13 Tools in a real cyclist's arsenal

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13 TOOLS IN A REAL CYCLIST'S ARSENALTRUE CYCLIST

After buying a bicycle, in one way or another, it is time to take care of it, and each owner, depending on his or her spare time and money, chooses who and how he or she will monitor the technical condition of his or her bicycle. You can choose: specialized workshops or buy your own bicycle repair tool at home. The first option is more expensive, especially if you travel a lot, but the quality of the work done is always of a professional standard.

 

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The second option, except for the budget to purchase the necessary equipment, is slightly cheaper. Also, if you have your own bike tool, you are not tied to the workshop's working hours and the need to drag a half-dead bike halfway across town, or even across the region. In this article we will cover the 13 most essential tools in every cyclist's arsenal. List of bicycle repair tools:

  • A set of hexagonal wrenches is a must for every cyclist, since most of the components of a bicycle are held in place with hex wrench bolts. It is desirable to have the maximum choice, because who knows what upgrade you have in mind. On bicycles there are hex head bolts in sizes: 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10 mm. Smaller keys adjust levers or brake calipers (hydraulic or mechanical), sizes 2, 2.5, 3-used in locks, bicycle flashers and computer mounts. 4 mm hexagon: very often, steering wheel and stem bolts, as well as additional accessories in the form of wings or trunk, are fastened with this wrench. A 5-mm hexagon is used for adjusting brakes and shift levers, particularly attaching the shift cable and brakes, brake shoes (V-br), brake caliper (disc brakes), and shift housing to the frame. Hexagons of sizes 6, 8 and 10 mm are attached to more loaded nodes, such as pedals, cranks, etc.
  • The multitool is a compact and simple set of the wrenches, screwdrivers and sometimes a full-fledged workshop that can fit a pocket or saddle bag. The most necessary items for each multitool: 4, 5, 6mm hex, Phillips and flat screwdriver. This is sufficient not only for adjusting brakes or transmission, but also for making small repairs in the field. In the wild there are versions with built-in chain squeezers, sorting blades and even pliers. But such a set is needed only for a long ride and only for those who can perform complex operations with a bicycle.
  • Chain tool: will help you easily change the worn chain or disconnect it to remove the switches. Also, sometimes chain breakage does not occur and to repair it you will need this tool to remove the broken link. The compression is standard (more suitable for home or workshop) and compact, which you can take with you on trips. The pump floor - the irreplaceable assistant. After all, even a high-quality chamber or tire has micropores through which air descends over time. What can we say when you need to replace a tire or there has been a puncture.
  • In this case, the bike pump from the ground will help you inflate the pressure you need in seconds. There are models with a pressure gauge (a scale for measuring pressure) and ordinary ones, in which you control the amount of air pumped at a touch.
  • The compact pump is another detail you need to carry with you at all times. After all, no one is safe from punctures, and no one wants to drag a bicycle several miles (if you're lucky to start not far away). Compact bicycle pumps allow you to repair the chambers and be back in service in minutes, but you will have to sweat to pump the wheel.
  • Side flaps: as a pump with patches, you should always have it with you. They will help save your fingers, nails and camera from damage when disassembling the wheel. The soft plastic will not damage the camera (unlike screwdrivers) and the rim, while it has hooks for convenient two-handed use. A pair of spatulas is recommended.
  • Chain meter: this tool will allow you to monitor the condition of the chain and change it over time, which will positively affect the condition and increase the life of the front and rear sprockets on your bike.
  • A whip is a simple wrench, very often it looks like a metal rubber (handle) and a piece of chain. With it you can unscrew the cassette lock, because by unscrewing it from the side it turns freely.
  • Cassette removal device - like the previous bike tool, will help remove the cassette from the rear wheel for replacement or other operations. This wrench is also suitable for mounting Center Lock brake discs.
  • Spoke wrench - Crooked wheels won't make anyone happy, but with the help of a spoke tensioning tool, you can align the figure eight even without much experience. Spoke wrenches come in different sizes, and this moment of envy is mainly on your bike. There are also universal options in which almost every size is presented, but they are better suited for those with more bike bottom.
  • Cable and conduit cutters - those who travel very often need to change the necessary items to check the transmission and brakes - cables and shirts. Cables stretch, shirts wear out, and you can only bite them well with a special tool.
  • Cable and conduit cutters allow you to make an even cut without fraying the cable or bending the hole in the sheath. Phillips and flat screwdriver: this type of tool can be found in any home, the important thing is that the size is right.
  • In a bicycle, a cross and a flat screwdriver adjust the switches, that is, their extreme positions. A variety of small accessories (computers, flashing lights, reflectors) are also attached.
  • Keys 8, 9, 10, 12, 15 mm are the most common bolt sizes that attach trunk, fenders, reflectors, footrest, pedals, and many other useful accessories. Often these key dimensions are found in cheap bikes. As you can see, the list of tools and wrenches to repair a bicycle at home is not exceptional. It is not necessary to buy expensive professional equipment, an average quality amateur set is sufficient. This list is suitable for mountain, road, hybrid, and urban types of bicycles. Check out the section with bike tools, you'll find lots of useful things here 😉 What tools do you use to repair your bikes yourself? Let us know in the comments and we'll add them to the list of must-haves!