Say someone was starting from scratch with no tools and wanted to be able to maintain a single speed bike. Would it be more cost effective and efficient to get a multi-tool or just buy tools individually? Also, is general purpose lithium grease good to go or is some kind of bike specific grease that much better? Thanks.

Definitely better to get good quality individual tools for the long run. Multi-tools are really just useful for on the road repairs.

As to grease, just about any good automotive synthetic grease is good IMO, and a lot less costly.

Just make sure the grease is labeled NLGI #2 and you are good.

Bicycles don't like thinner or thicker grades.

I agree with TT. Good tools aint cheap. But buying low end tools almost always results in disappointment and frustration.

I bought a multi-tool years ago when I started commuting. IIRC, It was long before I bought a Park Tool basic kit from Dans Comp or somewhere I had a bunch of points saved up. I've been adding to it ever since... some Park, some odd Craftsman, Kobalt, off-brand, whatever.

I'd buy a multitool first, so you have something to take with you on rides, then put together your proper at-home tool kit over time.

My "multi tool" is an Elkind folding hex key set -- the old fashioned kind with the steel handle. They're reasonably priced, and should last a long time.

https://www.amazon.com/Eklind-21171-.../dp/B0000CBJDZ

Add a wrench for my axle nuts and some tire levers -- that's what I carry on rides, along with a tube, patch kit, and pump.

Those tools are all high enough quality that I could use them at home too, but I have some things at home that are more for convenience, such as ball-end hex drivers and a floor pump. I also have tools such as a chain ******* and cone wrenches, that will always stay home. Those things are decent quality, not lavish, and some are 35 years old.

Cyclists tend to be all over the map on what you need for the ride, and it may vary from person to person -- some are more gentle on bikes than others. It also probably depends on how far you ride and the consequences of breaking down. Having to walk a couple miles to work isn't enough of a risk to for me to carry a full complement of tools, but being 100 miles out in the desert might be a different story.

Buy your basics: floor pump, 15mm wrench, flat tire repair kit, multi tool, and chain lube to start. We all handle different levels of bike maintenance so just buy the tools as you need them on projects you feel comfortable handling. I basically have a bike shop in my little garage but I'm not going to suggest you have to go buy all the stuff right away - I didn't.

Buy good tools as you need for the job. Single speed bikes are simple. You don't need much. If you end up needing say a crank puller or a free wheel tool or something, buy as needed. Most things I do can be taken care with a 15mm wrench (Campagnolo peanut butter is my favorite but a simple Craftsman stubby is fine) and a 4/5/6 allen wrench (love my Park Y wrench) and some Pedros tire levers. I don't like multi tools or anything that folds out, but some people do. Living and riding in NY City, carrying a metro card is much lighter than a bunch of tools. If you need specialty tools like headset wrenches or a pedal wrench you can sometimes find used Park tools on ebay for cheap. Using good tools is much more satisfying and makes everything easier.

I'm not big on multitools. When you're out riding, a multitool means you're bringing a lot of extra things that are rarely needed, and when you're at home, space and weight aren't a concern, so you might as well get full-sized separate tools that are nicer to use.

That said, one tool I like that does two things really well is the PDW 3wrencho.

Three things, if you count eating peanut butter.

I also learned when finding the link for my post that it can be used to open beer bottles! Truly a wonderful tool whose many uses amortize its cost quickly.

The one thing I like about the multi-tool, i.e., the folding hex wrench set, is that it's hard to lose the individual pieces in the grass.

The only multi-tool I like:



Bigger than the folding hex wrenches but so nice to use. 4/5/6mm. It's rare that I need anything else for my bike. Fits perfectly in your hand.

Mine has lasted 35 years.

Go with good individual tools. Get a multi-tool to put in your saddles bag. Me? I carry a dedicated 5mm PB Swiss Allen wrench (Fits wheels, seat post bolt, stem and brakes) in my saddle bag along with a multi-tool that has a chain breaker, spoke wrench and an 8mm Allen for the crank.

Good tools fit well, last a long time and are easy to work with and don't ruin parts.

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Like seau said, I'd opt for a good multitool first if money is an issue preventing the purchase of standalone tools.

The best multitool I have ever used is crank brother's p-series. I own both pica and pixl from that line of theirs. A very robust and solid tool that you can tell by just having it in your hand. A feeling that is few and far in-between in the multitool world. I'd avoid topeak multitools for this same reason.
It appears they discontinued the line though. If anything it must've been that they werent making a good margin on them considering their replacement feels really cheap.
Try to find them online.

No multitool can replace standalone tools though. If money was tight, I'd gradually buy bike specific park tool brand tools on a need basis.
The first standalone tool purchase you should make for your bike is a standalone metric hex key set by bondhus. Bare basic.

I've got one multi tool that i bought years ago which resides in one of my bikes saddle bags but 95% of the time when not riding i use an older set of craftsman T hex wrenches like below:



They have been an invaluable investment and I highly recommend them -- they can be had for $25ish bucks. I also keep all of the allen keys from putting together furniture (ikea etc) and I use that in other saddle bags for other bikes.

I just bought a small multi tool for the road then good quality individual tools as I went. Whenever a repair or maintenance came up I would just buy the tool I needed instead of paying a repair shop fee. And just acquired all of the stuff I needed over time.

Oh yeah, there might be a bicycle co op wherever you live too. It might be worth looking into if you're in a pinch and need to use a tool or need help with something.

I carry a spoke wrench, a small multi tool that has the basics needed, for an adjustment on the road. CO2 kit and tube in saddle bag. Otherwise I prefer normal tools.

I use an Acorn tool roll with full sized tools everything from tire irons to cone wrenches, full allen wrenches and 8mm, 9mm, 10mm box and open end wrenches. 2 tubes, patches, tire irons, dollar bill. Screwdriver.
Changed my Crank bolts to 8mm bolts, now have a short piece of 8mm allen wrench that I use with my 8mm box end wrench.
about the only thing I cannot do is swap the bottom bracket or remove the cassette.
IMG_20170407_174826212 by Bwilli88, on Flickr