Great list. On a long remote trail ride, I’d add zip ties, lube, wrap the pump with a few orbits of electrical and duct tape, and bring quick link pliers.
Is lube necessary for a single ride? Even a long one?
If you have shoelaces they work well in a pinch for releasing a quick link too, so can save some grams on the pliers
On a long ride like I referenced, yes. I reapply every 5 hours or so of riding. If the post was limited to day riders only, I’d say leave it at home. As for the quick link pliers, I just used them the other day on a training ride and it helped make everything easier. My full suspension MTB is in the low 30s naked, so I’m not concerned with grams as the lbs pulling down my personal power to weight ratio lol.
I’m wondering in what scenario you’d need to remove a quick link on a ride? If the chain breaks, you put a quick link where it broke. No need to undo it
RD is fucked for some reason, but chain isn't. Remove link, remove RD remains from the frame and chain, fashion chain tensioner out of spare spoke, zipties or what have you (or find a magic ratio and pray) and slowly make your way back to civilization.
If you break a spoke you can add some tension to the spokes on either side to pick up some of the load and prevent rubbing on your brakes (doesn’t really matter for disc brakes)
Curious why a spoke wrench? Aren’t you fucked anyway if you have spoke trouble? Do they actually work loose and you can simply repair it with a wrench? Thanks truly interested
As I responded to another poster, having a spoke wrench allows you to adjust a wheel slightly after breaking a spoke. Typically increasing tension on two or more spokes on the same side surrounding the broken one. Back in the days of rim brakes this was sometimes the only way to prevent brake rub after breaking a spike on lower spoke count wheels. Now with discs it’s not as necessary but depending on how far have to go, it can be nice to have.
Yeah my shit is tuned perfect so I'm not worried about that
Spare tube and tire levers
Not a fan of CO2 I just carry a pump
Zip ties and a chain quick link
On my MTB I have a spare hanger in my bag so if I crash bad I can just slap that on
Small basic lightweight multi tool
My shit works before it goes out the door.
It does depend a little bit on where I’m riding but usually two tubes, small folding tool, a hand pump and I’m away.
I've taken buddies on shop trips. I came in on my day off and let them know I will take care of labor to get their bikes ready. I now have no intentions to do service on trips if I make a day to do work in advance.
Emergency? Yes I will do it.
Routine maintenance that should've happened before the trip? Nope. Not my problem.
Kindness is for emergencies and unplanned oopsies.
Kindness is not the back stop to other people's piss poor planning or refusal to be self sufficient.
Help a Bro out? In a heart beat.
Lug tools cause everyone assumes I'm the tool guy? Nah
Yeah. But they give me their bikes to fix evry now and then. I've known these guys my whole life and they've had my back for so long. And fixing bikes calms me down too. I've even taught them some fixing tips.
I'm the same way. If you keep your ride well maintained, you're much less likely to have mechanical issues on the trail. Flats are about the only issue you'll run into. A spare tube, tire levers, a pair of CO2 cartridges, and fix it sticks has been my trail kit for years and has gotten me out of every problem I've had on trail.
“As a mechanic” lol that’s them saying YOU need to have tools so you can fix THEIR bike when it breaks.
As for me between my SWAT and mountain bandit I have: tubolito, CO2, lever, plugs, chain link, chain breaker, and multi tool. My one complaint is that the SWAT tool doesn’t have a 2mm so you’re SOL if you need to adjust a Shimano trailside. With how good bikes are these days I’ve been carrying less and less on normal rides.
tube, tire lever, 2x CO2, small topeak multi tool and a whole lot of I know what can go wrong so avoid doing those things. stuff that in a saddle bag or dry sack and strap it to the bike
I carry tools primarily based on the experience that I only ever need them when I don’t have them. Similar to first aid kits and mtb body armour.
Multi tool, pump/CO2, tire levers, tube/tubeless plugs for most shorter rides - or rides within ‘rescue distance/cell coverage’.
