Post by: Timb on 24 October, 2022, 07:36:02 am
One of the heaviest things I carry when I do audax is my repair kit. I wish I could make this slightly lighter, however, dont think I can really take anything out. I ride fixed gear and do rides over 200k. I would welcome any suggestions of things I can change or drop to try to make this as efficient as possible.
It consists of -
2 inner tubes
Electrical tape
Small amount of chain lube
Zip ties
Spare chain link
Latex gloves
Tyre levers
Multi tool
Gerber dime for pliers
Patch repair kit
15mm spanner
(https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/52428842071_228392d678_z.jpg) (https://flic.kr/p/2nSXw9X)260A3312-998E-47ED-80E3-4EB6AF63EE83 (https://flic.kr/p/2nSXw9X) by Tim B (https://www.flickr.com/photos/196720737@N03/), on Flickr
Post by: Bikeabilityman on 24 October, 2022, 08:40:03 am
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 08:44:27 am
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 24 October, 2022, 09:20:11 am
Oh, and throw in one of these (or maybe a couple and give them away as and when to other riders) - https://www.wiggle.co.uk/tufo-valve-key?lang=en&curr=GBP&dest=1&sku=5360406920&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=&utm_medium=base&gclid=CjwKCAjw79iaBhAJEiwAPYwoCGFTG8MP3YiBQ6_k997bjgdBnTEWdLWmV94VTGQJqqrxGy2Typ13thoCjvAQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Post by: Deano on 24 October, 2022, 09:43:26 am
You could get a lighter spanner and multitool, and when do you really need to use the pliers? I can only think of a handful of times I've needed a set.
Post by: grams on 24 October, 2022, 09:49:04 am
But I don’t see anything excessive here. It seems about the right amount of stuff.
Post by: phantasmagoriana on 24 October, 2022, 09:50:28 am
When I had a fixed gear bike, I had a stubby 15mm spanner instead of a full-length one, like so (https://www.lasertools.co.uk/Product/2812/Stubby-Combination-Spanner-15mm).
Post by: freeflow on 24 October, 2022, 09:55:22 am
Post by: Karla on 24 October, 2022, 09:57:23 am
Consider ditching the oil and tape.
Oh, and definitely replace those crappy Lezyne patches with some proper ones. Especially do this if you go down to one tube - you want some patches that reliably stick.
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 24 October, 2022, 10:16:47 am
Don't think there'd be much use for a gear cable there ;D
You could get a lighter spanner and multitool, and when do you really need to use the pliers? I can only think of a handful of times I've needed a set.
They're good for snares though but, like when we had to be self-sufficient on that Belgian ride...
Post by: Rando-nurr on 24 October, 2022, 10:37:14 am
Post by: arabella on 24 October, 2022, 10:40:59 am
no pliers but I don't in general used quick links, I take spare links for the fixed. If geared then I merely remove the offending (broken) link. [note to self - need to update spare links as I*'ve put a new chain on the fixie]
lock, lights, spare batts ... coin to open the lights to change the batts
*fsvo 'I'
Post by: Timb on 24 October, 2022, 10:42:05 am
I’ll check out the Halfords tool and have a look at smaller multitools and the jethro tule. Certainly plenty of things to consider.
Many thanks.
Post by: Karla on 24 October, 2022, 10:49:40 am
I've found that the Lezyne self-adhesive patches tend to come unstuck after a while. The time they came unstuck in the middle of Alligator Alley (https://lostbyway.com/a-narrow-escape) in Florida was rather unnerving, and I wouldn't like to particularly like to trust them down a steep hill on fixed.
Post by: T42 on 24 October, 2022, 10:51:36 am
Don't think there'd be much use for a gear cable there ;D
You could get a lighter spanner and multitool, and when do you really need to use the pliers? I can only think of a handful of times I've needed a set.
They're good for snares though but, like when we had to be self-sufficient on that Belgian ride...
So it was you, was it?
https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2021/apr/13/pet-detective-says-stolen-giant-rabbit-is-still-hot-and-a-smuggling-risk
Post by: John Stonebridge on 24 October, 2022, 10:55:52 am
Im a cautious soul so my rule of thumb is to carry 1 spare tube per 100km plus 1 extra, though I adjust that if I know there are bike shops on the route.
Massive respect for creative reuse of what I assume is the little soy sauce dispenser that you get when buying some types of sushi - perfect for the job!
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 24 October, 2022, 10:58:45 am
Massive respect for creative reuse of what I assume is the little soy sauce dispenser that you get when buying some types of sushi - perfect for the job!The little bottles that vape liquid come in are great too (and much easier to fill). I got mine off Deano.
Post by: T42 on 24 October, 2022, 11:04:33 am
Check your bike over before you ride and you won't need all those multi-tools.
