Originally Posted by
jdawginsc
If you are working on most bikes, metric is the way to go. Older American and British bikes might have SAE sizes...which means more tools... If anyone has anything I missed?
Stage 1: Basic bike maintenance (this will do just about everything to take apart the bike and do simple maintenance. And some are just normal tools)
1. Chain remover tool (don't skimp...trust me, your fingers will notice)
3. Open end/box combo wrenches
The critical sizes are 8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17...maybe a few others I can't think of...24 is helpful
3.5. Decent ratchet set (8, 9, 10, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16 are the key ones)
4. Tire bead jack !!!!! yes !!!!!
5. Tire levers (not sure which to recommend, they all are flawed)
6. Pair of needle nose pliers,
7. nice cable cutters !!!!! yes !!!!!
8. Solid pliers
9. Small and larger Adjustable wrench (flat edges are critical, don't skimp!)
If you already have SAE tools, a 5/8" socket or combo will cover most 16mm needs, just as 7/16" covers 11mm needs and 3/4" works very well for 19mm.
I like a "third hand" brake caliper squeezer for adjusting brake cables.
#0, 1, 2 Philips screwdrivers, plus a few common flat blade screwdrivers
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"Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing." --Theodore Roosevelt
Capo: 1959 Modell Campagnolo, S/N 40324; 1960 Sieger (2), S/N 42624, 42597
Carlton: 1962 Franco Suisse, S/N K7911
Peugeot: 1970 UO-8, S/N 0010468
Bianchi: 1982 Campione d'Italia, S/N 1.M9914
Schwinn: 1988 Project KOM-10, S/N F804069