fastlilrex

OK so I am very mechanically inclined, so I will most likely be doing all the mechanical work on my bike myself, but I am new to this world so I have a few questions. I am wondering how to size a fork for my bike. I have an old Trek zx6000 and I broke the brace that is at the top of the fork so I need a new fork. This is my back up bike so I don't want to spend a bundle as it doesn't get too much use since i got my new bike anyway I was looking for a fork on ebay, and came accross a few that looked similar to my fork but they have different size steerers where is the fork measured to get this measurement?? any help would be great. Also does anybody have a specific place that you get bike tools? What kind of tools should be in my Newbie "bike tool box"??

sydney

Steerer is measured outside diameter.Make sure it's long enough too. Too long is not an issue with thredless as it can be shortened.Threaded can too to a degree,but there is less latitude. Check out www.parktool. and the repair section.

Shorty

I'd suggest just buying the tools as you need them, that way you don't end up getting something you never use. I guess I have found a hex wrench multi tool handy, a chain tool, cable cutter, grease, lube, degreaser handle most of the small stuff.

cyccommute 

I'm assuming that you mean length of steerer. Measure the steerer from the crown race (where the lower bearing ride) to the top of the tube. If it is threadless, the measurement is less critical than if it is threaded although spacers can be used in both cases.

Get your tools where ever you can find them. Some, like screwdrivers and sockets, you can get at the obvious places. Specialized tools you can get from a local bike shop or on-line. Be flexible and adaptable. Park tools are the Snap-on of bicycle tools - probably the best. Pedros are good. Performance tools are okay and some cheaper.

Tool Box

Complete set of allen wrenches 2.5mm to 6mm or 8mm. Get long handle ones with molded T-handles
Cable cutters - don't use wire cutters!
A chain whip
Chain tool
Cassette lockring tool
Torque wrench and proper socket for the crank bolt. Don't "eyeball" this bolt. Tighten it properly, it saves a lot of headache
Cone wenches.
Maybe a good 1lb deadblow or soft faced mallet

There's lots of other stuff you can use and will eventually want but those should be enough for you to get started with doing damage.

Stuart Black

theopowers

Depending on where you live, REI is a good option for buying tools. You get to use your member discount. Only if you're lucky enough to live near one, though.

darkmother

I have an old Trek zx6000 and I broke the brace that is at the top of the fork so I need a new fork. This is my back up bike so I don't want to spend a bundle as it doesn't get too much use since i got my new bike

Ok, first, you will need to determine what you have. I'm not familliar with that bike. There are 2 steerer tube diameters used on MTB's. 1" and 1-1/8". Newer MTBs all have the larger size. Older ones, especially steel frames have 1". Then, to make matters more complicated, there are 2 steerer tube styles for mountain bikes. The old style has a threaded steerer-no new MTB's have this. Threaded steerer tubes can be identified, while on the bike, by looking for heaset nuts that thread onto the top of the fork steer tube. The newer style is called threadless, or sometimes Aheadset. All newer MTB's have this style. Essentially, the fork steer tube is unthreaded, and the stem slides over it, and clamps on.

Now, when you are looking for a fork, make sure you get the correct diameter and style. Then measure how long your steer tube is. For threaded forks, you will need to get something as long, or slightly longer than your current fork. For threadless, you can get anything that is longer, and simply cut it to the size you need.

The final consideration is fork leg length, measured from the lower headset race to the center of the front axle. Newer forks, even rigid ones (no suspension) are longer than they used to be. You want to get something the same length, if you can. Make sure the fork you are looking for is meant for 26" (MTB) wheels as well.

Good luck.

Raiyn

Arrgh

sydney

Someone have thier nickers in a bigger wad than usual today?

fastlilrex

Thanks alot all, and great info darkmother!!!!!!!

FS Tech

Grease.

Rev.Chuck

A set of allen wrenches, combination wrenches, get a set, it's cheaper but you will only use 8, 9, 10, 14, 15, 17mm and probably not all of those. Cone wrenches 13, 14, 15mm, Flat head and Phillips head screwdrivers #1 and #2, pliers regular and needle nose(get a small pair also), diagonal cutters, and a cheap cable cutter. Tire levers and a pump. That should take care of most stuff you will tackle yourself and you can add any of the specialty tools later.