What Tools

Bushfire

Being new to commuting & starting to see it as a hobby than just a way of getting to work I'm keen to start working on my bike. Question is what are the essential specialist tolls that I will require? I have the basics spanners, socket set, screwdrivers etc. I've been looking at tool sets on various web sites but I'm not sure what the tools are & what they may be used for.

Any advice would be welcome, by the way currently have a Giant Escape R1

Mickey Eye

Chain tool, for splitting/assembling chains.
Chain whip and cassette tool, for removing your cassette for easier maintenance/replacement.

Those were my first steps beyond a multitool and I stand by them.

Canny Jock

Apart from the standard allen keys, adjustable spanner, pliers (various) and screwdrivers, I have also bought (similar to above):

Chain tool - don't buy a cheap one if you are working on a 10 speed bike.
Chain whip and cassette tool.
Pedal spanner.
Crank spanner (for Shimano Hollowtech).

I think that's it so far - and I've built a single speed bike up using that.

iPete

I just went out and got this full LifeLine kit, gets lots of use but for some reason the price has gone through the roof, I wouldn't be overly tempted at that price.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeL ... 360031530/

UndercoverElephant

In order I got them:

Spoke nipple adjuster - for truing wheels and I just love the name.
Chain splitter - removing and fitting chains.
Cassette lockring tool and chain whip - for removing and re-fitting cassette.
Cone spanners - for servicing hubs.

I went past the "X piece tool kits", as they count each Allen key as a separate piece and it works out you only get about 5 or 6 tools which are different to the ones you already have.

Aguila

iPete wrote:

I just went out and got this full LifeLine kit, gets lots of use but for some reason the price has gone through the roof, I wouldn't be overly tempted at that price.
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeL ... 360031530/

I've got their smaller set which is excellent and has all the tools I've needed so far except spoke and headset tools.

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeL ... 360031531/


I also recommend their workstand.

supersonic

Halfords do a good basic kit for 25 quid - then simply add the other bits if you need them.

Underscore

I've just bought tools as and when I've needed them. There's always the risk that you really need to fix a problem but don't have the tool, but I've always managed until the tool arrives. First time you need to replace your chain, order a chain tool along with the chain; first time you need to replace the cassette, order a lock ring tool and chain whip at the same time...

One thing that has revolutionised my maintenance, however, is a work stand - highly recommended (by me, anyway!)

_

lardboy

This set from Lidl will set you up for most eventualities: http://lidl.co.uk/cps/rde/xchg/lidl_uk/ ... _10227.htm

It's not great quality, but they'll usually last a few uses before breaking, and for stuff you will only use once or twice, it's spot on. Not as god as the Lifeline kits, but at a third of the price, it's a brilliant starter kit.

Gussio

+1 for a workstand, of any variety. It will make fettling much more enjoyable.

A really good pair of wire-cutters will make cutting down cables and outers more straight forward.

As well as the tools, think about lubes (chain oil, GT85, teflon grease, loctite, etc...)

Oh, and some latex goves will stop your hands from getting *too* dirty.

Bushfire

Thanks everyone for the info, like the idea of a bike stand.

cat_with_no_tail

If I were you, assuming you can afford it, I'd go for the following Stand and tool kit combo from Merlin Cycles. <<Clicky>>

I have that same stand and it's brilliant!

Bushfire

Bum, just been & hit Wiggle for tool set & stand but thanks for the heads up

markp2

The Merlin Cycles tool kit looks identical to the Lidl kit I have had for a couple of years - just with different stickers.

sian_c

Kinda late, as you've already got one, but another vote for a workstand. It makes life sooooo much easier.

Track pumps are also a good investment & labour-saving device if you've not got one already, especially if you need quite a high pressure in your tyres.

Another thing I've got & would highly recommend is a chain cleaning kit. OK, so it's probably not a "tool", but it's damn handy. Cleaning your chain regularly will help extend the life of both your chain itself and your sprockets, and generally make your bike run a lot smoother.

I've got the Park Tools one (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Park_ ... 360008670/), but I expect the LIfeline one is just as good (http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/LifeL ... 360024028/) - the latter doesn't come with cleaning fluid though, so bear that in mind in price comparison.

Happy cycling :-)

londonbairn

Thanks, found this thread useful!

For chain cleaning, I prefer to take it off every weekend and clean it with White Spirit.

sian_c

londonbairn wrote:

For chain cleaning, I prefer to take it off every weekend and clean it with White Spirit.

That could well be a better method - I'm just lazy! :oops: