Emergency Repair Kit - Multiple Function Tools

An example of a multiple function tool.
Click to enlarge.

People often consider taking a multiple function tool along with them during a tour. I did this during both of my lake tours.

These kind of tools usually include a number of helpful parts that could really aid you in an emergency repair situation. The tool shown in the picture includes a chain tool, numerous allen keys, two tire levers, a couple screw drivers, a small pedal wrench and a knife as well as a number of other functions.

All of this functionality has the potential to weigh more then the weight of just carrying a few specific tools that you will need with you during your tour. If you carefully review the number of allen key sizes that you actually have on your bike and standardize on as few sizes as possible then you might be able to go from carrying 5 or more allen keys as shown in the multiple function tool picture to carrying only one, two or three of the hex keys that you actually need.

Another example is the chain tool. The chain tool shown in the picture works fine and I have used it very successfully to fix a broken chain while mountain biking in the woods. I also have a Park Chain tool which I find much more comfortable to use primarily because it is a larger size that feels better in my hand. Either one works fine to fix a broken chain.

Looking over the rest of the tool I always carry separate tire levers with me anyway since I like to use three when working on the bike. I am unlikely to use the remaining tools.

A multiple function tool like the tool shown above can really be useful and helpful if it's the only tool available to you or if you want to carry a single tool that has lots of functionality to help you quickly resolve a problem. I carry one while mountain biking for exactly that reason. I cycle with others so I never really know what tools I might need in order to help them out.

During a bicycle tour most cyclists end up trying to think about how to carry less weight. One easy weight reduction is to carry only the tools that you actually need. With a bit of looking and careful planning you should be able to carry high quality tools that are comfortable to use while carrying less weight then a multiple function tool.

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