Ever fret over what tools and spare parts to bring on a long cycling journey? What to put in, what to leave out? Me too. There’s a myriad of options, with the lists being virtually endless, always striving to balance utility against weight. It boggles the mind. Regardless of what you settle on for your tool kit, it really boils down to “what works for you,” which should be the result of a little thought and analysis. Here’s my take along with a little of my decision-making methodology on the never-ending, ever-evolving, and sometimes hotly contested theme of building the “perfect” tool kit, if such a thing exists.
Think of Your Tool Kit as Part of a Larger Support System
The process gets a little easier and your kit a little more effective if it’s designed to support your trip’s goals, your personal riding style, the equipment you will be using, and the environment you’ll be traveling through. It helps to look at your tools and spare parts kit as integral components of a broader travel support system developed to provide specific capabilities to suit a particular set of goals, needs and operational conditions. Developing a clear understanding of how you are going to ride, what you are going to do with what gear, and where you are going to do it is key to assembling not only the right tool kit and spare parts list, but an effective, efficient support system that will give you the confidence and ability to go virtually anywhere you desire.
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