Pretty much that, plus for longer distances when I'd put a new chain & cassette on a couple of 100 km beforehand and relube the day before. You can always use the old ones later for less significant stuff. For 1000k & over, new tyres & cable inners, or at least make sure they're not frayed in the shifters.
I still carry a mini Opinel (very sharp), a mini screwdriver and a pair of folding scissors. They weigh half nowt and are great for opening wrappers made of Kevlar when you're 800k in and missing three nights' sleep.
Post by: Deano on 24 October, 2022, 11:13:09 am
Don't think there'd be much use for a gear cable there ;D
You could get a lighter spanner and multitool, and when do you really need to use the pliers? I can only think of a handful of times I've needed a set.
They're good for snares though but, like when we had to be self-sufficient on that Belgian ride...
That's true, how else will he catch his haggis?
Post by: Paul H on 24 October, 2022, 12:02:42 pm
Think that's about it, whatever you feel comfortable with, though I'm skeptical you'll notice any efficiency gain +/- 300g of tools.
Post by: grams on 24 October, 2022, 12:10:04 pm
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 October, 2022, 12:22:30 pm
I find the Zefal flat tyre levers take up much less space in a bag
I carry small woolftooth quick link pliers which conveniently also carry quick links internally, i've never so far found a need to carry proper pliers on the road but no doubt will at somepoint now I've said that!
Also, more zip ties, you can never have enough of them!
Post by: De Sisti on 24 October, 2022, 12:37:12 pm
Don't think there'd be much use for a gear cable there :-DI've been on rides recently where a rider has needed a new gear cable. They weight nowt, and
take up virtually no space.
Post by: ravenbait on 24 October, 2022, 12:43:41 pm
But OP rides fixed. So he'd be carrying it for other people rather than himself. A brake cable, on the other hand...Don't think there'd be much use for a gear cable there :-DI've been on rides recently where a rider has needed a new gear cable. They weight nowt, and
take up virtually no space.
Sam
Post by: De Sisti on 24 October, 2022, 12:46:33 pm
*Always be prepared to help other riders.But OP rides fixed. So he'd be carrying it for other people* rather than himself. A brake cable, on the other hand...Don't think there'd be much use for a gear cable there :-DI've been on rides recently where a rider has needed a new gear cable. They weight nowt, and
take up virtually no space.
Sam
Post by: Paul H on 24 October, 2022, 01:14:48 pm
With a targeted toolkit like that I'd say bulk is a bigger enemy than weight.On that note, those tubes look bulkier than necessary. If carrying two, you could also consider having the spare spare a size down.
Post by: hubner on 24 October, 2022, 01:15:10 pm
Cut off the open ended half of the spanner. Or convert to quick release.
Use individual allen keys or spanners, not a multitool.
Leave out chain tools and bits, use a good condition chain instead.
Post by: citoyen on 24 October, 2022, 01:19:13 pm
*Always be prepared to help other riders.
A noble sentiment but expecting the OP to carry spares he wouldn't need himself is taking that principle too far.
Post by: T42 on 24 October, 2022, 01:24:40 pm
But OP rides fixed.
Spare knees.
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2022, 01:33:54 pm
Possible additions:
Tyre boot
Presta to Schrader valve adaptor (for borrowing muggle pumps in case of pump failure)
Cleat bolt
Misc nuts and bolts
Lockring tool / NBT2 (probably of limited use on a fixie?)
Fiberfix spoke (if you've got low spoke count wheels, otherwise more of a touring thing)
Small screwdriver for fixing your glasses (if you wear glasses)
Head torch
More cable ties (particularly ones small enough to fit your bike computer/sensor mounts, and large releasable ones)
Batteries
First aid things
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 01:41:18 pm
If you want to make things lighter. Try getting a lighter weight spanner.
https://www.fine-tools.com/lightool-spanners.html
I have a couple of these in my toolset. Recommend!
J
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 01:52:58 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 01:55:10 pm
I carry breakdown insurance that costs about £14 a year. And I don't bother carrying all those things that might get used once every two decades.
Surely that depends where you are, and how far from civilisation you go. Also is does it work multi country?
J
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 01:57:24 pm
Post by: D.A.L.E. on 24 October, 2022, 01:59:46 pm
I wouldn't normally carry chain lube on an audax ride but other than that, there's nothing obvious I'd leave out.
Multi-day or Welsh audaxes.
Post by: grams on 24 October, 2022, 02:14:35 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 02:16:13 pm
Chain lube in your toolkit is for when you forget to lube it the night before and the squeaking is driving you mad.
Or day 1 pissed it down and washed all the lube out your chain...
J
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2022, 02:16:58 pm
Chain lube in your toolkit is for when you forget to lube it the night before and the squeaking is driving you mad.
