Step 2: The Gear, Part 5 - Tools (and Tires)
Having completed the acquisition of the majority of the apparel, camping equipment, and the farkles, the next and final list of gear to get consists of the tools needed to keep from getting stranded on a single-track somewhere. Hand Tools: This list starts with the basic tool kit that comes with the bike (hex keys, box wrenches and a socket or two). I'll add to that a handful of essential sockets and a couple extra hex keys, torx drives and an actual screwdriver (the Philips kind, not the one with vodka). I'll also find a place to stow a pair of needle-nose pliers, adjustable wrench and a small set of locking pliers. These basics should be enough to get me out of a jam, take off a wheel, adjust bars, replace brake pads and remove the majority of the body work (should the need arise). All of these should fit nicely into a nylon tool pouch. Tire-changing/repair tool-kit Tire Tools: The next set of tools are hopefully unnecessary but, given my skills, a...