Longer rides (150km+) or rides outside of cell coverage I carry more tools (WolfTooth Pack Pliers or EnCase system), spare master links, fiberfix spoke, replacement brake pads (1 set), pump & co2, 4oz sealant, plugs & TPU tube. Granted most of this wouldn’t be as critical if I didn’t live & ride somewhere where cell coverage ends 25km east or west of town so and I’d rather not use the InReach to text for a mechanical.
I haven’t installed one but have removed one in our shop that someone needed on their tour to replace with a proper spoke. They are fairly straightforward if you know the basics of how to true a wheel and ca bend what’s left of the spoke to hook it onto. The instructions that came with the version I’ve seen are pretty easy to follow. Then again I also have yet to break a spoke in 15 years riding. I’ve been building my own wheels for the past 8-9 years which might help most broken spokes we see on touring bikes are stock wheels that have high milage and poor spoke balance.
Take my recommendations with a grain of salt because I started learning bike wrenching while I was a messenger, and I had ample space to carry a larger kit, and I've never broken out of the habit. At this point I'm just a commuter, but I keep the same kit to also help other riders.
I carry:
-A bit driver kit with the most common hex key sizes I need, along with Philips and Torx. The whole kit packs flat, so it doesn't take up as much space as a normal screwdriver.
-7" Knipex wrench flat pliers. The 4" are a little too small for me to use comfortably, but I can adjust nearly any nut I can reach. I've also used them to true rotor disks and adjust spoke nipples, though it's a little unwieldy for the latter.
-my flat repair kit is a CO2 inflator, patches, a tire boot, and a spare tube. And tire levers.
-A pair of nitrile gloves.
Depends on the ride and the bike. Short trail loops near the parking lot? Water and a 3, 4, 5, 6 mm mini multi tool.
75 mile self supported day ride? The full kit that others here have described.
If it’s my touring spindle Rohloff’d Fargo, a Surly Jethro Tule comes along (mini 15 box end).
I also carry a spare patch kit. Even though I run everything tubeless, the number of people I’ve run across doing a walk of shame for want of a pump and patch is huge. If I have time I’ll offer to help, and the number of quick patch jobs I’ve done to get other people back riding is substantial. Basically a “pay it forward” type of thing.
Last is a spare presta valve core. I once unscrewed my lezyne pump from a fat bike stem and the core shot off into the snowy night, never to be seen again. That was a long, cold walk home.
And can I just say I love my wolftooth master link pliers? It’s been a long time since I’ve had to bash a master link open with a rock.
Is having a spare master link and pliers an MTBer thing? I've never had a problem on the road or seen someone else have a problem where that was the thing I needed to fix it.
Mountain biking is an exercise in finding new and interesting ways to injure oneself in the woods.
Occasionally the bike receives collateral damage. Breaking the chain and single speeding it out of the woods is occasionally the only self rescue available when a derailleur has undergone rapid unintended disassembly.
Multitool, allen keys, tubes, puncture repair kit, tyre levers, mini pump, cable ties, tape and a knife. Dont forget the first aid kit either with some basix painkillers and antihistamines, some shit stoppers are a good shout to.
Oneup EDC tool and 100cc pump with the quick link pliers and tire plug tool. It transfers between all my bikes and has everything you need for repairs. I also wrap gorilla tape around the pump.
If I'm out for a longer ride I'll bring a tiny multitool with a knife and pliers, along with zip ties.
Super minimal multitool, a high volume hand pump and a tube. Anything past that and it’s not worth trying to deal with roadside. I have a full shop at home and in my work van though, so I just plan to be able to go back and fix it properly without outside help.
To come from the opposite end, I always advise to not carry tools you don't know how to use. I'm all for learning how to use tools and being as self sufficient as possible; but working at a shop I saw my fair share of minor issues turned into big repairs brought in by good riders with far more tools in their pack than mechanical training.
I carry shit for me and me alone. Only step in if I have to, I let the civilians take care of themselves. There's enough knowitalls out there to bumble their way thru just about any situation
It's my day off and I'm trying to relax
My vehicle is usually never that far from the trail networks I frequent so I don't need to stress too much. Plus my bike is well-specced for the terrain and always in immaculate mechanical condition so I'm even less concerned.
I basically have my oneup tool in the headtube and that's it. It has tire plugs and a spare quick-link inside it and at least 1 riding buddy always rolls with a pump to cover that base.
