We all have our favorite gear that we use while cycling. Some are pretty much standard. I thought I would share some of my favorites and why they are my favorites.
1. Park Mini Tool IB-2
Most bike shops carry a full line of bike tools from Park or Pedros. Both are good. I am familiar with the Park tools not to say that any others are just as good. Consult with your local bike shop (LBS). This is a great light and small multi-purpose tool sufficient for local rides. Unlike most smaller tools, this one has allen keys that go up to 8 mm.

2. Park Chain Tool CT-5
While a lot of multi-tools have a chain tool, they tend to get big, heavy and the tool is cumbersome to use. I prefer the CT-5 since it is light and is easier to grip.

3. Park Tire Lever Set TL-1
These are perfect since they are plastic, light and durable. They conveniently stack-on together for storage in you saddle bag and they come as a set of three. While most difficult repairs can easily be done with two levers, it is nice to have an extra for that difficult tire or if you lose one during one of your road repairs which is common.

4. Spare tubes
First and most importantly, pre-powder your tubes with some baby powder and store into a plastic bag. This makes both installation and removal easier. While most bike mechanics swear it is not necessary to pre-powder your tubes, I find that it both makes subsequent removal a lot easier and the tube tends to seat into the tire/wheel better during installation reducing a chance of a pitch flat. Some tube manufacturer�s sell pre-talced tubes but the ones that I found are super light and easily flat. Unless you have a sag mobile, don�t get these light tubes unless you like to repair flats. Consult your local bike shop (LBS) for recommendations. Also, make sure you get tubes with long enough stems that you can easily attach your pump/Co2 chuck.

5. Park Emergency Tire Boot TB-2
This is a must. Should debris in the road puncture a large hole or slit, your tube could blow out of the hole/slit. Remember, these tubes are under a lot of pressure and when you ride, you are placing more pressure onto the tire. If you find a large hole/slit, use one of these boots. In a pinch, some cyclist use paper currency or power bar wrappers. If you use currency, try to use a one dollar bill because the U.S. Treasury uses higher thread count paper on one dollar bills since they are handled more.

6. Park Pre-glued Super Patch GP-2
Should you have a need to do a road repair of your tube, I prefer the pre-glued patches. Quick and easy! Try fixing a flat in the dark or rain using glue. I admit the older glue and patch method is better but I prefer to save that repair for when I get home. Trust me, you will not regret have a pack.

7. C02 Cartridge
For convenience, CO2 cartridges are great but keep in mind you only get one shot per cartridge. After you use up your CO2, you are stuck. Therefore, carry three cartridges. I don�t have the greatest hand dexterity and strength, therefore, I prefer using the threaded CO2 cartridges. Also, I prefer 16 gram cartridges to insure more than enough air to inflate even a 32 mm tube and to allow for mistakes. The 12 gram cartridges generally will not be enough to full inflate a 23 mm tire to max pressure. Most people use 12 gram cartridges because they are easy to get at sport shops and a lot cheaper. Be careful buying cartridges from your LBS unless you want to send them on a nice vacation during the off season.  Use eBay and you will find some great deals on 16 gram threaded cartridges. Buy together with a friend or two and buy a box of 50. There are several regular sellers that routinely have bulk deals with �Buy it Now�.

8. Planet Bike CO2 Red Zepplin Tire Inflator
I find this inflator tool to be the best for me. It uses the threaded CO2 cartridges and the inflator attaches to the tube by threading onto the stem. This makes handling everything easier. Best yet, it has a large turn-valve that you can slowly turn to first inject a small amount of air into the tire to check for proper tire seating before fully inflating the tire. And if you have some spare air, you can easily store the inflator/cartridge in your saddle bag to use maybe to partially inflate the next tube prior to installation into the tire/rim.

9. Chain Quick Link
Should you either break or jam you chain, you could find yourself up the creek without a paddle if you do not have the means to do some type of road repair. Even experience cyclist will drop a chain and risk breaking it. On longer trips, I even carry a spare piece of chain, but that can be a bit too much for everyday. Overall, the best thing is to have a chain tool (Park CT5) that will allow you to remove the damaged section and then use a Quick Link to join the ends of the chain together. Be careful and consult you LBS since there are different links for chains. Be prepared to spend a few dollars since they can range from $5 � $15 bucks. Well worth it when you break your chain. While this will allow you remove the damage section of chain, you will need to be careful not shifting your bike gears into the big combinations that require more chain. Again, consult your local bike shop for tips.

Longer Rides
The above gear will get you by for most situations/rides near home. When doing longer rides or further away from home, you may want to consider the following.
     1. Frame pump
     2. Leatherman/Swiss Army multi-purpose hand tool
     3. Extra tube
     4. Two extra CO2 cartridges
     5. Small amount of duct tape.
     6. Small first aid kit including items for road rash.
     7. For areas with bad roads, even consider carrying a spare tire!

A great bike service reference from Park Tool is the Big Blue Book. This book is an invaluable reference for beginners.


Missie Wakefield
Certified Bike Fitter and Mechanic
Bike Fit Solutions