Or for your companion whose high frequency hearing isn't what it used to be...
(The only time I've actually used chain lube on a ride was after accidentally bringing galvanised brake cables to Wales. Haven't made that mistake again.)
Post by: Flite on 24 October, 2022, 02:22:00 pm
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 02:24:20 pm
Having clumsy arthritic hands, most of my tools have a bit of red tape or paint on them, so they are easier to find when I drop them...
Mine have strips of reflective tape on them. So when you've done the repair. You can run a torch over the area where you've been working to make sure you picked up all the tools.
Learnt that the hardway. Also why I carry 4 tyre levers. Having had them go ping into the undergrowth never to be seen again.
J
Post by: citoyen on 24 October, 2022, 02:41:34 pm
I wouldn't normally carry chain lube on an audax ride but other than that, there's nothing obvious I'd leave out.
Multi-day or Welsh audaxes.
Yes, I can see there are cases where carrying lube might be worthwhile but it's not a standard part of my kit.
I'm only speaking for myself, not making a comment on what others should or shouldn't carry in their kit. I don't do many multi-day and/or Welsh audaxes.
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 02:53:30 pm
I wouldn't normally carry chain lube on an audax ride but other than that, there's nothing obvious I'd leave out.
Multi-day or Welsh audaxes.
I used a brand new bike for a 200k and the chain was squeaking like a nest of mice by the end.
Bought some WD40 from a garage to save my sanity and used proper lube after returning home.
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 02:55:35 pm
Chain lube in your toolkit is for when you forget to lube it the night before and the squeaking is driving you mad.
Not just me then?
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 02:59:53 pm
Having clumsy arthritic hands, most of my tools have a bit of red tape or paint on them, so they are easier to find when I drop them...
Suggest you put a little reflective tape on them so you can retrieve them, spotted with a head torch, when dropped at night.
Tyre levers have a habit of self-ejection…
[ETA cross-posted with WG]
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 03:00:15 pm
I carry breakdown insurance that costs about £14 a year. And I don't bother carrying all those things that might get used once every two decades.
Surely that depends where you are, and how far from civilisation you go.
Why? How do you think car breakdown works? Same setup. They pick you up and take you to a transport hub or hotel. Never needed it, thus far. I've never had a serious breakdown on a long ride bar a spoke break near the start of a 300k, but that was game over regardless.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 03:00:58 pm
I used a brand new bike for a 200k and the chain was squeaking like a nest of mice by the end.
Bought some WD40 from a garage to save my sanity and used proper lube after returning home.
Given that some lubes and some people recommend relubing after 100km a 200k ride would need at least one application. If that was followed. Personally I use Chain-l lube and have got a max of 1300km between lube applications m tho more usually it's 800, tho usually more due to rain than anything else.
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 03:06:05 pm
Why? How do you think car breakdown works? Same setup. They pick you up and take you to a transport hub or hotel. Never needed it, thus far. I've never had a serious breakdown on a long ride bar a spoke break near the start of a 300k, but that was game over regardless.
Bike brake down is very different from ANWB or ADAC.
No least cos you don't have a warm dry place to shelter. So you might get very cold waiting. I've rebuilt my brakes at about 2000 on Xmas day in Germany. I dread to think how long it would take a breakdown recovery person to get out to me in those conditions. Not to mention the question of where they take you to?
Personally I try to carry enough to cover all bar the most severe of breakages. BB failure, taco'd wheel, snapped frame are pretty much all I dont carry tools/spares for.
I also tend to do things like Ruska where it's 1000km between bike shops. So there a certain need for self reliance.
I would never recommend relying solely on breakdown cover to get you out of a mechanical.
But. It's all individual choice. Your threat model is not my threat model etc...
J
Post by: grams on 24 October, 2022, 03:13:08 pm
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2022, 03:14:47 pm
That said, you can't toolkit your way out of knee failure or severe crash damage...
ETA: Crosspost with grams.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 03:17:13 pm
Good point about not having shelter, but then roadside repairs can also be quite taxing in the cold and when you are tired.
Yes, each to their own. When all is said and done the possibility of a £100 taxi fare doesn't phase me that much when set against all the things I spend £100 on without so much as a thought
The other problem with trying on insurance is that you have to abandon the ride. Seems daft to do that for want of a chain tool or a tyre boot or whatever it is you’ve deemed too heavy to carry..
It depends on how much you value the ride, I suppose. At the moment I'm not riding much, but I did used to, and the more events I rode the less of an 'event' each one seemed. I'd add that I would weigh the thought of an abandon against carrying a chain tool on that ride, I'd weigh it against carrying every tool I'm never going to use on every single ride, if that makes sense to you. I prefer to maintain my bike really well at home, replace parts before they fail, and not get stressed about breakdowns on the ride or carrying tools for every eventuality.