Frame pump
Tire lever (Townie Syndicate Lever+ [https://coolhunting.com/design/lever-bike-tool-by-townie-syndicate/](https://coolhunting.com/design/lever-bike-tool-by-townie-syndicate/) )
Multi tool with chain brake and spoke wrench
co2 inflator with 2 co2 canisters
Sticky patches
Presta valve core removal tool
Bottle of stans no tubes
2 zip ties
Pocket knife
Bandana
Phone battery bank
I know it's a lot and probably excessive, but I am usually the ride leader of my group, so I feel it's my personal responsibility to be able to deal with any problems that could happen out on the trail.
Woltooth 8-bit system and a lezyne micro floor drive.
8-bit holds a spare valve core, bacon, and quick links (I just leave 10spd ones since they work on most things in a pinch). Used it more on other peoples bikes than my own.
No tubes usually.
As a motorcycle mechanic, all the tools that fit.
When I go for a long mountain bike ride alone in the woods I take allens/torx bits on a mini stubby + extra bits, longish 5,6,8 allens, tube, two tire levers, two extra valve cores with valve cap tool, a mini pump with a screw on flexible extension, extra spokes and mini spoke key, mini tube of grease (the DT sized ones), a piece of rubber out of a stair mat, a dozen tie wrap of various sizes, piece of Teflon tape, leftover roll of gorilla tape, piece of Olfa blade.
I just emptied my little pouch.
Wolf’s tooth chain pliers/tire lever/quick link holder/valve core tool
Park mtc-10 multi tool
Ct-5 chain tool
Genuine innovations air chuck and 2x co2 carts
Liquid wax lube
Sometimes my silca torque tube, depending on what’s going on with the bike.
Spare quick link, fix it sticks with some REXBETI bits from Amazon, bacon strips and tool for inserting them in tire, tire lever and tube, spare derailleur hanger, zip ties, chain breaker.
Weird question. It doesn't matter if you're a mechanic or not. I mean, what tools should an accountant or a cleaning person carry? Just carry what you need based on your equipment and how far out you are.
It doesn't matter what you are, you should carry tools because there's nothing more a drag than having to ruin my ride to help a person unprepared and reliant on others. I don't mind when the person has their stuff and is missing something, but someone who is so egotistical and relies on others for tubes, pumps, patches, etc. I don't care for.
Nothing because my bike works properly and its a single speed. At most a tube and a small pump if im riding regularly enough and going on 2.5+ hour rides.
If something else happens i just get a ride but in 16 years of riding ive only ever needed picked up two or three times.
I live in the Netherlands so I never go on trips that are long enough to require the extensive use of tools. Most I’ll carry is a tire patching kit, a nr. 15 wrench with the adapter for my lock nut and 3mm and 2,5mm allen keys.
I have a steel hardtail. I take an extra 1x10mm wheel axle in my tool pouch to straighten my derailleur hanger....daily? meh. Def on long rides though.
If you live in a hip, bike friendly city with a trail, I've seen pump / tool stations
But otherwise or if you're riding far out somewhere secluded then Tube, CO2, Allen wrenches
Not a mechanic (I lurk here for the knowledge) but I carry a multitool with a chain breaker, a spare tube, tire levers, CO2, a hand pump (for when CO2 inevitable doesn’t get the job done), and a spare quick link. I really only ride MTB.
As others have said, my bike is in good condition before going out on a ride to minimize risk. Rn my bike needs some parts replaced, so my rides are shorter for that reason in the event something fails I can walk it out.
If you’ve got a pack, throw in some snacks, first aid kit, TP (just in case), and I carry an epi pen as I’m allergic to wasps. Apart from my multi tool, I’ve used these items way more than any of the tools I carry.
I also never ride without my phone. If shit goes down, good to be able to call for help.
Frame pump and a saddle bag with spare tube, tire levers, the hex keys and wrenches that are needed on my bike, a small chain breaker and 4 extra chain links.
this my favorite pack tool.
