Mini track-style pump
- Screwdriver for the chain enclosure
- Pliers for the rollerbrakes and internal hub gear cables
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Iโve found the head torch to be surprisingly helpfulโฆ Had a puncture in the dark once, and without that I would have been there a while lol
I donโt commute with any tools. I have pubic transit options throughout my ride, so if I have a mechanical issue itโs quicker and easier to lock up, catch a bus or train, and deal with it on my way home. Iโve only even needed to do this a handful of times in nearly a decade of commuting.
For weekend rides where Iโm farther from reliable transit, Iโll take a pump, tubeless plugs, innertube, multitool, zipties, and quicklink tool+extra links.
Iโve gotten a surprising amount of mileage out of one of those folding bicycle multi-tool things. I donโt remember what brand (or non-brand) mine is. I picked it out of the bargain bin at my local bike shop in like 1999. I owned it for at least a decade before I figured out the scales come off the sides and they act as tire levers. The thing is capable of acting as a driver for almost every fastener on my bike and is also a spoke wrench, chain breaker and reassembler, and headstock nut spanner wrench. Of course, I can tell you how many times Iโve ever had to adjust spokes, break a chain, or tighten a steering stem nut out in the field, and that is zero. But the thought is nice, I guess.
I used to carry a CO2 inflator but I donโt anymore, because I determined that these are a pain in the ass. I have a small frame mount pump instead, again of unknown generic brand and origin.
A spare tube. Some zip ties. Some self adhesive tube patches which now that I think about it are probably expired. And I never leave the house without a small flashlight, Leatherman tool, and lighter.
Since my ride is also now an e-bicycle (complete with generic Chinese rear wheel hub conversion) I also determined that keeping a small adjustable wrench in my seat post bag is essential, becauseโฆ The motor hub has a bolt on axle, not the quick release that my original axle had. Duh. The first flat I picked up on that thing found me busting the axle nut off with my Leatherman tool, which I got away with but was not ideal.
I carry a large Soma Stash storage bottle containing the tools below. When I switch bikes itโs quick and easy to move the bottle from one bike to another.
- Folding multi tool (hex wrenches, screwdrivers, chain breaker)
- Tire levers
- Patch kit
- Extra tube
- CO2 cartridge & inflation valve
- Rag for wiping my hands clean, and preventing things form rattling in the bottle
I also carry a small hand pump, usually attached to the frame but sometimes in a bag.
The redundant tube/patch kit and pump/CO2 cartridge helps accommodate my mood. Sometimes I have the patience to patch and pump on the side of the road. Other times I just want to slap in a new tube and get home; Iโll deal with the damaged tube later.
Repair kit, poncho, cable lock, ulock, spare tube, pump, and safety glasses for night riding.
Maybe Iโm thinking of the wrong kind but why would you need safety glasses for riding at night?
I wear cycling glasses all the time when riding, for the same reason as @FartsWithAnAccent@lemmy.world to keep the bugs out. They also prevents my eyes from tearing up during the winter
Used to wear safety glasses, but jumped to cycling ones after a while because people would just uncomfortably stare ๐ญ
Multi tool, spoke tightener, spare spokes, chain link, mini-pump, tire levers, co2, patch kit, 3 tubes, zip ties and a dollar bill. In 30+ years commuting I have used them all. Currently ride a Surly Disc-trucker that comes with spare spokes on frame. Worst day was 3 flats so will replace with new tube for speed but will also patch tube and store just in case I set a new personal worst for flats.
Dollar bill useful if cut in tire, place on inside of tire over hole and will prevent tube from bulging through cut. Dollar fabric is sturdy and lasts for miles.
I have two cygolite 750 rechargable headlights that are always on bike day or night so I donโt need a headlamp.
Most fits in under seat bag but ride with saddlebags, extra tubes in bags. Always have light riding jacket in saddlebags as well. Pump is on frame.
Like @FartsWithAnAccent@lemmy.world I use safety glasses, Iโm an old fart so IDGAF if people stare.