Because I'm geeky like that, I decided to do a full blown comparison of the 2 kits I linked above since I do needs me some tools. (Park Tools SK-1, and AK-37). I decided to share here in case anyone else would find this useful.

Here are the 2 kits side by side, with the redundancies of the sk1 greyed out in the ak37 pic to highlight the differences.



Then I did a cost rundown according to some quick lookups of amazon prices because it was easy and I assume they are probably as cheap as anywhere else. There may be slight errors because I did this fast but it should be mostly accurate..

included in AK-37 and SK-1:
1) AWS-1, 4,5,6MM Hex Wrench Set $9
9) CCW-5, 8/14mm Crank Bolt Wrench $11
11) CM-5, Cyclone Chain Scrubber $22
14) CT-3, Screw-type Chain Tool $30 (sk1 has cheaper mini version CT-5 which is $13)
17) GP2, Super Patch Kit $3
18) GSC-1, GearClean Brush $5
26) SW-0, Spoke Wrench /.127 27) SW-1, Spoke Wrench /.130 28) SW-2, Spoke Wrench/.136 ~$10 (sk-1 has a 3in1 version SW-7 $8)
30) TL-1, Tire Levers, Set of 3 $4 (sk1 only comes with 2?)
23) SD-2, Screwdriver, #2 Phillips $8
20) PW-3, Pedal Wrench $21 (SK1 has cheaper version PW-5 (no 9/16") $11)

total (sk1): $94
total (ak37 versions): $123


parts unique to AK-37:
2) AWS-3, 2,2.5,3mm Hex Wrench Set $9
3) BBT-22, BB tool for Shimano and ISIS $15
4) BBT-5, BB/Lock Ring Tool for Campagnolo(12t) $8
5) BBT-9, BB Tool for Shimano Hollowtech II 16 notch external bearing cups $16
6) CBW-1, 8/10mm Open End Wrench $8
7) CBW-4, 9/11mm Open End Wrench $9
8) CC-3, Chain Wear Indicator $7
10) CL-1, Synthetic Chain Lube, (4 oz.) $7
12) CN-10, Cable and Housing Cutter $30
13) CNW-2, Chainring Nut Wrench $4
15) CWP-6, Universal Crank Puller and 8mm Wrench $15
16) FR-5, Cassette Lock Ring Tool for Shimano and SRAM $8
19) PPL-1, Polylube 1000 Lubricant, 4 oz $7
21) SCW-SET, Shop Cone Wrench Set 13-19mm $38
22) SD-0, Screwdriver, #0 Phillips $6
24) SD-6, Screwdriver, 6mm Flat Blade $8
25) SR-1, Chainwhip/Freewheel Lock Ring Tool $18
29) TB-2, Tire Boot-Set of 3 $7

total of parts unique to AK-37: $220


total of all parts in ak-37: $343


Savings for sk-1 from buying them individually: $94-70 = $24 (plus u get free case)

Savings for ak-37 from buying them individually: $343 - 221 = $123 (plus free case)


Summary: the ak-37 has a few (semi-unnecessary?) upgrades to three parts of the sk-1 (chain tool, spoke wrenches, and pedal wrench), and it may contain a few things a person may never need, but it looks like a solid deal if one doesn't mind the initial outlay and wants to get serious about wrenching with some quality kit. It will likely pay for itself over the years versus having a shop do your work. The kit savings are probably even better than they look because most people if buying them piecemeal will probably not be ordering them online and waiting, but will probably buy them inflated in a store and pay tax too.

Or I guess a person could get this cheapo kit for $33+ship and suffer with cheap parts and plan to replace stuff as it breaks.