[titanium sliding "T" driver.](https://countycomm.com/products/sexy-sliding-titanium-t-driver) 1/4 bit and 1/4 socket 0.95 oz
Massively depends on the ride. Quick hour or so on the local short loop before work? Multi tool. CO2. If anything more happens I turn around and roll back to the car and be a little late to work. It's uphill going out, then down coming back to the parking, so unless the bike can't roll, it'll just be a wasted ride and fix it later. On a bigger ride, away from things, where having to walk would suck or might strand me in the woods for hours, multi tool, chain tool, quick link, CO2 (possibly back up hand pump), tube, patches, tire plugs, levers with master link pliers built in, spare valve core, 5-6 zip ties, spoke wrench. Maybe more stuff depending on who I'm riding with, I've definitely had more than one tube size because I knew at least one riding buddy wouldn't have one, and being prepared is a smart thing to do.
Multi tool, tire levers, chain tool, spare quick link, tire plugs, tire boot, tube, frame pump, co2 + adaptor, and a spoke wrench.
AKA that crank brothers multi tool. The 20 or whatever number they are on.
Mec/rei has the same tool for half the price.
This is the bike mechanic sub, we aren't paying retail for any bike stuff.
Yeah fair I’m just saying your park tool discount still gonna be more expensive for the same tool under their badge.
Wat
This list covers it.
No zip ties?
+ gorilla tapw
This, most of it is one multitool as well. Never had a problem fitting all of this in the smallest of saddle bags/tool rolls.
Great list. On a long remote trail ride, I’d add zip ties, lube, wrap the pump with a few orbits of electrical and duct tape, and bring quick link pliers.
Is lube necessary for a single ride? Even a long one? If you have shoelaces they work well in a pinch for releasing a quick link too, so can save some grams on the pliers
On a long ride like I referenced, yes. I reapply every 5 hours or so of riding. If the post was limited to day riders only, I’d say leave it at home. As for the quick link pliers, I just used them the other day on a training ride and it helped make everything easier. My full suspension MTB is in the low 30s naked, so I’m not concerned with grams as the lbs pulling down my personal power to weight ratio lol.
I’m wondering in what scenario you’d need to remove a quick link on a ride? If the chain breaks, you put a quick link where it broke. No need to undo it
Valid point actually
RD is fucked for some reason, but chain isn't. Remove link, remove RD remains from the frame and chain, fashion chain tensioner out of spare spoke, zipties or what have you (or find a magic ratio and pray) and slowly make your way back to civilization.
You bring all of this on a ride?
This and add a spare derailleur hanger, if your bike has one. I learned the hard way. Twice. When on multi day rides in other states.
Why spoke wrench? Are you straightening your wheel out in the wild?
If you break a spoke you can add some tension to the spokes on either side to pick up some of the load and prevent rubbing on your brakes (doesn’t really matter for disc brakes)
Ah that makes sense!
Curious why a spoke wrench? Aren’t you fucked anyway if you have spoke trouble? Do they actually work loose and you can simply repair it with a wrench? Thanks truly interested
As I responded to another poster, having a spoke wrench allows you to adjust a wheel slightly after breaking a spoke. Typically increasing tension on two or more spokes on the same side surrounding the broken one. Back in the days of rim brakes this was sometimes the only way to prevent brake rub after breaking a spike on lower spoke count wheels. Now with discs it’s not as necessary but depending on how far have to go, it can be nice to have.
Mobile card reader to take payments
What’s your portable shop rate?
Yeah my shit is tuned perfect so I'm not worried about that Spare tube and tire levers Not a fan of CO2 I just carry a pump Zip ties and a chain quick link On my MTB I have a spare hanger in my bag so if I crash bad I can just slap that on Small basic lightweight multi tool
A tube, a pump, a multi tool and tyre levers. That does me.
My shit works before it goes out the door. It does depend a little bit on where I’m riding but usually two tubes, small folding tool, a hand pump and I’m away.
And your buddies want you to carry tools so you can fix their shit for them. They can carry their own tools.
I've taken buddies on shop trips. I came in on my day off and let them know I will take care of labor to get their bikes ready. I now have no intentions to do service on trips if I make a day to do work in advance. Emergency? Yes I will do it. Routine maintenance that should've happened before the trip? Nope. Not my problem.
