Hi everyone,

I recently made the decision to purchase a Surly Steamroller, and as part of this new style of riding for me, I also want to perform my own maintenance. Up until now, I have generally just dropped my bike off at the LBS once a year and let them handle it for me, but now that I am finally purchasing my own bike (just for me!), I have a bit more incentive to take care of it. I'm still expecting to leave major problems up to my LBS, but it would be nice to be able to fix anything that arises in everyday use at home or on the road.

What would a basic kit list for this look like? I'm thinking of starting with a spanner (https://www.parktool.com/products/det...=17&item=SS-15) and building from there. Other immediate items I can see being needed are a pump (need suggestions on this) and a hex wrench set (already have this). What else might I need?

Thanks in advance!

Pump, tube, patch kit (just in case), multi-tool, tire levers, and a 15mm stubby wrench at the bare minimum. An extra chain link and a presta adapter aren't a bad idea either. Also if you don't have a chain tool on your multi-tool, you'll need a separate one. Oh yeah... Fine choice on the Steamroller.

I carry with me:

Patch Kit, Spare Tube, CO2 pump, Tire Lever (x1), Crank Bros 17-multi and a 15mm wrench. I suppose you could also carry a spare link (master) in case you snap your chain somehow.

I have the Topeak multi-tool and I definitely recommend it. I like its design. It slides in half and each side adjusts the other, AND it has a chain breaker.

I also carry with me a few spare allen wrenches because I don't like trying to torque my multi-tool that much ... afraid I will break it because my wheels are often on so tight.

Of course, I have spare inner tubes, a patch kit also, a pump, a presta adapter, 2 plastic tire levers, and an adjustable wrench.

I also recommend carrying zip ties with you.

what kind of pump is that?

I wouldnt bother with that tool. dedicated tools are always best.
you'll need more than one tire lever and metal levers often scratch up your rims.
and longer wrenches for pedals/axles are better for leverage

purchase/obtain for basic home repair:

a decent floorpump - topeak joe blows are decent
pedal wrench - long one like pedros or park
chain tool - park
overhaul grease - rocknroll or phi wood
a set of tire levers - I like pedros
15 wrench from hardware store
chainwhip
lockring wrench
cable/housing cutters
metal file (for cleaning up the ends of housing after they've been cut)
botttom bracket tool (for the bb that came with the steamroller, you'll need bbt-22)
glueless patch kit
electrical tape
chain lube
degreaser
spoke wrench
hex wrench set (which you have already)

and then pick up a copy of zinn's "zinn and the art of road bike maintenance" - you'll be able to do most repairs yourself and only have to go a shop for more advanced stuff. after awhile, save up for a repair stand and some torque wrenches.

If I were to start my tool collection over again, I'd just get the Nashbar set for $100, or maybe the $160 version.

nashbar tools generally suck.

Meh, they're not too bad. I've used a friend's set and it gets the job done. Not as quality as Park (which is all I've got), but you're not paying 3x as much, either. The guy's used his for a few years and has not had any break on him.

This
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200278_200501
or this
https://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product..._200278_200501

I strongly second this. As well as "Spin Doctor" (Performance) tools.

I misread OP's post as "tools to carry with me on a ride" - Park Tools does offer a mechanic kit, may be worth looking into.

The only item on there I would dissent with is the glueless patch kit - I've had extremely bad luck with the Park Super Patch kits.

Definitely get a floor pump first. Small hand pumps are ineffective (IMO) for both home and quick-fix on the road. For the road, I stick to a CO2 pump. Also purchase a 15mm wrench, will work for your wheel nuts and pedal. And allen wrenches, I have some Gorilla Tools that were relatively cheap and work great (one end is rounded to attack at an angle!). Then probably a chain whip and lockring tool to keep your cog tight or switch it out when you want. The chain whip will likely require you to take an old 1/8" chain or section to build your own because 3/32" won't work.

After those main things, just start building up your collection. The nice park chain breaker is pretty pricey (although not as much as the Rohloff)

Could you tell me why? Just curious to what kind of failures you've had with these tools. I've never broken any of my Park Tools, I still use a set of allen wrenches I bought at a flea market 12 years ago for $4, and a home made chainwhip that's held up like a champ.

I use the mini-brute and it does the job for me. The bigger one would be nicer to have, but the mb does the job. Note that I am not a mechanic, so I'm not breaking chains on a daily basis. For my occasional chain jobs, it does great. If I were to go FT, I would get a nicer version.

