Tools on the bike options

[figjam_sa]

Good Morning everyone!

 

So while I wait on my new bike I was thinking about everything I'll need when I approach an XC race. 60-100km. 

 

A couple of years ago I bought this set from CWC. https://www.icetoolz.eu/en/icetoolz-tool-set-82a8-ultimate-29-parts-grey/a5375?c=3615

So this is what I already have....

 

I don't like to carry too much stuff on me and prefer not to carry a backpack.

 

So I was thinking something like this for my tools and waterbottle (as I'll need a bottle cage anyway)..

https://www.evobikes.co.za/lezyne-flow-storage-bottle-cage-incl-multitool-co2.html

Anyone use this model or have any issues with it?

 

And for the tire repair I was thinking the Sahmurai Sword - https://www.evobikes.co.za/sahmurai-sword-single-unit-v2-0.html

 

A spare tube (if needed) I can strap to the frame.

 

Snacks/Gels, cellphone and keys I'll keep in my pockets.

 

Would this be sufficient? 

 

Other options I looked at as well:

 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/swat-conceal-carry-mtb-tool/p/157285?color=232294-157285 - The Spez SWAT tool that goes in the steerer tube seems very basic compared to the Lezyne? 

 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/mountain-bandit/p/155910?color=229850-155910 - I looked at the Specialized SWAT Bandit but it's only for a Spez saddle. 

 

https://www.specialized.com/za/en/mtb-xc-box/p/155412?color=229357-155412 - I could go this route with one of their bottle cages..

 

https://www.syncros.com/za/en/news/syncros/trail-essentials - Seems ok. Few reviews complain about the cartridge being very difficult to get back in if there's mud/dirt. Rust seems to be a problem as well. Not convinced I NEED a pump in a race if I have enough c02, so that's extra weight as well. 

 

https://www.topeak.com/global/en/products/ninja-series/837-ninja-tc-mountain - looks good as well

 

https://www.on-lynecomponents.com/collections/the-holy-rail/products/holy-rail-triangle-storage-box-kit-quick-draw-multitool - I like the Lyne model as well but the multitool doesn't have a chain tool as far as I can tell.

 

Sorry for all the links, but you guys can help me make a better decision if we are all on the same page, haha. 

 

I could just run a saddle bag with a multitool/chain tool/ C02 from my tool kit as well. Will it work? I'll still need a bottle cage anyway. 

 

Thanks guys!

 

 

 

 

[PhilipV]

have one of these. Put a tube, Co2 bomb and a Lyne shred zeppelin in and all I carry in my pockets are far keys, phone and a bar on longer rides.

https://www.blackburndesign.com/p/switch-wrap-bicycle-tool-kit/

[porqui]

Will there be XC races again

 

[hansolo]

I'm very happy with my OneUp EDC, you can either thread your steerer or put the tools in a pump. It's not the cheapest option but it's really good qaulity.

 

https://trailtechcycles.co.za/products/oneup-edc-tool-system-no-pump

 

https://trailtechcycles.co.za/collections/oneup-components/products/oneup-edc-top-caps-various-colours

 

https://trailtechcycles.co.za/collections/oneup-components/products/oneup-edc-plug-pliers-kit

 

In addition to Specialized, Bontrager (Trek) and Granite Design also make similar units. 

 

https://www.granite-design.com/stashmultitool

 

I've seen the Granite Design stuff at Outdoor Escape in Stellenbosch.

 

Giant also has quite a few options available for storage and Wolftooth is another option to look into.

[Brandon P]

I'd suggest:

• Your multitool from CWC with chainbreaker.
• Quicklinks x2.
• Mushroom plug.
• Tyre levers.
• Two bombs, maybe a pump (for when the bombs run out or when you only need to top up on the trail after plugging). Latex tyre sealant doesn't like CO2.
• Spare mini-bottle of Stans (for you or your pals when tyre is dry emergency. Then also don't need to top up tyres as often). I take a second bottle on longer rides or bigger groups.
• Small bottle chainlube.
• Plugger, spare plugs & blade (e.g. Ryder Slug Plug).

All of the above is in a tiny saddle bag (small enough to go in my saddle) or taped to my bottle cage or saddle post.
 

Haven't carried a spare tube in over 15yrs (trekking/riding/racing). They are fairly useless in a used tubeless ridden tyre.

Edited July 27, 2020 by Brandon P

[splat]

Bontrager has this system:

https://bikerumor.com/2020/07/24/bontrager-hides-their-bits-integrated-mtb-tool-in-your-steerer-for-on-the-go-repairs/

 

Giant has the Clutch range: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/global/clutch-tools

 

Wolftooth this their EnCase system: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/encase-system

[Chadvdw67]

I have that Lezyne cage, I like it, the only gripe I have with it is that the CO2 adapter cant be regulated, you put it on the valve, screw on a bomb and empty it into the tyre, not ideal, but I guess it will get you out of trouble

[Chadvdw67]

Double post

Edited July 27, 2020 by Chadvdw67

[ChrisF]

What bike do you ride, or rather .... how much space do you have in the triangle, and do you have a dropper seat post ?

