What tools should every cyclist have?
#1
What tools should every cyclist have?
So, beginning this summer, I will have my own place and with a father with several tools in his house as well as a bike store that is quite generous, I have not really had to purchase my own tools. I am wanting to know what are tools that every cyclist should have in their home being that I will be moving to Philly and have not been able to establish myself with the local bike stores.
I already have purchased a workstand, a stand to hold two bikes against a wall, as well as a trainer and rollers, but no tools
I already have purchased a workstand, a stand to hold two bikes against a wall, as well as a trainer and rollers, but no tools
#2
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 1
From: So Cal
Pedal Wrench
Chain Whip
Adjustable Wrenches
Hex keys of various sizes
Torque wrench
I've gotten by with mainly these. Add screwdrivers to the list as well but thats such a basic tool that you should have that regardless of whether or not you cycle.
Chain Whip
Adjustable Wrenches
Hex keys of various sizes
Torque wrench
I've gotten by with mainly these. Add screwdrivers to the list as well but thats such a basic tool that you should have that regardless of whether or not you cycle.
#3
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 66
Likes: 0
From: Monrovia, CA
I use a 4, 5, & 6mm three way hex wrench all the time. Also the 2, 2.5, 3mm for brake pads and cleats. A good chain tool, cable cutters, cassette tool, crank wrench, cone wrench, spoke wrench, and grease are all very handy to have.
#4
Yes. Plus, a few unorthodox household tools that'll fill in nicely for bike-specific tools;
-needlenose pliers
-wire cutters
-stand
-razor
-slip joint pliers
-soft face mallet
-scratch awl
And every bike owner should have a pump and gauge or better yet, a pump with a gauge built-in.
#5
Really depends on how much you want to do yourself but start here and with whats needed for your bike.
Cone Wrenches
Bottom Bracket Tools
Cassette and or Freewheel remover
Chain Breaker
Chain Wip
Pedal Wrench
Tire Pump
Tire Irons
Allen Wrenches
Cable Cutters
Carbon Assembly Paste (If you have carbon parts)
Torque Wrench (would be nice)
Socket Set
Would be the basics to start with.
Cone Wrenches
Bottom Bracket Tools
Cassette and or Freewheel remover
Chain Breaker
Chain Wip
Pedal Wrench
Tire Pump
Tire Irons
Allen Wrenches
Cable Cutters
Carbon Assembly Paste (If you have carbon parts)
Torque Wrench (would be nice)
Socket Set
Would be the basics to start with.
__________________
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
It may not be fancy but it gets me were I need to go.
https://www.jtgraphics.net/cyclist_bicycles.htm
Last edited by JTGraphics; 03-16-11 at 06:05 PM.
#8
Full Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 462
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From: Lovely Long Beach, CA
Bikes: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3, Bianchi Cafe Milano
All you need are:
WD40 - for when something is supposed to move, but doesn't.
Duct tape - for when something is moving, but shouldn't.
Seriously though, I'd skip the adjustable wrenches and just get a set of metric combo wrenches (or the ratchets mentioned above) - they're much less likely to slip & strip.
I'd add a Park Tools BT-2 to that list as well.
WD40 - for when something is supposed to move, but doesn't.
Duct tape - for when something is moving, but shouldn't.
Seriously though, I'd skip the adjustable wrenches and just get a set of metric combo wrenches (or the ratchets mentioned above) - they're much less likely to slip & strip.
I'd add a Park Tools BT-2 to that list as well.
#12
Full Member

Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
From: Lovely Long Beach, CA
Bikes: Specialized S-Works Tarmac SL3, Bianchi Cafe Milano
My LBS has one of these in the restroom. I wouldn't mind having one, too.

I do have one of these, though.

OP, which work stand did you get? I'm looking at adding one of the euro-style ones- since there's no good place to clamp on my TT bike.
With the bulk of your budget still available, you ought to be able to get most of the tools listed so far. Have fun shopping!

I do have one of these, though.

