bengreen79

I am surprised there's not a sticky on this, but what is a good, comprehensive tool set to get started with? I'd rather not dump mucho cash on a full Park set.

Does anyone have experience with this Nashbar kit? They want $130 currently.

rekmeyata

I don't believe in kits. You probably already have some of the tools the kit gives you anyways, like bladed and phillips screwdrivers, some if not all the metric wrenches, tire levers, a tool box (almost any box will work). The best thing to do is to buy tools as you need them rather then buy a kit the duplicates tools you already have and give you tools you may never use. If you want a cheap basic tool kit consider a Park MTB3 mini tool, at least you can carry it with you and they can do most basic repairs. All my tools including my tools I use on my cars (I own several classic cars) I bought piece meal, thus I don't have any tools I'll never use, nor have nothing in the way of duplication. Some tools too you have to weigh if you'll ever use the tool more then once and is the cost of the tool vs having someone else do it cost effective; example, I don't own any tools related to wheel building because I rarely need a set of wheels and the cost of the tools far outweigh having someone else do it and pay the labor.

bkaapcke

I started with a kit only because I walked into a Performance shop that was closing and they made me a deal I couldn't refuse. I was looking for two tools and ended up with a "Team" Kit for $66.00, tax included. I have since added many more tools as I got deeper into doing all my own work. Yeah, the Kit has a few tools I don't use much, but I'm not pinching all the pennies. Some of the single tools I've bought don't get used that often either, but they are there when I need them. So, it depends on your approach. Are you a tool guy? Or do you just want to do basic maintenance? That's the question to answer, and your decision will follow. bk

BTW, Yes, I have a fair amount of tools which cost some green. However, I have saved that money several times over by doing my own work.

dsbrantjr

bengreen: One item you might want to consider, especially if you plan on getting involved with carbon fiber frames and components, is a good torque wrench. Nashbar has this one:
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product...2_126737_-1___
which comes with a set of hex bits to get you going. It is an especially good item to have if you have not done a lot of wrenching and don't have a good feel for when fasteners are tight enough without going overboard, an expensive mistake on carbon.

dpeters11

It all depends on what you want to do. Personally, all the stuff I do on my bike I can do with a Park 3 way hex, an IB-2 and tire levers. My entire toolkit along with CO2 cartiridges and a spare tube fit in my seat bag.

TLCFORBIKES

In the long run you may be better off using the combined collection on home/auto tools that you already own and buying a few specialty tools (as you need them). Spend a little extra on the speciality tools (they will perform perfectly for years). You want to have quality tools that wont mess up anything on your bike. Besides having a "starters tool kit" you will also benifit from a quality work stand.

deacon mark

I did it in stages as I needed but I have lots of tools in my guitar repair business so that helps. I got a shimano lockring tool, then a chainwhip ( can make them yourself too), then I bought a park truing stand, park bottom bracket tool for external bearing bbs but can work on others too. Then when I went to build my own wheels I bought a park tension meter, spoke wrench 4 sided, and I already have huge number of measuring devices that helps. I have a micro meter already, assortment of measuring calipers and steel rulers. I went on the idea that if I was a serious rider I wanted to be able to work and fix my own bike and there is some money but this way I rely on myself. They charge for tune ups and the like at the LBS and I can do them, the next step is to somehow do a few for others as a payback. I did go with the idea I would basically work with shimano parts and this helps narrow it down. I now need a cone wretch but really will not use it much. Then of course the usual things like a chain tool, tire levers, and I keep spare parts around. Nice to have a replacement chain, tires, tubes, and brake/derailler cable and housing ready if you need it. I bought a huge roll of housing and cable this is much cheaper in the long run. I avoid tools for bikes I do not ride since some bikes require separate tools for each type.

MACAQUE

Like everyone else has said, it's probably better to just build the kit yourself piece meal.

The tools you need will depend on what kind of bike(s) you plan on working on. These are the tools that are "bike specific."

-chain break~ $6
-crank pullers (you will need these to remove your cranks from the bottom bracket)~ $12
-cassette (or freewheel) tools to change your cassette or freewheel~ $12
-chain whip (x2 if you have an old style cassette)~ $10 each

those are basically the only bike specific tools you will need in the beginning. the rest of a modern bike's tool needs will consist of a wrench set and set of hex keys (allen wrenches).

good luck!

Burton

The reality is thats its LOTS cheaper to buy tools in a kit than individually and if you were to buy just the cone wrenches individually from Pedros or Park Tool you`d exceed the price of that kit.

What I`d really recommend is a reference book like the BBB from Park Tool to help you decide what else you might want. If this is just for your own use then there`s no point buying a bunch of stuff to fit things that aren`t on your own bike.