How To Build A Comprehensive On The Bike Tool Kit

Having a well-stocked tool kit is one of the most important parts of being prepared for a bike ride. Nothing ruins a great ride faster than a mechanical issue you can’t fix.

Whether you’re heading out for a quick lunch loop or planning a multi-day bikepacking adventure, being prepared for common trail and road-side repairs can save your ride and keep you from having to call for rescue.

I’ve learned through countless rides (and, admittedly, a few walks home) exactly what tools are worth carrying. In this article, I’ll break down everything you need in your bike repair kit, from the absolute essentials to extra items for remote adventures.

Make sure to also read my article on what to pack for a bike ride, for additional non-tool items you should be bringing with you.

Video Overview

Start With A Tool Roll Or Canister

It doesn’t really matter what you put all your tools in but it is helpful to have them all organized in one place. Some folks will use a seat bag or top tube bag for their tools. My husband swears by his tool canister that fits inside a bottle cage.

As for me, I like a tool roll. This is easy for me to grab regardless of which bike I’m using and I can pack it in my hip pack, frame bag, or handlebar bag depending on the type of ride I’m doing and the type of bike I have along.

The Essentials

These are the items I’d make sure I have for EVERY bike ride.

Mini Pump And/ Or C02 Inflator & Cartridge

A mini pump is the single most important item to have in your toolkit. It is your lifeline if you get a low or flat tire.

I’ve tested a lot of different pumps over the years, and I swear by the Lezyne HP Drive. It has a small hose that threads onto your valve, ensuring you don’t lose air as you pump, and it’s relatively friendly on your arm.

Recently, I also got a mini electric pump*. These things are so easy and quick, but they do have to be charged between rides.

Another option is a CO2 inflator and cartridge. It requires less effort than a manual pump and doesn’t require a charge like an electric pump, but isn’t always foolproof and has limited uses per cartridge.

Consider carrying two of these for longer rides. For example, use the CO2 for quick fixes and keep a manual pump as backup. Remember that CO2 can leak out of your tubes faster than regular air, so a mini pump is essential for multi-day adventures.

Spare Tube or Tubolito

Even if you’re running tubeless, a spare tube is your get-home insurance policy. If your tubeless tire has a hole or tear that won’t seal, a tube can save your ride.

A Tubolito* is another option and what I personally carry. Tubolito tubes are a lightweight alternative to traditional butyl tubes, though they’re pretty spendy! They take up minimal space in your kit which is why I prefer them.

Tire Levers

Essential for removing tight-fitting tires from your rim. While some tires can be removed by hand, having a pair of tire levers ensures you won’t be stranded with a stubborn tire. Look for durable plastic levers – metal ones can damage your rim tape or tire bead. I swear by these Pedro’s tire levers*.

Tubeless Repair Kit

For tubeless setups, a tubeless repair kit *includes tire plugs and an insertion tool. They’re crucial for repairing punctures that your sealant can’t handle on its own. The plugs can fix holes up to about 5mm in size, making them perfect for those pesky goathead punctures or small rock cuts.

Multi Tool

Choose a bike specific multi-tool. It may include various hex key sizes (typically 2-8mm), screwdrivers, and Torx bits. This allows you to adjust seat height, tighten loose bolts, and make other common adjustments. I like my Lezyne tool* which includes chain breaker, as well as the Wolf Tooth 8-bit pack pliers*. The Metmo Pocket Driver is also a nifty little tool that works better than a traditional multi-tool thanks to it’s ratcheting mechanism, but is a bit on the spendy side.

Good To Have Items

Now that you have the bare necessities, these are the items I’d start adding.

Tire Boot

A tire boot is a strong, adhesive-backed patch that can repair cuts or tears in your tire’s sidewall or tread. Without one, a significant tire gash could end your ride even if you have a spare tube. If you don’t want to spend money on a tire boot and you have an old tube laying around, you can also cut a section of tube to use as a boot. Simply use a little super glue (listed below) to adhere the boot to the inside of your tire.