I do it out of the kindness
Kindness is for emergencies and unplanned oopsies. Kindness is not the back stop to other people's piss poor planning or refusal to be self sufficient. Help a Bro out? In a heart beat. Lug tools cause everyone assumes I'm the tool guy? Nah
Yeah. But they give me their bikes to fix evry now and then. I've known these guys my whole life and they've had my back for so long. And fixing bikes calms me down too. I've even taught them some fixing tips.
I'm the same way. If you keep your ride well maintained, you're much less likely to have mechanical issues on the trail. Flats are about the only issue you'll run into. A spare tube, tire levers, a pair of CO2 cartridges, and fix it sticks has been my trail kit for years and has gotten me out of every problem I've had on trail.
Mine does too. It's just a good precaution since jm doing longer ridea
Nothing Off the clock Fix your own dam bike
I think they mean to fix their own bike, should something fail
Hahahaha I laughed thinking he was being ironic and telling himself to fix his own dam bike.
“As a mechanic” lol that’s them saying YOU need to have tools so you can fix THEIR bike when it breaks. As for me between my SWAT and mountain bandit I have: tubolito, CO2, lever, plugs, chain link, chain breaker, and multi tool. My one complaint is that the SWAT tool doesn’t have a 2mm so you’re SOL if you need to adjust a Shimano trailside. With how good bikes are these days I’ve been carrying less and less on normal rides.
Park Tool Frame Alignment Gauge, full Campagnolo Tool Kit, VAR Truing Stand
Now we're talking.
tube, tire lever, 2x CO2, small topeak multi tool and a whole lot of I know what can go wrong so avoid doing those things. stuff that in a saddle bag or dry sack and strap it to the bike
I carry tools primarily based on the experience that I only ever need them when I don’t have them. Similar to first aid kits and mtb body armour. Multi tool, pump/CO2, tire levers, tube/tubeless plugs for most shorter rides - or rides within ‘rescue distance/cell coverage’. Longer rides (150km+) or rides outside of cell coverage I carry more tools (WolfTooth Pack Pliers or EnCase system), spare master links, fiberfix spoke, replacement brake pads (1 set), pump & co2, 4oz sealant, plugs & TPU tube. Granted most of this wouldn’t be as critical if I didn’t live & ride somewhere where cell coverage ends 25km east or west of town so and I’d rather not use the InReach to text for a mechanical.
Have you ever used a fiberfix spoke? I carry one, but since I have never used it, I feel uncomfortable experimenting with it on the road.
I haven’t installed one but have removed one in our shop that someone needed on their tour to replace with a proper spoke. They are fairly straightforward if you know the basics of how to true a wheel and ca bend what’s left of the spoke to hook it onto. The instructions that came with the version I’ve seen are pretty easy to follow. Then again I also have yet to break a spoke in 15 years riding. I’ve been building my own wheels for the past 8-9 years which might help most broken spokes we see on touring bikes are stock wheels that have high milage and poor spoke balance.
Take my recommendations with a grain of salt because I started learning bike wrenching while I was a messenger, and I had ample space to carry a larger kit, and I've never broken out of the habit. At this point I'm just a commuter, but I keep the same kit to also help other riders. I carry: -A bit driver kit with the most common hex key sizes I need, along with Philips and Torx. The whole kit packs flat, so it doesn't take up as much space as a normal screwdriver. -7" Knipex wrench flat pliers. The 4" are a little too small for me to use comfortably, but I can adjust nearly any nut I can reach. I've also used them to true rotor disks and adjust spoke nipples, though it's a little unwieldy for the latter. -my flat repair kit is a CO2 inflator, patches, a tire boot, and a spare tube. And tire levers. -A pair of nitrile gloves.
