I live in a condo and I am surprised my wife even allows me to own a showroom style wall hanger for my bike. She won't allow a bike stand. So I make due with working on my bike upside down, in a trainer or on the wall. I can't work on my mountain bikes or cyclecross bike in the trainer because it won't work with my through axles so for that I'm lucky enough to be allowed to use a spot at a bike shop near me.
+MrGivmedew we installed a makeshift bike stand on our balcony. You could also install it in the wall. Just need a bit of pipe and a base to screw it in to. Not the best, but it works.
MrGivmedew - I use the Odpod, its popular at cyclocross and other races for maintenance and cleaning , and if the wife does not allow a real stand in the house
I find it's most useful for setting up gears. After much pestering, I talked my dad into blowing £100 on a Park Tools PCS-9, made building my road bike (and the rebuild when I upgraded the groupset) SO EASY. Totally worth it in the long run, and it would be pretty handy in an apocalypse
I used a large frame hammer. If I don't like my frame I use the frame hammer on it and it makes is far easier to justify replacing is. I good 5 pound head with a 3' handle is generally fine. You can get a fiberglass handle but I like the traditional ash or hickory.
I think another good purchase would be a torque wrench. It can prevent damage to expensive components and knowing that nothing on your bike will come loose is great for confidence.
A lot off brands torque values are useless, especially bottom bracket, seatpost and stem torque values are useless. We had loads off problems after we started using torque wrenches. And a proper mechanic don´t need it anyway, waste off money...
@@renesteenstrup3470 If it was someone starting out and they do not have the feel for torque as you described, sticking to the torque figure and using a torque wrench I belive is best practice. I my experience the data supplied is correct. By the way I am a licenced aircraft systems engineer.
@@glensainsbury428 It´s a different world, Plane/bike components. But i agree with your answer, a new bike-mechanic should use a torque wrench, especially with top component.
Mechanic stand! Not quite a tool but the first thing anyone who wants to look after their bike should get I think. Makes washing and general maintenance a breeze. I used to hate attempting to fix things without one, now it's quite a leisurely affair :)
Wipes. Lots of them. Metal skewer for opening up cut cable ends. Quick Grip clamp for holding brake calipers while doing cables. Knife tip for picking glass out of tyres.
Hex/allen keys do most things these days however for older bikes you will also need headset/cone spanners, also a good pedal spanner is a fairly essential piece of kit.
What about a derailleur hanger alignment tool! I used to have to head to the shops every other week when I first started playing around with DIY and backyard repairs or service because I've made a mistake or two and bent the rear mech hanger... And decided to buy one for myself from there on.... Another important tool is probably a bearing press if you've for BB30 or PF30 bottom brackets or even the new Shimano PF and mega Exo...
My favorite is the Park Tool AWS-1 It's a single tool that is 4mm, 5mm and 6mm. Whichever one you need, the other two act as a handle to give you leverage. They sometimes come with holsters too.
I would add a 3mm hex to the 4-5-6 array, and maybe an 8mm depending on the pedals. Also a *good* phillips and flat blade screwdriver - amusingly the video talks about hex tools then shows the front derailleur limit screws being adjusted with a phillips screwdriver. Torque wrench is especially good for new mechanics who don't have a feel for how much torque is sufficient, or _anyone_ who is working with high end components, especially carbon. Park's TW-1 is reasonably cheap and very accurate, and click-types like the TW-5 are more expensive but easier to use. I don't know that a chain whip and lockring tool are necessarily _essential_ for the general/beginning rider.
workstand is an absolute must, even if its a cheap on its better than putting your bike upside down to work on. Torque wrench is also a must. To little torque things can come lose or lost. To much and you could end up with misalignment, deformed parts, excess wear, or broken fasteners. A chain checker will save you from changing your chain to soon or damage from changing it to late. No home or shop should be with out a good set of secwdrivers and needle nose pliers
All those mentioned below, plus 4th hand cable puller, koolstop tyre jack, JIS screwdriver for limit screws, chainring bolt tool, tyre pressure gauge, set of spanners, needle nose pliers, and a tape measure to set height and reach.