OP, which work stand did you get? I'm looking at adding one of the euro-style ones- since there's no good place to clamp on my TT bike.
With the bulk of your budget still available, you ought to be able to get most of the tools listed so far. Have fun shopping!
#13
Gentlemen.
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 1,516
Likes: 0
From: Chico, CA
Bikes: S-Works e5 Aerotech with 2009 Veloce and a Fulcrum 5s
I've been buying tools as the need comes up. I always sit there, stare at the $25 piece of forged steel that I'll use maybe once a year, and then remember what it costs to have a shop do it. Then I buy the stupid thing, use it once in a blue moon, and am happy to have it. Examples include pedal wrench and bottom bracket tools.
#14
If your talking about general tools that every household should have, thats one thing. If you mean bicycle specific thats another. when I moved out I went to sears and dropped about $200. this is my household list:
good ratchet/socket set (2 drvier sizes, deep well's, pivotable adapter)
rechargable screwgun w/ multiple bits (hex, star)
open/closed end wrenches (standard & metric)
allen key set (standard % metric)
screwdriver set
good hammer (estwing, craftsman, stanley) 24oz
hinged tools (pliers, channel locks, vice grips, needle nose, wire cutters.)
if you can afford it a dremel tool comes in handy as does a soldering iron, maybe a multimeter.
dont forget some consumables like nails, screws, zip ties, electrical $ duct tape, picture wire, twine...
Bicycle specific:
torque wrench (if you have any carbon bits)
chain tool
crank puller/bottom bracket tool (depending on your frame)
chain whip/cassette tool
tire levers
floorpump
good ratchet/socket set (2 drvier sizes, deep well's, pivotable adapter)
rechargable screwgun w/ multiple bits (hex, star)
open/closed end wrenches (standard & metric)
allen key set (standard % metric)
screwdriver set
good hammer (estwing, craftsman, stanley) 24oz
hinged tools (pliers, channel locks, vice grips, needle nose, wire cutters.)
if you can afford it a dremel tool comes in handy as does a soldering iron, maybe a multimeter.
dont forget some consumables like nails, screws, zip ties, electrical $ duct tape, picture wire, twine...
Bicycle specific:
torque wrench (if you have any carbon bits)
chain tool
crank puller/bottom bracket tool (depending on your frame)
chain whip/cassette tool
tire levers
floorpump
__________________
2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
2010 Kestrel RT900SL, 800k carbon, chorus/record, speedplay, zonda
2000 litespeed Unicoi Ti, XTR,XT, Campy crank, time atac, carbon forks
#15
Bike ≠ Car ≠ Ped.

Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 13,863
Likes: 6
From: Washington, DC
Bikes: Some bikes. Hell, they're all the same, ain't they?
I've been buying tools as the need comes up. I always sit there, stare at the $25 piece of forged steel that I'll use maybe once a year, and then remember what it costs to have a shop do it. Then I buy the stupid thing, use it once in a blue moon, and am happy to have it. Examples include pedal wrench and bottom bracket tools.
What's the least I would use? I guess I could think of what I take with me when I plan to rent a bike -- hex wrenches, chain tool, spoke tool, a couple of screwdrivers.
I think it just comes down to looking at what you need to do on the bike and deciding whether you should buy the tool and learn how to use it.
#16
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 1,153
Likes: 1
From: So Cal
^I've done the same thing, i didn't buy a chain whip and lockring tool when i bought my bike. When i bought a new wheelset instead of taking the wheels to my lbs to install my cassette i figured why not buy the tools so i have them for any future jobs. Now i can clean my cassette whenever i want since i have the tools and whenever i buy wheelsets i can easily swap cassettes.
#18
Park makes some prebuilt kits, might be worth taking a look at that route. Generally buying a kit lowers the cost vs buying the tools individually, plus Park makes some nice tools.
Home Mechanic Starter Kit: https://www.parktool.com/product/home...ic-starter-kit $70-85
Advanced Kit https://www.parktool.com/product/adva...hanic-tool-kit $225-235
Add to either of those a torque wrench calibrated in in/lbs and a copy of Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. Also Grease, chain lube, citrus cleaner, etc.
Home Mechanic Starter Kit: https://www.parktool.com/product/home...ic-starter-kit $70-85
Advanced Kit https://www.parktool.com/product/adva...hanic-tool-kit $225-235
Add to either of those a torque wrench calibrated in in/lbs and a copy of Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance. Also Grease, chain lube, citrus cleaner, etc.
#19
The basics (for adjustments and easy maintenance)
Allen key set (1-10mm are nice to have)
Floor pump
Advanced (if you feel comfortable working on your bike)
pedal wrench
chain breaker
chain whip
cassette tool
wire snips
Expert (other mechanics know what I'm talkin about)
spoke wrench
BB tools
Hack Saw
Mallet/Sledgehammer
Allen key set (1-10mm are nice to have)
Floor pump
Advanced (if you feel comfortable working on your bike)
pedal wrench
chain breaker
chain whip
cassette tool
wire snips
Expert (other mechanics know what I'm talkin about)
spoke wrench
BB tools
Hack Saw
Mallet/Sledgehammer
#20
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
Ummm, first question should be...What bikes are you working on? How modern? What drivetrain are you running?
If they're pretty modern road bike and you don't plan on doing much maintenance, all you really need is a tri-allen (5,6,7mm) and a small screwdriver.
If you're wanting to be able to do everything, it's a pretty big list. i.e. shifter housing cutters, a tool you'll rarely need but it very needed for redoing housing.
If they're pretty modern road bike and you don't plan on doing much maintenance, all you really need is a tri-allen (5,6,7mm) and a small screwdriver.
If you're wanting to be able to do everything, it's a pretty big list. i.e. shifter housing cutters, a tool you'll rarely need but it very needed for redoing housing.
#21
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 6,341
Likes: 326
From: Mountain View, CA USA and Golden, CO USA
Bikes: 97 Litespeed, 50-39-30x13-26 10 cogs, Campagnolo Ultrashift, retroreflective rims on SON28/PowerTap hubs
You want a chain tool, cassette tool, chain whip, appropriate sized allen wrenches, and torque wrench. A spoke wrench will get you home if you bend a rim or break a spoke. Eventually you'll want a pair of cable cutters to replace inner cables.
Everything else depends on specifics. I have cranks which take two different sizes of pullers and one which is self-extracting. I have cup-and-cone wheels which adjust with a pair of 13mm cone wrenches, a pair of 14mm wrenches, and a 2.5mm allen wrench. I have at least four different flavors of bottom bracket tools. I have a couple of different headset wrench sizes although you won't need one if you have contemporary threadless head sets.
I like to build my own wheels (guarantees it'll be done right) which goes better with a truing stand, dish stick, and tension meter.
I'd wait until you need to do something (ex: when you wear out your bottom bracket you buy appropriate tools for the old and new ones) and decide that buying the special tools is a better idea than renting a stall + tools at your local bike repair cooperative.
Everything else depends on specifics. I have cranks which take two different sizes of pullers and one which is self-extracting. I have cup-and-cone wheels which adjust with a pair of 13mm cone wrenches, a pair of 14mm wrenches, and a 2.5mm allen wrench. I have at least four different flavors of bottom bracket tools. I have a couple of different headset wrench sizes although you won't need one if you have contemporary threadless head sets.
I like to build my own wheels (guarantees it'll be done right) which goes better with a truing stand, dish stick, and tension meter.
I'd wait until you need to do something (ex: when you wear out your bottom bracket you buy appropriate tools for the old and new ones) and decide that buying the special tools is a better idea than renting a stall + tools at your local bike repair cooperative.
#23
Senior Member

Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 11,222
Likes: 30
From: South Bend IN
Bikes: 1976 FRESCHI, 2004 Crumpton.
This ......and a ruger .45 cal revolver.
#25
I bought this: https://www.bikeradar.com/gear/catego...tool-kit-30301
Seems to be pretty good entry point for bike tools.
Seems to be pretty good entry point for bike tools.





