@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

@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

@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.

@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

@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.

@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.

@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.