With regular use of the bicycle, it may need to be bike maintenance or repaired. Change the height of the saddle, adjust the steering wheel, tighten the brakes, remove the chain for cleaning – these are just some of the issues that can be solved independently. And servicing a bike requires its own bike tool kit.
Of course, it is easiest to turn to specialists – bicycle mechanics, but the ability to independently maintain, adjust and repair your bike will not only save your wallet, but also most likely bring pleasure. In addition, basic knowledge in the field of bicycle repair will definitely will allow to perform basic maintenance on the road, when there is no one to turn to, and you have to go on.
You can put together the best bike tool kits for yourself. First, let’s figure out which tools are intended for what and which of them should be in your bike tool kit for bicycle maintenance.
Bike tools for bicycle repair
There are some pretty standard bike tools – wrenches that every cyclist needs:
A set of hex wrench – probably the most commonly used bicycle tool – is a set of internal Allen keys. It is necessary, for example, to remove many attachments, adjust the brakes and speeds of the bicycle. Since Allen keys are used very often, you should not save on the purchase of this tool. Cheap Allen keys wear out very quickly. It is desirable that the set is compact and multifunctional so that you can take it with you. It will also not be bad if the set includes screwdrivers (flat head screwdriver and cross-head screwdriver).
Spoke key – key for tightening bicycle spokes. Such a key can come in handy even on the road, but it simply cannot be replaced at home. With the help of a spoke wrench, you can change the tension of the spokes, thereby correcting the figure eight of the bicycle wheel rim. After a certain period of time, even the neatest cyclists face such a problem as the “eight” of wheels. Wheel alignment requires certain knowledge and techniques, so it is better to contact a specialized workshop.
Adjustable spanner – due to the fact that socket wrenches are rarely used when repairing a bicycle, it is better to have an adjustable spanner. Such a key will also helps for working with special pullers.
Wrench for pedals – in most cases, you can get by with a regular 15 mm socket wrench to disconnect the pedal from the connecting rod. But it will be better to have a special pedal key. The area of such a key is much smaller, and the gaps between the pedal and the connecting rod are very narrow.
Cone wrenches are necessary for servicing bicycle hubs with ball bearings. If you are going to clean and lubricate such bushings, you cannot do without conical keys. If the bushings are with industrial bearings, then special keys are not needed. Needless to say, before buying such keys, you need to make sure that the bushings of your bicycle are ball-bearing.
A set of Torque keys – sometimes Torx standards are used instead of bolts for internal hexagons. That is why it is good to have hex wrench and torque wrench.
Wire cutters. They are mostly used in workshop conditions when there is a need to replace or bring the old cable back to normal. This tool bites the cable (unlike side cutters) evenly and does not flatten it. Many models have the ability to press the end of the cable, which will prevent the cable from unraveling.
Cassette recorder. It is used to remove the cassette from the wheel. From time to time, you need to remove the wheel to, for example, get to the spokes, which are located behind the cassette, to adjust the rear wheel, and, accordingly, to replace the cassette itself. It is held by a 24 key. It is better to use socket wrenches. If your bike is equipped with a ratchet, the ratchet remover is used.
Cassette removal tools. Removing the cassette is quite problematic, due to the rotation of the cassette in the direction of unscrewing. You can make such a design yourself, the main thing is to adhere to the correct dimensions of the tool.
Tire levers. Previously, bicycle wheels were mounted with keys and screwdrivers, which led to frequent additional punctures, as a result of which special blades appeared. Plastic side shovels will help to remove any tire easily and quickly.
Bicycle first aid kit. This is the name of the bicycle camera repair kit. This set should be a must in a raider’s backpack. As a rule, this set consists of patches made of so-called “raw” rubber, sandpaper and glue. Sometimes there are tire levers.
Chain tool. With its help, chain segments are connected and disconnected. The chain is the most maintained part of the bicycle, so every cyclist should have a chainsaw, especially for long-distance rides. Can be included in the multi tool kit.
Keys for bicycle hubs. Assembly, disassembly and adjustment of bushing cones are required. It is necessary to have two keys. They come in two sizes on each side, sizes 13×15+14×16.
Crank puller. The most common and often used tapper is for the square axis of the connecting rod. No tools are required to install the connecting rod on the axle. And it is quite difficult to remove it. For this, the connecting rod remover is used. Before installing the connecting rods, you need to lubricate the square axis of the carriage, then it will be much easier to remove the connecting rods themselves.
Compact pump. They are equipped with an ergonomic handle, sometimes a pressure gauge, a short hose. Almost good bike pump is equipped with an adapter for different types of nipples. There are designs with two separate seats for different nipples, and there is one socket with the ability to reinstall the components in the desired combination.
The most compact are highway pumps. Their wheels are thin and require little air volume. It is inconvenient to pump wheels of mountain bikes with such a pump. To pump up the wheels at home, it is better to have a floor pump.
Stand for repair. This is not the most important tool for carrying out bicycle maintenance. However, the stand makes the repair process much easier, as you can conveniently set up and secure the bike and carry out repairs without additional assistance.
Basic portable bike tool kit
Basic essential tools that every cyclist should have, even on a short route:
- Bike Pump with Pressure Gauge;
- A good multi-tool;
- Tire levels and puncture repair kit.
Improved basic portable bike tool kit
If you consider yourself to be one of the more prudent people, then to this minimal bicycle tool kit, you should add some spare parts and tools that will help to make bike repair to 90% of breakdowns.
You can add bike repair tools, such as:
- Spare inner tube,
- Spoke wrench and spare spokes,
- Chain tool and chain checker,
- Plastic screed and duct tape,
- Spanners in various sizes.
Bicycle repair with your own hands
Let’s consider in more detail the force majeure situations that may arise while driving:
Importantly! The more tool kits included in the set, the higher its price. The quality of the metal and the popularity of the manufacturer also affect the cost.
Adjusting the height of the saddle and steering wheel, adjusting the brakes.
A multi tool is suitable for this. This is a compact set of tools that is used not only for bicycle repair. It may be needed on a tourist trip, in everyday life. Traditionally, these are hexagons of different diameters, screwdrivers and other devices. When choosing a multi tool model, pay attention to the weight and size of the keys. To repair the bike, you will need 4, 5, 6 and 8. It is good if the set includes a T25 or T30 star wrench. It is used to repair breaks.
Bicycle puncture.
In order not to have to drag the bike on yourself, take care of the possibility of repairing the tire in advance. This is a simple manipulation, during which the damaged part must be removed in order to correct the defect or replace it with a new one. For the procedure you will need: tire levers, tire patches, a pump, gloves. When choosing a tool, pay attention to the material and configuration of the model. Light, strong plastic is the best option for a boarding blade. The choice of patch depends on the tire model.
Installing the chain.
If the model does not have a lock, it can be removed and returned to its place using a chain tool. You will need this tool when repairing, cleaning or changing the length of the chain. When choosing a chain tool, buy models with a rubberized handle. Such a tool is more convenient and practical to use. An alternative solution is a multi tool with a chain tool.
What you need to have on hand
The must-have bike tool kits include:
- Multi tool;
- tire levers and repair patch kit;
- chain tool;
- gloves;
- good bike pump.
All the necessary equipment can be easily packed in a compact seat bag. You can also use a backpack or a pocket on a cycling jersey for tools. However, a compact, roomy bag that is attached under the saddle and is always in place is the most practical solution.
Daniel Riley
I'm Daniel Riley, I am a sports coach and I live a sports life. I maintain a healthy lifestyle through exercise, food and nutrition. I want to share useful information with like-minded people, with those who want to change their lives for the better.
