Tools for bicycles
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Hi, My Partner and I have recently started doing all of our own tune-ups and repairs on our bicycles. We ride entry-level bike store "mountain" bikes, so not expensive, but not department store either. We have a Park bike stand and most of the regular tools that you would need, and are looking to start our collection of tools specifically for bicycles. To that end I have a couple of questions... first she asked for a new crankset for Christmas, and plans to install it herself, what tools will she need to do that. Second, if you were to name the top 10 bicycle specific tools someone in our situation should own they would be... and finally are there really significant differences in the quality of the various companies that sell tools that would be sold in a bike store. As usual your advice is always appreciated. Thanks in advance,
Debi
Posted by Qlady  a Weekend Warrior from Tempe, Arizona on 12/09/04
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- Re: Tools for bicycles
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For the crankset, a bottom bracket tool(if she's getting a new one w/ the crank), an 8 or 10mm allen key(depending upon the model), and a crank puller. Bicycle tools...a hex wrench set, crank puller, cassette lockring remover, a chain whip(to hold the cassette in place while removing the lockring, tire levers, patch kit...I'm out of ideas for tolls that would suit you. There are tons of tools out there, but you may never use them. If you start to overhaul your hubs, you'll need cone wrenches. It's kinda hard to give you suggestions without knowing the exact job you'll be doing. Generally, a tune-up at a bike shop will consist of adjusting the brakes and derailleurs, and tightening anything that is loose....and most of tyhose jobs only require a set of hex wrenches. My advice to you would be to build up a collection of tools that you need. When you need to take off your cassette, buy the chain whip and lockring remover, when you are installing a new crankset, but the necessary tools for that(bottom bracket tool, crank puller), and so on. As far as tool brands are concerned, you don't have to buy the most expensive tools for every job. I'd say go with a good set of hex keys and any other wrench that could strip out or round off any nut or bolt. You could go cheap on the chain whip, because it's only a metal bar with a piece of a bike chain attached to it. For a bottom bracket tool, I don't exactly know. I bought a Pedro's BB tool(a reputable brand), and it sucked, it nearly stripped my BB out. Conversely, my local bike shop has a cheapie BB tool that works great(go figure). Remember, a bottom bracket is reverse-threaded on the right side, as is your right pedal. Good luck.
Posted by MtnbikeMike a 19 year old on 12/09/04
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