Author Topic: tool kit  (Read 8312 times)

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Offline cshannon

tool kit
« on: September 12, 2004, 04:33:25 pm »
what is the best tool kit on the market that includes all the tools one needs to maintain their bike?\

thanks.

craig shannon


Offline Peaks

tool kit
« Reply #1 on: September 12, 2004, 08:51:53 pm »
I don't think there is one tool that does everything.

But, think about what you might need on a long trek.  Certainly you will want tire levers.  Other than that, some of the set screws and bolts do come loose.  So, Allen wrenches are also good advice.  

If your bike is in good condition to start, you will not need a chain tool.  Likewise for most everything else.  

So, the best tool to bring along might be a small multi-tool like the Leatherman Mica, in addition to some allen wrenches and tire levers. You really should not need much.  If you need more than that, go to a bike shop in route.


Offline JayH

tool kit
« Reply #2 on: September 13, 2004, 11:52:58 am »
I have a Topeak Alien RX that has a bunch of tools and a pocket knife on it. I would say that it's pretty good, except don't get the RX, the metal (magnesium) is very soft and the tool isn't as durable as I'd like it. However, I think the plain Alien is slightly heavier (I don't know why I bought it, I'm not really a gram counter) but has the same tools.  

Cons: Some of the hex drives aren't separate tools, i.e. the 6mm hex tool is simply a little bit that fits on top of the 4mm hex tool. So if you're talking world expedition, there is a possibility of losing it which would be bad! I lost one but Topeak is a pretty good company, their CS is nice and they simply sent me a whole new tool under warantee after I sent them my old one.  

Plus, I still use my tire levers from my Park tool which I prefer over the little knife like ones in the Topeak.

So, I guess I'll concur that no tool is the best, at least none that I've found so you kind of pick one that has the most functions and simply add to them.  The Topeak one is nifty in a bit that it does pack a lot of tools in a small package, even spoke wrenches are there, although if you had to do any major trueing, it would be a PITA to have to use that so you have to do some tradeoffs and see if it's worth it to you.  You should also try them before you are stuck miles and miles from home, try it out on your bike to see if things fit, things work, and you are comfy with it.

Jay


Offline Sxphn

tool kit
« Reply #3 on: September 23, 2004, 02:38:29 am »
If you're asking about tools to carry on the bicycle while traveling, I will tell you my experience.  I would term my touring experience as moderate having taking six solo bicycle tours covering about 3200 miles. I have carry many different tools but have only ever needed to use the following away from home:  pump, tire irons, tire patch kit, and two allen wrenches--one that fit my shoe cleats and one that fits my mirror.  Every other tool I have carried has just been along for the ride.


Offline TwoWheeledExplorer

  • World Traveler
  • *****
  • Posts: 320
  • "I am well, thank God, and in high spirits"
tool kit
« Reply #4 on: September 23, 2004, 12:42:11 pm »
I carry a standard Topeak Alien when I am mountain biking and usually also have a Swiss Army Knife on me. For extended trips I also carry a Gerber Cool Tool, primarily because of it's adjustable wrench. I am considering replacing the knife with a Leatherman so as to have pliers, but have not decided for sure yet.

When I was MTB touring in NW Russia in'97, our guides were so impressed with the Cool Tool that I ended up leaving one of them behind. (The tool, not the guide!)

Ride safe,
Hans

Hans Erdman, WEMT
Backcountry Trail Patrol-MN
www.trailpatrol.org

This message was edited by Trailpatrol on 9-23-04 @ 8:44 AM
2WX: The Two-Wheeled Explorer
www.twowheeledexplorer.org
"St. Louis to the Western Sea if nothing prevents."--John Ordway, Corps of Discovery