Outfitting Bicycle Workshop
#1
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2015
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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?
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?
#2
Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 30,225
Likes: 649
From: St Peters, Missouri
Bikes: Catrike 559 I own some others but they don't get ridden very much.
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.
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.
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Last edited by Retro Grouch; 08-23-15 at 09:16 AM.
#3
Really Old Senior Member


Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 14,637
Likes: 1,884
From: Mid Willamette Valley, Orygun
Bikes: 87 RockHopper,2008 Specialized Globe. Both upgraded to 9 speeds. 2019 Giant Explore E+3
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.
About the only bolts I might keep on hand are 5mm for mounting racks, fenders & water bottles. Maybe a couple spare crank bolts.
#4
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
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
#5
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!
#6
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 33,657
Likes: 1,119
From: Pittsburgh, PA
Bikes: '96 Litespeed Catalyst, '05 Litespeed Firenze, '06 Litespeed Tuscany, '20 Surly Midnight Special, All are 3x10. It is hilly around here!
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.
#8
SE Wis

Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 11,549
Likes: 4,329
From: Milwaukee, WI
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
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.
#10
Senior Member

Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,327
Likes: 1,110
From: Roswell, GA
Bikes: '93 Trek 750, '92 Schwinn Crisscross, '93 Mongoose Alta
Zip ties
Self-fusing silicone tape
Tire tubes in selected sizes
Tire patches and vulcanizing fluid
Kano Kroil (best) or PB Blaster
Chain lube
Self-fusing silicone tape
Tire tubes in selected sizes
Tire patches and vulcanizing fluid
Kano Kroil (best) or PB Blaster
Chain lube
#11
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.
#12
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
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.
#13
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 6,119
Likes: 13
From: D'uh... I am a Cutter
Bikes: '17 Access Old Turnpike Gravel bike, '14 Trek 1.1, '13 Cannondale CAAD 10, '98 CAD 2, R300
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.
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.
#15
Zip tie Karen
Joined: Aug 2009
Posts: 7,005
Likes: 1,546
From: Fair Oaks Ranch, TX
Bikes: '13 Motobecane Fantom29 HT, '16 Motobecane Turino Pro Disc, '18 Velobuild VB-R-022, '21 Tsunami SNM-100
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?
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