Tools for the job

winoneday

Hi guys,

First of all can I just say that I accidently happened uopn this website and this forum only a few days ago and I'm amazed with it. You all seem so enthusiastic and so knowledgable and I've already 'wasted' countless hours here.

Anyway back to my question. I'm not necessarily new to cycling, I used to ride a bit a couple years ago. However I recently suffered a serious back injury and have been wanting to start cycling again to rebuild my fitness. I bought a Giant SCR 3 (2008) and I'm looking forward to being back in the saddle. However when I used to ride I never did any maintenance. I used to ride until so many small things had broken that I had to take it to the LBS and then I would get everything repaired at once. However duing my injury-induced lay-off I found myself becoming more and more interested in all aspects of cycling, including maintenance. However I'm still a little unsure of what I might need to perform day-to-day repairs. I don't expect to be able to true a wheel or undertake any particularly complicated task just yet, but what do I need to get started.

Thanks in advance, and sorry if this question is regularly posted.

Gussio

A decent multi-tool with a chainsplitter will have most of what you need, especially the allen keys which you will probably find yourself using most. As other jobs require more specialist tools, you can invest as appropriate.

Tyre levers and a puncture repair kit.

Would think about buying some decent lubrication for the chain, and a tin of GT85 for brake calipers, etc.

A track pump is also an excellent investment.

Bronzie

What you need will depend on what groupset you have on your bike as Campag and Shimano need different tools. I have put my tool collection together over the years as I need it, but a lot of the older tools are now redundant (bottom bracket removers, screw-on block tools etc).

Most of the basics on a bike can be done with a decent set of screwdriveers, allen keys and some spanners.

Other tools I use regulalry:
- track pump with pressure guage
- workstand
- spoke key (both "normal" and Mavic Kysrium specific)
- tyre levers
- good quality wire cutters (not the sort from B&Q)
- chain whip
- cassette lockring tool
- chain breaks (both narrow and normal for track chain)
- bottom bracket removers (both new Hollowcore type and the old splined type for the older bikes in the stable).

Rarely used now:
- cone spanners
- headset spanners (for threaded headsets)

Something like a LifeLine Workshop kit is pretty good value at £50 and keeps everything in a case handy for when you next need it, and no doubt cheaper than buying individually. Suppose it depends on how many of the necessities you already have.

meagain

"true a wheel or undertake any particularly complicated task just yet,"

As long as not 'orribly out of shape (and a traditional spokes and nipples rim) this really isn't at all complicated! Should you need to do it, ask on here and someone will explain (altho' it is quicker to do than it is to describe!). Wheels are supposedly the province of the skilled artisan - just commonsense and patience in reality.

redddraggon

Bronzie has got a good starting list:

But some more important bits to add:

- Torque wrench and bits
- tub/tube of grease
- A set of quality Allen keys (not cheap ones - they tend to round pretty quickly)
- 15mm pedal spanner
- Pliers
- Scissors
- little metals cable stops for brake/ gear cables.

It's also good to keep a few spares/bits handy, like:

- cable inners and outers
- cable ties
- insulation tape

turkeytickler

Free torque wrench with annual subscription to cycle sport this month....

killiekosmos

Check your local Lidl to see if any of last Monday's special bike toolkits for £19.99 are still on sale.

jed1978

would you guys carry a puncture repair kit, or would you cary a spare tube instead?

Slow Downcp

jed1978 wrote:

would you guys carry a puncture repair kit, or would you cary a spare tube instead?

Both - spare tube for first p******e, then repair kit just in case of second (or third )

feel

jed1978 wrote:

would you guys carry a puncture repair kit, or would you cary a spare tube instead?

most will carry one or two tubes - repair it when you get home if on a budget or just chuck it away if you're loaded

Slow Downcp

feel wrote:

jed1978 wrote:

would you guys carry a puncture repair kit, or would you cary a spare tube instead?

most will carry one or two tubes - repair it when you get home if on a budget or just chuck it away if you're loaded

Must admit to throwing tubes away rather than repairing - if you buy in bulk, you can pick them up for very little.