Excerpted from Mountain Bike Repair: Nuts and Bolts Guide by Ken Gronseth

If you have ever inspected your bike, you probably came to the conclusion that a tool kit covering every possible repair would be impossible to carry. You're right. Realistically, the kit you carry will have tools that anticipate the more common problems, as well as tools you have actually used or wish you had available during past trail-side repairs. Here are some suggestions for two kits: a basic pack of indispensable tools, and a kit suitable for extended rides or expeditions.

The basic tool kit covers the most common repairs: flat tires, loose bolts and parts, chain and shifting hitches, and wheel problems. Many otherwise separate tools can often be found on multi-tools that cleverly combine different instruments in a compact and lightweight package. Before purchasing a multi-tool, take your bike to a shop and confirm that the tool can actually be used on all parts of your bike.

Bits of a basic tool kit

A complete basic tool kit will include:

Spare inner tube (make sure that it is the right size)
Tire patch kit
Tire levers
Tire pressure gauge
Pump
Dollar bill
4-5-6 mm hex wrenches and/or 8-9-10 mm box wrenches
Chain rivet tool
Spoke wrench
Repair tape and baling wire
6” slip joint pliers or 6” adjustable wrench
Swiss Army knife OR utility tool
Bandanna or paper towel

The tools and parts in an extended tool kit will allow you to fix major problems that might occur during more ambitious rides. Even if you do not feel proficient using every tool in your kit, carry them anyway. A more experienced rider may come to your aid and will be happy to use your tools and maybe show you a few new skills. It makes sense to share these items among a group of riders to save weight.

Examples of extended tool kit tools

In addition to the items listed in the basic tool kit, an extended tool kit might include:

Chain links
Derailleur pulley and bolt
Spare nuts, bolts, and washers
6” locking jaw pliers
Extra spokes and nipples, including an extra 12” long spoke
Piece of tire casing, a large needle, and carpet thread
Rear axle
Two universal cone wrenches
Bottom bracket tools
Crankarm bolt wrench
Cassette or freewheel removal tools “hyper cassette cracker” or “pocket vise”
Shift and brake cable
Small container of lubricant

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Mountain Bike Repair: Nuts and Bolts Guide is available from the Adventurous Traveler Bookstore. Click here to order! Click here to visit Menasha Ridge

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