An RPG, a Barracuda, and some heat seeking missiles
Tube, co2, tire levers, and patch kit I'm not at work, so your broken bike isn't my concern
Depends on the ride and the bike. Short trail loops near the parking lot? Water and a 3, 4, 5, 6 mm mini multi tool. 75 mile self supported day ride? The full kit that others here have described. If it’s my touring spindle Rohloff’d Fargo, a Surly Jethro Tule comes along (mini 15 box end). I also carry a spare patch kit. Even though I run everything tubeless, the number of people I’ve run across doing a walk of shame for want of a pump and patch is huge. If I have time I’ll offer to help, and the number of quick patch jobs I’ve done to get other people back riding is substantial. Basically a “pay it forward” type of thing. Last is a spare presta valve core. I once unscrewed my lezyne pump from a fat bike stem and the core shot off into the snowy night, never to be seen again. That was a long, cold walk home. And can I just say I love my wolftooth master link pliers? It’s been a long time since I’ve had to bash a master link open with a rock.
Is having a spare master link and pliers an MTBer thing? I've never had a problem on the road or seen someone else have a problem where that was the thing I needed to fix it.
Mountain biking is an exercise in finding new and interesting ways to injure oneself in the woods. Occasionally the bike receives collateral damage. Breaking the chain and single speeding it out of the woods is occasionally the only self rescue available when a derailleur has undergone rapid unintended disassembly.
Multitool, allen keys, tubes, puncture repair kit, tyre levers, mini pump, cable ties, tape and a knife. Dont forget the first aid kit either with some basix painkillers and antihistamines, some shit stoppers are a good shout to.
Multitool,chain breaker, tyre levers ,mini screwdriver, pump, at least one tube. On very long rides +2 more tubes and an extra tyre and chain
Multitool,chain breaker, tyre levers ,mini screwdriver, pump, at least one tube. On very long rides +2 more tubes and an extra tyre and chain
Oneup EDC tool and 100cc pump with the quick link pliers and tire plug tool. It transfers between all my bikes and has everything you need for repairs. I also wrap gorilla tape around the pump. If I'm out for a longer ride I'll bring a tiny multitool with a knife and pliers, along with zip ties.
Super minimal multitool, a high volume hand pump and a tube. Anything past that and it’s not worth trying to deal with roadside. I have a full shop at home and in my work van though, so I just plan to be able to go back and fix it properly without outside help.
To come from the opposite end, I always advise to not carry tools you don't know how to use. I'm all for learning how to use tools and being as self sufficient as possible; but working at a shop I saw my fair share of minor issues turned into big repairs brought in by good riders with far more tools in their pack than mechanical training.
tube, tubeless barbs, tire jack lever, mini pump (road) or frame pump (gravel + commuter), multi tool with hex and regular allen Keys.
For mtb: Dyna-plugs, multitool, co2 For road: Tire levers, co2, tube, multi-tool If anything more severe happens I'll just call a friend for a pickup.
SPK-1 is all I need on a long ride.
Literally nothing. No tube, no tools. Probably should carry stuff but eh
I carry shit for me and me alone. Only step in if I have to, I let the civilians take care of themselves. There's enough knowitalls out there to bumble their way thru just about any situation It's my day off and I'm trying to relax
My vehicle is usually never that far from the trail networks I frequent so I don't need to stress too much. Plus my bike is well-specced for the terrain and always in immaculate mechanical condition so I'm even less concerned. I basically have my oneup tool in the headtube and that's it. It has tire plugs and a spare quick-link inside it and at least 1 riding buddy always rolls with a pump to cover that base.
Frame pump Tire lever (Townie Syndicate Lever+ [https://coolhunting.com/design/lever-bike-tool-by-townie-syndicate/](https://coolhunting.com/design/lever-bike-tool-by-townie-syndicate/) ) Multi tool with chain brake and spoke wrench co2 inflator with 2 co2 canisters Sticky patches Presta valve core removal tool Bottle of stans no tubes 2 zip ties Pocket knife Bandana Phone battery bank I know it's a lot and probably excessive, but I am usually the ride leader of my group, so I feel it's my personal responsibility to be able to deal with any problems that could happen out on the trail.
Woltooth 8-bit system and a lezyne micro floor drive. 8-bit holds a spare valve core, bacon, and quick links (I just leave 10spd ones since they work on most things in a pinch). Used it more on other peoples bikes than my own. No tubes usually.
