Phil (ascentale)3d ago

@ai6yr asks:

I broke a chain for the first time, far from home! Luckily, the local bike shop was downhill. I coasted down & paid them to replace the chain (needed a spare anyway, took the old broken one home to add new links and re-wax). It appears I'm not packing all the tools I need.

Q4. What tools should I carry on all bike rides? (I usually carry a patch kit & small pump, but no chain tool nor master link) What else am I missing?!

#BikeNiteQ #BikeNite #BikeTooter cc @bikenite

Show threadSam Whited3d ago

@ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite I generally carry a multitool that includes a chain breaker and a small set of chain quicklink pliers (that has a storage compartment for a spare link) so if I need to I can re-wrap it and fix it in one gear even if it's too short, but I normally tell people not to worry about chains, there's only so much you can prepare for. For most people I just recommend a basic multi-tool, some tire levers, and a spare tube.

#BikeNite

Show threadAI6YR Ben
@sam @ascentale @bikenite #BikeNite Thanks! Sounds like I should look for small quicklink pliers, if the multitool I am ordering doesn't have them built in.
Apr 3 at 11:30pmWeb
Show threadSam Whited3d ago

@ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite these are the portable ones I keep in my tool roll under the saddle, they're small and can fit a spare link!

https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/products/pack-pliers

#BikeNite

Pack Pliers - Master Link Combo Pliers

Show threadDoug Cutting3d ago
@sam @ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite I have those same pliers, but I never need them while out riding. A chain tool & master link have proven useful on many occasions however and I wouldn't ride without them.
Show threadNNN3d ago

@cutting @sam @ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite

I carry a CrankBrothers with chain tool, so carrying a second chain tool just for quick links seems silly. So I just don't bother with quick links.

Show threadDoug Cutting2d ago
@NNN @sam @ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite Right, you only need the pliers to remove a quick link, not to install one. When the chain breaks you remove the broken link with the chain tool, insert the quick link with your fingers, then use your foot on the crank to tension the chain enough to pop the quick link closed, no pliers needed.
Show threadrowmyboat2d ago
@sam @ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite that's got a valve core tool on it, which reminds me -- I keep a valve core tool & a couple spare valve cores in my tool pouch. #BikeNite
Show threadAI6YR Ben2d ago
@rowmyboat @sam @ascentale @bikenite Oooh, do those things fall out?!?!?
Show threadrowmyboat2d ago
@ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite I break them with some frequency. Some tubes have removable/replaceable ones & some do not. I try to get tubes with removable cores so that I can, you know, continue to inflate my tires after breaking a core.
Show threadSam Whited2d ago

@rowmyboat @ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite I've never had one come loose or break, but I carry a few if I'm running tubeless so that if I did break one I wouldn't have to throw my spare tube (which I also carry) in. For bikes already running tubes I just use the spare tube.

#BikeNite

Show threadoheso2d ago

@sam @ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite I got these after having a link come apart on a ride. A new chain, too! They're in my saddle bag on my touring bike.

#BikeNite

Show threadAI6YR Ben2d ago
@oheso @sam @ascentale @bikenite Thanks! These look like the ones people recommend.
Show threadAlper3d ago
@ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite Quicklinks can be undone with a 4mm string. Not the most elegant solution but lightest to carry and do the job as needed.
Show threadMatthew Newell3d ago

@alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite

Gonna try that. Many thanks

Show threadInky says "What the hell?!"1d ago

@alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite How do you do that?

#BikeNite

Show threadrand ❌👑1d ago
@InkySchwartz @alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite You just need to squeeze. so you loop the string to each side of the quicklink, then tie it into a loop and then insert a stick or tire lever and turn (and turn and turn). The loop will contract and open the quicklink. #BikeNite
Show threadAI6YR Ben1d ago
@rand @InkySchwartz @alper @sam @ascentale @bikenite BRILLIANT!
Show threadInky says "What the hell?!"1d ago
@rand @alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite Very cool. So what kind of string do you use? Monofiliment?
Show threadrand ❌👑1d ago
@InkySchwartz @alper @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite you could probably use your shoelace. But I’ve never tried it, but I see no reason it wouldn’t work.
Show threadAlper1d ago

@rand @InkySchwartz @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite Normally I only use brute force. Never needed mechanical advantage with a lever. The only issue doing it by force is that link come undone very unexpectedly and sometimes violently.

Any string that is thin enough to pass the narrow link and not stretch is usable. You need to apply reasonable amount of force so it need to be long enough to wrap it around your hands too.

Show threadSam H (he/him)1d ago
@alper @rand @InkySchwartz @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite
I'd use a small stick/Allen key to twist the string like a tourniquet.
A lot safer and less effort.
Show threadSam Whited23h ago

@rand @InkySchwartz @alper @ai6yr @ascentale @bikenite I've done this before in a pinch, works fine (though I prefer to just carry the tool and not have to deal with it, especially since the tool gives me a convenient place to store an extra link).

#BikeNite

Show threadrand ❌👑3d ago
@ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite I bought a pair of these https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/tools/products/8-bitpack-pliers, so far so good (I should another one for my other bike…) #BikeNight
8-Bit Pack Pliers

Show threadAI6YR Ben3d ago
@rand @sam @ascentale @bikenite Oooh, interesting.
Show threadLloyd Lemons2d ago
@rand @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite
Wow. That's SOME tool. I've never heard of it before. Let us know how you like it. Thanks for the post.
Show threadrand ❌👑1d ago
@lloydlemons @ai6yr @sam @ascentale @bikenite It is not robust, but it is small and lightweight so easy to cary. The bits are held in place by magnets, which can make it tricky to remove from their storage, and simultaneously easy to become disconnected and fall to the ground. So it is preferable to work over a hard surface, rather than say grass, gravel or sand when the bits might just disappear. Overall I'm happy to have it along. #BikeNite