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RESOURCES

Bike maintenance

"Ask the Mechanic" -Toolin’
By Erik Amodt, former owner of Mobile Mechanics

   Bicycle owners are eventually confronted with the need to remedy problems of various types that arise with the use of their bicycle-- tires go flat, brake pads wear out, wheels wobble, and chains break. 
   Tools are required for all repairs, and the purpose of this article is to discover which ones are worthy to consider owning.  It would be impractical to purchase an expensive tool that would be used once or twice over the course of many years; conversely, any tool that proves its usefulness over time is valuable. The most important tools to own are ones that can provide assistance when you find your machine broken down on the road and far from a cycle shop, so we shall address these supplies first. 
   Additional cycle repair paraphernalia should be carefully considered afterward--all repairs have different levels of difficulty, requiring one to decide when to fix the problem with their own hands and tools, or turn the cycle over to a professional.
   The most common repair for most cycles is the flat tire.  Overwhelmingly, bikes use pneumatic rubber inner tubes, and sooner or later, something causes them to puncture and lose air.  This circumstance requires removal of the inner tube for repair or replacement, which leads us to the first order of business for every bicycle owner — procurement of a pump, tire levers, and a patch kit or spare tube   Preferably, all of these tools should be attached to the bicycle or the body when riding, and the rider should be able to use them for successful completion of the repair—ask a bike mechanic to teach you if need be.  
   The next important tool to have with you on the road is some sort of multi-function tool to enable yourself to accomplish a host of tasks that may arise in your travels.  The market is filled with these clever gadgets of varying sophistication, price, and usefulness.  Allen keys should definitely be a part of the tool to assist with saddle and handlebar position changes, as well as enabling one to turn many of the fasteners on bicycles.  Spoke wrenches are another essential component of the tool.  When spoke breakage occurs, it is necessary to adjust the wheel to ensure the rim doesn’t hit the brake pads; the bike can then limp home and be repaired. Luckily, shop-style spoke wrenches are small and easy to carry, so if you find a multi-tool you like but it doesn’t have spoke wrenches, just buy one separately.  The final essential component that should be sought for that perfect portable toolbox is a chain tool.  A broken chain means walking or calling home, and unlike some tools, farmers never seem to have bicycle chain tools.  
  Now let us consider a second collection of tools—the home mechanic kit.  This is where personal judgment is needed to provide answers to some key questions.  How useful are these tools?  How often will I use them?  Will they pay for themselves?  Do I know exactly which tools to buy?  Am I skilled enough to take on these procedures?  I strongly recommend careful consideration of these issues before diving into a multi-hundred dollar investment, but if you answered yes to all, by all means charge forward.  Here is a list of tools that can provide a thorough starting point for all bikes. 

    1.   Workbench—I like a having a good sturdy surface with plenty of light.  I also am a big fan of hanging all the tools on a board mounted to the back of the bench. A vice can provide an extra hand to hold things firmly--it is essential in making hub adjustments, and also works to crush your enemies.

2.   Repair stand—it is far easier to repair bicycles in a real work-stand than turning it upside-down.  They can be purchased new for as little as $140, and professional shop models are around $400. 

3.    Allen keys, or hexagonal keys, are a must for almost all bikes.  I advise getting a three-way tool with a 4, 5 and 6mm, as well as a packet of individual L-shaped keys—they will both be handy for specific applications.  The packets usually come with sizes from 1.5mm-10mm, all of which can be useful at some time.

4.    Combination wrenches.  The most important sizes are 8,9,10, 13,14,15, and 17mm.  These can be bought individually or less expensively in sets, and are much easier to use than an adjustable wrench (crescent wrench).

5.    Screwdrivers—it is good to get a set of these because all of the sizes can be used at some time. You will also be able to use them for replacing a door hinge or defending your home against intruders.

6.    Pliers set—these should include a standard pliers, channel lock, needle-nose, and side cutter.  Vice-grip pliers can also come in handy at times.

7.    Cable cutter—These need to have the ability to cut index shift housing, which is not an easy task, hence the special tool for the job.

8.    Socket wrenches—like the Allen keys, there is a 3-sided wrench with the common 8, 9, and 10mm sizes.  Standard ratcheting socket sets are another tool that is not only useful for bikes, but can also help out in other mechanical endeavors. 

9.    File set.  These are useful for de-burring metal objects and clearing the glaze that develops on brake pads.

10.   Pedal wrench—Pedal wrenches come in 2 sizes, the most common being 15mm.  This is a great tool to have, especially if you have multiple bikes and one favorite pedal set.

11.   Crank extractor.  I would advise removing the crank only if necessary, but it certainly has to be done for operations like bottom bracket overhaul.

12.   Chain tools make cleaning chains easy, and are obviously required for chain replacement.

13.   Wheel truing stands make wheel work easier than using your brake pads as a guide.  There are inexpensive models available; shop quality stands are around $350. 

14.   Spoke wrenches are inexpensive, and vital for manipulation of spoke tension.

The next group of tools to consider needs to be chosen for your specific bike.  Take it in to a proficient mechanic to find out about these specialty tools.

    1.    Cassette/Freewheel.  These are the sprockets on the rear wheel, and each manufacturer has specific removal tools for their design.  These are essential for replacement of the cogs and for rear wheel spoke replacement.

    2.    Hub tools--cone wrenches are needed, and different hubs have different sizes—have yours checked to get the right one

    3.    Bottom Bracket.  These are likely the most specialized wrenches, so make sure to talk with your mechanic about them.  Many of today’s modern cartridge bottom brackets only require one tool for removal and installation, but some models require a multitude of specialty wrenches to effect repair.

    4.    Headset.  Another very specialized system--some can be simply adjusted with a few Allen keys, while many require very thin wrenches with large openings—the kind of wrench that is useless for everything but headset adjustment. 

In conclusion, it is crucial to have tools that can help get you home when you’re stranded on the road—flat fixin’ and a multi-tool.  Only when this requirement is fulfilled should you look into buying additional tools that will aid in procedures that you have the ability to do or the willingness to learn.