Putting Together a Compact Tool Kit

Having a good compact tool kit is the key to getting you out of most mechanical problems and fixing flats to get you up and rolling again. This kit may not be needed most rides but the peace of mind that it gives when you are 30 miles away from home or your vehicle is priceless.  Even if you may not know how to use some of these items, simply having them along for the ride can still help you out.  Cyclists are friendly people and there is a good chance that one will stop if you are experiencing a problem and having the right tools for the job will help them help you. 

My kit contains a spare tube, a tool/parts bag, chain lube, CO2 cartridges and a digital pressure gauge.  The photo above shows the contents of my tool/parts bag.  This small bag keeps my items neatly together and is easily transferred from bike to bike depending on which I choose to ride.  These tools and parts will help me continue my ride whether I get a flat, break a chain, bend/break a derailleur hanger or need to do some wrenching on my bike.

The most common problem cyclist experience is a flat tire.  To repair a flat I carry a set of tire levers, spare tube and CO2 cartridge/inflator combo.  I use the Air Chuck Elite from Genuine Innovations because of its super compact size and ease of use.  For most rides I bring along only one tube (for century rides I will carry two) and keep it in the box or a ziploc bag to keep from it from rubbing or causing abrasions caused by jostling around in my seat or frame bag.  When only carrying one tube, having a Park Tool Super Patch Kit is my backup in the event of another flat.  On my fatbike I also have a frame pump which comes in handy for quick pressure adjustment or if a 20 gram CO2 cartridge isn't enough to fill those big tires to the desired pressure.  To read air pressure I like the small size, backlit digital readout and swivel head of the SKS Digital Airchecker.  I use it before every ride to make sure my tires are inflated to the proper pressure for the conditions I will be riding.

Something that happens to mountain bikers and gravel enthusiasts more than road cyclists is a sidewall tear in a tire.  A dollar bill, empty GU packet or Powerbar wrapper can be used to boot a tire so you can get to your destination or finish your ride.  To learn how to boot a tire, watch the video "How to Fix a Torn Sidewall on Your Mountain Bike".

For quick chain repair I carry a Park Tool Mini Chain Brute Chain Tool and a master link for each of my bikes.  This way I can transfer my tool bag from bike to bike and have the necessary link I may need.  These items don't take up much space in the bag and will save me in the event of a chain break.  This chain tool is also useful for sizing a new chain.

A very necessary part of my tool kit includes a set of Fix It Sticks Replaceables.  This compact multi-tool has saved me on numerous occasions and has the torque and leverage to get the job done.  I've used them for everything from tightening a loose cleat and changing my saddle height to working on my bikes in the stand.  For more information on this wonder tool, read my post Product Review: Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition & T-Way Wrench.

I carry a spare zip tie for securing brake and shifter cables to the frame.  During cold weather these zip ties become brittle and break leaving your cables dangling.  A compact bottle of lube for those really dusty rides (gravel/singletrack) will help keep your drivetrain running smoothly.

And finally, in the event of a crash that can bend or even break a derailleur hanger, having a spare in the tool bag can be a lifesaver.  Replacing a bent hanger will bring back that smooth shifting by aligning the cassette with the upper and lower jockey wheels.  Watch the video below to learn how to change a derailleur hanger.

A toolkit containing these items will save you from the long walk of shame back to the car or having to call someone to come pick you up.  Put together your own compact tool kit, learn to change a flat and how fix the most common mechanical issues you may face and you will never be stranded again.

Product Review: Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition & T-Way Wrench

I never go on a ride without being prepared for the unexpected and carrying a compact and versatile multi-tool that has leverage is a must for me.  I've used other multi-tools in the past but they didn't compare once Fix It Sticks came to the market.  Ever since finding out about them at Interbike 2013, they are all I carry and have come to the rescue on many occasions whether I was riding my mountain bike, fatbike or cyclocross bike.

Now that the new stronger steel Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition is available, it has even more versatility and the bits I need for all of my bikes.  The set doesn't take up much space in my seat pack or frame bag and when I need them for a task I snap them together to form a T-wrench.  With two position wrenching (see photo below) I have plenty of leverage and reach to get the job done.

