Bicycle Mechanics - Bike Tools - Recommendations

Hi,
I am new to bike fixing and want to be able to fix my bike.
Can anyone recommend to me a TOOL KIT, that is good for everything on my bike.
I have a 3 year old Fuji "commuter" kind of bike.
I found some TOOL KIT from Park. Is it good quality?
I'd like to have a complete set of tools for any problems regarding my bike.
Thanks a lot.
Ibo
PS: I am in Los Angeles

I have the Spin Doctor Essential Tool Kit from Performance ($50). It has the tools for 99% of the work I need to do on my bike. For any other stuff, I just take to the mechanic.

http://www.performancebike.com/shop/Profile.cfm?SKU=22310&item=40-2451&slitrk=search&slisearch=true

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=363915
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=375430
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=422240
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=393114

A better one would be this:

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=338432

Hi,
I am new to bike fixing and want to be able to fix my bike.
Can anyone recommend to me a TOOL KIT, that is good for everything on my bike.
I have a 3 year old Fuji "commuter" kind of bike.
I found some TOOL KIT from Park. Is it good quality?
I'd like to have a complete set of tools for any problems regarding my bike.
Thanks a lot.
Ibo
PS: I am in Los Angeles

There is NO such toolkit in existence. Depending on what bike you have, with what components you'll need different set of tools that NO kit will be able to provide 100%

All they'll be able to do is give you with the basics like hex wrenches, chain tool, chain whip etc. You WILL run into something which you will not have the tool for in one of these kits.

This one might be OK to start:

http://www.glorycycles.com/patomkmameto.html

I can't recommend any tool kit. I bought all my tools as I needed them over the past 50 years. Why buy a tool kit that will have at least a few tools you'll never use? or perhaps you don't have the mechanical ability to use but only a few? I would buy bike specific tools when needed and get your basic tools from Lowes Kobalt or Sears Craftsman both have a lifetime, no receipt, no hassle return policy.

This one might be OK to start:

http://www.glorycycles.com/patomkmameto.html

(cough) Yeah, that's a good start.

My recommendation is...don't start.

It just leads to a sick obsession that is known to be incurable...but fun. :D

I buy tools as I need them for the job at hand. Many of the tools in those pre-assembled kits end up collecting dust or wearing out prematurely because they're outdated and low quality.

the first bike specific tools i found myself buying was a chain tool (buy a good quality one off the bat, otherwise your tear thru the cheaper ones in no time) cone wrenchs, tire levers, a good universal spoke wrench, freewheel socket, and cable cutters.

along with the normal screwdrivers, wrenchs and allen wrenchs you can steal from your dad or neighbor.

be careful though, youll be looking for a bike repair stand next

Park is generally good stuff. The biggest problem with bike mechanics is that there are so many specialized tools that have just a single function. And of course, that is the one tool that you'll need to finish a job that will only be needed that one time.

you can buy the Park professional kit. should cover most.

Hi,

park tools are good and strong, so that would be a good choice.Ive got a crank brothers tool and its got everything on it from allen keys to chain extractors. It is also really good quality. Its usually priced at bout £20.00

Thanks to all who took the time to give helpful info!
Appreciated.
Since I am super new to repairing my own bike (and am not very technical oriented in general) it is all still overwhelming! I am getting there little by little.

However I felt I needed to get something and ordered the AK 37 from Parktools.......
I also ordered a bike repair stand! PRS 15 from Park.

Any comments on the PRS 15? I know I am a novice and should have probably waited.....The seller said that the most bought repair stands are the $ 100 kind from Park and the PRS 15 for $ 200 approx.

Sincerely
Ibo

Wow, for a new repair person, you've got a much nicer setup than most home mechanics and probably quite a few experienced hands. As far as the PRS-15, it looks like a top-notch stand. I have a PRS-1 that I love, and I think the drawbacks of my stand are well-addressed in yours. (the vise grip, foldability, for starters).
Have fun! It's an addictive hobby.

Hi,
I just got the Kit and the PRS 15 Stand today!. The KIT could be better packaged, etc......just looks to close to 99 cent store style but I am pretty sure it is much better quality.
But the stand is impressive. have to figure it out......
Thanks to the previous poster for wishing me luck! Best to all.