Required tools for complete DIY care

[nightoff]

This is my bike here (Bianchi via Nirone 7).

I have just purchased this (Icetoolz Essence tool kit).

I am hoping to be able to do all my own maintenance and repairs this winter including servicing the hubs, stripping and regreasing the bottom bracket etc as my LBS doesn't do these as part of the general service.
I figured for the price of a service I could buy a tool kit and do everything myself.

I would like to know would this tool kit let me do most of the things I want or will I need to suppliment it with additional tools. Also is there a good maintenance book that anyone can recommend as mine is a readers digest from the 70's and components have changed since then.

Many thanks.

 

[PpPete]

If your hubs are serviceable ones then you will need some cone spanners. However many hubs these days are sealed bearing so check first. The bottom bracket is almost certainly a sealed cartridge type - so not serviceable, but not to expensive to replace.
Otherwise pretty comprehensive tookit.
Except:

• ditch that 8 slot spoke key, they belong in christmas crackers. Get a proper Spokey type to fit your spokes
• you may want to replace the tyre levers with non-bendy ones
• like many tool kits this is missing a cable cutter - absolutely vital piece of kit
• 10 mm hex key to remove Shimano freehubs.

Like you I had a 70s book, not bought a new one, all the info is online. Sheldon Brown, Park Tools, and Bicycletutor have all the info you need

 

[nightoff]

Good to know it's not a complete waste of money. I never realised that lots of components are now service free disposable units.

I'll have to get a decent spoke key. I think I have the other bits already.

 

[marzjennings]

Also you'll need...

Park Tool CC-3 (chain wear indicator)

Park Tool PW-3 (Pedal wrench)

Park Tool BO-2

And bike stand, headset press, wheel jig, etc, etc

And for repair tips and videos...

Park Help

 

[2Loose]

Also got this toolkit as a great starting point last year when I needed to change the BB on a bike. Worked out cheaper than buying just the tools to do that single job.

Things I have needed to add so far...

Chain wear tool,
Cable cutters,
Grease, Lube, Fibre grip and Bike stand.

Marz: The kit comes with a compentent Pedal wrench supplied.
(I haven't touched my wheels, but I'll take the spoke key advice on board PpPete).

 

[Dan B]

Also you'll need...

Park Tool CC-3 (chain wear indicator)

I find that a 12" ruler works perfectly well for this task, and as an unexpected bonus you can also use it for measuring things and drawing straight lines

I don't know what the BO-3 is, but the pizza cutter is kind of natty

 

[e-rider]

those kits are ok for starters but if you want to do EVERYTHING DIY then the list of additional tools required is too long for me to list here!

Make a start and see how you go. Good luck.

I'd recommend 'Park Tools' for quality professionL tools or Ice Toolz for budget occasionAL use home mechanic options (so you've made a good choice already)

 

[nightoff]

The Ice toolz kit was bought on a recommendation so it's good to see others think this is a good home DIY kit.

I am sure I will add to this over time. Already looking at a chain bath tool.

Park tools look very good but pricy. I will probably just replace items as they break with Park equivelants as these will be the tools I use the most.

 

[PpPete]

chain bath - don't bother. Use "the method" (search on this forum) on a regular basis. Your chain and clothes will thank you.

 

[e-rider]

If you want to do EVERYTHING you will need most of these tools:

http://www.chainreac...x?ModelID=50272

This should give you some idea of how many tools are required that you currently don't have. However, some of these tools are only useful once every 5 years or so.

 

[HLaB]

Its probably allready been said that these style of kits are good but they lack cable cutters, other than lube/grease that's all you'll need in the short term and perhaps (cables, pads, cassettes, chains as needed). I find its useful having a spare brake cable as (probably through my neglect) they tend to fail more rapidly; with blocks etc there's more of a warning.

When it comes to a chain bath they are OK but IME not really worth it; there too much hassle (l Live in a 2nd floor flat) and a quick wipe down with baby wipes is better following a similar technique to 'the Mickle Method'.

To sum up kit good , you'll also want cable cutter and babywipes and it might be worth having a spare brake cable to hand.

 

[gbb]

For the Via Nirone you'll need a compatible cassette tool, i'm can't remember if the one in your kit will fit Nightoff. Maybe worth checking before you rely on it. A Shimano one wont work. Edited to say i see yours is Tiagra...no problem then

Speaking for the Via Nirone, i had the earlier version and a C2C ...the wheels are robust. I use mine for commuting, never had issues with the wheels, never had to adjust the cones (i assume they are cones), never had spokes come loose or wheels out of true....so unless you're lucky, i dont think you'll have to touch them in the short / medium term.

Also, the FSA BB (outboard bearing cups) on the C2C...mines done two years summer riding and commuting, no issues with the BB, although i think they'll be sealed. I did think about getting a tool (your kit already has one i think)...but never needed it yet.

Otherwise, specialist tools, i think you've got it covered.

BTW, try Zinn and the Art of Roadbike Maintenance as a reference book. Ive been reluctant to strip my full carbon forks, (i think yours are FC too), they have a different expander/plug and wasnt sure what to do with it...Zinn covers the subject, as well as a host of other bits. Good book for the money.

I use a Park Tools chainwear indicator, simple to use, hook it in the chain and see if it indicates 0.75% or 1% wear...simples. Cost about £7 IIRC. Thats a useful tool, measure in seconds..literally

 

[guitarpete247]

I got the Lidl version and have been very pleased with it so far. I have been adding to it and incorporated tools I already had.
I agree with the cable cutter and good quality spoke key but have always found the finger is usefull for applying grease .
I use a dry wipe marker and the frame for any minor wheel truing. Anything requiring dishing I'll refer to LBS.

 

[nightoff]

If you want to do EVERYTHING you will need most of these tools:

http://www.chainreac...x?ModelID=50272

This should give you some idea of how many tools are required that you currently don't have. However, some of these tools are only useful once every 5 years or so.

I already have a stool

 

[marzjennings]

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I find that a 12" ruler works perfectly well for this task, and as an unexpected bonus you can also use it for measuring things and drawing straight lines

I don't know what the BO-3 is, but the pizza cutter is kind of natty

BO-3 Bottle Opener, critical for beer lubrication during bike maintenance.