Home mechanics don’t require a full workshop in order to perform basic repairs on their bike; just a few essential tools can suffice in keeping it running smoothly and saving on repair bills.
Purchase a high quality set of metric Allen wrenches (especially 3, 4, and 6mm sizes) along with long-handled precision-ground heat treated cable cutters.
Chain whip and cassette tool
Bike maintenance can seem daunting, but having the right tools can make the task simpler. This is particularly true if you invest in a set of bike-specific tools. Although purchasing such an investment may cost more upfront, these tools will ensure your bike remains in peak condition and save money through reduced repair shop bills.
Chain whips are indispensable tools when it comes to unbolting the cassette from a bicycle’s rear wheel. Resembling a handle with two pieces of chain attached, these pieces hold the cassette securely while you loosen its lock nuts.
Park’s updated chain whip pliers now support narrow 12-speed cassettes whereas older versions did not. Their rounded tips easily clamp on to any cog while their long handle provides plenty of mechanical leverage for maximum drivetrain compatibility.
Tape measure
Home mechanics will find tape measures indispensable tools. Used to measure component lengths, adjust rim widths and determine space between cassette sprockets on freewheel or fixie cogs, they provide invaluable data. A quality tape measure should feature easy-to-read markings and boast an extendable blade that can reach out for 6 feet without bending over time.
A good tape measure should feature a lock button that enables users to secure the tape measure when taking measurements, and some also feature nail grabpers and scribing tools with slots or holes at their end for easier scribing.
The Stanley FATMAX tape measure is an exceptional option due to its many useful features. Its blade is covered with thick layers of Mylar polyester film for improved damage resistance when in use; black diamond markings serve as stud spacing markings, helping construction professionals pinpoint wall or floor joist centers more precisely during installation processes.
Torque wrench
Torque wrenches are indispensable tools when it comes to bike repairs, as they enable users to set the appropriate force (in newton meters or foot pounds) when tightening bolts and nuts. Over-tightening or damaging bolts is easy; therefore having the appropriate torque setting is critical.
There are various bike-specific tools available, but for most bikes a basic clicker-type torque wrench should do just fine. This tool features a handle to apply pressure, and an indicator beam which shows how many newton meters is being applied by turning.
There are also less accurate bike-specific wrenches, although you can still find affordable ones that suit modern fasteners – for instance a 4nm or 5nm Torqkey from Ritchey or CDI should do just fine and will fit most modern fasteners at a much lower cost than purchasing an entire wrench set. A basic tape measure can help in measuring suspension sag as well as other dimensions on your bike while chain breakers and master link pliers should form part of any repair kit for bike maintenance.
Pedal spanner
Modern bikes may seem complex to maintain, but many of their simpler maintenance jobs can be handled using tools you already own. One such tool that makes complicated tasks much simpler is a pedal spanner; although you might not use this wrench every day, it can come in very handy should you ever need to replace pedals or work on the drivetrain in general.
Pedal spanners are flatter and thinner than most wrenches, with jaws specifically designed to work well with pedals. Furthermore, they may be much cheaper than purchasing an individual wrench made specifically for this task.
Tools can make all the difference in terms of maintaining your bicycle quickly and easily, or prolonging an already stressful process of cursing, bleeding knuckles, and possibly expensive parts damage. If you do not possess these basic bike tools yet, investing in them now could save both time and money in the long run by making maintenance much simpler.