Building A Bike Maintenance Toolkit

[Ben Reeve]

I wonder whether your list loses its impact by sidetracking off into cleaning stuff (I am not suggesting that keeping a bike clean is not part of maintenance).

I think you might wish to consider the tools only needed (mostly) for older bikes eg old style BB tools, large adjustable (+1 to Andy R here) for 1" steerer tube/threaded headset (though it'd get more use on the cassette removal tool).

Also 8mm / 10mm spanners for old nutted brakes and mudguard stays.

I think the cable puller is for the 'advanced list' imho. Among all the cleaning stuff I don't see a (used) toothbrush listed, nor a box of cocktail sticks/earbuds.

And wears the grease?

I did debate whether or not to have the cleaning things in. I had originally named the article using the word equipment rather than tools, but still thought it was good to have those basic things in there to build up from.

Cable puller is an interesting one. Maybe I should just have put some pliers on this list.

 

[Citius]

I did debate whether or not to have the cleaning things in. I had originally named the article using the word equipment rather than tools, but still thought it was good to have those basic things in there to build up from.

In which case, refrain from plugging brands and trashing WD40 - all of which are highly subjective, and just refer to generic cleaning stuff...

WD40 is now the brand name for an entire maintenance range, so denigrating it like that is highly misleading.

 

[Jody]

I also think it could be useful to distinguish between those tools you would / should take with you on any decent length ride and which ones should stay at home..

This, some patches and a tube and your pretty much sorted.

 

[mjr]

It's rare that a tyre lever set has two, isn't it? Most have three. Schwalbe's are good but any reinforced plastic set are OK.

I agree about the adjustable spanner and the crank/BB/cassette tools, plus quarter and half inch ratchet sockets will help. Copper and marine greases, Plusgas and GT85 are worthwhile additions. TF 2 comes as liquid too, which is cheaper and doesn't contain solvent and propellant, so I'd say use that instead.

 

[mjr]

This, some patches and a tube and your pretty much sorted.

Helps hold your bike down in strong winds too?

A Ritchey CPR 9 plus a chain tool and quick links weighs a fraction of that. Even with a 6" drop forged adjustable spanner for a vintage bike, you're probably still ahead.

 

[Citius]

It's rare that a tyre lever set has two, isn't it? Most have three

They give you three because it is inevitable that you will lose at least one...

 

[Katherine]

A bike stand has made a big difference to my ability to clean and maintain my bike.

 

[Jody]

Helps hold your bike down in strong winds too?

A Ritchey CPR 9 plus a chain tool and quick links weighs a fraction of that. Even with a 6" drop forged adjustable spanner for a vintage bike, you're probably still ahead.

Its about 60 grams different from your method of CPR9 and a chain tool or in fractions its about 2/3 of the weight.

 

[Levo-Lon]

Brake bleed kit..dot4 and the shimano organic oil.

 

[mjr]

Its about 60 grams different from your method of CPR9 and a chain tool or in fractions its about 2/3 of the weight.

What's the model of that multi tool and what weight is it? CPR 9 and CT 5 weigh 102g, so you're saying that's 40g?

 

[Jody]

Crankbrothers M19 @ 175g. As you didn't state what chain link splitter I assumed about 70g on top of your 40g CPR9 tool or 110g total. So I wasn't far off at a guess of 60 grams heavier. Which is not really that much!

My mistake when I edited as I meant to put your setup is 2/3 the weight of the multi tool I use.

 

[confusedcyclist]

There's loads of niche tools you will need to find as the demand crops up, never assume you have a complete set!

 

[mrbikerboy73]

I just buy stuff as I need it really. You soon get the basics together and then build on it as required. Foe example, I bought a Hollowtech BB tool the other day, it cost more than the damn BB itself but it's always there for the inevitable next time.

 

[mjr]

Foe example, I bought a Hollowtech BB tool the other day, it cost more than the damn BB itself but it's always there for the inevitable next time.

Are Hollowtech BBs not compatible with anything more sensible, then? I've not had the misfortune to meet one yet.

 

[midliferider]

I am reading this with interest. I came here several months ago looking for a recommendations on a tool kit.
On the advice from here, I started to build it one by one rather than buying a set. Now I have acquired quiet a few.

I am waiting for sales to buy a torque wrench. Any advice?

Now I would like to store them nnicely. I have seen them hang on a board.

Is that how you all keep your tools?