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Old 12-23-11 | 02:51 PM
  #6  
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rm -rf
don't try this at home.
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Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 6,220
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From: N. KY
Those kits have a lot of tools that you'll never use, and won't fit anything on your bike.

These will get you started: It's really all you need now.
The main one: A set of metric hex keys (the L shaped 6-sided tools), from 8mm to 1.5mm. I have one of the sets that's attached to a handle, where each key folds out. But I also use a loose set of the L shaped keys, since these fit into tighter spaces and I have more control over the tightening force.

Phillips screwdrivers, both #1 and #2 sizes. Get 2 separate screwdrivers with handles, not the kind with the replaceable bits.
A small flat blade screwdriver.
A wire cutter ("diagonal cutter") Mostly for cutting cables ties.
A pedal wrench to remove your pedals. (some pedals only use a long 8mm hex wrench--their axle doesn't have the flat sides that the wrench fits on.)
A spoke tool.
A chain tool to push out a pin when replacing the chain. I always use a Connex chain link on the new chain. It's tricky to get the pin pushed in correctly on a new 10 speed chain, and the Connex link is really easy.
Electrical tape.
Tire levers for changing tubes.
A thin wrench that fits the mounting nut where the brakes attach to the frame.
This--> A link to Park Tool's repair site: http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help

Also, needle nose pliers, regular pliers, and a small adjustable wrench are occasionally handy, and good to have anyway.

Later:
A repair stand makes a lot of jobs much easier.
A brake and shifter cable housing cutter (expensive!) or a Dremel tool with a cutoff wheel.
A chain whip and cassette tool to match your cassette type.
A small torque wrench if you are tightening carbon components.
A bottom bracket tool to remove the crank axle bearings. (Depends on how your bottom bracket is designed)

Last edited by rm -rf; 12-23-11 at 03:09 PM.
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