Topeak Micro Rocket

yeah, I might be in the minority with my good luck with these patches. sounds like people havent been as lucky - in this forum and in the road forum. they work excellent for me, though. my rear tube has 3 or 4 patches that are over 1 year to 6 months old -- no trouble at all.

I carry wrenches to fit most of the stuff on my bike- just regular mechanic's tools that I already had. It doesn't take that many. Take a look over the bike and see what you need to do the stuff you know how to do.

On my bike I usually carry the following. Admittedly some of this stuff may be overkill but I like to be prepared.



• tire levers

• mini pump

• patch kit*

• Pedros Trixie tool (screws to bottle cage mounts with the wing screws shown)

• Spare tube

• Power Gel

• Nashbar multi-tool including chain tool and allen wrenches

• CO2 inflator and extra CO2 cartridge

• cheap/lightweight cable lock since bike theft isn't a big thing around here

[not pictured]

• Camelbak for hydration and carrying the 30lbs of crap around with me!

* I prefer the patches you glue on yourself. If you carry a patch kit it's important you understand how to use it correctly; I have seen several people on group rides who carry a patch kit but either have no idea how to use it or try to use it incorrectly.

And at home, in addition to standard non-bike-specific tools like wrenches and screwdrivers I suggest at least:



• bike work stand

• small set of allen wrenches (I have a set of nicer T handled allen wrenches as well)

• chain breaker tool

• bike grease

• chain whip

• various spanner wrenches for pedals, headsets, BB's, hubs, etc.

• BB removal/install tool

• Crank puller

• freewheel removal tool

• spoke wrench(s)

[not pictured]

• Other wrenches, screwdrivers, and a hammer!

• a nicer set of spoke wrenches

• torque wrench

Think about getting one of these do-dads:

https://www.pedros.com/trixie.html

Really good way to keep a plethora of things on you at once.

yeah
a plethora of things one most likely doesnt need on the side of a road.

Just wanted to throw in my two cents about the hook-style lockring tools some have recommended, as I've found them much harder to use. It's a lot easier to strip a lockring with one of these as well.

I know there's going to be at least one person who says something like, "that's just because you don't know what you're doing." That's fine--I'm no mechanic. But the mechanic at my LBS has called me to borrow my Hozan tool for lockrings that were just too stubborn, because he had been struggling with the hook-style tool and was fed up. He also used it on a bottom bracket once, which I wasn't aware you could do (never messed with my bottom bracket).

So anyway, for new people, I recommend the Hozan tool. It's bigger, but I can't see any reason why you'd need to have it with you out on the road anyway. Despite what I was told on these forums, once my cog and lockring were properly tightened, normal use has never loosened them, so it seems like you'd only need a lockring tool for changing out gears.

Also, I know some people have recommended carbon dioxide cartridges, but these are probably only really needed on much longer rides. I can get about 100psi into my tire with one of the small hand pumps, so if you don't mind using a little elbow grease, you can save yourself some money and avoid another use-and-dispose product.

Just my opinion, based on my admittedly limited experience as a rider.

See my post just above yours. I've got one and it's great. lots of bang for the buck and the frame mounting option is very convenient.

I absolutely and unequivocally disagree with this statement.

1) a lockring spanner in case their lockring comes loose mid ride (this has happened to me before)
2) a 15mm wrench to remove their axle nuts in case you get a flat tire mid-ride or need to adjust the chain tension.
3) a 5mm allen wrench to adjust a seatpost
4) a beer opener is pretty self explanatory.
5) 8, 9 ,and 10mm box wrenches are just icing on the cake.
6) And, it's so convenient to carry since it only weighs a few grams and comes with mounting thumb screws that attach to the frame.

if your lock ring comes loose while riding often, you should redirect your effort from always carrying a tool to fixing the actual problem.

beer opener = lighter or bottle opener on keyring.

I never need those size box wrenches while on the road.

and I would never attach a tool to my frame that a thief could easily utilize to steal my wheels and seatpost/saddle. that's crazy.

I'd just recommend a stubby 15mm wrench and a decent multi-tool.

I don't carry any tools when riding. At home, however, the Topeak multi tool gets frequent use.

If you're looking for a good frame pump, Bikeforums loves the Topeak Road Morph, for good reason.

Edit: My post reappeared?!

-park tool ss-15 spanner (or, Pedros Trixie Fixie tool)
-RAVX agent X1 Mini tool
-small barrel aluminum chamber pump
-tube
-mobile phone
-20 bucks