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Been asked what I want for Christmas and got to thinking about the best, most useful or most used bits of kit aside from the obvious ones like the bike/tyres etc etc.
So what is your most used or most useful item of bike gear? The tool that has bailed you out so many times, the allen keys that have lasted forever, the jersey you choose almost every time even though you have a drawer full of others.....
Gloves. You can never have too many gloves.
Gloves have saved my hands from damage countless times, kept them warm, give somewhere to wipe snotters etc 😆
My Endura full Monty gloves are almost dead after nearly 2 years though. Won't be buying them again.
Best gloves I ever had were some Dakine ones.
Park allen keys. Just brilliant things. My current set must be 20 years old and built/fettled many, many bikes in that time and they're still like new.
My Ground Effect softshell that I can't remember the name of.
It's my go to autumn/winter/spring riding jersey/jacket.
Firm favourites:
Apidura frame bag like this:
https://www.apidura.com/product/road-frame-pack-large/
Leaves space for water bottle, but big enough for jacket, 2 tubes, tools, and some scoobie snacks. Haven't ridden with backpack for ages.
Blackburn Wayside multi-tool
https://www.cyclestore.co.uk/blackburn_wayside_19_function_multi_tool-ID_69309?sv_source=google&sv_medium=cpc&sv_campaign= [campaign_name]&sv_term=[keyword]&gclid=CjwKCAiAjuPRBRBxEiwAeQ2QPomj9lziy8FMIUhenyYgfbjpo490BCh6QtnJb2nxyYvBSsj9xYSAoxoCrdgQAvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds
Bit heavy, but decent chain tool, the allen keys are tough and detach making them easier to use and it has a blade which comes in handy.
And Defeet Woolie Boolie socks, just casue they're ace..
Tyre noodles for tubeless repairs. Not overly fussed about the brand. There's something so satisfying about them.
Camelbak, every aspect of any camelbak is great, the whole thing is just designed perfectly and manufactured to a high quality.
Park allen keys. Just brilliant things. My current set must be 20 years old and built/fettled many, many bikes in that time and they're still like new.
Another 20+ year old set here. AWS9. Just perfect kit.
Airshot - reduces tubeless tyre swaps faff.
Sportwool kit - something far comfier about wool compared to synthetics. Rapha etc are pricey, but other brands like Torm come in comparable to good synthetic stuff.
A gilet. Every cyclist needs a gilet. Mesh backs are best to keep them superlight and non-sweaty.
joe blow track pump. had it since they first came out. never missed a beat.
Bahco Laplander Folding Saw although I wish I'd bought the orange version
I have a pair of Altura mtb shorts that i have been using for over 10 years of mtb and commuting duties that have done over 50,000 miles and only now are they starting to show there age (they only cost me 25 quid from Merlin). The stiitching is coming apart which i could duly repair but i feel like they deserve retirement so new shorts for xmas for me.
A 'pedros downhill tyre lever' - it's ace.
Yes tyres can be done by hand but its just faster when at home and also incredibly useful for wiggling open crusted up brake calipers.
[url= https://www.screwfix.com/p/hilka-pro-craft-mechanics-seat-with-storage-380-x-380mm/3693J?kpid=3693J&ds_rl=1249481&ds_rl=1245250&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI2aD_qtWW2AIVzLztCh1rzgXyEAQYBSABEgIwQvD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds&dclid=CK634bLVltgCFUI-Gwodg28GFw ]Whenever I end up with protracted fannying about on one of our bikes this gets used[/url]
Sealskinz UltraGrip gloves are brilliant for colder days, wear them constantly this time of year.
DeFeet Woolie Boolie socks are the only ones I have that will cut it in really cold weather.
Anything merino,,,,,,,,,
baselayers,midlayers,toplayers,jackets,windproofs,gloves,hats,socks, jumpers
Camelbaks too, not in merino..........obviously 🙂
kilo wins. Mostly because i'm tired enough to think a fettling seat is needed. Could easily be a drinking seat. Put nuts and crisps in the trays and off you go.
This year the kit I've been most glad I own is a pair of windproof knee warmers and a stolen goat orkaan jersey.
Airshot, Hayes disc brake aligning tool and beer.
Crank Bros Multi Tool.
Endura MT5000 shorts.
Love my DTSwiss hex and torx sets but only had them a couple of years.
