How to Buy a Bike Tool Set

To avoid purchasing useless items, buy bike tools as you need them. However, there are a few basic tools that all cyclists should have.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Parts Washers
• Rags
• Rags
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Rubbing Alcohol
• Shimano Pins
• Bike Chain Tool
• Bike Pumps
• Bike Repair Stands
• Bike Tire Repair Kit
• Bike Tires Levels
• Bike Tools Kit
• Freewheel Or Casette Removal Tools
• Headset Presses
• Headset Wrenches
• Tire Levers
• Wheel-truing Stands
• Allen Wrenches
• Bottom Bracket Wrenches
• Box End Wrenches
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Open End Wrenches
• Pedal Wrenches
• Pliers
• Screwdriver Sets
• Spoke Wrenches
• Torque Wrenches
• Vises
• Needle-nose Pliers
• Pliers

1. Buy a good pump. See Related eHow "How to Buy a Bike Pump."

2. Purchase a few tools to bring with you when you ride: a pump, a patch kit, tire levers and a few Allen wrenches (at least 5 mm and 6 mm).

3. Consider getting a chain tool (and a spare Shimano pin if you have a Shimano chain) and a spoke wrench to carry with you, as well, if you ride off road.

4. Buy tools for home use: an adjustable wrench, pliers, needle-nose pliers, various screw drivers, open-end/box-end wrenches in metric sizes and, possibly, a pedal wrench.

5. Get the right bike lube or lubes. See Related eHow "How to Buy a Bike Lube." You'll also want rags and some rubbing alcohol.

6. Consider a stable repair stand. These are a must for more difficult repairs. See "How to Buy a Bike Workstand," under Related eHows.

7. Buy a vise, a wheel-truing stand, a dishing tool, a torque wrench, a parts washer and a headset press if you want to go nuts or open your own miniature repair business.

Tips & Warnings

• Some shops sell complete kits. Be careful - you may get duplicates of tools you already own, and sometimes the kits have poor-quality tools.
• Keep in mind, bike tools can be used on other things besides bikes.
• Depending on the bike you ride, also consider getting headset and bottom bracket wrenches and a freewheel or cassette removal tool.

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[Xenos]

on 10/12/2006 You can't go wrong with Park tools (that's a brand name). They make good quality parts that will last. Check out any high end bike shop and they're sure to tell you that they prefer Park tools.