Bicycle Mechanics - Newbies Tool List

I am ready to start making some of my own minor repairs. I don't want to invest all at once in a bunch of tools. I basically want to be able to do some of the more novice types of repairs. I presently have standard work tools in my garage along with a couple bike multi-tools. One also has a chain tool but i think it might not be very good. I have had a hard time replacing pins with it so far anyway.

I can adjust my deraillers and am now ready to tackle other tasks. Last week i repacked my rear hub. :D Yeah!!! I know that i need a lockring removal tool to remove the cassette. I have an old chain that i plan to use for a chainwhip. I also have a bench vice. I also plan to get some brake and derailler cables and cable cutters.

What else do i need to get for novice repairs? I am not ready to tackle things like bottom bracket and headset yet. Although once more comfortable, i will. Also i was wondering if there are any small parts to keep on hand. In my line of work, i carry a tackle box with lots of odds and ends to repair things.
What odds and ends do i need for the bike? Where can i get ball bearings online? etc. Any tips would be appreciated.

Good question Ranger,

Off the top of my head, here are a few things that would make life easier. I'm sure other forum members will fill in anything I've forgotten :) and keep it to bike specific stuff, since you mention that you have a selection of "standard" tools:

Tools:
Cone spanner
Pedal spanner
Cassette lockring remover and chainwhip (you mentioned these already)
Crank remover
Spoke key
Tire levers


Parts:
Spare cones for wheel bearings (Shimano cones can be obtained, part numbers can be found on the shimano website)
Ball bearings (size as appropriate, available from a bike shop)
Brake pads, cables, cable end protectors etc.
Spokes - bike shop should be able to help find the right size(s)
Inner tubes

Thats about it off the top of my head

Good luck - it's always satisfying to make one's own repairs on the bike.

Cheers,

Ed

Are pedal spanners more necessary for some pedals than others? I was readily able use a normal 9/16 wrench to remove pedals yesterday.

Are pedal spanners more necessary for some pedals than others? I was readily able use a normal 9/16 wrench to remove pedals yesterday.Depends on the clearance between pedal and crank.15mm is the norm on bettter bikes,and 9/16 is toys r us stuff. Some pedals even have a hex key option on the baskside.

I am ready to start making some of my own minor repairs. I don't want to invest all at once in a bunch of tools. I basically want to be able to do some of the more novice types of repairs. I presently have standard work tools in my garage along with a couple bike multi-tools. One also has a chain tool but i think it might not be very good. I have had a hard time replacing pins with it so far anyway.

I can adjust my deraillers and am now ready to tackle other tasks. Last week i repacked my rear hub. :D Yeah!!! I know that i need a lockring removal tool to remove the cassette. I have an old chain that i plan to use for a chainwhip. I also have a bench vice. I also plan to get some brake and derailler cables and cable cutters.

What else do i need to get for novice repairs? I am not ready to tackle things like bottom bracket and headset yet. Although once more comfortable, i will. Also i was wondering if there are any small parts to keep on hand. In my line of work, i carry a tackle box with lots of odds and ends to repair things.
What odds and ends do i need for the bike? Where can i get ball bearings online? etc. Any tips would be appreciated.If you don't have one,buy the appropriate Zinn maintenance book. It covers tools.Then take a look at your bike and figure out what you need. Newer stuff with threadless HS and cartridge BB and cartridge bearing hubs are different from old school stuff and require different tools.Crank puller,BB tool,Casette lockring tool, chain whip, chain tool and cone wrenchs are the common bike specific tools.

If you are heavy I would also recommend a spoke tensiometer, as this would be a great wheelsaver.

Are pedal spanners more necessary for some pedals than others? I was readily able use a normal 9/16 wrench to remove pedals yesterday.

I tried using a 15mm wrench out of my toolbox to change pedals, and I ended up scratching a nice semi-circle in the finish of the crank arm on my new Devinci hybrid :mad: I guess it was because the wrench didn't have much clearance, and I could not get quite enough leverage. Throw a little inexperience in there too.

I purchased the Park PW-3 pedal wrench and it works a treat.

I've found the Park Tool website to be useful. They have tool lists for differnet skill levels. They have pictures and descriptions for us true newbies. Also have pictures of the tools in action. Sure they lead you to buy their tools, but it's a good knowledge base.

http://www.parktool.com/repair_help/toollists.shtml

Just a couple of vice grips ;)

(That is how I did most of my repairs on my bike when I was in Jr High school. It got me by.)

Like mmerner said, go to Parks website for tool recommendations and maint/repair procedures for what you really need. Also look for forum posts on alternatives and tips: A Dremel w/ rigid cutoff wheel works well for cutting cable housing, you can solder the ends of cables to keep them from fraying, star nut can be seated with a large dowel or socket, etc.

Park's website is excellent. Zinn's book is good, but if you can, borrow it from the library first. I wish it were more detailed and up to date. Of course this forum, mtbr.com etc. are great resources.

Dave

Since you have the basics covered, I would not go out to buy a bunch more tools all at once. Since you are basically going to have to buy them individually anyway, just wait until you need to do a job that requires some special tool and buy it then. It spreads the cost out and you don't end up with tools you don't use.

Does anybody know what size Allen wrench I need to remove the cap on my cranks (TruVativ 5D)?

TIA