Even as a Pre-Cambrian Velominatus, the rusty wires in my brain must have made the connection between my machine’s aesthetics and the lack of a saddle bag; I can’t remember a time when I rode with a European Posterior Man Satchel. But riding without a saddle bag means the tools go in the pocket, and that means great care must be take in their selection; it has taken the better part of 30 years for my toolkit to evolve to the point where it is today: a minimalist set of highly reliable tools, each carefully selected for its function, form, and weight.
In addition to the endless cycle of tools that have come in and out of the kit, their locations have changed over the years. I’ve spread them across all three pockets, careful to distribute the weight evenly. I’ve put the heaviest items in the center pocket and kept the lighter ones in the side pockets. I’ve put all the weight in the side pockets and kept the center pocket free for stuffing with other items. I’ve ridden with minipump, with CO2, with minipump and C02. I’ve strapped the pump to my seatpost (we can’t all be genius all the time). I’ve carried two multi-tools, I’ve carried loose allen keys. I’ve carried chain tools. I’ve carried multi-tools with integrated chain tools. Suffice to say, nearly every conceivable permutation has been tried.
Before I go on, I want to make a point very clear: here we are wandering deep into Velominatus territory. Every item has been selected for a function, but that function is presupposed by the notion that our bicycles are meticulously cared for and we do not expect to make major roadside repairs. Punctures, silencing a creak or rattle, making a minor shifting adjustment, straightening a handlebar, or tweaking a saddle are the types of repairs within the scope of what may be expected mid-ride. Broken chains, snapped cables, broken spokes, handlebars, or saddles are failures that are to be preempted before departure and if they happen during a ride, one is expected to limp home or find alternative means of transportation. If going on a longer ride with no bail-out, one is to adjust their kit accordingly to account for self-reliance.
I also realize that I’ve now jinxed myself for tomorrow’s Cogal. (But I said it ironically, so I think I’m safe.)
The following considerations factor into my kit selection (in no particular order):
Nirvana is a state we cannot hope to reach, though La Vie Velominatus may carry us to its outer boundaries. That is where I feel I am today when it comes to my tool kit, the contents of which are the Lezyne V5 Multitool, Lezyne Trigger Drive, Lezyne Smark Kit, two Lezyne Alloy Levers, two 12g Co2 cartridges, my phone, cash, ID, and inhaler (like most Pros, I’m asthmatic). I organize my kit into separate small plastic bags, but do not store the lot in a Rule #31 Sack, like many of my esteemed peers. Instead, I opt to keep things stored separately in my center jersey pocket, such that I am able to pull items such as my phone or multitool out of my pocket (while riding) without needing to remove everything else with it.
[dmalbum path=”/velominati.com/content/Photo Galleries/frank@velominati.com/Toolkit /”/]
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Tomorrow I ride sans EPMS!! No need for a mini tool with chain breaker.I haven't used it on the road in two years since I got my position dialed it. I've used the chainbreaker twice in 3 years and both times for someone else. No KMC quick link.
A tube. 2 co2's and the little trigger thingy (not a lyzene one but it's very small) lyzene patch kit and levers. Done.
@Albert
Agree 100%. Anyone who suggests less than two levers have obviously never tried removing a Conti from a Zipp rim.
@paolo
Now we're talkin'!
My shiny new Lezyne levers arrive tomorrow!! I figure there has to be a way to fasten those bastards to the underside of my saddle firmly and without jingling around. Now for that really tiny pump and patch kit ...
@frank
no i haven't. like i said, it won't work with every combo; and you should know your setup well enough to know if you need 'em. if you don't, then don't carry them. one should at least know how to remove a tire without them, i'd say (on rim/tire combos where it's feasible).
@albert
there's a few vids out there demonstrating it (bicycling.com did one). if nothing else, the vids may still help you loosen the tire up to make removal easier with levers. and it's not about the weight or bulk, really; just not bringing things i don't need. a gilet weighs nothing and is barely noticeable in your pocket, but i'm not taking one if i know i won't need it.
@The Oracle
Exactly. It looks like a photo that might have the caption: "A group of cyclists has been arrested having inadvertently strayed across the Iranian border".
@paolo
I did it!! Casually deliberate 70K in a fucking 40 to 50 k wind mostly. No EPMS, minimal tool kit. Best fitting jersey. I have at least half a dozen jerseys that need to be re thunk ( ie sold and replaced for shit that fits). I felt more pro, I did. First mate I saw said "hey you forgot your bag" ( he has a fizik clip on also).."Nope I didn't forget" and I explained The Word. My bike did look fucking fabulous, I was wrong , you lot were all right and I feel converted. No more EPMS. I have replaced the little Fizik logo in the saddle where the bag was as a sign of affermation!
Of course the feeling of looking Pro may have been enhanced by the maiden voyage of my white Sidi Ergo 3's. Yes they cost a shit load of money, yes they felt like two little slices of heaven on my feet!
When this site is faster and I can be arsed I feel I should post pics of my conformed bike, me and my awesome shoes!
I ride with the following:
Phone, Inhaler, CO2, Tube, CO2 chuck, patch kit, drivers license, insurance card, multitool, levers, and car keys.
The Grey thing holds the levers, multitool, a spoke wrench, and the CO2 in a neat package, keeps them from moving around. Works well for me.
@King Clydesdale
Why are you carrying your keys? I just had another key made and I put it on a super lightweight fob so I don't lose it.
On the other hand, I've now started carrying my insurance card. Great suggestion!
@paolo
Good man!!
From a few days back, but it does seem as if you would need a chain tool in certain situations, Oli. I always pictured it breaking in such a way as to leave two inners, thus requiring only hands & a master link to fix. Not so! Thanks for this!
Ahh, I love older Flite saddles but it's good to know that I had better source the original old ones and not buy the reissues. That thing looks like a sofa!
Heavy site traffic? What's this?! I don't know if I can hang around anymore if this place becomes too cool;)
Oh, and the bidon-as-toolkit actually isn't a terrible idea for the winter. I never carry two bottles, I have more clothing in my pockets due to the weather. Might be nice to have everything but vest/jacket in one.
And, I recently lost my beloved gilet! Ah! Cannot figure out where in the heck I lost it. I tuck mine under the jersey, as outlined, and the one I had on that day has the rubberized hem. I can't imagine it could fall out and I wouldn't notice. Wouldn't the thing have gotten caught in my drivetrain? Very sad day, especially since it came not long after the Reverence article on gilets. Sadness. But, I was able to find the exact same one at the same price I paid four years ago. Nice!
TGIF everyone. Enjoy your weekend riding!
Boom. 200 comments. Toldja.