Bike tools

[Bud Baker]

Louis, a well respected contributor to this forum, is putting together a list of tools he has experience with for removing a BB and installing an 8Fun mid-drive on a Trek Pure. Thank you Lewis. As I would like to do more maintenance on my bikes and recumbent trike, I am looking at either a good general tool kit or adding bits and pieces from various sources to put together my own box. I would enjoy getting experiences from others who have been there, done that. Both indispensable tools/lubes and greases and sources. I have looked at some kits from Amazon and Nashbar. I have a good selection of metric open end and box wrenches/sockets and all sorts of screw drivers from slotted to torx. Thanks

 

[Ann M.]

Park Tools makes professional grade tools that will last a lifetime and have precision tips/edges, use better quality metal so are less likely to deform during use and generally have comfortable handles. Sometimes, Pedros tools will feel more comfortable in my grip. Its a pretty personal deal in many ways. If you're not cutting a thread on a critical part or using the same tool 10-20 times a day then you may find it valuable to have a wider selection of less expensive tools to start with. Then, after working on your own bike for a while, it will become apparent which specific tools are worth spending more on. Many of the really expensive comprehensive tool kits include specialty tools that you most likely won't need, so you're wasting money. A few odd tools come from companies who were frustrated with the poor quality or clumsiness of a specific tool so they designed and built their version of the best tool. For me, it is a #25 chain tool. These chains are more narrow in length and width and common on the little electric scooters and none of the regular chain tools will work on them, thus tech frustration. We ground down spare tips for a Park Chain Tool which let us separate links but not efficiently reconnect them. One day trolling the Internet we found the ultimate tool. Made by a robotics company that happened to use those tiny chains on their machines. It works incredibly well and is visually unique too. Just take a look at Team 221's Dark Soul Chain Tool and I think you will get the gist of tailoring your tool kit for your tastes & needs.

 

[Aushiker]

The set of tools I use the most on my bicycles is my P-handled hex wrench set from Park Tools but I notice often in videos the use of three way hex wrenches such as this one from Park Tools.

(Link Removed - No Longer Exists)

Whatever way you jump a set of hex spanners is a must. Park Tool gear is good in the main but at times there better options or rather better value for money tools around.

Andrew

 

[Gus]

I've built two complete bikes, installed a Bafang mid-drive, and maintain all my bikes myself using this Nashbar Essential Tool $50 tool set. The only thing I've ever needed that it didn't have was a spanner wrench.

 

[Aushiker]

Another item that I would consider indispensable is a floor pump or track pump. My preference is for Lezyne pumps but there are other good brands around too.

Andrew

 

[stevenast]

I've built two complete bikes, installed a Bafang mid-drive, and maintain all my bikes myself using this Nashbar Essential Tool $50 tool set. The only thing I've ever needed that it didn't have was a spanner wrench.

I looked at the kit and I agree that you can learn how to do almost anything by watching YouTube videos but that doesn't explain why I feel a sense of dread while considering ordering this kit!

Actually, all-out fear!