It's nice having Fix It Sticks' variety of replaceable bits with me out on the trail or gravel roads.  They have come in quite handy on many occasions from adjusting the height of my saddle or realigning it after a crash, removing a skewer (no quick release) to change a flat and tightening a loose cleat on my Wölvhammers, just to name a few.

Strong Neodymium magnets hold the bits in place while wrenching and I can add any standard 1/4" bit from my toolbox to use if the need should arise.  This flexibility not only works great for use on my bikes but also for tasks around the house.  The set comes with eight of the most commonly used bits for road and mountain bikes.  It is the ultimate compact multi-tool with all of the leverage and torque I need to get me back in the saddle and riding should a repair or adjustment be needed.

Specifications

• Includes 8 interchangeable bits (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm Hex, Torx 25, Phillips #2)
• Accepts any standard ¼” bit
• All steel construction
• Neodymium magnets hold the bits securely in place
• Maximum torque: 54 Nm
• Weight: 118 grams

Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition sets are available from Fix It Sticks and can be ordered form your local Penn Cycle shop for $35.99.

The Fix It Sticks T-Way Wrench is a great new shop tool and bases its design on the original Fix It Sticks.  It features a permanently secured T-shape with a longer shaft and a speed spinner for quicker wrenching.  This longer shaft allows for exceptional leverage and reach for everything from building a bike to swapping out pedals.  Just like the Fix It Sticks Replaceable Edition, it accepts any standard 1/4" bit should I need more than the 7 interchangeable bits that it comes with.  It implements those same strong Neodymium magnets to hold the bits in place too.

The T-Way Wrench is my go-to tool when working on my bikes at home.  The torque is incredible and the reach gets me into most places to do my wrenching.  I love the speed spinner on the long shaft for tightening or loosening screws and bolts quickly.  Simply hold it between two fingers and spin the top of the T.  With its variety of bits and 3 ends to hold them it really is an extremely useful shop tool for under $30. 

Specifications

• Permanently secured T-shape for shop / garage use
• All steel construction
• Speed spinner for quick fastening
• Includes 7 interchangeable bits (2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm Hex, Torx 25)
• Accepts any standard ¼” bit
• Neodymium magnets hold the bits securely in place

Fix It Sticks T-Way Wrench is available from Fix It Sticks and can be ordered form your local Penn Cycle shop for $29.99.

Disclosure:  Fix It Sticks provided the review samples for this article, but offered no other form of compensation for this review.

Full Cycle Celebrates New Shop Expansion With Open House

Join Full Cycle in celebrating their new shop expansion at an Open House on Thursday, May 23 from 5:30-7:30 pm.  It will be a chance to tour the newly expanded space, meet with the staff and learn how Full Cycle changes lives.
 

Google Maps Street View

Image Credit:  Pillsbury United Communities

The new space is located directly behind their shop in the old Fire Station 17 building which is also home to Powderhorn Park Neighborhood Association and the Land Stewardship Project.

Image Credit:  Full Cycle

It will be an evening of appetizers, drinks and bike talk.  Come by to see their new space, learn from the dedicated staff how the shop works and how their internship program helps homeless and street-dependent youth.  This free event is open to the public and you are encouraged to RSVP online.  For Google Maps driving directions to Full Cycle, click here.

To learn more about Full Cycle see my post Full Cycle Bike Shop-Changing Lives One Bike at a Time.

Full Cycle is an integral part of Pillsbury United Communities, a Minneapolis-based nonprofit that helps create choice, change and connection.

Full Cycle Bike Shop-Changing Lives One Bike at a Time

Credit:  Fullcyclebikeshop.org

Matt Tennant is the founder and director of Full Cycle which is a nonprofit business of the Pillsbury United Communities in south Minneapolis.  The bike shop employs and trains a couple dozen at-risk homeless youth under the age of 23 each year through its six month paid internship program.

Matt discover years ago while working at a homeless shelter that by bringing in bikes to work on, the youth there would open up to him, drop their guard and show an interest in working on bikes.  In 2002 Matt developed the concept for Full Cycle to implement what he had learned and to teach these young people bike repair, business skills and to provide them with a sense of pride and accomplishment to better their lives.  This, in turn gave them a break from the stresses of life on the streets, provided employment, taught business skills, supplied access to resources and changed lives.

