I figure I might start getting a few specialized tools to work on my bikes. First off, I'm pretty handy as it is. I know my way around a tool box and I have a very respectable set of general tools in my tool box.

What I don't have is any bike specific tools, or knowledge for that matter. But with my general mechanical experience, the concepts aren't really foreign to me and I'm pretty quick on the uptake. So what I think the tools I'm going to start with are the tools to change a cassette. Once I get comfortable with that, I might try other specific tools.

I don't plan on making a living doing this, in fact, I expect I might use the tools maybe a dozen times total, so I don't want to go off buying top-of-the-line stuff. I'm not going to be starting my own bike tuning business.

I looked on Amazon and found this: https://www.amazon.com/Bikehand-Shim...dDbGljaz10cnVl

So the questions I pose to you, all knowing Bike Forum, is will this tool work for most standard wheels? Of my bikes now, I have Bontrager, Ritchey and whatever came on my Specialized (Can't remeber. AVS or something). Next question. I figure most of these are made of low grade Chinesium, but do you think it's good enough for 10-12 jobs without mucking up the components?

In general those tools (especially the cassette lockring tool) are poorly made. Also if you have a quick release axle, you may want a tool that has a center pin, Like the one below, it sits better for removal of the lock ring. If you have a thru axle there is a version for that as well.
You can make your own Chain whip from a piece of bar steel and a section of chain so save a few bucks. One tool I would recommend is a good chain tool (you will need it to make the chain whip).
Paying for the better tools will save you money in the long run. Also you can look on ebay for used/preowned tools, search "used Park Tool"

+1 on getting a Park locking tool with the correct pin for QR or thru-axel. My philosophy on tools for anything not just bikes, is to get the best you can afford. The money you save buying cheap may cost you later in skinned knuckles or damage to whatever you are working on. If you get a cheap chain whip, you are IMHO just getting a handle and you will want to replace the chain with a section of old bike chain.

https://www.jensonusa.com/Bike-Hand-...ockring-Tool-2

It's kind of a balancing act between the chain whip,, holding the tire up so I prefer the locking tool to have a built in handle..

How much stress do you think a chain whip endures? Very little if you're doing it right.
I have the park, and I have a cheap red one that I got years ago. I really don't see a difference as far as durability and usability. Kind of like Pedro's cone wrenches vs Park's.
Most Park tools are very good, but they are not Tool Truck quality. But, what is? (Proto, maybe)
Don't get me wrong, I like my Park tools, but they ain't all that and a bag of chips. Ever break a Park tool? You bought it, you got it., They have an out for most issues. Heck, Crapsman has a better warranty.

But, Campy tools

Can't say if the tools sold on the Amazon link would hold up or not. What I can say is I do own, and use the same tools (and others) sold by Park Tool, and am very satisfied with them. I don't use them super often, but when I do, know I can rely on the tool to get the job done. I go by the saying "if you want to do a good job, use a good tool.

There is no way those tools would mucky up your cassette. I suspect they would meet your needs.

If I may recommend your next investment? Get the tools to remove and clean your chain or replace it. Proper cable cutters would be my next investment. The next level up would be changing worn out bearings, this is probably a bridge too far and best left to a shop.

Bought this in the late '80's When Park was great stuff. Not so much now.

I'd start with a "good enough" set of tools like this https://www.amazon.com/Piece-Bike-To...&ts_id=3405621
And as you get more confident and start to learn that a bicycle is just a simple machine with some interesting quirks, you can replace them with higher quality tools.

Cheap tools are false economy — whether you’re going to use them 10 times or 10,000 times.

So you advise buying twice? Why not buy good quality and buy once? The cliche "only a rich man can afford cheap tools" seem to apply here.

My experience with Park is that they're pretty good at replacing broken tools, unless they've been egregiously absusd.
Campagnolo tools are generally top-quality, but they can break, And have you ever tried to get a replacement from Campagnolo for a broken tool?

I have had a cheap chain whip for decades and it still functions fine as does the cheapo Park cassette lockring removal tool.

IIRC, Jen is a college student. She probably does not have the money to waste. Buy the good enough tools and spend the savings on fast tires for your next Tri

Tool quality - cry once, buy once

Anybody actually have a cheap chainwhip break? Doubtful. If so, just put another section of chain on it. The risk to the lockring is lousy technique, mine are generally aluminum and it is not going damage a steel tool. Rather, you will strip it with ham fisted technique.

Buy the cheap tool to take the cassette off

I'd just advise the OP not to buy any special tools until they are needed. The tools I use on my bike the most are just a couple of HEX keys. And a chain checker that serves to tell me when I might want to break out the steel scale to measure the chain with for certainty.

I would suggest going to Flea Bay and check out the $37 kit from motorzone. I have one that is similar that I bought in a pawn shop and it has all of the basic tools needed to do general maintenance. It isn't fancy but it will work until you want to upgrade to nicer tools. Just my thoughts. Smiles, MH

I took a look at that and it seems a bit involved for what I'm looking to start out. Besides, I already have plenty of hex/Allen tools, wrenches, screwdrivers, etc. Good stuff too, not Harbor Freight bargain bin stuff. (I inherited a fully loaded shop level Snap On box)
Indeed.
That's what I'm thinking. Right now, I just want to address the immediate problem of my current wheel situation.
That's kind of what I'm thinking. Maybe as I get more familiar/comfortable, I might get into some other technical jobs. But right now, I think I'll just stick with basics like cables and derailleurs. But I do want to have some flexibility with my cassettes and wheels.

If I plan to use a tool regularly, I’ll buy the brand name. Especially for complex/electrical tools.
if for occasional hobby use, I’d rather have the cheap tool, than no tool at all.

Barry

Jen, as a former bike wrench in the 80s/90s, I see no reason why the tools you’re looking at wouldn’t be just fine. The Park lockring tool has the pin, which is helpful, but by no means necessary. The suggestion for you to make your own chain whip is ludicrous. You’ll likely never need to replace the tools you’re looking at.

Do yourself a favor and buy quality cable cutters. You'll thanks yourself in the long run

Thanks.
I've had to cut cables a couple times already. I just used a cut-off wheel and a Dremel. Maybe not the best option, but it works well. I do have a pack of crimp on cable ends to take care of the wire strands.

Dremel is a perfectly fine substitute to get clean cuts. A little poker to clean up the housing liner and done

One thing no one has mentioned yet is a set of chain quick link pliers. I'd recommend a pair of those be one of the first half-dozen bike-specific tools you get.

If you get a set, I'd strongly recommend you get the type that both removes and seats quick links. Yes, you can seat a quick link other ways. But it's much easier with a tool that will both remove and set the quick link.

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