I've had a chain break once in 40 years...and in truth I could have avoided it if I'd paid attention to a slight click and mis-shift that had been happening for the preceeding few days.
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 03:20:14 pm
Why? How do you think car breakdown works? Same setup. They pick you up and take you to a transport hub or hotel. Never needed it, thus far. I've never had a serious breakdown on a long ride bar a spoke break near the start of a 300k, but that was game over regardless.I carry breakdown insurance that costs about £14 a year. And I don't bother carrying all those things that might get used once every two decades.Surely that depends where you are, and how far from civilisation you go.
Game over for a solitary spoke break?
I had one at some stage on the Great Eastern 1000, tweaked the other spokes and rode on...
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 03:25:32 pm
Post by: grams on 24 October, 2022, 03:31:49 pm
Post by: Karla on 24 October, 2022, 03:36:54 pm
The OP is asking about doing audaxes on fixed, and his post gives every appearance of him being a native Brit doing them in Britain. In this context, discussing what you'd hypothetically take for a solo trip across Antarctica is unhelpful. Restrain yourselves next time!
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 03:39:50 pm
Post by: The Family Cyclist on 24 October, 2022, 03:41:45 pm
Post by: Lightning Phil on 24 October, 2022, 03:41:47 pm
I’ve just weighed it and it is 250g for two tubes, and 500g for the tool kit (which includes a single gear cable), this includes weight of bags I carry them in. If you want to save weight outside of hot days you could drop a single water bottle to save toolkit weight. On hot days you could take off mudguards to save 450g etc.
But to be honest I’d just stick with what you’ve got. Any possible weight savings will make bugger all difference to your time over audax distances.
Post by: fimm on 24 October, 2022, 04:24:13 pm
;)
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 04:25:10 pm
Post by: freeflow on 24 October, 2022, 04:38:17 pm
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 04:51:36 pm
For myself, I'd prefer to cart the kit, even if I never used it.
Post by: Deano on 24 October, 2022, 05:06:02 pm
(Don't do that, I've given tubes more than once to riders who tried that tactic)
Post by: FifeingEejit on 24 October, 2022, 05:14:36 pm
Small screwdriver for fixing your glasses (if you wear glasses)
Im just lucky to remember the right pair of glasses, never thought to include the right sized precision screw driver, probably works with some of the obscure screwed on things that make up 105 Std levers too. Sent from my IV2201 using Tapatalk
Post by: jiberjaber on 24 October, 2022, 05:17:01 pm
If you did want to lighten the load, season to taste:
- Ditch one of the tubes
- Fettle the spanner to remove one end and make it lighter or buy an ally 15mm spanner eg https://www.velosolo.co.uk/vstool.html (check that the ring will fit in the space you have to access the nut though!)
- change to allen head bolts to remove the need for spanner altogether (eg surly hubs) - maybe there's an axel replacement that retrofits your existing hubs?
- Use the old school chain joiner rather than a quick-link to perhaps remove need to carry pliers? https://www.velosolo.co.uk/splitlink.html
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 05:21:58 pm
Struck a stone at speed and both tyres went down…
Didn't have a patch kit either!
Post by: Wycombewheeler on 24 October, 2022, 05:34:53 pm
Chains almost never break except when corroded or badly installed.Until the time it gets caught between the frame and the chain ring.
I had one get twisted, still worked as a chain, but every time the affected links went round the sprockets I shifted up two gears, then down two gears. took the affected links out, fit a split link, carried on with ride.
Surprised no one's suggested going tubeless and doing away with those useless innertubes :demon:
(Don't do that, I've given tubes more than once to riders who tried that tactic)
foolish, foolish people
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 05:39:51 pm
Chains almost never break except when corroded or badly installed.Until the time it gets caught between the frame and the chain ring.
Yes, but see what I said earlier about riding a well-maintained bike. That includes correctly set dérailleurs.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 05:53:01 pm
If I had to reduce the weight of the kit as the OP posted it, I would do two things.
1 - Replace the tubes with TPU inner tubes
2 - Replace the spanner with one of these https://www.fine-tools.com/lightool-spanners.html
The TPU tubes are a lot lighter than traditional tubes. Using a spanner from the lightool range will save weight, the same as chopping up the existing spanner, but without risk of sharp edges etc...
As for the kitchen sink model of tool kit. I am well and truly a paid up card carrying member of that one. I have a top tube bag that is just tools, plus a track pump in the frame bag.
