At the seven-day, 330-mile BC Bike Race held two weeks ago on the renowned mountain bike trails of British Columbia, Canada, 400 bodies and bikes were breaking down left and right. It was a great testing ground for some of the fastest, most efficient repair tools you can -- and should -- carry in your seat bag. Quick repairs were essential; if we didn't get rolling ASAP, we'd miss the cutoff times and get excluded from the race. Whether you're a road or mountain biker, whether you ride for a couple of hours a week or 55 hours and 21 minutes in one race (as my teammate and I did in our last-place finish; hey, at least we finished -- many didn't), these are the tools that'll get your bike fixed and you back in the saddle fast.

-- Roy M. Wallack

Irvine-based fitness writer Roy M. Wallack is the coauthor of "Bike for Life: How to Ride to 100." Read about his experience (and see photos) at the BC Bike Race at teammate Ed Korb's blog.

One-stop pit stop

Topeak Hexus 16: Multi-tool with 16 tools, including chain hook.

Likes: Includes standard multi-tool array (Allen wrenches, a Torx bit, 15/14-gauge spoke wrench, tire levers, Phillips and flat-head screwdrivers and a chain tool. It also includes a handy steel-wire chain hook, which serves almost as a virtual third hand that holds the broken chain together as you work on it. Weighs one-third of a pound (160 grams).

Dislikes: None

Price: $23.95. www.topeak.com.