What's in the bag? - Zack's EdgeRunner tool kit

The way I see it, if you’re riding a cargo bike – there’s little reason to NOT carry an extensive and well-curated repair kit. While there’s nothing wrong with your typical flat-fix kit, the piece of mind I gain by carrying everything I might need for my bike (or even a friend’s) in my EdgeRunner toolkit, is well worth the effort and small bit of space it takes up. I carry my pump and tubes in this Road Runner frame bag (which is sized to fit pretty universally on a variety of frame types) and the rest in a tool roll clipped under my saddle rails.

Whether you’re running out for groceries or beginning an epic cargo tour, here are my choice of tools and some Xtracycle-specific pointers to help you begin putting together your handy-dandy long tail repair kit.

Edgerunner Tool kit Extended Edition!

– Pump: I like a slim yet powerful pump and this Crank Bros Klic HV (High Volume) fits the ticket. It fills my big tires fairly quickly without breaking a sweat. Also has a built in tire gauge which comes in handy for dialing in my tire pressure. I sometimes adjust my rear tire pressure depending on what I’m carrying. For example, I might air down slightly if I want to give something a soft and well-cushioned ride then air up to the tire’s max PSI when carrying heavy loads like an adult passenger (or two).

– Tubes: Two wheel sizes means two tube sizes. For the Edgerunner, I’ll carry a 20 and 26 inch. If I’m feeling lucky or ultra-light, I’ll substitute the two tubes for more patches.

– Patches: A variety of glued and glue-less patches, don’t forget your sandpaper!

– Multi tool: Another great Crank Bros product, includes a chain tool and most tools you’d need for quick adjustments you may need to make.

– Loose 3,4, 5mm Allen Keys: While these may seem redundant if you’re carrying a multi-tool, loose tools not attached to a bulky multi-tool handle can prove invaluable when it comes to tightening and adjusting the hardware on the rear end of your long tail. In case you haven’t noticed, things can get a little crowded back there. Need to tighten or remove a pair of U-Tubes? Good luck fitting a multi-tool between the KB3’s spring and the front U-Tube set screw on the non-drive side of the bike. Trust me, its tough.

– 8, 9, 10mm wrench: Again, for long tail or other accessory-specific adjustments. The nuts on your tail piece require a 10mm wrench (along with a 4mm Allen Key). Depending on your choice of accessories you may find the 8 and 9mm handy as well.

– Tire Levers: Another tool kit standard – I like these Pedro’s levers, they’re strong and relatively cheap, plus they come in lots of fun colors!

– Disc True / Bottle Opener: handy in the unlikely case of a bent rotor, or in the more likely case of needing to open a beverage.

Not pictured: Extra Lock, Assorted straps and bungee cables, Battery key (for eBikes only)

Zack is the Xtracycle Assembly and Production Lead and expert on all things bike maintenance.