You guys nailed it but for anyone who rides several thousand miles a year add a bottom bracket tool and you can do almost everything that involves items that wear out and you can do most upgrades. Most other tools you could pay a shop to do just the part that requires the tool itself. For example if your replacing a fork take the bare fork and crown in and you will probably pay $5-10. Also I would recommend that you don't make my mistake... Buy a cassette tool with the wrench built in. Otherwise you struggle keeping your wrench on the cassette socket while also holding onto the chain whip. If you have a vise available then never mind because you just toss the socket into a vise but if your doing that but the socket with the pin sticking out unless it's a mountain bike or cross bike with thru axles.
The list is more or less complete as far as I'm concerned. I never used a bike stand, but I can imagine it's a great help. I've assembled many a wheel from scratch, using a bicycle frame to center the rim by using a peg and turning the wheel around 180 degrees a few times. It took some patience at first... : ) A very nice alternative for removing a Shimano cassette, especially when you're on holiday and don't want to take all your tools with you: the Next Best Thing, or NBT2. The tool(s) for maintenance of all bearings are important, and with those the appropriate oils and greases for these parts, but only if you don't mind getting dirty by doing the maintenance on your bike yourself. And it's always nice to have some cloth and chain lubricant while cycling, especially when it's rainy or when the roads are treated with road salt! {:-þ But most of all thumbs up for the suggestion of taking a mobile phone with you!
"Topeak" is THE chain tool to carry. The Handel is an Allen key (5mm one end, and 6mm the other) has a chain connector aid too. I also carry one complete link of chain and a shimano master link.
depending on your bike you may need 14 and/or 15mm box wrenches to remove a nutted wheel. Also, an 8mm wrench for brake cable adjustment once you've gone past the limit of your in-line adjusters, and a screwdriver for setting derailleur limits. Headset and BB tools if you're really getting into it and need to grease things. Two chain whips for old screw on rear cogs (am I showing my age here?
I keep climbing finger tape with me just in case. Never had to use it yet, but it's a good alternative to cable ties, and can be used to patch the inside of a tyre if you have a critical hole.
Couple of patches in case of injuries for knees and elbows. Basic medical kit. I keep them in jersey pocket. And, of course some energy gel. Can also be classical banana.
Having used hatchets, Bowie knives, scissors and various other sharp objects to cut cables in the past, I can safely say that a cable cutter is one of the most essential tools for anyone seeking to maintain their own bicycle!
I wouldn't say it's a requirement, but if you're here watching GCN, you're probably more serious about biking and maintaining your bike than most people; so I'd say a torque wrench would be a good investment. My digital torque wrench only costed me $30 and considering the parts on my bike tallies up to $1500+, I'd say that's a very small price to pay to ensure your parts are on correctly.
Agreed on the torque wrench, but if you bought a digital - as in electronic readout - torque wrench for $30 US, I'd not be too confident in the accuracy. Sounds like a Harbor Freight/Chinese special. Super cheap tools are good if they don't have to be precise, (like a breaker bar) but a $30 digital torque wrench - that's less than half the price of a decent mechanical click-type version like the Park TW-5. The beam-type TW-1 can be had for not much more than $30, and a beam-type torque wrench can be more reliable and accurate than a mechanical click-type.
I've got a set of Look Keo clones from Outland, they're hex. I have another set Look Keo clones from BBB which are pedal wrench, and two sets of Shimano SPDs which are both pedal wrench. The only pair of flats I own are pedal wrench as well IIRC
i always carry sockets, Allen keys and screwdrivers with the connectors in them changeable screwdriver and heads you get, I carry tire levers, and a hand held pump and puncture repair kit, I don't have any of the other tools
Amazingly the park tool derailleur hanger straightener is sround $700 as well as things like frame taps. You may never need them but it is a tool in your shed
Please, make video about specific tools for bottom bracket removal. I visited many workshops in my town before found one which had Campagnolo ITA 36x24F BB removal tool.
I'd like to see a segment on small torque wrenches and do they really work. Not all of us can afford a standard large wrench for adjusting the seat binder bolt when changes are made either on road or home.
If you really feel the need to have a beer (or a soft drink as well) while you are riding, then practically anything could serve as a bottle opener, IMO.
Crank arm puller and a valve removal tool to deflate a tire in seconds, not sure how hollowtech and other bottom brackets work but I got an old school bike with a square taper one. Good tips, ta.
