Issue link: http://trailridermagazine.uberflip.com/i/531879
June 2015 35 T he tool bag seems to be going the way of the kidney belt, meaning I see fewer and fewer of them. Part of this may be the result of im- proved reliability of the modern bikes or some of the evolving racing disciplines that allow easier access to support crews. Regardless, if your ride or race doesn't involve a short walk back to the pits or some form of immediate assistance, you really should con- sider including a tool belt or adventure/back pack as a regular part of your gear. Tool belts come in a variety of sizes to accommodate whatever your needs may be. What I pack depends on what kind of adventure lies ahead. The tool belt I use for exploring the back country is different from something used for a trail ride, race or pracce ses- sion. The tool belt is oen compact and includes es- senal tools that can be ulized in a hurry. An adventure pack must accommodate something as large as a tube and re irons. Most importantly, you need to be familiar with the tools in your pack so when you have to use them, they aren't totally for- eign to you. If you only know how to change a re with 20-inch re irons, you will struggle when it comes me to use the 12-inch ones in your pack. Know how to use what you pack. Below are our top-10 must-haves. The first five I usu- ally include in a race pack and the following five I use for longer adventures. Also, don't forget to clean these essenal items every now and then. 1. Tools: Most off road bikes come with a set of tools specific to the bike. KTM's for example, come with a great set of useable tools that can easily accommo- date most trailside repairs. If not, determine what tools you need to adjust chains, tune your suspen- sion, remove wheels and ghten bolt and bark busters (Allen head wrench). 2. Spare nuts and bolts: A few common nuts and bolts can be used for a variety of repairs. Don't for- get to include a master link and a small chain breaker. I even carry few extra chain links. 3. Safety wire/zip es or duct tape: You would be surprised by the things that can be fastened or tem- porarily held in place with these items. For duct tape, peel a couple of feet off the roll and fold it into a nice compact, flat square. 4. Tow Strap: Being towed out of the woods beats walking. My tow strip is about 15 feet long and made of nylon. 5. J-B Weld: Punch a hole in an engine case and this epoxy can have you back on the trail in short order. I've also seen it used to reaach levers. 6. Spare tube (21 inch) or patch kit: If you only carry one tube, make it a front because it will work in both res. A patch kit isn't a bad idea and great for every- thing but tearing off the valve stem. 7. Tire irons (at least two, three are beer): Good levers (like Moon Pro's) make short work of tough sidewalls. 8. Compact bicycle hand pump/or CO2: A manual pump will rarely fail you but a CO2 pump is a serious me saver and more compact. 9. Cell Phone: "Get me the hell out of here! " 10. Snacks: Because being broke down is miserable enough without being hungry. Tool Belt Essentials