On the trails tools setup advice request - for son, partner and myself (perhaps).

[Time Waster]

My nearly 13 yo son is getting into mountain biking on local trails and at least once a month we take him to a trail centre. We plan to take his friend with him at times and later on go cross country as we live in south cumbria a short drive from the Lake District. I will need to buy my own MTB for that rather than renting at a cenre right now.

So I need to do two things, teach my son the basics of trailside repairs and to get a tool kit he is going to be happy with carrying.

First thing I would need to get advice on what the basics of repairs skills to teach him at that age that his attention span can cope with (perhaps in another thread).

So the main question is about the second matter, the tool kit to get him. What is a simple to carry setup and how would you attach it to a full suspension mountain bike such that it will not bother him (he has a dropper post too)? I have those folding allen key multi tools in a few different brands I could let him have. I also have a chain tool or two somewhere if needed and intend to get some quick links too. I am short of decent, compact pumps to lend so will need one.

As an asside I might have a FOMO thing about not having the latest on the road tools going on as I want to know what is better than what I have for me to carry. I have topeak survival tool box and a cyclo multi tool. Several plastic tyre levers from good brands like Park tools with features that help to get a stubborn tyre on the rims. I also have a compact footpump with a gauge and release button to adjust the pressure to what is needed. Stainless steel but no bigger than a normal compact pump (also good for high volume/low pressure or high pressure tyres, i.e. MTB and road bike tyres).

Summarise:

What should I get for my son to carry locally and perhaps a slightly bigger kit for when further afield?
What should I get for my partner (son's mother) and possibly a better/ compact kit for me?
Also, how to carry them? MY son has a full suspension bike with a dropper post so not sure what to get for tools on that. He is also not likely to want a bag on the bike when riding local trails neither!!

 

[Sharky]

The most likely threat, is that of punctures (if still using tubes). So skills needed to enable removal of both wheels and fitting a new tube.

So just need a pump, spare tubes and a puncture repair kit.

For all other issues, a mobile phone and call for help. And always carry ID and contact numbers.

 

[Pat "5mph"]

Also, how to carry them? MY son has a full suspension bike with a dropper post so not sure what to get for tools on that. He is also not likely to want a bag on the bike when riding local trails neither!!

I see mountain bikers with a small rucksack, maybe it's an option?
There probably are small rucksacks marketed at MBing, have a look online to give you some ideas?

 

[Big John]

I don't ride trails but I fix bikes that have come to grief whilst out in the wilds. There are 'show stoppers' which you can't foresee so a mobile phone is a must. You're not going far if your back axle snaps in two, for example. Does that ever happen? Sadly yes. Depends on how you ride the bike. A tool kit won't help. If you're not a mechanic fill your tyres with goo to avoid punctures and keep your bike clean and in good condition before you ever set off. A lot of heartache can be avoided by keeping your bike in good nick. Most of the bikes I work on look as if they've never been cleaned and it's a miracle they move at all.

 

[Jameshow]

The most likely threat, is that of punctures (if still using tubes). So skills needed to enable removal of both wheels and fitting a new tube.

So just need a pump, spare tubes and a puncture repair kit.

For all other issues, a mobile phone and call for help. And always carry ID and contact numbers.

Plus a multitool...

Some even have a chain splitter.
Topeak are good value for money.

 

[steveindenmark]

He needs to know how to repair a puncture, how to fix a snapped chain, how to index gears and how to change brake and gear cables.

This is best done at home in a warm place.

 

[Jameshow]

He needs to know how to repair a puncture, how to fix a snapped chain, how to index gears and how to change brake and gear cables.

This is best done at home in a warm place.

Park tools have some great videos....