A Berghaus base layer ..must be at least 10 years old ..not marketed as bike specific therefore it didn't cost the earth ..
Silk-like next to the skin and fast wicking ..it will be a sad day when it's gone .
Can't stand merino ..its wool therefore still rough ..have been meaning to try bamboo for a while without ever getting around to it ..
A workstand - makes any fettling job a million times easier.
Also good for cleaning, as you can takes the wheels off, gaining access to the bits that would otherwise be tricky.
Defeet Dura gloves, great simple warm gloves, if it's really cold I'll wear two pairs. All my Ground Effect clothing and an Altura softshell gilet.
Workstand
Pogies
A good pump
If I had to choose one...I can't.
+1 for the seat kilo posted.
I got one last year for Christmas - I don't lose little bits or get a sore back from bending over when working on bikes (even on a bike stand).
Schwalbe Procore
Workstand
Pump spray thing for cleaning after rides (or Karcher if funds permit)
Tarp (DD, Alpkit Rig 7 etc), great for overnighters on or off the bike.
Topeak Ratchet Rocket is a great little tool that gets used for all sorts of fiddly jobs everywhere.
Other than that, that stool, and a decent gilet are good ones.
I keep thinking if I had a parts washer it might well be on the list too, but I don't. Maybe it needs to be on my xmas list 🙂
Edit... oh and a [url= https://silca.cc/collections/all-silca/products/silca-17-4-stainless-presta-head ]Silca 14-7[/url]. Chop the end of whatever pump you have and replace with one of these, it's brilliant.
Humvee Endura MKII shorts (apparently the Mk 3 ones are not good).
Topeak Alien multitool thing. Had it for 12 years now, if I ever lost it I'd get another in a heartbeat.
Specialized photochromatic riding glasses
My Fix It Sticks T-Way Wrench gets a lot of use, mainly because it's really useful :
[url= http://fixitsticks.com/t-way ]http://fixitsticks.com/t-way[/url]
[img] https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcTIqpkHaXjsqu1aTfHmdP_GmCD3ATFAqPJl7e4h4G2psRpez-ra4g [/img]
Assos fugu winter cap.
Awesome down to -5 and doesn’t slip around.
£30 very well spent
My RAB Vapour-Rise Stretch top. The single most worn item in my cycling wardrobe. Slowly wearing it out after 5 years or so winter use. Don't think they make them anymore or I'd buy another.
Karrimor Paclite waterproof jacket I bought in 1999 (£120). This still goes with me on all my local rides. More showerproof now.
Waterproof socks and decent flat shoes
Another vote for Rab Vapourise tops, have two, get on a bit but they are superb 🙂
My waterproof shimano boots..easily the best purchase i've ever made and make going out in wet conditions bearable
closely followed by good gloves..
Park hex keys
Merino Buff
Workstand
Track pump
Rechargeable lights
Out front gps mounts
Strava subscription
Track cycling lesson
Montane windstopper gloves
Most used is my helmet.
Most useful from a perfect design and application is my Airshot.
If I'm allowed a second post..
The most useful bit of "kit" over the last few years has been the Viewranger app on my phone ..
That's got us out of more spots of bother than I care to admit 🙂 ..
Thought about a lot of these, airshot was probably on the list until I got better wheels and don't really need it.
This however is awesome for travel when the bars come off
[img] 
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The Evoc bag that has let me explore a lot of places is up there too
Bike work stand
Track pump
I guess it's the tool I use every ride at the moment and that saves me loads of time and makes riding much easier this time of year and that will be my Nilfisk Jetwash.
As recommended previously in singletrack, can't believe how much easier and more comfrotable maintenenace is with a humble screwdiver that actually works /fits the screw heads.
(Though you wouldn't get it in time fro Christmas now!)
Bloody hell Mike, we finally agree on something. I've got one of them topeak tools and it's ace. Disagree on the EVOC bag though, so situation normal!
Rapha winter jacket, its mega and I love it.
Carradice rear bag thing. No more sweaty back and carries all my stuff to work and back. Winnner
Northwave winter boots - no more rubbish overshoes that tear up after a few rides. Toasty feet when it's -5
Exposure Joystick. Bright enough to 'get by' when your main light fails. Robust, easy to use, just keeps going. I wanted to upgrade mine to the newest version but the current one just won't break
Topeak alien multitool., just works, had it 20 years
A 'pedros downhill tyre lever' - it's ace.Yes tyres can be done by hand but its just faster when at home and also incredibly useful for wiggling open crusted up brake calipers.
