@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?!
@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.
@sam @ascentale @ai6yr @bikenite #BikeNIte A4 I have an old lightweight multitool that lives in my MTB saddlebag. It has a chain breaker, a couple of open-end wrenches (8 and 10mm, I think?) and at least three sizes of Allen. Sadly, no one seems to make these any more.
The Allen keys are the ones I need most often. On other bikes (because I don't have enough multi-tools) I carry the Allens each bike needs, plus maybe a mini adjustable wrench (which I haven't needed yet) and a few zip ties.
Phil (ascentale)
Sam Whited
Akkana Peck