Originally Posted by
mechanicmatt
Oh I agree with you completely, but most people starting out could give two cents about torque values, proper this or that. This is basically enough tools to really get you in trouble, or the better way to say it is most of the tools you would need for adjustments and to get you started. Everyone must start somewhere.
Also, your tone is a bit harsh, you expect people to know how to put together a top of the line 29'r first try out? This is someone starting, how did you start out for comparison?
My comment about swap meets is true, the multi-tools are versitile, surprisingly so. I don't use them for maintenance but it may be a good entrance to the tools she may actually need. Likewise, if she found some of the work daunting, she would at least have a handy tool for ride breakdowns and stem adjustments. Would you rather she go to work on bicycles for the first time with SAE wrenches and pliers?
No idea why you find my tone harsh - maybe you just don't like people not agreeing 100% with you.
Since you asked - I started building bikes when I was a kid from parts the neighbors scrapped. There were 10 kids in the family and no money for luxuries like new bikes. But my dad was a car mechanic so a garage full of quality tools and grown-up expertise were at my disposal. One of the things he did teach me that stuck is that there's one best way to do everything and a lot of ways that'll waste time, money and be guaranteed to make you have to redo the job. Personally I hate having to do things again unnecessarily and doubt anyone else enjoys it either.
Actually I thought my initial advice was fairly reasonable. It didn't specify any particular brand or tool and left a lot open to personal discretion, but was also intended to get the job(s) done CORRECTLY. Not sure why you yourself would describe and recommend something as being 'the basic tools needed for adjustments' and then go on to say that it's not what you use for basic maintenaince yourself.
I don't think the idea is to get enough tools to get in trouble - I think the idea is to get the tools and information to do whats necessary, have fun doing it, and do it right.