 

 

TOOLS - The Syncros set WORKS !! But it raises the bottle, so in tight fit triangles this may be an issue ...

 

TUBE AND GAS - A small saddle bag does the job, but it needs to attach to the saddle rails only if you have a dropper seat post. The Farr bag works with a thin walled inner tube from Spez. I now use the SpeedSleeve bag from Cogent Industries - EXCELLENT BAG !!! IN FACT , with this bag you wont need the Syncross setup.

 

 

PUMP - I cycle alone, and have seen people get stuck when the gad bomb did not work .... so I have one of the pumps that mount next to the water bottle.

 

 

SWORD - I have seen people syruggle trail side with other units ... gent rolls up, takes the sword out of the handle bar and they got sorted immediately. Bought mine a few days later.

[BaGearA]

Okay so here's my take, and it WILL be an unpopular one

 

 

Most rides I'm within a 10km radius of my car which I'm willing to walk back if I have a catastrophic failure. I build my bikes to avoid this and they have let me down in that type of way twice in the last 10 years (both times I walked for over an hour)

 

So if I'm in that radius I carry literally nothing except water, I make sure tyres are good in terms of sealent and life left, mechanically the bike is sound.... Always.

 

 

If on the rare occasion I'm out for 3 plus hours and can potentially be more than 2 hours walk from the car I carry A speedsleeve with tube, bomb, good multi tool, tyre repair kit, hanger and spare quick link.

 

 

Im just really against adding unnecessary weight and noise to my bike, I got into a casual race with a guy Saturday and could always judge how far ahead I was with all his crap clanging together in that saddle bag.

 

 

 

A Speedsleeve is 1000000 times better than a saddle bag, and I wouldn't even call it a saddle bag. It's in a league of its own. Again that's only for the rare occasion I put it on the bike

[ChrisF]

The SpeedSleeve truly is in a different league

[Grease_Monkey]

If you wanna go for a saddle bag, the Speed Sleeve is your answer.

 

If you want the most elegant solution - One Up EDC tool with the plug and pliers kit in your steerer tube. This has all the trail side tools you will need from allen keys to chainbreaker to tyre lever to plugs, and a masterlink tool.

 

Then, you get the 70cc OneUp pump, which has a built in CO2 tool, and the ability to carry a CO2 cannister.

 

If you feel the need to strap a tube to your frame do that (I don't because I run cushcore). With this setup you don't see a single tool, it's all integrated, quiet, and beautifully machined.

 

It's not cheap, but it's worth every cent. I have tapped all my bikes' steerer tubes so I use my tool across all my bikes, which works out similair in terms of price if I had to buy regular tools or a saddle bag for each of them.

Edited July 27, 2020 by Grease_Monkey

[figjam_sa]

Thanks Philip, this looks like a nice option as well! Do you maybe know who in CT stocks them?

 

have one of these. Put a tube, Co2 bomb and a Lyne shred zeppelin in and all I carry in my pockets are far keys, phone and a bar on longer rides.
https://www.blackburndesign.com/p/switch-wrap-bicycle-tool-kit/

[figjam_sa]

Hansolo I didn't include Oneup in my list as it seems scarce to get, but I do like the idea, although it seems expensive. But I will definitely look into it. Will try to find out who has stock and who can tap my steerer tube.  

 

I might have some more questions about the different products. Thanks

 

I'm very happy with my OneUp EDC, you can either thread your steerer or put the tools in a pump. It's not the cheapest option but it's really good qaulity.

 

https://trailtechcycles.co.za/products/oneup-edc-tool-system-no-pump

 

https://trailtechcycles.co.za/collections/oneup-components/products/oneup-edc-top-caps-various-colours

 

https://trailtechcycles.co.za/collections/oneup-components/products/oneup-edc-plug-pliers-kit

 

In addition to Specialized, Bontrager (Trek) and Granite Design also make similar units. 

 

https://www.granite-design.com/stashmultitool

 

I've seen the Granite Design stuff at Outdoor Escape in Stellenbosch.

 

Giant also has quite a few options available for storage and Wolftooth is another option to look into.

[figjam_sa]

Thanks Splat, that Bontrager systems I quite like. 

 

Bontrager has this system:

https://bikerumor.com/2020/07/24/bontrager-hides-their-bits-integrated-mtb-tool-in-your-steerer-for-on-the-go-repairs/

 

Giant has the Clutch range: https://www.giant-bicycles.com/global/clutch-tools

 

Wolftooth this their EnCase system: https://www.wolftoothcomponents.com/collections/encase-system

[figjam_sa]

I have that Lezyne cage, I like it, the only gripe I have with it is that the CO2 adapter cant be regulated, you put it on the valve, screw on a bomb and empty it into the tyre, not ideal, but I guess it will get you out of trouble

 

Thanks for the update Chad. Seems that I'll need C02 adapter which I forgot about.