Patch Kit

While carrying a spare tube is essential, a patch kit serves as backup and can save you if you get multiple flats on one ride. The self-adhesive patches weigh basically nothing and take up little space, so they’re a good extra insurance policy.

Master Link And Chain Tool(s)

A broken chain doesn’t have to end your ride if you’re prepared. A master link allows you to repair a broken chain quickly, while a chain tool lets you remove damaged links. Make sure your master link matches your chain speed (8/9/10/11/12 speed).

Some multi-tools have a chain breaker built in, but if yours does not, add one separately. Popping the chain back together after replacing a link can also be a challenge, so I like to carry the Wolftooth Pack Master Link Pliers*. It even has a storage spot for your spare link.

Zip Ties

These lightweight problem-solvers have countless uses: securing loose cables, attaching broken gear to your bike, or even holding your shorts closed if a button or zipper breaks (don’t ask me how I know). They take up almost no space but can be incredibly useful in unexpected situations. I like to carry a variety of lengths and sizes.

Duct Tape

Wrap a few lengths of duct tape or Gorilla tape around your pump rather than carrying a whole roll. Duct tape can repair torn bags, temporarily fix flapping fenders, patch tears in clothing, and who knows what else.

Super Glue

Perfect for small repairs that need a permanent bond. It can fix torn grips, repair small cracks in plastic components, and even help seal small holes in your tire.

Spare Bolts

A few common-sized bolts that match your bike’s hardware can be lifesavers. Focus on the bolts that most commonly work loose: water bottle cage bolts, derailleur hanger bolts, and cleat bolts if you ride clipless.

Small Leatherman Or Gerber Tool

A small Leatherman or similar multi-purpose tool (I use the Gerber Dime*) can be invaluable for its pliers, knife, and other tools not found on typical bike multi-tools. The pliers are especially useful for pulling thorns from tires, holding small parts while making adjustments, or straightening bent components. The knife can help cut zip ties, trim tubeless plugs, or handle other trailside tasks that require a sharp blade. Look for a compact model that balances functionality with weight.

Extra Items For Bikepacking Or More Remote Rides

These are a few extra items that I don’t necessarily always have on me because they are heavier or needed less frequently, but that I’m likely to add to my tool kit if I’m doing a remote ride where getting a rescue isn’t easy or if I’m bikepacking.

• Lube and rag – For longer rides, a small bottle of lube and a rag (cut off a small piece of an old t-shirt) will allow you to clean and lube your chain when it starts getting a little dusty or squeaky.
• Spare Derailleur Hanger – This small piece connects your derailleur to your frame and is designed to break under impact to protect your frame and derailleur. Each bike frame has a specific hanger design, so make sure to get the correct one for your bike.
• Needle & dental floss – Perfect for repairing torn bags, clothing, or even tubeless tires in desperate situations. Dental floss is stronger than regular thread and the waxy coating helps it slide through materials easily.
• Spare cable – A mechanical brake or shifter cable can fray or snap, especially on longer trips.
• Spare brake pads – Wet, muddy conditions and loaded rides can accelerate brake pad wear.
• Tubeless sealant – On multi-day trips, having extra sealant allows you to top up your tires if they’ve lost sealant over time or after repairing a puncture. You just need a little 2 oz bottle*.

Now It’s Time To Learn How To Use All This Stuff!

Carrying all of this stuff won’t do you any good unless you actually know how to use it. Which is such an important part of feeling empowered and independent on the bike! Start by signing up for a clinic at your local bike shop, watching YouTube videos, and reading my guide to bike maintenance. None of it is that hard–it just takes practice!

More Stuff You Might Like

• Cycling Nutrition: 9 Tips For Fueling On The Bike
• What I Packed For A 2 Day Bikepacking Race
• Best Women’s Bike Saddles & How To Choose!

About The Author