Tool kits are a rip. Acquire them as you need them. About 90% of my bicycle tools were purchased used (I have a lot of tools).

+1 A $50 tool kit is going to be a collection of crappy tools, most of which, you will not need. I would much rather have two really good tools for $50, than 40 really crappy tools for $50.

To me, the first tools that need to be good ones are your cable cutter and your chain tool. Looking at those tool kits, the chain tools are junky. I'd be looking for a Park CT-3 chain tool, and a Shimano TL CT series cable cutter. The Shimano cable cutter is spendy, I got mine used at a reasonable cost. For lighter use, the Spin Doctor cable tool is not too bad, and is often on sale at either Nashbar or Performance bike.

What have I bought used? Well, the bike stand, the truing stand, the workbench, the tool cabinets, bb tools, screwdrivers, hammers, ratchets, sockets, crank tools, freewheel tools, cable tools, chain tool, RD hanger straightening tool, on and on. Even the Paramount banner that hangs in my workshop was used.


Yep, on sale at Nashbar: $14.99, not a bad deal:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_10000_202578