The big DH ones with the long handle? When returning from Verbier one year, one of my best friends had one of these in his hand luggage and had to explain via the medium of actions (as his Swiss wasn't too good and the security people's English wasn't too good) what this weapon-esque thing was. They still let him on...
Airshot (finally made tubeless painless)
Defeet Woolie Boolie and Woolieator socks (one or other worn all year for riding)
Camelbak Kudu (before that a Mayhem. Each time i wear out a camelbak i try another brand and always regret it).
Looking for - best mtb multitool. Carrying a 20 year old Topeak Alien but it's lacking any Torx and includes a load of spanners and there are no nuts that need them on any of my bikes). What do people recommend as the essential do it all multi tool to go on a pack?
Woolie Boolie socks
Gore Alp X socks
Quality Allen keys, Pedros in my case.
Compressor
+1 for Shimano winter boots. A complete revelation when I got my first pair. Warm toastie and dry feet throughout the winter.
Looking for - best mtb multitool. Carrying a 20 year old Topeak Alien but it's lacking any Torx and includes a load of spanners and there are no nuts that need them on any of my bikes). What do people recommend as the essential do it all multi tool to go on a pack?
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/topeak-ratchet-rocket-tool/rp-prod28711
As posted further up the thread - this is ace.
It's a bit more faff in some circumstances than something with fold out allen keys but I still prefer it.
Most used kit for me is probably Sealskinz socks (new versions that are actually sock shaped), decent cleaning stuff for the bike (slelection of brushes for getting into different areas) and Buffs for keeping warm.
Liking the look of that workshop stool posted previously, I'll be getting one of those!
Si
Sealskins Socks
Seakskins Ultragrip gloves
Lidl/Aldi base layers
Vaude softshell
I've also got an old Nike Storm Pro jacket, which I bought about 12 years ago for running. But it gets used at least weekly through 3 seasons of the year, on the bike, still reasonably weather proof. Still seems to be like new when fresh out of the wash! Weird.
Supernatural Merino blend base layers. Merino without the itch.
Assos Winter+ socks (useless mention as you can't get them anymore)
BBB Winner Photochromic glasses (if only you could get new lenses, as the existing ones have been used so much (every single ride, road or mtb since bought!) they are getting a bit scratched up)
Amazed people have said Airshot.. I mean, it does the job, but what a crap design - hose too short, unreliable chuck and and and.. FALLS OVER all the time!
I think that top peak ratchet is a terrible bit of kit for carrying on a bike( I bought one),it's 15mm reach on all bits makes many things you need to reach inaccessible ie bar controls,brakes bolts etc etc.It's ratchet and lack of feel makes it a flaff to re trim gears too. I've gone back to carrying basic no nonsense multi tool and separate park chain tool again-works much much better.
On a positive note It's looks cool and I've found it useful for others things which may require a very low profile /low reach tool and the chaintool worked well when I needed it.
Maps, for finding new trails.
+1Schwalbe Procore
I think that top peak ratchet is a terrible bit of kit for carrying on a bike
I got this one with the extender thing so you have better reach if you need it, but I usually don't...
[img] 
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I don't carry it on the bike but it lives in the man drawer and gets used all the time for all manner of fettling jobs. It's a great bit of kit IMO, the knurled wheel at the top and the little lever are both in just the right place, then having a hole for a bit at the bottom so you can use it as a normal screwdriver is genius.
Garmin Edge.
bike stand a very worthwhile investment
have a long sleeved ground affect UV top that gets worn way more than anything else
least used but potentially most useful - back up battery for phone means can run ridewithgps all day take pics watch cat videos at the cafe and not worry about having enough battery for an emergency
Merino socks. Came from Lidl If I recall correctly. Got two pairs – brilliant in winter as they're warm when wet.
Shimano winter boots. Several years old now, but just bloody brilliant. One of those 'Ouch! That's expensive!' purchases that just made complete sense on the first ride in them.
Impressed with my Joe Blow Mountain track pump too. Purely designed for high volume, low pressure tyres so it's a damn sight quicker to inflate mountain bike tyres than a regular track pump which also caters for low volume, high pressure set-ups.
Wera Hex Plus allen keys.
Just a quality tool.
