buying tools
 

Recommendations for best source to buy bike tools, both new and used. I'm taking the first Barnett's course next week. I'm thinking to buy as I go--what I need to do the job in front of me--but will consider a package or complete mechanics set if that saves big bucks. I have no plans to work on bikes for anyone but myself and family. Thanks.

I haven't ordered anything from them, but there's this: http://www.biketoolsetc.com/

Here is what I have and would recommend as great value set up, using some one of the best brand in the industry:

Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit AK-32

PCS-9 Home Mechanic Repair Stand

Park Shop Apron

By shopping carefully, you should be able to get all these for less or around $300.00. I bought them from Performance using one their 20% coupons, but you may do just as well on eBay or some other net retailers.
Their roll-up kit (BK-2) is also a very good option and 1/2 the price. You can't go wrong with these and you will have pretty much everything you need to start and for most common maintenance, then ad more as you learn specific jobs such as wheel truing, headset replacement etc. or work on older bikes (where BB and freewheel specific tools may be needed).

There are other brands that work well, some even better than Park but I would avoid the cheapest sets as they are either not durable or not sized properly and will damage parts.

This is probably the most complete source of bicycle specific tools you will find anywhere. They have great customer service and delivery. Prices are pretty good. If you watch the specials on the front page you can get some great deals. I can give them a high recommendation.

Whats Barnetts?

Barnett's is a bicycle school in Colorado. They are one of the two big schools in the U.S. Barnett's is also well known for publishing an extensive bicycle repair (and repair reference) manual. It is considered "the bible" of bicycle repair by many.

Try the Park Tool website. Also, go to the pricepoint.com website and see if you can find their tools cheaper. Sometimes, they sell those tool kits cheaper on pricepoint then what you would pay at the Park Tool website.

Koffee

Huh ??? I'm just curious where on the Park Tool site you see tools for sale? The only tools for sale I have ever seen there are just a few discontinued items. Am I missing something?

Does the Barnetts school have a list of required/recommended tools for the course? If you are taking a course, it would be cheaper to get a set that includes most, or all, of what you need rather than buy the tools piecemeal.

BTW, Park does not sell tools retail. You can get Park tools at any LBS/mail order outlet.

LooseScrews and Harris have some tools, as well.

Pay extra bucks and buy from LBS. I know it hurts when you CAN find it cheaper but I'm sure your LBS has fixed something for free.

Now I do buy some things from one or the other of the two LBS in our area that don't have an attitude, but it is not because I owe them anything for freeby repairs. Id have always done all my own repairs.

General purpose tools can come from many sources: Sears, Lowes or Home Depot. All ahve good quality wrenches, Allen hex keys, etc. For bike specific stuff, I use mostly mail order. I am not infatuated with any particular brand of tool; I try to get the most value for my money.

Doc