Why? Well If I've forked out all that money and effort to get to the start of a ride, I'm gonna be pissed off if half way round I have to pay more money to get a cab to a station to go home, cos of something that i could otherwise fix with simple tools at the road side. This is why I said earlier Your threat model is not my thread model (sorry I work in security). If you really don't care that you have to call the wife, or what ever the cycling equivalent of ADAC is 30km into a 200k ride cos your bike broke, then sure, carry next to no spares. But I want to be able to keep going. I've had rides where I've been unable to find an open bike shop for days, and hundreds of kilometers (Sweden, Luxembourg/France/Germany).
My tool kit currently is:
- 4 Tyre levers (with reflective tape): 2 is enough, but I've had them go ping into the undergrowth before. Not worth the risk they weigh fuckall
- VAR Bead Jack: Seating a tyre when it's -5°C and your hands are rapidly going numb, having a tool that can get a recalcitrant tyre into place easily is important
- Topeak Ratchet Rocket: Bit set + chain tool. Not the lightest out there, but exceptionally easy to use, very reliable.
- Puncture repair kit: Rema tip top TT02, filled up with extra patches. Riding in scandi the roads are covered in flints, which are a right pain
- Topeak mini torque bits: These go between a driver bit and the ratchet handle, and give 4/5/6nm torque wrenches. Useful for not over tightening things when in a rush.
- 15mm spanner: For my wheel nuts - Yep I don't run QR axles.
- 7mm + 8mm +11mm spanner: For doing the hoses on hydraulic brakes
- Di2 tool + spare wires: for (de)attaching wires
- Wolftooth cassette tool: These are ultra light cassette tools, carried not so much for use on the road, but if I can borrow a spanner from a farmer say. Weighs 31g.
- Wolftooth pack pliers with 2 spare links: Brilliant bit of kit, takes the faff out of breaking and installing quick links. Doubles as another tyre leaver at a push.
- Leatherman Juice CS4 multitool: A bit over kill, but pliers, knife, saw, etc...
- Universal key (https://amzn.to/3f0hJYJ): Technically not a tool, but lives in the same bag. This has been a life saver for being able to use taps at gas stations, churches, and graveyards where the handle has been removed. I used this on the first night of the TCR to get water to refill my bottles.
- Mini ducttape roll: From AMK. Compact way of taking tape.
- Lighter: Useful for fixing frayed straps, and lighting fires (used that in finland).
- Water puritabs: again not a tool, but in the same pouch, just in case you find water you don't trust
- 2.5mm allen key: Needed to adjust GRX brake levers
- 3mm allen key: needed for TRP Spyre break adjustment, legacy item.
- Tyre boot
- 15ml Bottle of oil: Long rides means oil if it rains.
- cable ties, numerous
- USB cables
- Petzl E+lite compact head torch
- Spare bolts
- Spare brake pads
- Gloves
- 2 spare tubes
- Spare batteries (aaa + 2032).
I also have schrader to presta adaptors (plus dust caps) on both valves of the tubes on the wheels. This has been incredibly useful. When my previous pump packed it 60km from the end of RATN, it was only the presta side that failed, I used the Schrader adaptor, and could get my tyre inflated. I've also used them a lot in scandi at gas stations. I've lent them to other riders on Audaxes so they could use a gas station compressor to get their tyre up to a good pressure.
My pump is a Topeak Turbo Morph G. This is considerably larger than most people carry. But when you realise that getting a tyre upto 5-6bar with many a mini pump can be 300+ strokes, having a larger more ergonomic pump is a godsend. I've lent this to others at the side of the road, where they've been faffing with a mini pump and failing to get the pressure they need.
I appreciate that this is massively overkill for most people on most rides. But I've used every tool apart from the cassette ring at some point on one ride or another. Key tools have reflective tape on them as mentioned above. I've fixed strangers bikes at the side of the road. I've done repairs on my bike during ultra races. I've used them on audaxes, on tours. When I set out on a ride, I don't expect to have to ask anyone for any help whilst I'm on the ride. I value self reliance, and think it important to be able to fix your own bike where possible.
*BUT* with all that said. I know that other people have a different view on this matter, it's a very personal choice, and I would not say that the above is for everyone. The OP's kit looks like it covers the main issues. See top of this post for the easiest ways to make it lighter. I personally wouldn't use self adhesive patches, I've seen them fail in high temps, which are more common in summer now. But that's personal choice.
You pays your money, you takes your choice.
J
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 05:54:11 pm
Yes, but see what I said earlier about riding a well-maintained bike. That includes correctly set dérailleurs.
Or it gets mangled by stuff falling on it on the train... or outside a cafe...
or a stick goes through it...
J
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 06:01:50 pm
Post by: toontra on 24 October, 2022, 06:03:14 pm
, and instead of a multi-tool it's the 3 main hex keys I use..
