What do we mean by “Emergency Bicycle Repair Kit?” Some would simply say it is the portable bicycle repair kit that you have with you when you are riding. Others would just call it a bike repair bag and they would understand it is what you would take with you on the road.
If you are a serious biker, then you will either buy a high quality repair kit or build your own out of individual tools and a bag that are right for your bike. If you are a casual biker, then having one of these kits for your bike when you go on a ride will be good enough.
One thing is for sure, there’s nothing worse then having a problem on your bike while you are out riding and you don’t have any tools to fix the problem. So, don’t let yourself get caught out on the road without the right equipment.
To help you do that we are going to look over the
Top 5 Inexpensive Bicycle Repair Kits
*The following guide contains links to Amazon. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Multi-Function Bike Tool
The quality in these multi-function bike tools is very important. Just like you don’t want to buy a cheap Swiss Army Knife lookalike, you don’t want to buy a multi-function tool that breaks when you first use it. Make sure to keep the multi-function tool in good work order and don’t treat it like it’s a high quality tool. As the Chinese say, what’s cheap is not cheap and what’s expensive is not expensive.
Tube Repair Kit
It doesn’t do much good to have a pump to air up the tires if you are not able to fix the leak in the inner tube. Each of these kits have the basics, they all have some form of tool for taking out the inner tube, an abrasive to roughen up the inner tube for patching, patches and all but one has a mini bike pump.
Pump
One of the first things that will stop you in your tracks is a flat tire. I didn’t have a repair kit when I was riding my bike home from work and one day I pulled up to a red light with my bike. Once the light turned green, I started to pedal, only to find out that my front tire was flat as a pancake. What the hell!
Lucky for me I was not too far from home, but I still had to now walk with my bike the rest of the way home. Had it been at the beginning of my trip from the office, I probably would’ve had to leave my bike there and get a cab.
I’ve put the tire pump here first as a must have because a flat tire will stop everything and if you are 5 miles between cities I’m sure you won’t want to walk a bike with a flat tire.
Four out of the five recommendations below have a tire pump. My Brompton came with a tire pump attached to the frame so I don’t have a need for one in a kit, as well.
Make sure the pump in the kit has the correct adapter for your inner tubes and can put the right amount of pressure in the tires.
Tool Bag
It is important to see how well the tool bag will fit your own bike. Tool bags come in all sizes and shapes, most will fit on the bike but the location and how it affects your riding the bike must also be taken into consideration.
Wrench
I like the idea of having a solid piece of metal like the Iron Bone Metal Wrench that are found in two of these kits. I’m not worried about it breaking, or the pressure that I apply when using it.
Companies
Four out of five companies are based out of China, which is known for its lower cost goods due to lower labor costs and mass production. One company is based out of California and I don’t know about you, but if the quality of parts are the same then I would rather support the small entrepreneur trying to make it happen in the US than one of many Chinese companies. Just some food for thought.
1. Bicycle Repair Bag & Bicycle Tire Pump
XCH Robots has been selling bike tools on Amazon since 2018 and it is rated as one of Amazon’s top sellers. It is a Chinese company located in Quang Xi Province.
This product also has available for purchase a 3- and 4-year protection plan, which might not be a bad idea when purchasing a low end repair kit.
Includes:
- 16 in 1 Multi-Tool
- Tube Repair Kit with 4x small round and 1x rectangular Glueless Patches
- 120 PSI Mini Bike Pump
- All Iron Bone Wrench
- Bicycle Bag
What we like:
Amazon’s Best Seller with over 4,000 ratings and is at a 4+ star rating.
Aosihui US has been selling bike tools and pet accessories for travel on Amazon since 2017. Their bike accessories come under the name WOTOW and their pet accessories come under the name SLOWTON. They are rated as a top seller on Amazon. Aosihui is located in Guangdong (Canton) Province in China.
Includes:
- 11 in 1 Multi-Tool
- Tube Repair Kit with 6x small round Glueless Patches
- 120 PSI Mini Bike Pump
- Seperate Allen Wrench to Tighten Multi-Tool
- Waterproof Bicycle Bag
What we like:
Waterproof bag that fits out of the way on most bikes and has space for more tools or items to take with you.
I finally found the address for Green Land 1, the company that sells this product. Notice I didn’t say makes. With everyone trying to get into an online business I wonder if someone has gone through the work of putting this product together and selling it on Amazon. There’s nothing wrong with that, but I’d like to know something about the company when I’m introducing products to potential users of the products. Since the address is a residential one, I believe my assumption is correct. The important thing is that they provide a quality product and are responsive to feedback on Amazon. I wish them the best of luck and business for being an entrepreneur.
Includes:
- 16 in 1 Multi-Tool
- Tube Repair Kit with 5x small round Glueless Patches
- 120 PSI Mini Bike Pump
- Cable Lock
- Bicycle Bag
What we like:
Comes with a cable lock, however if you read my article “How Do I Lock Up a Folding Bike” then you know I don’t even do reviews on cable locks. Going along with what I said up above, though, it does make this repair kit different from the rest in that it does include some type of lock that easily fits in the repair bag when riding.
4. Excellent Home Bike Repair Tool Kit and Mini Bike Pump
Excellent Home or Luanduo is located in Shanghai, China. They have limited items for sale on Amazon’s storefront. The distinguishing item in their repair kit is the high PSI mini bike pump (up to 210 PSI).
Includes:
- 16 in 1 Multi-Tool
- Tube Repair Kit with 10x small round Glueless Patches
- 210 PSI Mini Bike Pump
- Bicycle Bag
What we like:
Highest PSI Pump coming in at 210 PSI
Sold by Namucuo is based in Guangdong (Canton), China. In the past 12 months they have a 94% positive rating by Amazon. Includes:
- 17 in 1 Multi-Tool
- Tube Repair Kit with 6x small round Glueless Patches
- No Bike Pump
- All Iron Bone Wrench
- Portable Tool Bag
What we like:
Easily Fit in a Bike Bag or Backpack
Ease of Comparison – Kit Inventory
There you have it, five possible options for an emergency bicycle repair kit. Remember, that is what these are as they are not bike repair kits you would have at home for the casual biker, nor are they high quality bike repair kits that serious bikers would have in their garage.
Those will also be covered in future posts, so be sure to come back and see what has been added from time to time.
What has your experience been with bike repair bags or bicycle repair kits?
Let me know in the comments below and don’t be afraid to provide brand names because if we feel the quality of the products listed here isn’t good enough we can certainly change our product recommendations based on your real world experience.
Ride safe and may the wind be at your back!
FAQ
What tools are used to fix a bike?
Tools used to fix a bike include wrenches, screwdrivers, tire levers, chain breakers, and Allen keys. A bike repair stand, pump, and lubricants are also essential.
What is the best bike repair guide?
The best bike repair guide may vary based on individual preferences. Some popular ones include “Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance” and “Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair.”
How can I service my bike at home?
To service your bike at home, clean it regularly, check tire pressure, lubricate the chain, and inspect brakes and gears. Learn basic maintenance and use appropriate tools.
How do you use a bike repair kit?
A bike repair kit typically includes tools like tire levers, patches, and a multi-tool. Use them to fix flat tires, adjust components, and make minor repairs on the go.
What is the most valuable part of a bike?
The most valuable part of a bike depends on factors like the type and brand. For some, it might be the frame, while others value high-end components like the drivetrain.
Are old bikes worth fixing?
Fixing old bikes can be worth it if they hold sentimental value or are of high quality. However, for extremely old or extensively damaged bikes, replacement might be more cost-effective.
Leave a Reply