Whether you ride a bike for fun or are a serious cyclist, being able to make basic repairs yourself will save you tons of money in the long run.
Bikes are machines (like cars, albeit much more simplistic) and as such require routine maintenance. As a result, there are some basic bike tools you should always have around your shop for when maintenance calls.
Allen Wrench Set (2-12mm)
This is far and away the most important set of bike tools you need. The majority of hardware and fittings on bikes have hexagonal heads, most between 2 and 12mm. Having a set, or a combination tool that includes them, will make it easier for you to swap hardware and parts and tighten fittings that start to work loose when you’re riding.
6-17mm Wrenches (or a Socket Set)
The fasteners on a bike that don’t take an Allen key are most likely hexagonal bolts that will accept an appropriately sized socket or open-end wrench, making these essential bike tools as well.
Tire Levers
Tire levers are used to install tires without damaging any part of the tire or rim in the process. They’re simple in design, affordable, and easy to use. Don’t improvise; use the right tool for the job and you’ll be glad you did.
Tire Pump
Tire pumps are bike tools that are useful for other applications as well – such as filling up a unicycle’s tire, if that’s your sort of thing. There are pumps you can get that are small enough to stash in a pack so you can bring them with you on the road or the trail. Always have one; keeping your tire properly inflated improves handling, energy economy, and can prevent pinch flats.
What Else You Should Have
These are just the most essential, basic bike tools. They are not the only ones you should have. It’s also helpful to have the following.
Chain Lube, Cleaner, and Brush
Over time, grease and oil can accumulate on a bike chain, trapping dirt, dust, sand, and other detritus that will wear the chain and gears, and which can cause abrasive damage over time. Chain cleaner helps you dissolve grease and clean the keep, and lube helps keep things running smoothly while slowing corrosion. A chain brush can also help with cleaning.
Rags
Alright, not really a bike tool necessarily, but still helpful to have around the shop for general purpose cleaning and maintenance applications.
Crank Pullers
To service the bottom bracket bearings or the chainrings, you must be able to remove the crank arms. For that, there is a special tool called a crank puller. There are crank pullers that can be used with both square taper and splined cranks, and which can be used to remove the cranks without damage to them or the bike.
Spoke Wrenches
Over time, your spokes can come out of alignment, resulting in a wheel that doesn’t run true, resulting in a rougher ride or makes you work harder. Spoke wrenches help you tune a wheel so it runs true. Like some of the other tools mentioned here, they are affordable and simple, so they’re definitely worth having.
Where to Get Bike Tools
If you’re looking for bike tools online, shop an unlikely source: Unicycle.com. Their collection of unicycles and odd bikes necessitates an inventory of essential unicycle and bike tools and many of the ones listed here are in their online catalog. Their customer service representatives are also very friendly, exceedingly knowledgeable, and ready to help. Check out their website and get in touch with them if you have any questions.
