Tool Bottle

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    • #247407

      I always ride with a hydration pack.  Depending on the ride, I have three packs I switch between.  There are times, I could do without hydration (short rides), but still take a pack because of tools and air (although honestly, I can’t remember the last time I have to use either on the trail).  Been doing this for a long time, but the one thing I don’t like is transferring tools and such between the packs.  Yeah, I know, it’s not that big of a deal.  Just a little pet peeve.  Or maybe I’m bored and need something to “fix” and spend money on.  I’ve considered just purchasing multiple tools set.  In any case, I never use a bottle for water, but was thinking about using the cage for a “tool bottle”, and maybe a dedicated cage mount compatible “tool box”.  Any of you use something like this?  Interested in some opinions and experiences.

    • #247447

      I do use a water bottle but carry as much as I can on my bike and nothing on my person. Used to use a back pack but even in the winter it made me sweat.

      I have an innertube strapped under the front of my saddle and a small saddle bag on the back (holds two granola bars, cell phone, keys and sometimes a small allen key set). I have a minipump attached under/right of my bottle cage.

      On one of my bikes, I have a cheap-o multi tool attached to the bottom of my bottle cage with a piece of old innertube. It gets wet and dirty but it was practically free.

      There are a couple things I should probably add to my set up like a missing-link for my chain and a knife.

    • #247449

      there are several companies that make a tool holder that fits in a bottle holder, I just use an old plastic, screw on lid, fish food container. It has room for plastic tire tools, a multi tool, tube patches, a small rag, and a snack bar.

    • #247512

      I considered a “tool bottle” type of storage for when i dont use backpack, but i choose to use a Lezyne Road Caddy saddle bag, but instead of it on my seat, i mount it under the top tube on frame, it mounts easily with its velcro strap, is quick to remove if necassary and slim enough i dont hit my knees on it when pedaling.  I also use a bottle mounted frame pump in addition to the bottle cage and then strap a tube to frame for longer rides if needed.

      Another option i considered was the SKS Spacecage, which is a water bottle holder with small storage canister on back side but storage was too little for me to make use of it.

    • #247658

      Well, as many of my little projects go, I went a different direction.  In the pre dropper post days, I used to use a small saddle bag.  I always liked those, but droppers kinda negated them.  So while at Performance Bike yesterday, I picked up a Ortlieb Micro.  It’s of the newer deigns that don’t have a Velcro loop around seat post, so clearance wound be the only concern when dropping the seat post.  Turns out that the bag and rear tire will come in contact with each other if the dropper is completely down, and the rear end is 100% bottomed out.  By 100%, I mean all air has been released and with me sitting on the bike.  The reality is, that’ll never happen.  Well, unless the shock fails, at witch time I would care less about the bag.  So this little bag may work.  We’ll see how well it’s mount holds up on the trail.  I may put a couple zip ties around it for insurance.

      • #248119

        Update for those interested on the Ortlieb Micro saddle pouch I went with instead of a tool bottle.

        It may be small, but I easily fit a Crankbothers tool kit, two tire levers, four CO2 tubes, zip ties, bandages, and a rag to keep things quiet in there with a little room to spare.  I can attest that it is water proof.  As for my previously mentioned concern regarding how well the quick release mount will hold up… no issues.  The mount’s base that attaches to the saddle rails is very secure.  The only caution is you have to make sure the pouch “snaps” in securely.  It did not unintentionally release while riding a couple rough, rocky, jittery trails.  Having the quick release is nice.  Easy to pop it off when leaving the bike alone in a parking lot on a hitch rack.  Also, access to contents is easy.  Rather than a zipper opening, it employs a rollover opening similar to dry bags, providing the largest possible opening for its size.  It doesn’t interfere with the dropper post, and as mentioned, clears my rear tire unless I drop 100% and loose all of the rear shocks air (on a Whyte T-130 frame).

         

    • #247710

      I think it will be just fine. I was going to suggest a micro-seat bag but was really intrigued by your bottle mount kit holder (which I think is ‘effing clever).   I have a Timbuk2 micro bag very similar to the Ortleib and it’s worked fine with my dropper for the past 3 seasons.

      I only carry a Crank Brothers multi-tool and a CO2 inflator. Since moving to tubeless and performing extensive post-ride bike checks,  I haven’t needed to use either, for myself, in several years – but have helped out others on the trail, so I still carry them.

      • #247822

        Robert Dobbs: I only carry a Crank Brothers multi-tool and a CO2 inflator. Since moving to tubeless and performing extensive post-ride bike checks,  I haven’t needed to use either, for myself, in several years – but have helped out others on the trail, so I still carry them.

        Same here… I’ve used my tools on other’s bikes far more than I ever need to use them on mine.  But you never know… 🙂

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