Must-Have MTB Tools Every Rider Should Carry

Mountain biking is one of the best ways to explore the outdoors, ride technical terrain, and push your limits. But nothing ruins a ride faster than a mechanical problem when you're miles away from home or your car.

I've been there—having to walk my bike all the way back because of a loose bolt, flat tire, or broken chain. It sucks. But with just a few simple, affordable tools, you can avoid that nightmare and keep riding instead of pushing your bike for miles.

The best part? You don’t need to carry a huge toolbox. Most of these essentials are small, lightweight, and easy to store in a saddlebag, jersey pocket, or strapped to your frame. Here’s my must-have list of tools every MTB rider should carry.

1. Multi-Tool (Your MTB Lifesaver)

A good multi-tool is one of the most important things to carry on every ride. Whether it’s a loose bolt, misaligned derailleur, or slipping seat post, a multi-tool can save your ride in seconds.

What to look for in an MTB multi-tool:
✅ Allen wrenches (at least 2mm-8mm, since most bike components use hex bolts)
✅ T25 Torx key (for brake rotors)
✅ Phillips & flathead screwdrivers (for derailleur adjustments)
✅ Chain breaker tool (not all multi-tools have this, but it’s a lifesaver if your chain snaps)

🔗 Recommended Multi-Tools:

• [Topeak Mini 20 Pro](affiliate link) – Lightweight but packed with features

• [Crankbrothers M19](affiliate link) – Durable & includes a chain tool

2. Tire Levers & Spare Tube (For When You Get a Flat)

A flat tire is one of the most common problems on the trail. Even if you're running tubeless, it's still smart to carry a spare tube just in case.

Tire Levers Tip:
🚨 If you forget tire levers, you can use your quick-release skewer (if your bike has one) to help pry the tire off.

🔗 Recommended Gear:

• [Pedro’s Tire Levers] – Tough, reliable, and easy to use

• [Schwalbe 29”/27.5” MTB Tube] – Good backup if tubeless fails

3. Mini Pump or CO2 Inflator

Fixing a flat doesn’t mean much if you can’t reinflate your tire. A mini pump or CO2 inflator ensures you get back on the trail instead of walking your bike home.

Mini Pump vs. CO2 – Which is Better?

✔ Mini Pump: Always works, no need to carry CO2 cartridges.
✔ CO2 Inflator: Faster inflation, but once you run out of cartridges, you're out of luck.

Pro Tip: If you use a mini pump, make sure it can reach at least 40 PSI for proper inflation. If using CO2, bring at least two cartridges in case you mess up the first one (it happens).

🔗 Recommended Pumps:

• [Topeak Road Morph Mini Pump] – One of the best for MTB

• [Pro Bike Tool CO2 Inflator]– Compact & easy to use

4. Chain Tool & Quick Link (Fix a Broken Chain in Minutes)

A snapped chain can end your ride instantly if you’re not prepared. That’s why I always carry:
✅ A quick link (aka master link) that matches my chain (ex: 10-speed, 11-speed, 12-speed)
✅ A chain breaker tool (some multi-tools have this built in)

🚨 Tip: If your chain snaps and you don’t have a quick link, you can still remove the broken link with a chain tool and shorten the chain to single-speed mode just to get back home.

🔗 Recommended Chain Tools:

• [Park Tool CT-5 Mini Chain Tool](affiliate link) – Compact & reliable

• [SRAM PowerLink 12-Speed Quick Link](affiliate link) – Must-have for quick repairs

5. Zip Ties & Duct Tape (The Ultimate Trail Fixers)

This might sound basic, but zip ties and a small strip of duct tape can be a lifesaver. You can secure a broken derailleur, hold together a cracked frame protector, fix a flapping shoe sole, or even replace a lost bolt temporarily.

They take up almost no space, and when you need them, you’ll be glad you have them.

Final Thoughts – Pack Smart & Ride Prepared

These tools won’t weigh you down, but they’ll save you from long walks, ruined rides, and trailside headaches.

✅ Multi-tool – Tighten bolts & adjust components
✅ Tire levers + spare tube – Fix flats fast
✅ Mini pump or CO2 – Get your tires reinflated
✅ Chain tool + quick link – Keep your drivetrain running
✅ Zip ties & duct tape – Fix unexpected issues

👉 What’s in your MTB tool kit? Drop a comment below or let me know if there’s anything I should add!