Whether you're riding to work, heading out for a weekend spin, venturing off-road, or gearing up for a multi-day bikepacking trip, having the right tools can make or break your ride. From fixing a surprise flat to tightening a loose bolt, being prepared gives you confidence and keeps the good vibes rolling, especially on those long trips. Here are my go to bike tools.
🚴 If you commute by bike daily, carrying a few essential tools can be a lifesaver when unexpected issues arise—helping you avoid major disruptions of your work day. Consider these tools:
- Multi-tool: Look for one with hex keys, screwdrivers, and a chain breaker, so one tool can serve different purposes. The Lezyne Rap II 18 Link Storage Bike Multi Tool could be a good option
- Mini pump or CO₂ inflator: Look for something that is compact and easy to use, perhaps consider the ZEFAL Cross Al Mini Bike Pump
- Spare tube or patch kit: Glass and other small sharp objects are the silent villains of city roads. Something easy to use like the Lezyne Tubeless Classic Patch Kit would do the job just fine
- Tyre levers: An everyday option would be the Proseries Tyre Levers, or an upgrade version would be the Pedros brand
🚴Weekend rides are my ritual—it's not unusual for me to spend 4–5 hours on the road, covering over 80 km plus a day. For these longer outings, I like to be better prepared for unexpected mechanical issues by packing a few extra lightweight, compact tools (in addition to the ones I mentioned above)
- Two spare tubes: Flats are more likely to happen as you ride for a longer period of time
- Chain quick link: For roadside chain repairs
- Portable chain lube: Especially if you're cycling in wet or dusty conditions. It will help minimise wear and tear of your drive chain, keeping your ride nice and smooth. You can really tell the difference when riding with a nice clean chain
🚴 3. Every few months, I would try to head out of Sydney for a gravel ride. There's nothing quite like the freedom of an off-road adventure—breathing in fresh air, crossing gentle streams, and riding trails barely touched by others. The sound of my tyres crunching over leaves and branches is pure bliss. Of course, off-road riding comes with its own set of challenges—unpredictable terrain, mud, and debris mean your gear needs to work harder. That’s why I bring a slightly different set of tools than I would for a typical city ride. Along with the basics, I make sure to bring:
- Tubeless repair kit: If you're running tubeless, this is essential. I carry with me the Dynaplug DynaPlugger Tubeless Tyre Repair Kit all the time now
- Tyre boots: To patch tyre sidewall cuts, the Restrap Tyre Boot Kit could be your lifesaver
- Mini chain tool or a more advanced multi-tool: Trails can be tough on your drive chain. The compact Lezyne Chain Drive is a good one to keep with you for a quick repair
🚴 4. I'm fortunate to have a few friends who share my love for cycling, and every now and then, we head out on multi-day bikepacking adventures together. The longest trip I’ve done so far was a three-day ride. While I haven’t run into any major issues yet, I always make sure to be prepared for the unexpected. When you’re out for days at a time, think beyond flat tyres, and consider bringing bike tools with you that can fix the wear, tear, and unexpected mechanicals, so in additional to the few tools I take on my gravel ride, I also have:
- Full-size multi-tool or additional tools (torx, pliers, etc.)The Granite RocknRoll Ratchet Tool Kit is my go to
- Spoke wrench and spare spokes
- Zip ties, duct tape and electrical tape
- Spare bolts and brake pads
- Chain lube and rag (in a small container)
- Valve core remover
- Power bank (for GPS, phone, lights)
- Portable tyre pressure gauge
- Frame pump Could be more reliable over time than a mini pump
My tip: Bring only what you know how to use. It's better to have fewer tools you’re confident with than a full set you’re not sure how to operate
Your toolkit should match the kind of ride you're doing. Take some time to learn basic repairs at home so you're not caught off-guard when it counts. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, every ride from city streets to mountain passes can be smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Want help building your ride-ready tool kit? Check out our curated tool selection online, handpicked for every type of rider. What’s your must-have tool on every ride? Let us know in the comments! Write to us if you are looking for a particular tool
My tip: Bring only what you know how to use. It's better to have fewer tools you’re confident with than a full set you’re not sure how to operate
Your toolkit should match the kind of ride you're doing. Take some time to learn basic repairs at home so you're not caught off-guard when it counts. With the right tools and a bit of know-how, every ride from city streets to mountain passes can be smoother, safer, and more enjoyable.
Want help building your ride-ready tool kit? Check out our curated tool selection online, handpicked for every type of rider.
Got a specific tool in mind or a problem you're trying to solve? Reach out to us, we’d love to help you find exactly what you need.