The bicycle saddle toolbox is a portable toolset that usually seats right behind your bicycle seat. These are a required set when you are riding miles from your base. They come in various sizes and shapes. They can also seat anywhere on the bicycle, or on a rider’s body. However they are mostly on the back of the saddle. They are strapped to the seatpost but the good ones also are easily removable by having a clip on buckle.

What should I have in my saddle toolbox?

There are some staple items in my seat toolbox that are needed and I think everyone also should have them if you plan to go on long rides. Items include:

• CO2 air pump or portable pump with Schrader or Presta valve fittings to match your tube.

  A portable pump is usually about 3 times the size of a CO2 compressed air pump. So for city bikes and mountains bikes you can conviniently carry a regular portatable pump, but for road bikes you need something lighter. This CO2 cannister is also able to pump high pressurized road bike tires. Something than small sized mechanical pumps cannot do even though some are rated for high pressesure. In practise it is very difficult to get a little hand pump to a pressure higher than 80psi. Most road bikers forget to carry the right adapters for their high pressure tires, which is usually a presta type valve.

• Spare inner tube.

  This is another crucial item that should be in everyone’s toolbox if you ride often. Eventually you’ll run into a flat tire and you’ll need to either patch or you simply replace the tube and you are good to go. Replacing a tube is however not that simple, but can be done within 20 minutes. When you’re 20 miles from home then you’ll appreciate that you can ride back home.

• Tube patch kit if you don’t have a spare tube.

  This is a crucial item in your toolbox. This allows you to fix your tube if it’s a small sized puncture. You won’t have to carry a spare tube if you’re confident in your use of a patch kit. It comes in various sizes and types. The simple type requires you to sand the puncture area then seal the area with a patch and you’re good to go. The patch is universal so you can also help other bikers on that do not have a spare or a patch.

• Tire removal tool.

  This is a required item needed to remove a tire. If you need to repair or replace your tube then the tire needs to come up. I prefer the plastic tire removal tool. There’s also a metal version, which is harder and makes it’s easier to remove a tire. The downside is that it can scratch your wheel.

• Bike wrenches.

  You need tire wrenches in your toolbox. You’ll often need this tool. A rim may be loose and needs tightening, or for actual removal of a wheel if you’re replacing a tire tube. You will also need this to adjust your seat. This is a must have item in your toolbox.

• Optional multitool.

  I have a leatherman wave+ pictured but my usual tool is either the skeletal, or the wingman, which are lighter and smaller in size but still very functional. I love them both and they are useful for all around repair and on the road maintenance of your bike. Pulling cables, cutting cables, tightening, gripping, or just about anything you need in a pinch. I highly recommend a small multitool with a plier, even though your can do without it.

There are a few things you have to make a note of when getting a saddle toolbox:

• They have to be waterproof Most usually come in waterproof outershell but some don’t. They endure rain, sunshine, and also wash ups when they get dirty after rides
• They have to be sturdy. Being sturdy and durable because of the impact they endure during each ride.
• They have to have a reflector in the back. This is to serve as backup safety, or if the bag covers the original bike reflector.
• Easy removal is essential. This so that you can lock your bicycle and remove the saddle box when you walk into a building.

So, depending on the type of riding or distance you ride, you can equip your saddle toolbox to contain things that you feel you might need on the road to help you get back to your basecamp or home. Not usually for phones, battery, snacks or other must have now items, but for items that must accompany you on every ride but not necessdary used.

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