Mmmm… Maybe get a multi-tool with a winch
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Yes, a couple of weeks ago I had my rear shifter cable snap at the nipple in the shifter. Because I had an allen key multi-tool in my saddle bag I was able to fix the cable to a ack mount bolt on the seat stay to get tension in the cable to get me into the middle of the cassette so I didn’t have to ride home in the 11T.
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I have used the chain breaker, too, but just at home for planned maintenance. Technically, I never had to use it on the road. They work well enough that I never felt the need to invest into a proper chain breaker tool.
PS I forgot to include my spare chain link in the list of stuff that is in my road bike’s saddle bag.
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- Thru Axles (hex)
- Spoke Tensioner (had a set of badly built rims), one spoke kepts coming loose.
- Chain Breaker (Very very important) also make sure you have a spare quick link.
- Crash causing the shifters or stem to slip, need hex to re-align.
- Slipping Seatpost or saddle (more rare).
- Any slipping of brake cables or derailleurs (in a crash)…
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Yes;
- Snapped gear cable, adjusting the H/L screws to get into an easier gear
- Loose bolts, readjustments, etc.
- Crashing and having to realign shifters
- Take Thru axle wheels off for puncture repair
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This is why a couple zip ties should be added to everyone’s saddle bag. Perfect for broke spoke banging around
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If you’ve got that far (and aren’t repairing it), just bend it around a nearby spoke until it’s safe. It’s scrap at that point anyway.
I think the original point was that breaking a spoke took it out of true enough to rub on the frame, which is the one time I’ve used a spoke key mid ride. Ironically, not mine as it was a crap one on a multi tool and nearly rounded the nipple. I now carry a Spokey Pro (and have all my wheels on the same nipples, after doing the same on a Shimano wheel which uses different ones to the one I was smugly carrying! :D)
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Like others, I can’t recall using them on my own bike, but has seen plenty of use on others tightening and loosening.
The repressed audaxer in me always goes with “I’d rather be looking at it, than for it”.
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Exactly this. I’ve broken spokes before, but on my MTB and then I just wrap them around another spoke. As you said though, this was on my roadie and the wheel was out of true enough to be rubbing a chainstay.
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If you build your own bike it’s a different story. Never know when a brake lever, chain ring or aero bar will start falling off.
Store bought, bike shop maintained regularly, probably not such an issue…
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IMO the totally opposite. I would never feel safe riding a bike built by some random kid at the LBS.
I carry a multitool, just in case. I cannot remember using it mid ride, though. If I need to adjust something from my bike, I will do it after the ride, not during the ride.
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Made me chuckle… don’t get me wrong, I’ve done some daft things to my bikes but have also fixed other peoples shop horrors, apparently reputable shops too.
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Think you got that one backwards
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What happens if you had a crash and you need to realign your bars to get home?
I wouldn’t want to go on a ride without a saddle bag, and you can always fit a multitool in an appropriately sized saddle bag.
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Most of the times I have needed a tool was when I was riding a clapped out junker and poor. I forgot what tool I even had in my saddle bag until my GF asked to adjust her cleats the other night.
But I still always carry one.
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It’s funny, because I thought everyone would pick up on the fact I’m such a shit bike mechanic my bikes always fall apart, but instead…
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It’s also a selection issue. Those who are better mechanics than their lbs are more likely to do their own maintenance and vice versa.
Never used/needed one since I started road cycling in 2016. All I carry is a tube, CO2+inflator, small pump (and just added a Dynaplug since I’m starting on tubeless) and it all fits in my back jersey so I’ve never use a saddle bag either.
If I wreck I’m calling for a ride, not fiddling with tools to fix stuff. I tend to wreck pretty spectacularly. I’ve called my wife to come and get me when I’ve had a flat and I’m just not feeling like messing about out on the road. I have one of those weird spouses that actually likes me and will come and pick me up no matter what time, when or where.
I’m a horrible mechanic so most of my maintenance is performed by my LBS. I check bolts and fit regularly as well. I don’t ride gnarly stuff so my bikes don’t get too beat up.
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Not sure if this has been recommended. I have one of the Specialized Zee cages that has a small hex mounted below it. Love it. It’s really light weight and I kept it on my marathon race bike. Then I always have a tool and it’s quick to get it out. I’m a paranoid guy on the MTB so I carry a bigger tool in my pack that has more functions (Wolf Tooth 8-bit pack pliers which are also amazing)
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Ive on occasions misplaced my proper chaintool so used the multi tool for DIY, its the same with the screw drivers and hex keys, I can always find it fast 
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