I’ve learned my share of things since starting to cycle. One of the more important points is: never leave house without the bare essential of tools. You will need it when you don’t have it. I had my share of flats, broken tubes, broken hangers, punctures etc.

In case you’d like to learn from my mistakes, I made a photo of the contents of my saddlebag:

You see, there is a spare tube, in case I have a huge blowout in my tubes or can’t locate a tiny hole on the quick. I rarely have to use it, but when I do it spares me walking home my bike, which could be quite far in the middle of nowhere. Then I have a multitool, can be used to adjust all kinds of things. I had to use it often in Japan when taking my bike on a train. Back in Germany not so much. Then there is a puncture fixing kit, because I just feel bad throwing a tube out that can be fixed easily. Not because tubes are that expensive, but I just don’t like the idea of throwing perfectly fine things away that can be fixed easily.

Next up, tire levers. Oh boy, these are a game-changer. If you have ever tried taking off your tire, you’ll know how annoying it can be. These help immensely. Left to it there is a miniature swiss knive. I like the small scissors most. Below the swiss knive you can see tire boots: if your tire has a hole, you can glue these to the inside of your tire to protect your tube, to get home safely. I think I used them once of a shitty Giant tire and another one on a cross bike tire of a friend.

Then some cable straps, cause you could always use some. A more exotic part is the dereilleur hanger. I broke off my first one and my current one was already bent, so for safety’s sake I bought a spare. You probably don’t need one if you can manage riding a bike without falling over all the time. I know I can’t. Last but not least 5 AAA batteries for my lights. My front light needs 3, the one on the back takes 2. I had to abandon trips after dark just because my lights decided to run out, so I am preparen now.

Hope that helps you and stay safe on the streets.