Johny40Se7en valve tool remover? top five tool? really how can it be faster than undoing the screw and pressing down? and also why?my valve tool remover would be way slower to undo than just undoing the locknut
Got to admit that I prefer metal tyre levers for the road bike - a bit more robust and tend to be narrower to get under the tight beading!! Aside from that, and I don't own one yet but a torque wrench seems to becoming more of an essential for the home mechanic!
While I also agree with the other items already mentioned by others - workstand, puncture repair kit, chain length checker, chain cleaner, 4th hand tool - I also couldn't do without my headset race removal tool for the removal of the races upon 1" threaded headsets & a Quick Link removal/insertion tool for chain Quick Links...
I could not "live" without a work stand.Makes life as a DIY cyclist unimaginably easier... And an air compressor...I've said it before, something in me dies a little every time I think of water air drying on my bike... :)
I would add a torque wrench instead of a multi-tool if you're properly serious. It's not hard to overtighten something and either strip the thread, or damage something when you have to use a lot of force to undo it (cassettes would be a good example). A torque wrench allows you to control how tight a component is and I use them all the time, so much so that we have TWO in my house.
Though it is not intended for bike maintenance specifically, there is one tool I would never want to be without; the humble pocket knife. One of man's earliest tools are absolutely invaluable, even in today's modern world... be it for opening packaging of food or other maintenance products, digging a foreign object out of your tire, or clearing unsightly zip-ties from road signs to keep your neighborhood a little neater. Heck, a couple years ago I even used mine to clear a felled tree from a local path after a storm rolled through.
In modern bikes with modern components this tool is essential. Moreover if we decide to take the "1 Hour Tune Up" GCN's video suggestions. In that video does not mention that to reassemble the headset and crankset, it is required that the screws are tightened to a specific torque indicated by the manufacturer. Even Shimano specifies a torque for the bolts that secure the cable at derailleurs
A weighing scale and basic physics knowledge can enable you to use stand hex wrenches for proper torque tightening. Not entirely hassle free solution though. But definitely an economical one.
On the cool tool topic, what would you recommend for a phone/electronics charger that is powered by the bike. I found the Atom by Siva Cycle but it doesn't work with disc brakes. I'd like to go on longer rides while still running Strava, Glympse (comforting for my family) and music when away from traffic. Recommendations? Thanks again and I really enjoy the vids and the education really helps! johnsobj
Can you do a videos about each presenter, their cycling history, their house etc. would make a very popular video a behind the scenes almost mention me if you make it :D
I've never seen anyone counterhold a cassette while tightening...that technique looks like potential knucklebuster. On my tune up QC test rides, a hex key AWS-10 and philips screwdriver SD-2 come along and solve 90% of running problems. On the road, the "Kitchen sink" MTB-3, CO2 nanoflate, and pedros tire levers for breakdowns and flats. For a DIY home tool kit, the PRS-20 Race stand is ideal in capability and storage size. Torque wrench - critical on modern equipment. In addition to chain tool, I'd recommend masterlink pliers, offset chainring nut tool CNW-2, Pedro's cable cutters - the Park tool is awful. Shimano guys ought to have the BBT and crank bolt tools. You can never have too many tools!
Torqux key set. They are slowly replacing hex keys because of their superier drive capacity. Most new Campagnolo parts use them now (as have most european cars for the past 10 years)
I have a little piece of coat hanger that I have bent on both ends so it can hold onto the chain when replacing a chain, fixing a broken link or for any other time you need to put a chain on I bike. It kinda looks like this (__) and it's indispensable, if you break as many chains as I do out on the trails ;(
1:58 Whats the name of that bar tape? And what's the difference between bar tape with holes? It would be a good idea for a video to talk about the importance of handlebar tape!
While not a tool technically, I have a bent spoke to help when removing or installing a chain. The spoke it bent in to an Omega type shape (Ω), just a bit more diamond shaped on top rather than round. When you hook the chain in each side, it keeps the chain in place, while leaving a nice slack bit in the middle to work with. *Edit* Turns out this bent spoke I've been using for 10 years has a name, a "Chain Connector Aid".