Same here. Those 3 will fit everything apart from pedals. Specific hex keys are much nicer/easier to use (especially Wera colour-coded ones) than any multi-tool I've tried. I take a separate (very) small flat screwdriver for adjusting derailleurs - the only thing not covered by the hex keys.
Post by: quixoticgeek on 24 October, 2022, 06:05:14 pm
Same here. Those 3 will fit everything apart from pedals. Specific hex keys are much nicer/easier to use (especially Wera colour-coded ones) than any multi-tool I've tried. I take a separate (very) small flat screwdriver for adjusting derailleurs - the only thing not covered by the hex keys.
I love the ratchet rocket tool. The ratchet function makes thing so much easier. Otherwise I'd agree on the individual allen keys.
J
Post by: ravenbait on 24 October, 2022, 07:03:31 pm
Taking notes here. Thanks very much!
My tool kit currently is...
I see nothing wrong with OP's original and hate the idea of giving up a ride for want of something that doesn't really add that much weight in the grand scheme of things.
Sam
Post by: Timb on 24 October, 2022, 07:24:03 pm
All very useful comments and very much appreciated. I’m a bit overwhelmed and I think it will probably take me a few days to have a look through and digest/research the suggestions.
It’s helpful to know that I’m not miles off and I do realise that in the grand scheme of things it probably isn’t going to make a massive difference over the course of 300k but as tescos say every little helps!!
Post by: Philip D on 24 October, 2022, 08:04:36 pm
I carry breakdown insurance that costs about £14 a year. And I don't bother carrying all those things that might get used once every two decades.
Care to share the insurer with us? Have tried finding such things in the past, google-fu lets me down and only finds bike theft insurance.
Post by: Pickled Onion on 24 October, 2022, 08:23:22 pm
It’s helpful to know that I’m not miles off
I'd say you were just about right, apart from the self-adhesive patches and the pliers.
I carry a stubby spanner, but it's more for ease of fitting it in a water-bottle toolkit than the weight, it probably weighs the same as a cheap normal spanner. The ones QG has linked to look fantastic if you want to save a few grams. If you go for stubby or Jethro Tule, then make sure you use it when prepping the bike for the ride. Otherwise you may find the nice home spanner did the nuts up rather tight! In fact that goes for the whole kit - use it to prep the bike, then you know exactly what you've forgotten (and what you didn't need).
Also spares. If you have any bosses on the bike not in use, put a bolt in them. I've lost count of how many times that has saved the day.
Post by: arabella on 24 October, 2022, 08:36:57 pm
Yes, but see what I said earlier about riding a well-maintained bike. That includes correctly set dérailleurs.You're assuming the likes of me have the time and been shown/taught/acquired the knowledge to achieve this mythical "well-maintained"-ness. I don't. (OP I think does, though).
Hence comments above about risk appetite etc.
Post by: hellymedic on 24 October, 2022, 09:02:35 pm
Before long trips and Audax rides, give the bike a once-over and replace anything looking worn or approaching its use-by date.
Lube everything.
Fill every unoccupied boss with a spare M5 bolt; you never know what might rattle off despite your best attention, but tighten every nut & bolt within sight & reason.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 24 October, 2022, 09:44:41 pm
I carry breakdown insurance that costs about £14 a year. And I don't bother carrying all those things that might get used once every two decades.
Care to share the insurer with us? Have tried finding such things in the past, google-fu lets me down and only finds bike theft insurance.
https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/
Post by: Philip D on 24 October, 2022, 10:02:14 pm
I carry breakdown insurance that costs about £14 a year. And I don't bother carrying all those things that might get used once every two decades.
Care to share the insurer with us? Have tried finding such things in the past, google-fu lets me down and only finds bike theft insurance.
https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/
Thanks, will take a look tomorrow.
Post by: Kim on 24 October, 2022, 10:02:25 pm
If you are a regular touring or commuting cyclist
This is why I tend towards the kitchen sink end of the spectrum. I carry a reasonable kit for touring, which is overkill for audax. But it's hardly worth taking a few things out to save a tiny amount of weight on the occasional audax ride.
Post by: howie on 24 October, 2022, 11:21:18 pm
Well, I've been riding for 40 years and have yet to experience anything that would lead me to carry the kitchen sink, certainly for your average UK audax.
Good point about not having shelter, but then roadside repairs can also be quite taxing in the cold and when you are tired.
Yes, each to their own. When all is said and done the possibility of a £100 taxi fare doesn't phase me that much when set against all the things I spend £100 on without so much as a thoughtThe other problem with trying on insurance is that you have to abandon the ride. Seems daft to do that for want of a chain tool or a tyre boot or whatever it is you’ve deemed too heavy to carry..
