Specifically designed for the fixed gear rider, the Pedro’s Trixie is the urban survival tool with all the right pieces to keep that fixie rolling.  Hardened tool steal give this tool a great feel and long lasting life.

• 15mm box end wrench
• Lock ring hook
• 8.9.10mm box end wrenches
• 5mm hex
• Of course, a bottle opener

• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Xtreme Sports ID Bracelet
• September 28, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo: Pronghorn Racing Debut of Top Mounted Suspension Mountain Bikes
• September 23, 2008 -- 2008 Interbike OutDoor Demo: 2009 Ventana El Chucho
• September 23, 2008 -- 2008 Interbike OutDoor Demo: Wimmer
• September 18, 2008 -- What to Pack When Mountain Biking
• July 30, 2008 -- The Best Tools For the Trail

As nice as it is to ride with a human vending machine and rolling toolbox, it’s also a good idea to have all the right provisions to save yourself on the trail. Here are some of the basics to get you through without weighing you down:

Pick the right pack

With lots of companies, sizes, and features to choose from, the simple hydration pack is now quite advanced. Many come with slots for an MP3 player, cell phone, and spare parts, along with special insulation for year-round use. Narrow down what features you’d like beforehand (many companies have online charts) and remember that you can always buy smaller water bladders or leave pockets empty, but it’s difficult to upgrade as your needs and the seasons change, without buying a new (and more expensive) pack. 

The bare necessities: don’t leave home without ‘em!

Tubes: If you’re going out for two miles or 20, always carry at least one spare tube. Keep it safe from sharp objects in your pack and be sure to carry the right kind and size (Remember: Presta tubes can fit in any wheel, but Shrader’s are too thick to fit in Presta-sized holes.). After a flat, always check the tire for thorns or other sharp objects. This ensures that the culprit isn’t still in your tire waiting to puncture the next tube.

Pump: There are many amazing small pumps on the market today with enough pressure to get the job done. Always carry one.

Tire Levers: Some people can pull tires off with their bare hands, but we mortals benefit greatly from the help of two tire levers.

Food and Water: Whether it’s the middle of winter or a hot summer day, if you’re on the bike, you’ll need to replenish both (along with electrolytes, carbs, sugars, etc.). Unexpected situations can cause you to be out for longer than you expected, so always be prepared with more food and water than you need.

Multi-tool: Yes, you’re a rider, not a mechanic, but if a bolt or screw works its way loose during a ride, it’s better to have the right tools, than to risk damaging your bike or walking out of the woods. Don’t feel pushed to buy something fancy (why spend the money if you don’t know how to use the tool?). Even the most basic multi-tools (with hex wrenches and a Philips head screwdriver) should save you in a pinch.

ID/Insurance Card, Cell Phone, and Money: These should be self explanatory

If you have the space…It never hurts to have a few quick fixes in your pack.

Spare Chain links or a Quick Link: Breaking a chain is one of the most common problems cyclists face. Be prepared with some spare links and a chain tool (found in many multi-tools). Better yet, use a Powerlink that unhooks and easily re-attaches when a chain is compromised.

Derailleur Hanger: This little hook separates your rear derailleur from the bike’s frame, which means your frame is safe when your derailleur decides to chow down on a stick. Badly bend or break this simple part, however, and most likely you’re facing a long walk. Hangers are very specific to each bike and manufacturer, so it pays to locate this part ahead of time.

Duct Tape, Zip Ties, and a Pocket Knife: Fix a broken seat, reattach cables, or even waterproof your shoes with these do-it-all quick fixes.

Pac-Man would be impressed.

*Note:  This article was originally posted on http://www.mountainbiketales.com

• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo – Day 1 – Pedro’s Trixie Cassette Tool
• July 30, 2008 -- The Best Tools For the Trail

So we know the problem but how do we fix it? Well I could throw a list of tools at you that you should carry but what if your bike does not have a need for that tool? What if your bike uses a different size? Well then there is a problem and if you followed my advice I would be the poor guy you grumble about and blame when the tool you have does not work for your bike. So what is the best thing to do when you want to make sure you have every tool you could need? Honestly the best thing for any biker to do is get to know their bike.

While this will take some time, I would actually take as much of the bike apart that I can. As you take it apart you will know what tools it took. Then after you have it apart, start to put it back together again. As you put it back together, make sure to separate the tools you use away from the tools you don’t use. Once the bike is back together you can either keep the tools you used, or find replacements for them at the local bike shop. I would actually suggest the bike shop as they will have some multi tools that should have every tool you need on it. However this is only part of what you will be doing.

Tires present a unique problem. A patch kit (or buying some flat proof tires) is great for the occasional flat, but what happens when a rock shreds your side wall? There are special types of patches for when this happens, however duct tape can also make a great emergency repair well enough to get you home. In fact duct tape works for a lot of problem so I would suggest you carry a small roll of this wonderful stuff with you as well as the other tools you have.

Along the same lines as the above is carrying a spare inter tube. I can’t count the times that having an extra tube has allowed myself or a friend to continue on a trial instead of having to walk the bike along. While it may take up space, you will be happy to have it when the need arises.

So we got a good idea of what we need to fix a bike, but something that needs to be discussed is what we need when it comes to fixing yourself. It is understandable that we often to look at ourselves as a repair problem, but after a wipe out the biggest hindrance to the performance of the bike can be the rider themselves. Because we are human, we are fallible, because we are fallible, we can wreck a mountain bike, because we can wreck a bike means we can get hurt. This is when a first aid kit comes in handy. However unless you buy one of the super duper first aid kits that enables you to practically perform surgery, you will find most kits a bit short. So make sure you have the following as part of your rider repair kit.

1. Band aids
2. Antiseptic or alcohol wipes to clean up the wound
3. Gauze bandages for really nasty scrapes and cuts.
4. Ace bandages for sprains and muscle tears.
5. Slings for broken bones.
6. Tylenol or some other over the counter pain reliever
7. Clean water

While this list is very basic, it’s a good start. Remember if you think of something else to bring with you by all means add it. The important thing to remember is you want to be prepared as possible.

Going along with the preparedness thing, have you ever given thought to the idea of being stranded in the middle of no where? The fact is most people don’t, and this can lead to some problems along longer trails that are not close to civilization. Because of this it is wise to pack some items that will help you survive should you wind up in a situation where due to mechanical failure, injury or some other circumstance you need to have an impromptu camping night.

First always make sure to bring enough water. Most people bring a water bottle, but having a second one in your back pack makes sense for a variety of reasons. Second always bring along some kind of snack mix or granola bar. It won’t keep you from going hungry, but it will give you enough energy to survive that much longer if you need too. Pack a flare, these handy little devices will get attention if anyone is close by. Finally pack a warm blanket and a water proof pancho, both of these will keep you warm should the weather take a sudden and nasty bend.

Again remember that every trail is more than the bike and rider. It is an adventure and a wise rider does everything possible to make sure that they are as prepared as they can be for when those adventures take unexpected turns. With the above advice and talking to other biking enthusiasts you can learn a lot without having to go through it all first. The trail calls, but remember you decide if you ever come back.

• September 25, 2008 -- Interbike 2008 Expo – Day 1 – Pedro’s Trixie Cassette Tool
• September 18, 2008 -- What to Pack When Mountain Biking