So what are the most essential tools for your standard fixed gear bike. Are there maybe any kits that you guys are aware of? Looking to do some maintenance that is really thorough and maybe replace a cog or two.

thanks

You can get away with a few basics for most bikes. A set of open/box wrenches (definitely one for whatever size nut your wheels take), a good set of allen keys/hex wrenches (up to 8mm), and a C-wrench or something that'll tighten your lock ring. Oh, and a chainbreaker.

That'll pretty much keep you sorted on a fixed gear.

not to be carried on a ride, but a big pair of channel locks and an adjustable wrench are very versatile in the headst/BB/lockring department.

Why channel locks? A set of those seems kinda useless in the bike dept.

I'd think the necessary tools would be:
-Peanut Butter Wrench (15mm)
-Allen set
-Lockring spanner
-Chain whip
-Chain breaker

I only have the first two but I've needed the latter several times and had to go to the bike shop to use theirs.

Tire tools are pretty handy, as is some way to inflate said tire.

Az

not fixed specific, but I constantly use:
*pedal wrench
*cone wrenches
*crank puller
*lockring spanner
*pin spanner
*huge BB wrench

Only tools I carry are:

PB wrench for the wheels
Multi-tool for the seat/stem/etc.
Tire lever and Patch kit for flats.
And I have a spare dustcap for my MKS' because the left one always comes untreaded.

I carry:

crescent wrench
chain breaker
~1' of extra chain
1 tire lever
2 patch kits
Mini Pump
2 tubes

Never leave home without it.



And as other people have mentioned for the absolute basics you will need a good set of metric allen wrenches, chain tool, tire levers, and pump. Additionally, it's good to have a chainring nut wrench. Oh, and a tub of grease.

Beyond the basics, if you start doing more of your own work, you will need a lock ring wrench, chain whip, crank puller, bottom bracket tool, headset wrench, and spoke wrench.

You constantly use a crank puller and BB wrench?

Well, not constantly, but those tools are really necessary to accomplish their respective task (i.e., not easily replaceable with some other tool). Maybe it just seems like I use them a lot because I am working on several projects this summer.

My advice to the OP would be to invest in one of those $50 tool kits form performance or nashbar. They are much cheaper than buying each tool individually.

+1
I bought the Sette tool kit from pricepoint.com for super cheap and it's treated me really well.

With rotafix, you'll almost never need a chainwhip. Get a good lockring wrench. Hozan lockring pliers are the ****.

What the hell is a bb wrench.

bottom bracket wrench

I have a fair amount of 'regular' tools, mainly for automotive stuff, but in addition to the things posted above, I have used the following: hammer, flathead screwdrivers, large (10" or larger) sliding adjustable wrench, vise-grips, large syringes (for grease/lube), and rubber mallet.

Most of the time my rides are just commuting, so I only carry a multi-tool and 15mm combi wrench. I'll just walk by the coop or the LBS if I break a chain.

I use my rubber mallet surprisingly often, as well.

A lot of people seem to recommend you avoid adjustable wrenches on your bike. You often need to torque down pretty damn tight, and they can make it easy to round a nut.

Hm thank you for the replies. I was looking at the tool kits and while they do have valuable tools i do have the basics (wrenches, etc) i just need the chain tools, bottom bracket tool.. and probably something else thats cycling specific. Think it's a better deal to just buy them alone? Also, how much do you trust the "spin doctor" performance brand or any other "cheap" brand?

Ok actually final question


https://www.pricepoint.com/detail/145...--21-Tools.htm

versus

https://www.performancebike.com/shop/....cfm?sku=22310

Performance does offer a free ground shipping plus i am a member (10% off) and they have currently a nother 10% off for everyone... so thats 20% off with free shipping

I'm intending to buy this and discover it as i go, thats why its a bit problematic for me to make a decision on which to go with due to the lack of any feel or knowledge for these tools! Thanks guys

i have the set from pricepoint. the plan is to replace some of the tools with higher quality ones on a need to basis. but i have been able to completely strip one frame and maintain my daily driver using only the tools that came in that set. i don't really have much to compare it to, as these are my first bike specific tools, but they feel sturdy when i use them. i trust them enough.
just my 2 cents

Yeah, adjustables aren't really the best thing for that reason. But in a pinch, or if you don't have the actual tool handy, it lets you get the job done if you're careful. Much better than using a fractional size on a metric fastener, also.

I don't trust them. I've had a few disintegrate in my hands and so I steer clear from them whenever possible.

If you know how to use an adjustable wrench, you shouldn't be rounding nuts.

I ride a variety of bikes (American, European, Asian) and always keep mine with me, just to avoid having to repack a toolkit for every bike, or carry two sets of wrenches all the time... never had a problem with rounded threads or not enough tension.

Best deal I've seen on a portable kit in a while:

https://aebike.com/itemdetails.cfm?catalogId=39&id=706