Suggestions for those seeking a starter tool kit
 

Here are my 4 suggestions along w/ what comes in them. Would anyone like to compare/contrast any or all of them?

1. Park Tool SK-1 Home Mechanic Starter Kit $90
2. Spin Doctor Essential Tool Kit $50
3. Cycle Pro Home Mechanic Tool Kit $60
4. SuperB Bike Mechanic Tool Kit $70

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Park Tool SK-1 Home Mechanic Starter Kit (9950176)
Sale Price: $89.99

Park's Home Mechanic Starter Kit is an excellent way to start your tool collection. It

features a combination of the most-used tools to help you clean, adjust, maintain and do

some basic repairs on your bike. Plus, it comes with a rugged toolbox to keep your tools

organized.

AWS-1 4, 5, 6mm Y-Hex Wrench Set
CCW-5 Crank Wrench with 14mm Socket/8mm Hex
CM-5 Cyclone Chain Cleaner
CT-5 MiniChain Brute Chain Tool
GSC-1 GearClean Brush
PW-5 Pedal Wrench
SD-2 Shop Screwdriver #0 Phillips
SD-3 Shop Screwdriver 3mm flathead
SW-7 Three-way Spoke Wrench
TL-1Tire Levers
VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit

http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=10389

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Spin Doctor Essential Tool Kit

Designed to tackle most maintenance and repair challenges, from minor tune-ups to drivetrain

overhauls, this collection of 18 commonly used tools will get the job done
Custom-molded case fits all your tools securely for easy transport
Tools are updated for recent advances in Road and MTB components and includes a integrated

bottom bracket tool

Includes the following tools: chain tool, integrated Bottom bracket wrench adapter, double

bit Philips/Flat head screwdriver, 6-piece hex wrench set (2/2.5/3/4/5/6mm), chainring bolt

wrench/crankarm dust cover tool, Flat head screwdriver, 8mm hex wrench with ½“ driver,

2-piece tire lever set, 15mm pedal wrench with 14/15mm socket wrench, sprocket removal tool,

integrated bottom bracket wrench, cassette lockring tool, 2-piece cone wrench set (2 x

13/14/15/16mm), 3-sided spoke wrench, crank extractor, cartridge bottom bracket tool, T-25

torx wrench, patch kit

Sale Price: $49.99
Item #40-2451B
http://www.performancebike.com/shop/...tegory_ID=4218

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Cycle Pro Home Mechanic Tool Kit (9933118)
Sale Price: $59.99

This Tool Kit holds everything the home bicycle mechanic needs in a convenient carrying

case.
The molded plastic case has special molded tool imprints to securely hold tools in

individual sections.
Tools included are:
- 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, & 6mm hex wrench
- 9/10mm open-end wrench
- Long handled 8mm hex wrench
- 8mm to socket adapter
- Universal bottom bracket removal tool
- Crank puller/extractor
- Cassette lock ring tool (Shimano)
- Headset wrench, 30/32mm and 36/40mm
- Chain whip
- Spoke wrench
- 2 sizes of standard and Phllips screwdrivers
- 2 cone wrenches with 13/15mm and 14/16mm ends
- Chain tool/breaker
- 6" adjustable wrench
- Universal pin spanner
- Crank bolt/pedal wrench combo
- 3 tire levers
- Glue-less patch kit with 6 patches

http://brandscycle.com/itemdetails.cfm?id=2742

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97900: SuperB Bike Mechanic Tool Kit

Description: Picture Gallery
Here is what you get:
Deluxe Tube Repair Kit (glue, patches, scuff pad)
Interchangable Socket ( 10, 9, 8, 7mm)and Screwdriver Set (phillips, flat and torx)
8mm / 10mm open end wrench
3 nylon tire levers for tube removal
Chain Whip ( for cassette removal)
30mm, 32mm, 36mm, 40mm Headset Wrench
13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 16mm Cone / Hub Wrench
Cotterless Crankarm Extractor
Spoke Wrench ( fits 6 different size nipples)
2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm Hex Key Wrench Set
Adjustable Bottom Bracket Cup Tool
15mm, 16mm, 24mm Pedal / Open End Wrench
Shimano External Bottom Bracket Tool
Cartridge Bottom Bracket Tool
Crank Arm cap tool
Bottom Bracket and Headset Lockring Tool
LARGE Adjustable Chain Rivet Extractor / Installer (Shimano Compatible)
Cassette Lock Ring Remover (Shimano)

Price: $ 69.95
http://bikeisland.com/cgi-bin/BKTK_S...ls&ProdID=1124

spindoctor makes great tools at great prices... i had many tools already that were inlcuded int aht set.. so i purchase tools as i go along.... when i compare tools to similar tools from other makers ... i compare which would be easier to use... how solid it feels... and then price.. seems like 8/10 times i always end up with the SPIN DOCTOR tools...

a few of my friends have the set.. and it actually came in handy for me before a race.....

i say look at the tools you currently have.. see what you will need more... and see what set includes what... that should help you pick something..

I'll add the Pricepoint Sette ST-21 basic tool set to the list:
(although current price is $45, I got mine for $35, so it's worthwhile to shop around for sales)
http://www.pricepoint.com/detail.htm?stylePkey=14585

The Sette Torx ST-21 toolkit contains:
-Spoke Wrench
-ISIS & Shimano Crank Remover
-Hub Cone Spanner (2 pc/set)
-Puncture Repair Kit including: patches, cement and sandpaper.
-Bottom Bracket Cup Tool
-Philips Head Screwdriver in 2 sizes
-Flat Head Screwdriver in 2 sizes
-Cassette remover w/ guide pin
-Cartridge BB Tool for Shimano & ISIS
-Lockring Socket w/ Stabilizer Post
-Chain Whip
-Pedal Wrench
-8mm Long Hex Wrench w/ Socket Adjuster
-6 Hex Wrenches - 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 4mm, 5mm and 6mm
-Adjustable Wrench
-3x Steel Tire Levers
-8 & 10mm Open Ended Wrench
-Chain Rivet Extractor
-Headset Wrench
-Nylon/Fiberglass Tire Lever Set
-Hard Carry-Case w/ Foam Protection Insert

As td wrote above, the best thing is to look at what tools are required by the tasks in your plan, and buy accordingly.