It depends on how much you value the ride, I suppose. At the moment I'm not riding much, but I did used to, and the more events I rode the less of an 'event' each one seemed. I'd add that I would weigh the thought of an abandon against carrying a chain tool on that ride, I'd weigh it against carrying every tool I'm never going to use on every single ride, if that makes sense to you. I prefer to maintain my bike really well at home, replace parts before they fail, and not get stressed about breakdowns on the ride or carrying tools for every eventuality.
I've had a chain break once in 40 years...and in truth I could have avoided it if I'd paid attention to a slight click and mis-shift that had been happening for the preceeding few days.
On the Bomber County Audax last year I had a bit of a nightmare with a broken chain (bent link), no problem I thought and repaired it with a chain extractor. What I should have done is added a quick link but I thought I'd replace the chain when I got home. Then without thinking whilst going uphill I ended up jamming the chain (large ring and large sprocket), which was now too short and bending the mech hanger. :facepalm:
Things went from bad to worse as the elderly chain extractor broke... I managed to get on my way, only to puncture in the pitch dark after riding through a pothole. :facepalm:
It is useful to carry a small kit like the one in the picture, plus helping other people or receiving assistance from fellow audaxers is what it's all about I think.
I was close to packing it in that day but I'd have had to get a taxi back to the start. If it can go wrong it will, I must admit the challenge was to try and fix my bike that day so that I could finish. :thumbsup:
One thing I've just recently added to my tool kit is a CO2 inflator with a couple of refills. I carry a small pump as well but the speed at which I can get restarted is worth the minimal wieght gain.
Post by: Chuffy on 25 October, 2022, 12:40:32 am
I use old specs cases for keeping my repair kit together, with a multitool in the outer pocket of the Carradice. Doesn't take up much space, but makes it much easier to lay hands on. I also carry a Fibrefix kevlar spoke and a selection of bolts, although the latter can usually be distributed around the bike if you have unused rack or mudguard mounts. It's a full-fat kit for anything up to and including LEL. I'm comfortable doing 200s with little more than a PRK and multi-tool - but tbh it really makes bugger-all difference carrying a few extra bits around. End of the day, I've never found myself regretting carrying potentially useful stuff but I have regretted not having that stuff when it would have been useful.
I also have ETA recovery. Got it after I had a simple puncture (at night, in the rain & cold) and my pump failed - about as random and unexpected a mechanical as you could possibly hope to avoid. I'd also left my bivvy bag & space blanket at home on that occasion because it was mid-summer and who would want to waste space lugging such fripperies around when we'd just had a heatwave? Luckily I was within walking distance of home, but it could easily have been much, much nastier, despite being in the middle of the Home Counties and not the wilds of Dartmoor. ETA is great, but it's not a magic helicopter than materialises instantly. It's peace of mind if disaster strikes (and very cheap, compared with trying to source a taxi yourself) but *not* a replacement for being sensibly prepared.
'You don't need that stuff if you maintain your bike' is pure trolling and damn stupid. Best ignored.
Post by: Kim on 25 October, 2022, 12:49:05 am
One thing I've just recently added to my tool kit is a CO2 inflator with a couple of refills.
I started carrying these so as not to delay FNRttCs more than absolutely necessary. I haven't restored to them often, as I carry a decent pump, but they've been useful a couple of times when speed has been important (dodgy area, and running late for a train, respectively). It also got me home from a camping weekend when I got a mile down the road and worked out that the weird clunking noises were because my rear shock[1] had lost all its pressure overnight.
[1] Which needs about 200PSI and a Schrader valve.
Post by: De Sisti on 25 October, 2022, 07:29:51 am
https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/ (https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/)
"Get you home" for £24 sounds good to me.
[Edit: In the event of a breakdown that you couldn't fix, ETA would take you (and/or bike)
to a bike shop or train station if those were nearer than your home. Happy to be corrected].
[Edit 2.0] So the £24 ride home doesn't apply in all cases.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 October, 2022, 07:57:28 am
https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/ (https://www.eta.co.uk/bicycle-insurance/cycle-rescue/)"Get you home" for £24 sounds good to me.
I've had it for years...but I've never had to use it. I'm sure that day will arrive at some point, but I prefer to mitigate this by maintaining my equipment (including pumps and tyres).
I was once the mechanic at a 400k audax control. Was a bit of an eye-opener. Suffice to say that those who needed my assistance were riding bikes in a poor state of repair. Doubtless some will get enraged by this, but it is true regardless.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 October, 2022, 08:05:43 am
Car insurance costs me about £100 for my main car, and I doubt ETA could compete. The other vehicle needs a specialist insurer for various reasons.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 October, 2022, 08:31:44 am
Yes, but see what I said earlier about riding a well-maintained bike. That includes correctly set dérailleurs.You're assuming the likes of me have the time and been shown/taught/acquired the knowledge to achieve this mythical "well-maintained"-ness. I don't. (OP I think does, though).
