Bicycle Mechanics - setting up shop

Ok I am finally going to invest in some quality tools, the question is , if I needed to buy 3 tools what would they be? crank extractor? truing stand? chain tool?what dont I need to spend big bucks on and what should I invest in? I have all the wrences and allan keys (hex wrenches) thanks for your input.

How about one of Park Tool's new multi-format crank extractors (http://www.parktool.com/whats_new/newproducts.shtml#CWP6).

And a... darn this is tough, just three? ...a cassette-lockring tool (http://www.parktool.com/tools/FR_5G.shtml) and a chain whip.

If you had said "four" then I would also nominate a bottom-bracket tool (http://www.parktool.com/tools/BBT_2.shtml) or else a three-size spoke wrench (http://www.parktool.com/tools/SW_7.shtml), depending on which task you want to do.

Maybe you should give a budget ceiling, instead of asking which three tools to get, that might help :)

Why not just buy them as you need them, if you only have the bucks for three tools you don't want to get one you will not use for two years.

Originally posted by Rev.Chuck
Why not just buy them as you need them, if you only have the bucks for three tools you don't want to get one you will not use for two years.

the thing is I am starting to expand the charity work that I am doing, so I am in need of more bike specific tools (I am trying to start a bike exchange program for at risk youth and single moms) I have been improvising for years tuning my bike with the same tools that I tune up my car with but I am starting to work with newer bikes with newer components.

and ahh.. you dont have to limit it to just three, I was just curious to see if people had a favorite tool, maybe I shoulda started a poll:D thanks again for the input

My three tools would be:

A 4,5,6 Three way allen wrench. That or just a folding wrench with allen wrenches.

A Chain breaker.

A set of cable cutters.

All the rest of the tools for "basic" repair can be found in your existing tool box.

My fourth tool would be a spoke wrench. There are several that have multiple sizes in one. I like Wrench Force's version.

From there, a cassette tool and chain whip.
Then a crank extractor and bottom bracket tool.

After that, I'd pony up some big $$$ and get a decent repair stand. Park makes several. I like the one that Pedro's makes.

Then, ....who knows. A decent set of metric socket wrenches.

Perhaps a decent torque wrench in in-lbs.

L8R

Yeah, repair stand! :cool: Considering what you do, that's got to be worth it.

A repairstand? Makes tinkering much more enjoyable....

I'd buy a brum and a dustpan... ;)

If you are going to be doing a bunch of bikes: 1.bike repair stand, 2.truing stand, 3. headset wrenches, 4. vice & axle vice & cone wrenches, 5. free wheel and freehub tools with a chainwhip, 6. crank extractor, 7. various BB tools for both new splined BBs and the older fixed and adjustable cup BBs.

You might want to look into the generic $40 toolkit that every online bike retailer sells under a different name for the same price. It goes by the names Lifu, Aireon, Ascent, and Nashbar sells it under their own name. They're all the same kit. They include allen wrenches, a BB and cassette tool, chain whip, crank extractor, cone wrenches, screwdrivers, headset wrenches, a crank bolt wrench, a spoke wrench, and a flat repair kit. I ordered one from Jenson a month ago but they're still on back order so I got the exact same kit for the exact same price from Performance yesterday. The tools may not be of the highest quality but they should be enough to get you started.

Don't buy Cheap Tools

and never buy cheap tubulars. . .

Marty

as a ghetto repair stand, i just hook my bike up to my trainer. makes working on the rear derailer a bit difficult, but other than that, it works great.

Thanks for all the input all. So far I went for the crank extractor and I have the chain tool, as I mentioned I have loads of wrenches and sockets and drivers from my car repair days (when I was into petrol instead of pedals) any way, I McGyvered a repair stand using an old car rack tied to a fence post. it might not look like much but it does the trick. I figure I'll follow the Reverends advice and buy as I need. Unless I can get some sponsors or anyone willing to donate old tools :) i do believe that you get what you pay for, I learned that the hard way so I will try to stick with shop quality tools but I am not going to go totally extreme and pay 40$ for a socket wrench or something. thanks again and keep the suggestions comin!