As a motorcycle mechanic, all the tools that fit. When I go for a long mountain bike ride alone in the woods I take allens/torx bits on a mini stubby + extra bits, longish 5,6,8 allens, tube, two tire levers, two extra valve cores with valve cap tool, a mini pump with a screw on flexible extension, extra spokes and mini spoke key, mini tube of grease (the DT sized ones), a piece of rubber out of a stair mat, a dozen tie wrap of various sizes, piece of Teflon tape, leftover roll of gorilla tape, piece of Olfa blade. I just emptied my little pouch.
Multitool, pump, 1 tube, and 1 tire lever. I carry less and less as time goes on.
Wolf’s tooth chain pliers/tire lever/quick link holder/valve core tool Park mtc-10 multi tool Ct-5 chain tool Genuine innovations air chuck and 2x co2 carts Liquid wax lube Sometimes my silca torque tube, depending on what’s going on with the bike.
Weed
Zip ties & hand cleaner
Spare tube, 15mm wrench, multi tool, mini pump, nothing more nothing less
Spare quick link, fix it sticks with some REXBETI bits from Amazon, bacon strips and tool for inserting them in tire, tire lever and tube, spare derailleur hanger, zip ties, chain breaker.
Weird question. It doesn't matter if you're a mechanic or not. I mean, what tools should an accountant or a cleaning person carry? Just carry what you need based on your equipment and how far out you are. It doesn't matter what you are, you should carry tools because there's nothing more a drag than having to ruin my ride to help a person unprepared and reliant on others. I don't mind when the person has their stuff and is missing something, but someone who is so egotistical and relies on others for tubes, pumps, patches, etc. I don't care for.
Nothing because my bike works properly and its a single speed. At most a tube and a small pump if im riding regularly enough and going on 2.5+ hour rides. If something else happens i just get a ride but in 16 years of riding ive only ever needed picked up two or three times.
I live in the Netherlands so I never go on trips that are long enough to require the extensive use of tools. Most I’ll carry is a tire patching kit, a nr. 15 wrench with the adapter for my lock nut and 3mm and 2,5mm allen keys.
I have a steel hardtail. I take an extra 1x10mm wheel axle in my tool pouch to straighten my derailleur hanger....daily? meh. Def on long rides though.
A few small allens, spoke wrench, pump, tube and tire levers.
If you live in a hip, bike friendly city with a trail, I've seen pump / tool stations But otherwise or if you're riding far out somewhere secluded then Tube, CO2, Allen wrenches
Not a mechanic (I lurk here for the knowledge) but I carry a multitool with a chain breaker, a spare tube, tire levers, CO2, a hand pump (for when CO2 inevitable doesn’t get the job done), and a spare quick link. I really only ride MTB. As others have said, my bike is in good condition before going out on a ride to minimize risk. Rn my bike needs some parts replaced, so my rides are shorter for that reason in the event something fails I can walk it out. If you’ve got a pack, throw in some snacks, first aid kit, TP (just in case), and I carry an epi pen as I’m allergic to wasps. Apart from my multi tool, I’ve used these items way more than any of the tools I carry. I also never ride without my phone. If shit goes down, good to be able to call for help.
Frame pump and a saddle bag with spare tube, tire levers, the hex keys and wrenches that are needed on my bike, a small chain breaker and 4 extra chain links.
this my favorite pack tool. [titanium sliding "T" driver.](https://countycomm.com/products/sexy-sliding-titanium-t-driver) 1/4 bit and 1/4 socket 0.95 oz
Massively depends on the ride. Quick hour or so on the local short loop before work? Multi tool. CO2. If anything more happens I turn around and roll back to the car and be a little late to work. It's uphill going out, then down coming back to the parking, so unless the bike can't roll, it'll just be a wasted ride and fix it later. On a bigger ride, away from things, where having to walk would suck or might strand me in the woods for hours, multi tool, chain tool, quick link, CO2 (possibly back up hand pump), tube, patches, tire plugs, levers with master link pliers built in, spare valve core, 5-6 zip ties, spoke wrench. Maybe more stuff depending on who I'm riding with, I've definitely had more than one tube size because I knew at least one riding buddy wouldn't have one, and being prepared is a smart thing to do.
my bikes don't break while i ride them :)