Tools For A Newbie

CheeseyJoe
CheeseyJoe Posts: 95
edited August 2008 in Road beginners
Hi I'm relatively new to cycling and was wondering what tools and stuff I'll be needing for my bike, such as allen keys etc. Thanks.

Comments

  • fuzzynavel
    fuzzynavel Posts: 718
    CheeseyJoe wrote:
    Hi I'm relatively new to cycling and was wondering what tools and stuff I'll be needing for my bike, such as allen keys etc. Thanks.

    It all depends how much riding you plan to do. Some people can get away with a multitool and a couple of inner tubes for ages....others will need tools strip down their bikes.
    17 Stone down to 12.5 now raring to get back on the bike!
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    I think he means "workshop" type tools for basic home maintenance.

    I reckon something like:

    set of decent allen keys
    Screwdrivers - couple of philips in different size and perhaps a flat head or two.
    Chaintool
    15mm (?) pedal spanner + perhaps an adjustable spanner
    Needlenose pliers
    Rags + white spirit (for cleaning stuff)
    Track pump with gauge for getting tyres to correct pressure
    Cassette tool + chainwhip (maybe anyway)
    Scissors
    Cable cutters.
    Decent tyre levers

    Anything obvious I am missing?
    I like bikes...

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  • fuzzynavel
    fuzzynavel Posts: 718
    I think he means "workshop" type tools for basic home maintenance.

    I reckon something like:

    set of decent allen keys
    Screwdrivers - couple of philips in different size and perhaps a flat head or two.
    Chaintool
    15mm (?) pedal spanner + perhaps an adjustable spanner
    Needlenose pliers
    Rags + white spirit (for cleaning stuff)
    Track pump with gauge for getting tyres to correct pressure
    Cassette tool + chainwhip (maybe anyway)
    Scissors
    Cable cutters.
    Decent tyre levers

    Anything obvious I am missing?

    Crank puller...torque wrench? spare inner tubes!
    17 Stone down to 12.5 now raring to get back on the bike!
  • redddraggon
    redddraggon Posts: 10,862
    fuzzynavel wrote:
    Crank puller...torque wrench?

    I'm not sure they're needed for general maintenance - I don't think I've even got around to using a crank puller and my torque largely doesn't get used much.
    I like bikes...

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    Flickr
  • fuzzynavel
    fuzzynavel Posts: 718
    fuzzynavel wrote:
    Crank puller...torque wrench?

    I'm not sure they're needed for general maintenance - I don't think I've even got around to using a crank puller and my torque largely doesn't get used much.

    Fair point.....I've gone from one extreme to the other....
    17 Stone down to 12.5 now raring to get back on the bike!
  • cycologist
    cycologist Posts: 721
    How about a cycle maintenance book such as the Haynes one (or Park Tools Website) so that you know how and when to use all these usefull tools.
    Two wheels good,four wheels bad
  • You could go for something like these- http://www.ribblecycles.co.uk/productde ... 0000000000

    http://www.jejamescycles.co.uk/id39863.html

    There are cheaper toolsets out there, just using these as an example.

    Or as above build up the basics and add the rest as and when you need it.

    set of decent allen keys
    Screwdrivers - couple of philips in different size and perhaps a flat head or two.
    Chaintool
    15mm (?) pedal spanner + perhaps an adjustable spanner
    Needlenose pliers
    Rags + white spirit (for cleaning stuff)
    Track pump with gauge for getting tyres to correct pressure
    Cassette tool + chainwhip (maybe anyway)
    Scissors
    Cable cutters.
    Decent tyre levers

    Think cycologist is right about a book or park website as well.
  • knedlicky
    knedlicky Posts: 3,097
    Anything obvious I am missing?
    Spoke key, old toothbrush (to help cleaning chain).
    Also, chain lubricant, bicycle oil, WD-40 (for inside levers).
    And silicon spray to make frame and spokes all shiney! Just don't spray directly on to bike, so that it doesn't get where it shouldn't. Spray on to a cloth and wipe cloth on frame/spokes.

    Because they apparently don’t like the smell, WD-40 also stops pigeons landing on your bike. Before anyone thinks what chance that ...

    I keep a cheap bike at the office for going out to get a snack at lunchtime (I can see it parked outside through the office window), and this morning there was a pigeon standing on the saddle and another on the handlebars! Obviously I need to get out the WD-40 very soon.