I have the Spin Doctor Team kit and have used the hell out of it. Pretty satisfied = have yet to break anything, although I'd love better cone wrenches. From what I read, they may not exist, though.

Excuse my ignorance but, are all bottom bracket tools the same, other than quality and cost?

great thread! I've been wondering where i could find one of these kits. Thanks

Not necessarily. There are several to choose from. For very old bottom brackets, you need a pin spanner, fixed cup wrench and a lock ring wrench. For square taper bottom brackets, you can use the 20 tooth bottom bracket tool that is used for ISIS and Octalink. However, some of the tools made for square taper can't be used on ISIS type bottom brackets because the spindle won't fit in the tool. There are also 8 notch bottom brackets which need their own tool. Some Campys need their own spline tool. Finally, external bearings take their own tool.

I'll just add to cyc's nice description that BB and other spline tools often come in two versions, one with a center guide pin and one without. The former version is (IMHO) much nicer to use, but won't work if the center guide pin bottoms out (which sadly isn't that unusual).

Thanks for the good info

My experience with Spin Doctor is they use soft steels.

I tried their combo crank/pedal wrench to loosen a set of Egg Beaters (no flats) and the hex bit spun in the wrench body.

The good news is Performance will take almost anything back so it didn't cost anything to learn from this mistake.

Cheap tools are rarely worth buying since you end up buying the better ones anyhow after the cheap one fails.

I bought the Spin Dr. kit and added to it as needed. I have used most of the tools in the kit with good results.

I'm not impressed with the Park Tool SK-1 Home Mechanic Starter Kit

For $90 you don't get much in the way of "bike specific" tools: My comments in red

AWS-1 4, 5, 6mm Y-Hex Wrench Set Even non-mechanically minded folks should have a full set of hex wrenches around the house.

CCW-5 Crank Wrench with 14mm Socket/8mm Hex :thumb:

CM-5 Cyclone Chain Cleaner Admittedly I've never used one but I've never felt like I needed one either.

CT-5 MiniChain Brute Chain Tool This doesn't look any nicer than the chain tool you can pick up for $4 at Wal-Mart. An important tool for the home mechanic but nothing special.

GSC-1 GearClean Brush Two words: old. toothbrush.

PW-5 Pedal Wrench :thumb:

SD-2 Shop Screwdriver #0 Phillips Who doesn't have at least a couple screwdrivers laying around the house?

SD-3 Shop Screwdriver 3mm flathead See above.

SW-7 Three-way Spoke Wrench :thumb:

TL-1Tire Levers You can pick up a set of these with the patch kit for about $3 at Wal-Mart.

VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit See above.

I opted to go with the Sette ST-21 tool kit which seems to offer a lot more "bang for the buck" as far as bicycle specific tools are concerned. I know I still need a few more tools to be able to really work on my bikes, but it looks like this kit is a better value for anyone who already has plenty of basic hand tools like allen wrenches and screwdrivers laying around the house.

Resurrecting an old thread to lessen duplicate threads

I'm debating on getting on either:

http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_524452_-1___

or

http://www.probikekit.com/ca/ice-too...-tool-kit.html


I'm leaning towards the IT because it's available now. Aren't they essentially the same kit?

I figured the most important tools I need are the cassette and the BB tools.

I'm doing my 1st build with the fork/headset already attached.

Comments are appreciated.

Most of those tool kits contain items you won't use on a newer bike like threaded headset wrenches and cup-and-cone bottom bracket tools. If your bike is old enough to have these components or if you plan to work on a variety of new and old bikes, they may be a worthwhile purchase. Otherwise you will have a lot of wall decorators.

As to the Park chain tool compaired to the $3 Wal-mart version, not a chance. They are by no means similar in quality.

I just can't justify how grossly overpriced Park Tools are. As a broke college kid, I can't afford to spend the ridiculous amount of money they ask for. I buy cheap tools (as many as I can general tools NOT bike tools) and replace them when I can afford it. Bike specific allen wrenches, socket wrenches, and screwdrivers are just a waste of money. Home Depot for 2 bucks a pop. I figure that I will get my money's worth and replace it when it breaks with something better when the time comes. Unless you are working on people's bikes for money, I'd say go with cheap at first. Who knows what specific tools you may end up needing, anyway.

I think that's terrible advice. Cheap tools not only need to be replaced often but can, and will, damage the part you use them on. As an example, a poor quality allen key can round out the hex in the bolt head and make it extremely difficult to remove.

Good tools are an investment. Cheap tools are a waste of money.

We'll have to agree to disagree. I've never had a problem with my $40 starter kit, but maybe I am an anomaly instead of the norm. Whatever works, I guess!

I have never owned any bike specific tools with the exception of a Raleigh cone wrench for my 3 speed.
I have never owned anything but coasters and 3 speeds and manage with most common hand tools never needing anything else. I have taken chains apart and put them back together again using simple tools.
In my opinion, and it is only mine, unless you work on a lot of bikes, derailleurs etc I wouldn't waste my $$.
If you need a special tool, buy as needed, buy as you go along. Don't buy a kit containing tools you may never use or can get elsewhere for less money.