Outfitting Bicycle Workshop
 

In the process of outfitting a portion of my garage to a dedicated bicycle workshop- Looking to add some misc. bolts, cable, etc in bulk.

I majority of the basic tools, some advanced one, but tend to buy the tools as the project come up. but I am looking to outfit my workshop with some small things that I'd want to have on hand. Any advice on what to stock and where I can buy these moderate quantity?

Honestly, it doesn't take very much. Cables and cable housing are good things to have on hand. Frequently what looks like is going to be a simple fix turns into a damaged cable issue. I use slick galvanized cables so that I can solder the cut ends.

Nuts and bolts aren't something that I'd worry about except for not throwing any away. Uh - always work on your bikes someplace that the stuff that you drop doesn't have a place to hide. If you have bikes with linear pull brakes, the noodles that join the cable to the brake arms are good to have on hand.

How are you holding up your bikes while you work on them? I've got some recumbents that don't fit on traditional bicycle work stands. A fixture for conveniently holding them while I adjust the derailleurs is worth it's weight in gold.

Bearing balls in quantity for the sizes you use.
About the only bolts I might keep on hand are 5mm for mounting racks, fenders & water bottles. Maybe a couple spare crank bolts.

This is pretty much what I buy too. I get bearing balls in packages of 100 in Grade 25 and M5 and M6 bolts which I either buy as the need arises or collect them from replaced components. A do stock brake and shift cables and housing. I buy several cables at a time and housing in 25' rolls.

BTW, are you setting this shop up for your own bikes only or do you plan to so repairs on other rider's bikes? The range of bike you plan to accommodate will have a big influence on what parts you stock

Grouch has the right idea with don't throw any away. But I'd like to add; buy some tackle trays for future organization. Otherwise you'll have a pile of small things, and best of luck finding what you need!

Or buy one of those small multi-drawer units sold to segregate nuts and bolts by size. Be sure to label the drawers you use or every job will turn into a search party.

Oh, brake pads! Buy them because you shouldn't keep any used ones, and any tuneup of a lawn-sale bike will inevitably need a pair or two!

I like to keep one of each chain size on hand 6-7-8s, 9s, 10s so I don't have to run if I need one. Bearing balls in various sizes, ferrules and end caps. Nuts and bolts just seem to accumulate over time. I usually have a couple sets of various brake pads around too.

Don't forget cable housing ferrules and cable tips.

Zip ties
Self-fusing silicone tape
Tire tubes in selected sizes
Tire patches and vulcanizing fluid
Kano Kroil (best) or PB Blaster
Chain lube

I put a clamp-on, goose-neck desk lamp on an old light stand I had (you could make something out of PVC pipe easily) so that I could direct light to wherever I was working, at the bench or on the stand. A small but bright flashlight is also handy for inspections, reading imprints, etc.

This is a great idea. I like the idea of already having bearings available. Any recommendations on where to buy them?

Also, like the idea of crank bolts. MAybe headset bolt as i find those seem to get gunky w/ sweat.

I'm going to order extra wire housing, maybe a few chains.
I do the majority of my own maintenance, so looking to set up my shop as a more permanent / professional set up for ease of use.

I stock chains, handlebar tape, brake pads, oil, grease, old parts (a big plastic bin), flashy lights and batteries.

A bicycle work stand and bicycle tool kit will get you started. You'll also need hex wrenches, needle nose pliers, a pipe wrench, and vise gripes.

A bucket and cleaning supplies are (IMHO) most important.

i don't know if you have a bike stand or not but that was the best addition to my bike space. Spare parts are easy to find at my lbs so I stock very few. a set of good bike tools is also high on my list.

Work surfaces. Bench vise. Truing stand. Cleaning supplies and containers. Dremel tool (you'll find a multitude of uses) - starting with wire brush, cutting wheel, and milling/grinding bits. Park Tool master link pliers. Shimano/SRAM cassette lockring tool. Crank puller. Cheater bar or galvanized pipe for leverage on your ratcheting wrench. Magnifying glasses or headset. Good lighting. Stool/seat at the various work surfaces. Shop Vac. What else?