Chain tool for touring

[mariposa]

I'm in a dilemma about which (size) chain tool to buy.

I'd like to have one that can go on tour with me, when I'm *way* out from civilization. So, natural preference would be for something that is compact and lightweight.

But my mechanic says the compact/light ones don't always work well...or at all. She says get a bigger one and just put up with the heavier weight.

Thoughts here?

Specific brand recommendations?

If you have one that is smaller/lighter *and* works well, of course that would be the ideal!

Thank you...

Mariposa

[OakLeaf]

I'd say use a SRAM powerlink chain and carry a couple of spare powerlinks. That way you only need the chain tool to get the chain apart, not to reassemble it. The chain tool in a multi-tool should be plenty for that (although I've never used mine, so take my thoughts with a grain of salt).

[Thorn]

We take the compromise....we carry a light one and a couple of Wippermann-type chain links. The theory is that if the chain breaks, we'll pop out the bad link and use the wippermann link to patch the chain. The chain tool doesn't have to be great--just good enough to pop the rivet.

[Veronica]

I have the Topeak Survival gear Box. It's pretty compact and has lots of different tools - including a chain tool. The chain tool has been used at least twice out on the road and performed as expected.

Veronica

[DebW]

When I worked in a shop in the 70s, the only chain tools we had were the Cyclo Rivoli ones - small and with many sharp angles. They worked, but sometimes you needed some pain tolerance or to put a rag in your hand on tough chain. I wouldn't hesitate to carry something like that on a tour, or the Park Ultralight Chaintool. I definitely wouldn't carry a heavy professional grade chain tool.