Fw: Re: [CR]on last post before Italy

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Date: Wed, 21 Sep 2005 13:23:11 -0400 (GMT-04:00)
From: "Nick Zatezalo" <nickzz@mindspring.com>
To: classicrendezvous@bikelist.org
Subject: Fw: Re: [CR]on last post before Italy


I use this more than any other tool that I own. DON'T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT.

http://www.topeak.com/products/tool_gearbox_lead.html

Nick Zatezalo Atlanta,Ga

-----Forwarded Message----- From: Thomas Adams <thomasthomasa@yahoo.com> Sent: Sep 21, 2005 1:14 PM To: Bob Freitas <freitas1@pacbell.net>, CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: Re: [CR]on last post before Italy

I've been noodling this for a while, trying to set up the complete vintage bike tool kit for all rides/machines.

Start with a basic allen key/screwdriver multi tool. For a modern bike, this may be all the tools you need. But make sure it does fit all the items on your bike. Beware the modern trend to 8mm crank arm allen bolts. Most tools stop at 6mm.

Then add a patch kit, "enough" spare tubes for the occasion (bad roads? Goats head thorns? lotsa broken glass? Solo ride?) and tire levers (I don't care if you can ALWAYS remove and remount a tire with yer bare hands, put some levers in anyway. If you don't this ride will be the ONE TIME you can't wrangle that tire, and there you sit. Easy enough to happen; say you've crashed due to the flat and sprained a wrist.). Oh, don't forget a tire pump or inflators.

I stopped carrying a chain tool for a while, substituting spare master links. But a pal pointed out to me that I'd be stuck if a broken link is twisted and needs to be removed so the master link can be used. Now I carry both. I'm using a Park mini and it seems to work fine, although there have been some reports of breakage problems. Park is now cataloging a folding chain tool, but the mini is cheaper and just as light.

Now for vintage bike rides, you may want to add a 7mm allen key for those pesky TTT stems, and a small adjustible wrench for nuts. You can get multi tool sockets (Rivendell catalogs a neat dog bone wrench) or use a Y style socket wrench (8, 9 and 10 mm sockets), but I always seem to encounter odd size nuts that didn't fit my Y wrench. The two most common culprits were the 13mm nut on a Super Record seat post, and nutted stems. Sears makes a 4 inch Craftsman brand adjustable that opens wide enough to fit the Campy bolt, and is just the cutest thing.

For tubular equiped bikes, delete the tire stuff and add one to two spare tires depending on who else on the ride will be on sew ups, or how lucky you feel. Does anyone know of a good sew up seat bag maker? My Banana bag is too short, and I can't find my old Eclipse sack style bag.

Other than these on the road items, you might want a socket to fit the crank bolts so you can keep things snugged up, and add some chain lube. Spare cables? Spare bar tape? If you're gone long enough, you have to start thinking about being able to repack bearings, but now were talking a big tool kit.

Anyone see anything I missed? Especially for the on the road kit for vintage bikes?

Tom Adams, Shrewsbury NJ

Bob Freitas <freitas1@pacbell.net> wrote: This should be a good exercise, What tools should I take ? spares? this is an all Campagnolo bike with clinchers. space and weight is always a problem so I have to leave the Blacksmiths vice at home. ROBERTO FREITAS soon to be leaving MILL VALLEY,CA

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