Hi, I have just started cycling and I'm looking around for the tools nessesary to maintain and repair my bike. Question: why should I invest in bike-special tools like wrenches, etc, if most tools I have already laying around? I understand that sometimes it's easier with a special narrow pedal wrench or I need a special adaptor for the cassette etc, but in general, what's the advantage of bike tools vs professional grade workshop tools?
When starting out doing your own maintenance and repairs, I waited until an item came up and made the call whether to purchase a tool, use a standard tool that I already own, or let the shop handle it. A bit of ad hoc, play it by ear, which I am sure you have done a bit by now. Examples: I had to replace a rear wheel spoke that required removing the cog cassette. Made sense to buy the bicycle specific tools to do it, chain whip and cassette lockring tool. For general tightening fasteners, I stick with my standard tools, an Allen key set and a Torx set are more flexible than the bike-specific versions. Finally, I recently had to determine the source of a creaking noise on my carbon road bike. For $30, the shop tracked it down to the bottom bracket (as we suspected), and they had the very specific (and somewhat expensive) tools for a press-fit bottom bracket removal/replacement. Mechanic just had to inspect, clean, and repack. Works great. For a very accurately machined hole in a carbon frame, I left that one to the pros.
I know that it's really stupid of me, but I have been very lucky to not have any repairs on the road, so I have been cycling without any tools or spares with me this entire year. I always do minor check ups everytime before a ride and wash my bike at least once a week. Tale good care of your bike and it will last
i would say a bike repair stand, although i do not own one i can see how important and useful it would be. i love watching your videos. you helped me get back out there again. #gcnwaterbottle
Sorry GCN, I know you made a video about setting up the cleats but a tool like those from Ergon are really good, inexpensive. (Tip: Buy it for the whole club and pay it with the club money so every member can use it)
One of the most important things!!
A bike stand! Makes repairs and cleaning 100 times easier
I live in a condo and I am surprised my wife even allows me to own a showroom style wall hanger for my bike. She won't allow a bike stand. So I make due with working on my bike upside down, in a trainer or on the wall.
I can't work on my mountain bikes or cyclecross bike in the trainer because it won't work with my through axles so for that I'm lucky enough to be allowed to use a spot at a bike shop near me.
+MrGivmedew we installed a makeshift bike stand on our balcony. You could also install it in the wall. Just need a bit of pipe and a base to screw it in to. Not the best, but it works.
MrGivmedew - I use the Odpod, its popular at cyclocross and other races for maintenance and cleaning , and if the wife does not allow a real stand in the house
Flip the bike upside down and balance it on handlebars an seat. If you want to avoid flattened soft handlebar tops, put a $1 insulator pipe on it.
I find it's most useful for setting up gears. After much pestering, I talked my dad into blowing £100 on a Park Tools PCS-9, made building my road bike (and the rebuild when I upgraded the groupset) SO EASY. Totally worth it in the long run, and it would be pretty handy in an apocalypse
Maybe a chain wear indicator/measurement tool? It's so cheap and saves from a ruler hazzle.
I used a large frame hammer. If I don't like my frame I use the frame hammer on it and it makes is far easier to justify replacing is. I good 5 pound head with a 3' handle is generally fine. You can get a fiberglass handle but I like the traditional ash or hickory.
Mom dad! I broke my bike again!!
Me mate Andy is a right tool at times.
Do you take him on rides with you or leave him in the shed? 😆
I think another good purchase would be a torque wrench. It can prevent damage to expensive components and knowing that nothing on your bike will come loose is great for confidence.
A lot off brands torque values are useless, especially bottom bracket, seatpost and stem torque values are useless.
We had loads off problems after we started using torque wrenches.
And a proper mechanic don´t need it anyway, waste off money...
@@renesteenstrup3470 If it was someone starting out and they do not have the feel for torque as you described, sticking to the torque figure and using a torque wrench I belive is best practice. I my experience the data supplied is correct. By the way I am a licenced aircraft systems engineer.
@@glensainsbury428
It´s a different world, Plane/bike components.
But i agree with your answer, a new bike-mechanic should use a torque wrench, especially with top component.
Mechanic stand! Not quite a tool but the first thing anyone who wants to look after their bike should get I think. Makes washing and general maintenance a breeze. I used to hate attempting to fix things without one, now it's quite a leisurely affair :)
2:06 why is he using a chain whip for tightening the cassette?
Maintenance stand, makes every job much easier.
