Basic Tool Set Recommendations
 

Hi guys, I am a new commuter and I want to be ready for basic bike maintenance. That said, any basic tools or tool sets you recommend? There are so many and I just don't know what I do and don't need.

I'm not big on packaged tool kits because they generally contain tools that you rarely use and I also like different brands for particular tools.

The first thing that you need is tools for fixing flat tires. A pair of tire levers a patch kit and a pump will do that. Bigger pumps are better - mini pumps suck because they require too many strokes.

For basic tuneing you'll be surprised at how far a set of metric allen wrenches will take you. A cable cutter (Shimano), chain breaker (Park), spoke wrench (Park), cassette tool (Park) and chain whip (generic) will get you by.

Hub cone wrenches (Park) and a cartridge bottom bracket tool (Shimano) will be necessary for basic overhauls. A headset press and wheel trueing stand are nice to have but you can really work around not having them. I also have 2 torque wrenches - a 3/8" drive for cranks and bottom brackets and a 1/4" drive for installing high end stems and carbon handlebars.

Definitely start off with tire levers, a patch kit, a frame pump, and a saddle bag or something to carry them on the bike so you won't be stranded on the road by a flat tire. I got a frame pump first and then a nice floor pump as well since it is such an often used tool (to top up tires everyday). A multi-tool like the Topeak Alien II has probably every allen key you'll need. I think that's the minimum you should have so you can fix flat tires and make basic adjustments.

The Topeak Alien II is something else. It does have just about every tool you'd ever need. Even a decent, full-function, chain-tool. All in a hand-sized (approx.) 1/2 pound package that can clip to your belt or stow in a small seat-bag.

http://www.treefortbikes.com/150_333...ulti-Tool.html

Multitools are for the trails. They are inconvenient to use for anything besides the smallest repairs.

It's inconvenient to use, but it does indeed come with pretty much every tool you would need to fix something on the road side. And it's cheap.

One other drawback of multitools with 8mm allens is you can't
torque the crank bolt enough with a multitool to properly
tighten the crank bolt. You need a regular right angle long
shank allen wrench or better a 3/8" socketed allen and torque
wrench for the BB crank fixing bolts. A lot of newer CW are
held by torx bolts. A chain tool is helpful for shortening
new chains but stick to chains with 'master links' such as
SRAM or KMC. Chain cleaning tool such as Parks is basic for
chain maintenance, a regular need for commuting. Use
simple green to clean the chain about half and half with
water-works well and is nonflammable.

They have their place but I'm not crazy about multi-tools either. They can turn the simplest job, like installing a water bottle cage, into a project. For no more than individual allen wrenches cost I can't see any reason not to have a set.

Buy a multi-tool and a mini pump that stay on your bike, then buy individual tools as you find the need. A set of metric allen wrenches and an 8,9,10, and 15 mm metric should be the first thing you get.

And tire levers, I forgot about those. Get a pair, they should come with every bike sold