bikecommuting

I don't commute with any tools. I have pubic transit options throughout my ride, so if I have a mechanical issue it's quicker and easier to lock up, catch a bus or train, and deal with it on my way home. I've only even needed to do this a handful of times in nearly a decade of commuting.

For weekend rides where I'm farther from reliable transit, I'll take a pump, tubeless plugs, innertube, multitool, zipties, and quicklink tool+extra links.

I carry a large Soma Stash storage bottle containing the tools below. When I switch bikes it's quick and easy to move the bottle from one bike to another.

• Folding multi tool (hex wrenches, screwdrivers, chain breaker)
• Tire levers
• Patch kit
• Extra tube
• CO2 cartridge & inflation valve
• Rag for wiping my hands clean, and preventing things form rattling in the bottle

I also carry a small hand pump, usually attached to the frame but sometimes in a bag.

The redundant tube/patch kit and pump/CO2 cartridge helps accommodate my mood. Sometimes I have the patience to patch and pump on the side of the road. Other times I just want to slap in a new tube and get home; I'll deal with the damaged tube later.

I've gotten a surprising amount of mileage out of one of those folding bicycle multi-tool things. I don't remember what brand (or non-brand) mine is. I picked it out of the bargain bin at my local bike shop in like 1999. I owned it for at least a decade before I figured out the scales come off the sides and they act as tire levers. The thing is capable of acting as a driver for almost every fastener on my bike and is also a spoke wrench, chain breaker and reassembler, and headstock nut spanner wrench. Of course, I can tell you how many times I've ever had to adjust spokes, break a chain, or tighten a steering stem nut out in the field, and that is zero. But the thought is nice, I guess.

I used to carry a CO2 inflator but I don't anymore, because I determined that these are a pain in the ass. I have a small frame mount pump instead, again of unknown generic brand and origin.

A spare tube. Some zip ties. Some self adhesive tube patches which now that I think about it are probably expired. And I never leave the house without a small flashlight, Leatherman tool, and lighter.

Since my ride is also now an e-bicycle (complete with generic Chinese rear wheel hub conversion) I also determined that keeping a small adjustable wrench in my seat post bag is essential, because... The motor hub has a bolt on axle, not the quick release that my original axle had. Duh. The first flat I picked up on that thing found me busting the axle nut off with my Leatherman tool, which I got away with but was not ideal.

Repair kit, poncho, cable lock, ulock, spare tube, pump, and safety glasses for night riding.

Multi tool, spoke tightener, spare spokes, chain link, mini-pump, tire levers, co2, patch kit, 3 tubes, zip ties and a dollar bill. In 30+ years commuting I have used them all. Currently ride a Surly Disc-trucker that comes with spare spokes on frame. Worst day was 3 flats so will replace with new tube for speed but will also patch tube and store just in case I set a new personal worst for flats. Dollar bill useful if cut in tire, place on inside of tire over hole and will prevent tube from bulging through cut. Dollar fabric is sturdy and lasts for miles.
I have two cygolite 750 rechargable headlights that are always on bike day or night so I don't need a headlamp. Most fits in under seat bag but ride with saddlebags, extra tubes in bags. Always have light riding jacket in saddlebags as well. Pump is on frame.
Like @[email protected] I use safety glasses, I'm an old fart so IDGAF if people stare.

Nearly all of my trips are in urban areas, so I only keep a spare light with me. Flat tires and such mean taking the bus or phoning a friend, then fixing at home.