Emergency tool kit

[europa]

Now that the Europa is going to be spending more time on the road, more regularly and over longer distances, and now that she's forsaken the wide, kevlar belted tyres with thornproof tubes for something a bit more racey, I decided it was time to buy some emergency bits.

So there I was in my lbs, with the sales assistant, collecting stuff - seat bag, tyre levers, puncture repair kit, allen keys ... then I asked for a mini pump. He stopped, looked at me and said: "We're nuts, how about this set?"

Rav X have produced the "Bike Basics Multi Value Pack".

It includes:

1/ The Rav X mini pump - fold out handle for easy use, pivoting head so you don't tear out valves as easily, presta and schrader valve fittings (next to each other, you don't have to mess with changing rubber bungs over ) and a flip lock to keep it on the valve. The pump mount clamps under your bidon cage without a problem and the pump clips in place then is secured with a velcro strap.

2/ A large underseat bag. Long and roomy (I need the length because I carry an axle spanner, not having quick release hubs). An expansion fold that is held shut with a zip. The bag has a velcro strap around the seat post and an adjustable strap with plastic snap together buckle that goes around the seat rails AND the bag - it ain't gonna fall off.

3/ A rain cover for the underseat bag that lives inside a small pocket in the bag when not in use.

4/ Puncture repair kit (uses glue, not glueless)

5/ Multi-tool with tyre levers and a plastic pouch for the multi-tool.

And all this for $47 which is less than the pump on its own (I think - curse my memory for numbers). I reckon it's good value.

You can see the setup on the Europa:


Inside that bag, I have an axle nut spanner, spare tube still in its box, repair kit, 3 tyre levers (not the ones with the pack but full sized ones), multi-tool - there is still room in there and I haven't opened the expansion fold yet. It appears to be secure and I much prefer the plastic buckle to the velcro the Trek bag on the Black Beast uses (I don't trust velcro over long term). The pump mounted easily and neatly and doesn't get in the way, nor is it going to fall off - I haven't used it and quite frankly, never want to be able to comment on how well it works

So, if you are kitting out a bike, have a look at the Rav X Bike Basics Multi Value Pack

Richard

[Kalgrm]

Chuck in a $5 note. They make good emergency tyre repair patches if you should rip a wall or get a monster puncture (one big enough to make the tube herniate when you put a new one in).

And of course, you can use the note to buy a pick-me-up when you're far from home and need a coke or coffee.

Cheers,
Graeme

[Funkymonk]

your tool bag sounds like the tardis

wow mine now looks like a real basic kit

great value for money !
I have one tube , 3x co2 canisters , 2x tyre levers and a $10 note

[europa]

As soon as I get my act together (about christmas at the current rate ), I'll be adding some lengths of old tube to all my kits.

For those that don't know what we're talking about, we're talking about 'boots' or ... 'whatever the other terms used are'. Basically, if you get a cut in a tyre, or some other sort of catastrophic failure in the tyre, you put a piece of something between the tube and the cut to stop the tube oozing out through the hole in the tyre and failing again. Bank notes, even paper ones, work well, but being an ikey cuss, I'm going to carry a bit of old tube to do the job.

Richard

[MountGower]

All

[europa]

Ahh, but I wear SPD shoes and can walk quite comfortably in them thank you very much. Besides, having carried the old brute home on my shoulder one day, I am very attached to my repair kit

Richard

[Kev365428]

That kit looks like excellent value for money Richard. But if you have the room (and it sounds like you do) I suggest a smallish pair of pliers or the like. I carry a Leatherman in my kit, along with everything else you've mentioned in your kit.

Why pliers? If you've ever tried to remove a piece of steel belt wire from your tyre with your fingers you'll know why. Plus the Leatherman has a multitude of other equipment that you may or may not ever need. But they are pricey.

You can buy cheaper knock-offs that'll do the same thing, so just look around.

Kev.

[senator52]

Which Leatherman have you got? I got given the Wave for my 16th Birthday a few years back, love it

[europa]

There's certainly room in that bag for a leatherman. Fishing shops sell some good ones at a fraction of the price of the leatherman.

Richar

[Mulger bill]

Love my Wave too, wouldn't be without it. Pity they don't do a "Ride"...hmmm.

Shaun