Full Cycle is a full service bike shop open to the public and sells new and used bikes, parts and accessories.  They have mountain bikes, road bikes, BMX, hybrids and kids bikes in their large ever changing inventory.  So if you are looking for something specific, give them a call or stop by the shop and they will set you up.  Experienced bike mechanics and paid interns provide a wide array of bike repair services from parts replacement and adjustments to tune-ups and overhauls.  Revenue from bike sales and services funds the programs that Full Cycle provides for homeless youth.

Full Cycle accepts bike donations that will help furnish training opportunities and transportation for its interns and all donations are tax deductible.  They will also recycle damaged bikes for a $10 fee.  These can be dropped off at their shop during business hours.  If you would like to donate in another way, please consider making a tax deductible donation online through the Pillsbury United Communities (PUC).

Full Cycle also has a Free Bike Program that allows homeless youth the opportunity to build their own custom bike in the shop from donated parts.  If you would like to set up an appointment or know someone that would, contact Matt Tennant or Crystal Brinkman at 612-824-7581.

Full Cycle shop details

Location:
3515 Chicago Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN  55407
Phone:  612-824-7581
Google Maps

Shop hours:
Tuesday, 12 pm - 6 pm
Thursday, 12 pm - 6 pm
Friday, 12 pm - 6 pm
Saturday, 11 am - 6 pm (May-October)

On the web:
Fullcyclebikeshop.org
Follow on Twitter:  @FullCycleBike
Like on Facebook

Matt Tennant, Crystal Brinkman, Rita Van Allen and the Pillsbury United Communities provide a valuable service for homeless youth in the Twin Cities through Full Cycle.  Support this great program in any way you can through donations and your patronage.  If you would like to apply for an internship or know of someone who could benefit from it, download the application, fill it out and submit by e-mail, mail to Matt or Crystal (3515 Chicago Avenue South  Minneapolis, MN  55407) or stop by in person at the shop.

A Small Investment Now Can Save You From a Big Walk Later

My wife and I recently decided to ride a route in St. Paul that we hadn't done before.  We wanted to see some other areas of the city that we normally don't ride.  We decided to follow the 30 mile Grand Round route of the St. Paul Classic Bike Tour.  We started out on our ride from Summit Ave. and proceeded to follow the route.  Things were going great until we made it to Lake Como where my wife got a flat tire.  We were unprepared to make an on-the-fly fix of the problem.

Needless to say, her ride was over for the day.  I had to ride another eight miles leaving her behind to get our vehicle and return to pick up her and her bike.  If she was riding solo it would have been a very long walk back to her car.  Had we only been prepared, we could have avoided this problem and continued our ride with just a brief pit stop.

One of our first stops on the way home was to Penn Cycle to get the flat tube replaced and to purchase the necessary gear to make sure this doesn't happen again.   For about $45 we picked up a spare tube, a set of tire levers and a Proflat Elite CO2 Tire Inflator.  

These items are small enough to take with you on every ride so you are prepared for the unexpected.  They easily fit into a seat, frame or trunk bag and will keep you from having to make that long walk back if you do experience a flat.  You can fix that flat in just a few minutes and be back on your bike to enjoy the rest of your ride.  It's a small investment to prevent a major inconvenience.

If you have never had to change a flat before, watch the short video below for a quick tutorial.

Great deals during the off-season

The months of January and February are a great time to head down to your local bike shop for some off season specials to get you ready for the upcoming riding season.  You can get a great deal on close outs of last year's model bikes as shops bring in 2012 inventory for Spring.  I recently got an excellent price on a brand new 2011 Trek Mamba 29'er.  I can't wait for the snow to melt so I can try it out at the Lebanon Hills Regional Park mountain bike trails.
Another reason for heading to your local bike shop now is for the quick turn around getting bike repairs, tune ups and overhauls completed before everyone else gets the idea. Once the weather starts warming up, cyclists will start bringing in their bikes and mechanics will be busy again. You can also get some great deals for off-season bike overhauls to keep mechanics working during the slow part of the year.
With a little advanced preparation during the Winter months, you'll be ready to ride on your new or tuned up bike while other cyclists are just starting to get theirs out of storage.  Come on Spring!