X-Tools Tool Kit - Should I buy?

[Wadey]

I'm new to bike maintenance, so was wondering if I should by the x-Tools 18 Piece Tool Kit. The tool kit is on offer at the moment from Wiggle at £29.99.

I need to regrease my rear wheel bearings and check my free hub for wear. I figure the main tools are a chain whip, cassette lockring, cone spanners and wrench.

It looks like all these are in the tool kit and the price seems pretty good. I'll also make use of the tools when I replace my bottom bracket.

Is this a good buy? Should I buy these tools?
Any advice appreciated.

Regards,
Paul

https://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-x...VImEmAAyJKYciDqsPNRKQFjm7iChz5UhoC7HYQAvD_BwE

 

[Garry A]

Looks ok to get started. I just bought decent tools as I needed them. No cable cutter in that set but covers the basics.

 

[Blue Hills]

I have several x tools in addition to lots from park etc. In my experience they are good quality. If you have few tools I would go for it.

 

[cyberknight]

looks exactly the same as my aldi/ lidl kit .
Good enough for home fettling apart from the tyre levers which snapped the 1st time i used them .

 

[Drago]

Indeed, and the Aldi/Lidl kit is half the price.

 

[Cycleops]

Look pretty much identical to my Decathlon set: https://www.decathlon.co.uk/500-19-piece-bike-tool-set-id_8379660.html

They also do a more comprehensive set but the basic one is fine for starters, you can add bits as you want them:
https://www.decathlon.co.uk/900-40-piece-bike-tool-set-id_8381080.html

 

[Wadey]

Thanks for the help
I've taken a closer look at the locking nut and cone. It looks like I will need a 17mm cone spanner (see attached pic).

Most toolkits, including the x-tool kit, only have two cone spanners covering 13,14,15,16mm..... Will this work?

When I reassemble the rear hub will I need two sets of cone spanners, so I can adjust both sides together?

Btw I've got a GT grade alloy 105 gravel bike. I think I have a formula ultralight 6 bolt disc hub with 28 spoke holes. It's really difficult trying to find what cone spanners I will need.

Any help appreciated.

Regards,
Paul

l

 

[Blue Hills]

If the 17mm is for the lock nut I think you can just use an appropriate 17mm spanner - ie don't need a cone spanner as such.
Folk feel free to shoot me down/advise otherwise.

If you don't really have any tools to speak of at the mo I would get the X tools kit, then add other stuff as needed.

As an example of their quality I have this:

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lifeline-x-tools-crank-extractor/rp-prod10181

excellent.

and also this,

https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/lifeline-x-tools-pro-12-long-adjustable-wrench/rp-prod124416

which I sometimes use in preference to my Bahco which I think cost close to £30.

 

[Gunk]

Personally I would always buy a set of decent Allen keys, I use them all the time.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/set-of-6-allen-keys-id_8402083.html

You can mount them on the wall so they’re always to hand

Old school flat multi spanner is useful if you have a Brompton, ideal for adjusting the wheel bearings. Plus as others have suggested, a set of metric spanners.

Crank puller, chain splitter and spoke key will be useful

Then add a small socket set.

And a bike stand. As you can see I’m well equipped!

 

[Wadey]

Personally I would always buy a set of decent Allen keys, I use them all the time.

https://www.decathlon.co.uk/set-of-6-allen-keys-id_8402083.html

You can mount them on the wall so they’re always to hand

View attachment 512178


Old school flat multi spanner is useful if you have a Brompton, ideal for adjusting the wheel bearings. Plus as others have suggested, a set of metric spanners.

View attachment 512180

View attachment 512182

Crank puller, chain splitter and spoke key will be useful

View attachment 512186




Then add a small socket set.

View attachment 512183

And a bike stand. As you can see I’m well equipped!

That's an impressive set of tools. I'm just starting out. So far I've got a bike stand, chain splitter, chainring tool and an assortment of spanners

 

[donaldb7340]

I have one, it is pretty good for nailing the basics!