+1 for the Pedros tyre lever too, its also great for popping out fork seals
Crank Bros 19 multi-tool, had it for 11 years and it's awesome. SO good I bough a 17 to go along with it.
Rab vapour rise flex, Pearl Izumi amfib bibs, any camelbak including their brilliant bottles, torm sports wool jerseys, epic chain lube all year all bikes, Garmin edge 25 and bread crum trails and lezyne floor pump
After reading the above, will investigate pro core
Odlo Base layer, it's got to be 10 years old now and washed hundreds of times. Still wicks, still warm and still very much in one piece.
+1 for my old CamelBak, as it's lasted and lasted. I'll probably buy an Osprey next time though... They just seem to have thought about the little things a bit more.
Exposure lights. Used for biking, SUPing, Kayaking, general stuff and DIY!
Bridgedale Light Hiker socks
Any Salomon footwear - they just seem to fit me really well.
Gerber multi tool Pliers
I also love my Fenix 3HR.
Quite a list but all stuff I'd highly recommend.
Woolie bookie socks,Gilet
Phantom jacket,Windproof gloves,
& I have a karrimor pac lite jacket from the turn of the millennium too. I use that one now for getting back to the car.
Most used - Gore cosmo soft shell (camo) - one of the most used jackets in the wardrobe, even when not biking... Bought off STW many years ago: )
you wont wanna ask santa for any because they cost buttons but my oldest and most abused and most reliable bit of kit is Decathlon tyre levers!!
pedros / park tool ones etc all snapped, decathlon going strong! amazing
Altura Nightvision waterproof gloves - the perfect winter glove and never found anything better
One of those generic workstands that everyone has - can't imagine life without it
Bontrager eVent packable waterproof - minimal with pit zips, squashes up small, old and all tapes have fallen off but still found nothing I'd want to replace it with
Garmin 800.
With me on every bike inc. the indoor trainer.
Helped make it easier to ride new paths and roads as there is a lot less faff than paper maps. Lead to many an adventure as it has made me want to explore more and further afield.
Great training tool, lots of info that has helped with my racing.
Used with strava it has helped me meet new people.
Been fundamental to me cycling and changed the way I've approached the sport. Would buy another mapping GPS in an instant if it broke (again).
It probably ranks as one of the worst pieces of kit at the same time for all its quirky issues.
It probably ranks as one of the worst pieces of kit at the same time for all its quirky issues.
Quirky is indeed the word. Still would buy another 820 immediately if I lost mine (or maybe just maybe one of the Wahoo ones.)
It's the stuff it interfaces to as well that makes it so great. If riding on roads I would now also really miss the Garmin Varia rear radar if I didn't have it. The extra info it gives you and the easy to understand way it's presented really helps with planning. Power data, feel a bit lost riding without it. HR data. Gear data from the Di2 d-fly. The remote so I can easily switch between data and map view without getting out of the drops.
Ive got an old on-one multi tool thats been living (wet) in my backpack for years. it still works great and has got me out of loads of situations. Best of all its really bloody accurate so even if ive taken the edges off a hex head i can still probably get it out with this. Best thing ever although i would like a new fancy one i doubt it would be as good.
Second to that strava.
Then my AM9 shoes. Fatally flawed but better than anything else (for me)
My helmet (currently Bell super) wouldnt go anywhere without it obviously.
This would be a pretty basic gift but park tool/ other brand quick link pliers. God why didn't I buy them earlier. Best. tool. ever.
This would be a pretty basic gift but park tool/ other brand quick link pliers
Get whichever brand it is that both opens AND closes quicklinks. Mine doesn't and it's another level of wonder!
Hexus II is the tool I will still be using in 20 years time. Alien tries too hard to be all things.
Still think my Airshot is perfect.
A set of Wira keys is always a good investment too
simons_nicolai-uk - Member
This would be a pretty basic gift but park tool/ other brand quick link pliers
Get whichever brand it is that both opens AND closes quicklinks. Mine doesn't and it's another level of wonder!
You don't need to close quick links, just put the link on the upper portion of chain and step on the pedal, it'll snap closed just like that.
My altura neoprene gloves, finally my hands are warm (although sweaty and smelly) in winter. That and a very thin montane 1/2 zip softshell gets used all the time over various jerseys or base layers, brilliant for 3/4 of the year with our normal changeable weather. Also seems to be indestructible