Basic Tool Bag from IKEA

That is not quite what IKEA had in mind when it designed the TROLLFJORDEN (it’s a real place). The official use is as a toilet bag – but with two zipped, see-through mesh, pockets and a host of small open-topped compartments, it’s ideal for a range of bike tools and spares.

It zips all the way round, has a carrying handle and even a hook for hanging up in the shower – or wherever you fix your bike…

Not bad for £3.99 – cheaper in the US at $4.99. Not big enough for a pedal spanner – but just about anything else. Also available in red (and machine washable!)

IKEA gave all its staff bikes a couple of years ago. (BikeBiz story)

Tools Advice on Flickr

The Bicycle Tools Pool on Flickr is a great place to look for inspiration. People are showing their tool boards, tools in use and even some neat homemade tools.

In addition someone has started in a great discussion titled “Basic tools for someone wanting to start up“. Some posters have added comprehensive, well thought out, suggestions.

BikeBase Mobile

Going mobile with a selection of tools is easier if you have an 8 Freight. But Basic tools can fit into a small box like this!

Unless you refuse to do any work on your own bike, it’s always wise to take a pump, a spare tube, and the tools to deal with a puncture.

It is possible to fix a puncture without taking the tyre off – but obviously not replace the tube – unless you have an 8 Freight which has mono forks!

BikeBase Project Begins

After discussions between some of the people involved in getting ‘more people to cycle – more often’, one idea that emerged was “BikeBases”.

These could be as simple as somewhere with a track pump (and some patches) or a full scale bike recycling project – with many possibilities in between.

Watch this space.