Hence comments above about risk appetite etc.
Sure, accepted...although there is nothing mythical about it.
Spoiler because long post
(click to show/hide)
Post by: GdS on 25 October, 2022, 08:43:38 am
Post by: perpetual dan on 25 October, 2022, 08:48:25 am
FWIW i am of the chain tool, small spanner, brake pads and cables school of thought in my toolkit. Not much audaxing lately, but if I've had it break on a long weekend tour i might reasonably expect the same on a 400km audax. I'm also of the view that I'm still the obvious place to make weight savings, rather than the choice of how many tyre levers.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 October, 2022, 09:23:39 am
@Hot Flatus you are either a very patient and forgiving friend, or a sucker for punishment!
See below for the extent to which I am either of those things ;D
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Post by: Pedal Castro on 25 October, 2022, 09:34:10 am
Polymer banknotes can function as tyre boots, weigh little and have multiple other uses...
I used one for a tyre boot on a 300, then used it to buy a new tyre at the half way point.
My gear cable also snapped that ride but carrying a spare would not have helped as changing a modern shimano cable is not easy.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 October, 2022, 09:41:03 am
Yes, Shimano cables on the last few series are a bit of a pain if they snap because getting the ball end out can be fiddly and sometimes necessitate removing the little inspection hatch underneath...which needs a tiny screwdriver. Not that easy at the roadside, especially if cold, tired and in poor light.
I think one of the series of 11sp Shimano is known to chew up gear cables in the rh shifter. As it has happened to me, I've learned to just change the cable at the first hint of anything unusual and always use good quality cables. I guess that is a good example of what I mean by maintenance. It's not about fixing stuff when it breaks.
Tyres are another good example. Absolute false economy to use them until they are hanging off the bike. Equally, checking them for flints when you wash the bike can save a roadside puncture.
Post by: Ian H on 25 October, 2022, 09:49:09 am
@Hot Flatus you are either a very patient and forgiving friend, or a sucker for punishment!
See below for the extent to which I am either of those things ;D(click to show/hide)
You're obviously a genius at maintenance, but less than competent at choosing travelling companions. I have a mental image of you as prime minister, presiding over the the most incompetent cabinet ever.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 25 October, 2022, 10:07:37 am
Post by: Ian H on 25 October, 2022, 10:27:36 am
Well, you are the Michael Foot of the audax world after all :demon:Thank-you. I have a letter from him somewhere.
Post by: phil dubya on 25 October, 2022, 03:09:15 pm
now I'm in my mid 50s I do now carry reading glasses in my spares kit
I'm in that club too!
I also use a Swiss Army knife which has small wire cutters and screwdrivers on it, really useful. It is especially good at getting small slitthers of flint from a tyre.
Post by: Karla on 25 October, 2022, 03:19:05 pm
Post by: arabella on 25 October, 2022, 06:54:45 pm
by that account my bike is an example of perfect maintenance ;D (we'll gloss over the time Pete Turnbull went and bought some lube because my squeaky chain) ... goes off to change some brake blocks before the weekend ...Yes, but see what I said earlier about riding a well-maintained bike. That includes correctly set dérailleurs.You're assuming the likes of me have the time and been shown/taught/acquired the knowledge to achieve this mythical "well-maintained"-ness. I don't. (OP I think does, though).
Hence comments above about risk appetite etc.
Sure, accepted...although there is nothing mythical about it.
..snip..
I got defeated by a 2-way freewheel once, I didn't reckon zip tie-ing it in place on a hilly ride was something I wanted to do, so by agreement scooted off to intercept the org+vehicle and help at a control
Post by: Cudzoziemiec on 26 October, 2022, 04:26:51 pm
One thing I've never used myself, but have given to another person* albeit not on an audax, is zip ties.
*Cycleman. :D
Post by: citoyen on 26 October, 2022, 05:42:08 pm
My least favourite experience with tubeless was within the first 20km of a 600 when I had a puncture that wouldn't seal. Luckily, even when riding tubeless, I always carry a spare tube or two for just such an occurrence. Fitting the tube was a bit messy, granted, but I finished the ride with no further issues.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 26 October, 2022, 06:02:08 pm
Post by: peter simplex on 26 October, 2022, 06:10:46 pm
Snap. At an audax control this year I rescued a motorcyclist on a classic Ducati who was having trouble with his exhaust and which required a zip tie from my Carradice pocket... always carry a couple of them.
One thing I've never used myself, but have given to another person* albeit not on an audax, is zip ties.
Post by: citoyen on 26 October, 2022, 07:25:21 pm
Tubeless is shit. Only cunts use it.
Can’t argue with that.
Post by: Hot Flatus on 26 October, 2022, 07:38:40 pm