emj2390

I am new to road biking, I just got a lemond reno and I am attempting to build my first fixed gear out of an old bianchi brava. I need a set of bike tools for all around maitnence and bike builds because im sure this wont be my last build. what sets would you recommend from where? I would like to stay under 100 but i can go as high as 150.

thanks, erik

wroomwroomoops

If it was in stock, I would HIGHLY recommend this: https://www.jensonusa.com/store/produ...+Workshop.aspx

BUT because it is not in stock, the second best is to get this, still quite good quality and extremely cheap:
https://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4218

and then, if/when you discover you have affinity for wrenching, you can perhaps replace the tools that are not as high quality. But Spin Doctor are rather good, especially for the price, basically unbeatable value. Much more expensive toolsets are crap, compared to Spin Doctor's.

okay

i was trying to think of the bare minimum that you could use, but it seems like there are a lot of specialty tools needed. the mainstuff i can think of right now though: metric wrenches, allan wrenches, those special wrenches for the bottom bracket.

operator

Too many variations even in bb's to recommend anything, especially if you're going to build a bike. Metric and allen wrenches are a good start. Then buy the rest as you need it. A good socket set is nice as well, especially for the more common 15mm if you use bolt on axles.

EivlEvo

I recommend this for starters. I have this kit. Everything in it is mad cheap so you should probably have an adjustable wrench as well. But the price is right... and lots of the tools that you get are the "specialized" type... like a chain whip, BB tool, Spanner, etc.

If I had the loot... I'd get parks or pedros hands down. I don't tho. I think the tools I have do the trick though.

https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/145...--21-Tools.htm

jdms mvp

harbor freight also has this equivalent for 20$

okay

this is probably the best strategy suggested so far itt. get some good tools that are made in the US that will last you a while and not some cheap, quantity over quality crap that comes in a plastic toolbox. this way you also wont end up with any superfluous stuff that you dont need that you might end up with in buying one of those pre-put together toolsets

tarman

I have that pricepoint set, it gets the job done for cheap. Sure, the park stuff I've bought is nicer, but I lose at least 50% of everything I own, so I think cheap but functional works.

okay

haha yeah. im not saying cheap is bad. im saying try to find good quality stuff for cheap though

emj2390

I have a big tool box I have alot of wrenches What I need are chain tool BB tool and other bike specific tools. I have the sockets screw driver adjustble wrenh ETC.

EivlEvo

That was exactly why I bought the pricepoint kit.

I have TONS of tools. I have a nice pedal wrench. I just needed the chain whip and the BB tools. I think its great!

Also has a crank arm extractor.

Build your own

I got most of my bikespecific tools from bikeshops,local and not so local.I find that unless you get free shipping, even bargain tools come out close to the same price as the local shop and i try to support the local guys.

EivlEvo

Damn. Im goin to the wrong shops.

Build your own

I guess it helps to build a relationship with a shop.I admit that the price on that pricepoint kit is hard to beat ,but i've found that with tools you get what you pay for(quality,material etc.).I also think that with kits you get too many things that are not necessary for FG(cassettetool etc) or tools that most people already have(screwdrivers,adjustable etc.) and the chainwhips are usually 3/32 wich is no good.It is also helpfull to use tools creatively as a 15 mm conewrench(good quality that doesn't bend right away) ,for example,can be used on a pedal instead of having to have a pedalwrench as well.I guess what i'm saying is a few good tools are better than a box full of mediocre stuff.

crater

cheap tools are not necessarily good tools, it may be more beneficial to get your parts and then see what tools you really need. To start I highly recommend Hozan lockring pliers over any other lockring wrench and park makes great chain breaks. A 15mm wrench and metric allen's are a given

sp00ki

seconded. i got more than i initially expected-- a set that holds up for a ridiculously low price.

mattface 

Get a set of allen wrenches, some small combination wrenches, and or a socket set. these are basic tools, and most bike stuff is done just with the allen wrenches.

Then for bike specific tools get a decent quality chain tool. the cheap ones are maddening especially when they break. Get a crank puller for square taper cranks.

Then just buy the tools you need as you need them. for instance the bottom bracket wrench you need for YOUR bottom bracket. do you need a lockring wrench? A cassette or freewheel removal tool. THere are too many specialized tools, rather than getting cheap versions of most of the common ones, egt decent versions of the ones you need for the jobs you do on your bike.

emj2390

what bottom bracket and crank tool will I need for an old bianchi brava with the paddle shifters on the cross bar its red I believe its from the 80's

metaljim

i've never seen it in the store, even though it's listed on their site. is it special order? i don't really mind buying HF tools as long as it doesn't have any moving parts and i don't have to make a living with it. and since i'm no longer a professional mechanic, this set could do me right.

mattface 

The crank tool is the same for most square taper cranks. The BB tools are many, get the bike, then figure out what tool you need.

emj2390

I have the bike, How can I figure out what tools I need?

bonechilling

There's no way to know without seeing it. Anyway, you should be asking these questions over in the Mechanic's forum.

axelfox

I have this kit, and it has worked well. However, I would add that you also get an additional hex wrench/allen wrench set, or even the three in one allen wrench set from Spin Doctor. I use the allen wrenches the most, and it's a pain always digging for those wrenches.

cavit8

Do the best you can to figure out the components you have then check on Sheldon Browns site for any specifics on the tools you need. Between that and Park Tool's website, you'll be able to figure it out.

I generally buy non-bike tools from a local automotive vendor because they have a lifetime warranty, similar to that of Sears's Craftsman tools. Incidentally, Sears appears to be having a tool sale at the moment.

emj2390

CAVIT8 what about bike specific tools?