Every tool and spare you need to take on a ride
When you start cycling, it can be challenging to know what you might need, tools and spares wise. I didn't personally have much help or advice when I first started and had to learn the hard way. There were many walks to train stations with snapped chains and tires full of thorns that wouldn't repair with a patch kit.
I decided that I'd make a vlog all about what essential tools and spares you should take when you are out riding for roadside repairs. I do affiliate for companies, so any link you go through here does give me a little commission, but it doesn't cost you any more. Legally I have to tell you this. If you don't fancy a read, you can check the video out. It is below. If not, here's the list of all the items and why you need them.
Saddle Bag
The first thing to mention is the carry bag you are going to need to keep all your tools and spares in. I personally use an Altura Night Vision. This is the older model, but I really like it, and it has lasted years and years and still is going strong. I tend not to use jersey pockets. I got mine from Amazon, and it turned up in about a day.
Spare Tube
I personally carry two inner tubes but being tubeless, it is a little overkill, but you never know when you might have a couple of issues at one time. The first tube is just a cheap and cheerful from amazon, but the second mini emergency tube is what they call a Continental Supersonic, and they weigh nothing and take up next to no space.
Remember to get the right tube size for your tyres, if you have a mountain bike you will need a larger tube than if you have a road bike with drop bars. They can be challenging to get, but mine normally come from Amazon.
Multi-Tool
This is what I use the Topeak Hexus X. Even though I called it a Hexus 2 in the video, I was wrong. This is the best value multi-tool that you will find on the market, and they are excellent. I am on my second one of these, and the first was building bikes of mine for years. The beauty of the Hexus X is it just does everything that you will ever need, and it's tough, small, and surprisingly light. This will have the tire levers on it you will need and even works as a chain tool and Allen key set.
Spare Chain Link
I have only once needed to change a chain-link while out riding, and unfortunately, I didn't have any spare. I'm pretty hot on maintenance now, so I see very few broken chains. I do recommend carrying a couple of links because they take up no space and weigh the whole of about one single gram. The link below is the 11-speed Shimano compatible links.
Link to Buy
Pump
Of course, you are going to need a pump. It is probably one of the most vital things and will save you endless times. We recommend getting a decent one and not something that is going to break quickly. The PRO pump I'm using here has lasted me for years but isn't the most efficient when it comes to pumping up a tire, and it does take some time. Perfect for road bikes, not so good for mountain bikes. You might also want to take a valve core remover tool, but you will very rarely ever need one. I have recommended the PRO BIKE KIT pump here because it is available and much cheaper, quicker and soon sorts out flat tyres.
Spare Derailleur Hanger
Everyone reading this will more than likely need a different hanger, so I can't recommend which one you will need unless you ride a Lynskey GR270. Ensure you get the right one for your bike and carry it everywhere with you when you are out riding. This is what your rear derailleur connect to and is a very vital part of the bike.
Tubeless Repair Plug
If you are running a tubeless system, you will want to have a tubeless plug kit. They mean if the hole is a little too big and doesn't seal itself, then you can plug it to hopefully fill the gap and let it fix. This many a time has saved me from putting a tube in and means when you do have issues with your tires, you typically don't even need to take the wheel out to fix the problem. I highly recommend these in your spare parts bag.
Patch Kit
Although you may have tubeless and spare inner tubes, you will always want to take a patch kit. They weigh absolutely nothing and are a great line of defense if everything else goes wrong. I use a Topeak patch kit, and it has saved me a few times in the last couple of years, especially on my bikes which are not tubeless setups.
Typically any good local bike shop will keep all these or alternatives of these tools and spares. That is everything I take when I go out on a bike ride. I do highly recommend taking lights. Even if it's in the day, anything that can help you be more seen is vital.
Another thing I didn't mention is a £5 note in case you rip a tyre, but that's not something I take. Typically a gel wrapper works better, or even duct tape. Enjoy the list, and if you have any questions, drop me a message on my Instagram @ridingwithrobbie.