Tools for beginners/assemblies

[Zero1]

Hi guys
It's been many years since I've owned a bike, but I'm getting back into it and I ordered a new bike the other day. It will need partial assembly on my part, such as attaching the front wheel, seatpost/saddle, pedals and handlebars and probably some wheel alignment or gearing adjustments and obviously lubricating.

I'm wondering if anyone can give me an idea as to what basic tools I should make sure I have, for example which size allen keys and spanners - also would it be worth getting a torque wrench? What about those all in one kits, are there any decent starter kits that are good quality?

How about lubrication? I imagine the answer will be pretty obvious, but I'd like to make sure rather than guessing what parts should I lubricate. Are there different lubes for different parts of the bike, or is there a general purpose type? Any brands you would recommend?

I might be over analyzing things, but seeing as this is my first bike in a long time, I want to make sure I do everything right and maintain it well.

Cheers.

 

[PpPete]

The all-in-one kits never look like particularly good value to me - but that's because I've had some of the tools for years.

There are some good tool lists on the Park website here. Park Tools are generally reckoned to be the best quality - but expensive.

Start with 4, 5, 6 mm allen keys - the best you can afford as these will be the most used tools of all, you may also need an 8 mm allen key, then adjustable spanner, flat blade + phillips screwdriver - should be enough to get the bike built.

Personally I've never bothered with a torque wrench.

Lube - Finish Line Teflon Grease, Finish Line Chain lube (I prefer the green top "wet" - others prefer the red - drier one)

Oh and look up the "mickle method" on here for chain cleaning/lubricating - before chain gets all black & cruddy

 

[PpPete]

Oh yes - and

 

[jeltz]

Hi there and welcome,

I've also returned to cycling (after a break of 20 years for me ) and have been at it for about 6 weeks.

So far the only bits I have bought have been a pedal spanner, (and new pedals) as the adjustable wrench I had was a little wide.Chain lube, a teflon based grease for greasing threads (the pedal threads) both made by Finish Line and a light oil spray for lubricating other parts called GT85.

You'll probably find that if you have a socket or spanner set that's all you need to get the bike assembled.

Other than that for when I'm out on it I have bought a bike multi tool, a spare innertube, pump and a puncture repair kit, and a bag to go on the bike to carry them. Oh and also a bottle cage and bottle.

Have fun!

 

[accountantpete]

Good luck with it Zero 1.

I'd borrow some allen keys first and then find out which ones you need - it is annoying to find out that the size that you need to secure the handlebar is not in the set that you have bought.

 

[willem]

Welcome to the wonderful world of cycling. The tools you will need depend a bit on the bike you have, and what you want to do. However, here are some suggestions, in order of priority:

puncture repar kit, inclusing tyre removers. Avoid metal ones. I like the yellow Michelin tyre removers (you can easily seem them when you drop them in the grass).

Frame pump. Topeak Morph and Zefal HPX are the two best that I know of, and you want the best.

Alan keys. Modern bikes mostly use alan keys, so get a quality set (a set is cheaper) from a reputable manufacturer like Gedore, rather than cheapo Chinese crap.

Open ended wrench. Gedore do a special 8 + 10 mm that is ideal for bikes (the usual combinations of 8+9 or 10 +11 include sizes that do not normally occur on bikes)

Pedal wrench

cassette puller and chain whip, to remove cassette. You will need a heavy wrench with this such as you may have in the your car (to remove the car wheel).

Spoke key

headset wrenches if you have a traditional threaded fork

chain punch

cable cutter

I guess thus far on the list I would like to have all of them, and take some of them on a tour (get a nbt II cassette remover for on the road use).

You could also use a cone wrench and a crank puller, but only if you feel confident that you can handle adjusting cones or changing cranks.

Willem

 

[montage]

regarding allen keys - get a halfrauds multi tool version - works well for me

 

[Zero1]

Thanks for all the info guys, that's great. Just ordered all my bits and pieces, so that's a weight off my mind. Only thing bugging me now is the bike I wanted in 20.5" is unavailable so I said I'd go for the 22". Just hope I fit on it

Also looking for a cycle computer. Found a Sigma BC2006MHR for £65 which I think is a steal (usually retails anything up to £100 from what I've seen), but I'm still trying to justify it. If it was something like £45 it would be a no brainer, but the trouble is I'm a techie too and I love gadgets, so I will probably end up getting it anyway.

Cheers again guys. Fingers crossed I can get on the thing when it arrives

 

[willem]

Personally I think fit is the most important thing in a bike, and you should always try before you buy. So don't buy it if it is too large. The crucial measure is length rather than height.
As for computers, I think the simplest is the best. I ride a very expensive bike, but the computer is the cheapest cateye model with the least functions.
Willem