Bicycle Mechanics - Beginner mechanic, what tools to get?

Hey there,

I'm just starting out and trying to learn how to do proper maintenance/installation tasks on my bikes. I've been doing the little things like brake/derailleur adjustments but I'm trying to teach myself how to maintain shocks, BB"s, headsets...etc, all the stuff I was too scared to do (or was unable to do because of lack of tools). Anyways, I'm wondering, for a beginner mechanic what tools are mandatory to accomplish most of the tasks of bike repair? I have plenty of regular tools like wrenches, mallets, screwdrivers...etc but no bike specific tools. I've searched around online and there are so many I don't know where to start. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.

A park multitool, then the best tools you can afford (one at a time) when you need them.

Most "toolkits" contain things that you will never ever use.

and some procedures require a very special tool that you will probably never use again >>you take that procedure to your LBS.

If you are wanting to get "into" the bike mechanics....get a truing stand and start learning to true rims.

A park multitool, then the best tools you can afford (one at a time) when you need them.

Most "toolkits" contain things that you will never ever use.

and some procedures require a very special tool that you will probably never use again >>you take that procedure to your LBS.

If you are wanting to get "into" the bike mechanics....get a truing stand and start learning to true rims.

Which park multitool would you recommend?

Ask your LBS...that is a great way to start a realationship with them >>mechanics LOVE to talk tools...."power, 183speed torqueconverters, aug aug aug!!!"

Always include a bottle opener in your tool box.

Don't you mean corkscrew and a pizza cutter?

Don't you mean corkscrew and a pizza cutter?Well, actually, I prefer the corkscrew, and use it frequently. I mainly keep the bottle opener for my buddies.

George

Don't you mean corkscrew and a pizza cutter?

Jeez, you are an old roadie.

Thirteen, fourteen, and fifteen millimeter cone wrenches. A chain tool. a set of metric allen wrenches. This would be enough to cover virtually all adjustments on the bike.
Once you go beyond tools required for adjustments, you do encounter more specialized tools for bikes: bottom bracket installation tool, cassette removal & installation tool, and others.

I agree with Don Cook's recommendations.

If you have a local Performance store, you might check out their line of tools. They're less expensive than Park tools, but they seem okay. So far, I've picked up the following Perfomance tools, and they've been fine:

a set of three spoke wrenches
pedal wrench
a set of three T handle allen wrenches (long reach, ball end)

The T handle allen wrenches have been particularly nice, compared to my standard allens and Park Y allen wrench. I was sold after seeing them used at Bike Friday.

Not mentioned yet are cleaning tools and lubes: chain cleaner, cog brush, lubes for chain, cables, bearings.

Another tool I like a lot, even though it was $22: Park chain checker tool-- gives a numeric value to chain stretch. Supposedly, I've heard several times now that if you replace your chain before it stretches too far, you can avoid a lot of damaging wear on your cogs and chainrings. This means a chain change every 1200 miles or so, but much longer life on the more expensive cogs and chainrings. The checker tool gives a fast, specific number to the amount of stretch the chain has developed.

Lifu makes a home mechains tool set that comes in a case you can get for around $40 to $50. Any LBS with a J&B account can get one for you on sale this month. Then as your skills progress and your funds increase you can get the good stuff IMHO. By the way you would also need a 17mm cone wrench added to the list some already provided.

Chain Whip, Allen key set, cassette lock ring tool and 26'' socket to fot it. Grease, spirit level, tape measure, adjustable wrench....

Hey there,

I'm just starting out and trying to learn how to do proper maintenance/installation tasks on my bikes. I've been doing the little things like brake/derailleur adjustments but I'm trying to teach myself how to maintain shocks, BB"s, headsets...etc, all the stuff I was too scared to do (or was unable to do because of lack of tools). Anyways, I'm wondering, for a beginner mechanic what tools are mandatory to accomplish most of the tasks of bike repair? I have plenty of regular tools like wrenches, mallets, screwdrivers...etc but no bike specific tools. I've searched around online and there are so many I don't know where to start. Any advice is greatly appreciated, thanks.

Metric allen key set is a must, but buy spare 5mm ones as they will be the ones that get lost
8, 10, 11 mm open end/ring spanners but two of each
flat head and cross head screwdivers, in small size for the brake /mech adjusters
Chain whip/cassette tool, bottom bracket tool, crank extractor tool, Spoke tool, chain rivet extractor
Large and medium adjustable spanner, and a light copper headed hammer
Finally a fully comprehensive first aid kit, or a blood red bike, as the number of times you will draw blood initially will surprise you.

Don't you mean corkscrew and a pizza cutter?

What type of wine goes with cheapo pizza?

What type of wine goes with cheapo pizza?

Paisano.

Consider what brand is the hardest to break in what tool, in my experience that means a Shimano chain tool, Park and Campy cone wrenches, and Craftsman screwdrivers. Besides, craftsman has a great warranty; I'm on about my sixth 1/2" ratchet and have only paid for two. Craftsman pliers too, and for fussy stuff like bicycles and car electrical systems you can't have too much of a variety of pairs of pliers.