The Best Tools to Own for Easy Bike Adjustments on Family Rides

Hey Guys, Chris here!

We all love the trials and tribulations of a family ride, the wind in your unbrushed hair, the sound of laughter, and the sight of your kids zooming ahead—until someone’s tyre goes flat, the seat starts wobbling, or the handlebars mysteriously loosen. Cue the sigh of frustration and the frantic search through your bag for… well, nothing. Because, of course, you forgot to pack any tools. Don’t worry, we’ve all been there.

Being prepared for those inevitable on-the-go adjustments can turn a potential bike-ride disaster into a quick, manageable pit stop.

So, let's talk tools. What do you really need to bring along for those family rides? What’s worth investing in, and what can you stash in a compact little tool bag without feeling like you’re carrying half a workshop? Grab a cup of tea, settle in, and let’s go over the basics of bike maintenance on the go (with a few laughs, because let’s face it—parenting requires a good sense of humour).

The Essential Bike Tools: A Parent’s Best Friends on the Road

Before you load the bikes onto the car and head off on that weekend ride, take a moment to prepare your tool bag. And no, I don’t mean the 20-piece toolkit you’ve got stashed in the shed, but a compact collection of the essentials that can handle most on-the-go mishaps. With these key tools, you’ll be able to manage 90% of bike adjustments and repairs without missing a beat—or a pedal.

1. A Good Mini Pump
This is an absolute must-have for any bike ride, especially if you’ve got kids in tow. Children have an uncanny ability to find every sharp rock, thorn, or stick on a path that will inevitably lead to a slow puncture or, worse, a flat.

Now, if you’ve ever been caught out with a flat tyre and no pump, you’ll know the helpless feeling that washes over you. It’s a mix of panic and “why didn’t I pack that stupid pump?!”

A small, portable bike pump is the easiest way to avoid this situation. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it does have to be reliable. Look for one that can fit neatly in your tool bag or attach to the bike frame. Bonus points if it works for both **Presta** and **Schrader** valves, so you don’t have to deal with confusing pump heads when your child’s bike inevitably uses the opposite one to yours.

Ti-GO Tip: Make it a habit to check tyre pressure before you leave home. It’s one of those little tasks that takes two minutes but saves a ton of hassle mid-ride when your child announces their tyre feels “funny.” Read about it here

2. A Multi-Tool with Allen Keys
If there’s one tool to rule them all on a family bike ride, it’s the trusty multi-tool. Think of it like the Swiss Army knife of cycling—it’s got everything you need in one handy, compact package. Most importantly, it should have a variety of Allen keys (or hex wrenches) because these little things are the key to adjusting everything from handlebars to seats to brakes.

Allen keys are your go-to for tightening and loosening the bolts that hold bikes together. With kids’ bikes especially, things tend to loosen up more frequently (I blame all the kerb-jumping and spontaneous “look at me!” moments).

Make sure your multi-tool has at least the 4, 5, and 6mm sizes covered, as these are the most common sizes on bikes. Some multi-tools even come with a mini Philips screwdriver attachment, which can come in handy for brake adjustments or fiddly bits.

Ti-GO Tip: Don’t wait until mid-ride to test your multi-tool. Do a quick check at home before your ride, tightening up the seat, handlebars, and pedals. That way, you’re less likely to need it in the middle of the woods.

3. An Adjustable Spanner
Not all bike bolts are designed for Allen keys—some require the trusty adjustable spanner. This little beauty is like the “jack of all trades” when it comes to tightening and loosening various nuts and bolts on your child’s bike - be careful not to scratch the frame as they are not the most dainty tools!

An adjustable spanner is particularly useful for older bikes or budget models, where you might find a mix of bolt types. It’s also a saviour when your child’s seat clamp doesn’t have a quick-release lever. You don’t need to carry a full set of spanners; an adjustable one will cover all sizes and takes up minimal space in your tool bag.

Ti-GO Tip: If you have older bikes, double-check whether they have quick-release mechanisms for the seat and wheels. If they don’t, an adjustable spanner will be your new best friend.

4. Tyre Levers
Punctures happen, and when they do, you’ll need more than just a pump to fix them. Enter the tyre levers —those small, plastic wonders that help you get the tyre off the rim so you can replace or patch the inner tube.

Tyre levers might seem unnecessary, but trying to remove a tyre with just your hands is a one-way ticket to frustration and possibly a broken fingernail (or five). They’re lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to stash in your tool bag. And trust me, you’ll be thankful for them the next time you have to deal with a flat in the middle of nowhere.

Ti-GO Tip: Always bring at least two tyre levers. One is good, but two make the job much easier. Plus, they often come clipped together, so they won’t take up extra room in your bag.

5. Patches and a Spare Inner Tube
While tyre levers are the heroes of getting a tyre off the wheel, patch kits and spare inner tubes are the true lifesavers. You can’t always predict when a puncture will happen, but you can be ready for it.

Patch kits are tiny, lightweight, and contain everything you need to seal a small hole. But if you’re not in the mood to spend time fiddling with patches on the side of the road, a spare inner tube is an even quicker solution. Simply swap the damaged tube for a new one, pump it up, and you’re back on the road in no time.

Ti-GO Tip: Check your child’s bike tyre size before leaving the house so you know what size inner tube to pack. It’s easy to forget these little details, but getting it right will save you a lot of hassle if a puncture happens.

The Tool Bag: Your On-the-Go Survival Kit

Now that you know which tools you’ll need, let’s talk about how to carry them. A compact tool bag is essential for keeping everything organised and easy to grab when something goes wrong mid-ride.

You don’t need anything big or bulky—just enough space for the essentials (pump, multi-tool, spanner, tyre levers, and a spare tube). Most bike-specific tool bags are designed to strap neatly under your bike’s saddle, keeping them out of the way but accessible when you need them.

Why Being Prepared Matters

We’ve all been there: setting out on a fun family ride, enjoying the sunshine, and then—wham—a flat tyre, loose seat, or wobbly handlebars throw a spanner in the works (no pun intended). When you’re prepared with the right tools, these little hiccups don’t have to ruin the day. Instead, they become quick, manageable fixes that get you back on the trail in no time.

There’s something empowering about being the parent who whips out a mini pump or Allen key and gets the problem sorted in five minutes flat. Plus, the kids will think you’re a hero (until the next snack break, of course).

The Final Word on Tools
Before each family bike ride, give yourself a few minutes to double-check your bikes and your tool bag. You don’t need to be a bike mechanic to ensure everything is in order—just a quick glance at the tyres, seat height, and brakes will do the trick. With your trusty tool bag on hand, you’ll be prepared for whatever the road (or your kids) throw at you.

So next time you’re headed out, make sure you’ve got your essentials packed—because the only thing worse than a flat tyre is a flat tyre and no tools to fix it!

Don’t forget to use the code BLOG5 for a little discount on us 🧡