Chain assembly holder for when your fixing the links on your chain.I used to make one out of an old wire coat hanger.
A pair of thin latex gloves. I have white bar tape... Oh, and a speed chain link.
Have to agree with the maintenance stand!
Happy riding!
Puncture repair kit anyone?
I was thinking the same
Bike stand! Absolutely essential. Thank you GCN.
Wipes. Lots of them. Metal skewer for opening up cut cable ends. Quick Grip clamp for holding brake calipers while doing cables. Knife tip for picking glass out of tyres.
Hammer! Probably the most useful. When my chain or brakes get loose, a few love taps always does the business! And I'm always looking the business!
Hex/allen keys do most things these days however for older bikes you will also need headset/cone spanners, also a good pedal spanner is a fairly essential piece of kit.
What about a derailleur hanger alignment tool! I used to have to head to the shops every other week when I first started playing around with DIY and backyard repairs or service because I've made a mistake or two and bent the rear mech hanger... And decided to buy one for myself from there on.... Another important tool is probably a bearing press if you've for BB30 or PF30 bottom brackets or even the new Shimano PF and mega Exo...
My favorite is the Park Tool AWS-1 It's a single tool that is 4mm, 5mm and 6mm. Whichever one you need, the other two act as a handle to give you leverage. They sometimes come with holsters too.
Alexandar Hull-Richter agree. I'll take this with me on remote rides.
I would add a 3mm hex to the 4-5-6 array, and maybe an 8mm depending on the pedals. Also a *good* phillips and flat blade screwdriver - amusingly the video talks about hex tools then shows the front derailleur limit screws being adjusted with a phillips screwdriver.
Torque wrench is especially good for new mechanics who don't have a feel for how much torque is sufficient, or _anyone_ who is working with high end components, especially carbon. Park's TW-1 is reasonably cheap and very accurate, and click-types like the TW-5 are more expensive but easier to use.
I don't know that a chain whip and lockring tool are necessarily _essential_ for the general/beginning rider.
Thought the same about chainwhip. If you even know what it's called you probably don't need the video. ;)
Phillips screw driver, torque wrench, needle nose pliers, chain checker, workstand?
workstand is an absolute must, even if its a cheap on its better than putting your bike upside down to work on.
Torque wrench is also a must. To little torque things can come lose or lost. To much and you could end up with misalignment, deformed parts, excess wear, or broken fasteners.
A chain checker will save you from changing your chain to soon or damage from changing it to late.
No home or shop should be with out a good set of secwdrivers and needle nose pliers
All those mentioned below, plus 4th hand cable puller, koolstop tyre jack, JIS screwdriver for limit screws, chainring bolt tool, tyre pressure gauge, set of spanners, needle nose pliers, and a tape measure to set height and reach.
You guys nailed it but for anyone who rides several thousand miles a year add a bottom bracket tool and you can do almost everything that involves items that wear out and you can do most upgrades. Most other tools you could pay a shop to do just the part that requires the tool itself. For example if your replacing a fork take the bare fork and crown in and you will probably pay $5-10.
Also I would recommend that you don't make my mistake... Buy a cassette tool with the wrench built in. Otherwise you struggle keeping your wrench on the cassette socket while also holding onto the chain whip. If you have a vise available then never mind because you just toss the socket into a vise but if your doing that but the socket with the pin sticking out unless it's a mountain bike or cross bike with thru axles.
The list is more or less complete as far as I'm concerned. I never used a bike stand, but I can imagine it's a great help.
I've assembled many a wheel from scratch, using a bicycle frame to center the rim by using a peg and turning the wheel around 180 degrees a few times. It took some patience at first... : )
A very nice alternative for removing a Shimano cassette, especially when you're on holiday and don't want to take all your tools with you: the Next Best Thing, or NBT2.
The tool(s) for maintenance of all bearings are important, and with those the appropriate oils and greases for these parts, but only if you don't mind getting dirty by doing the maintenance on your bike yourself.
And it's always nice to have some cloth and chain lubricant while cycling, especially when it's rainy or when the roads are treated with road salt! {:-þ
But most of all thumbs up for the suggestion of taking a mobile phone with you!
Crank Brothers Speedier tire levers. Rausch premium alum bike pump (pumps air both push & pull).
Torque wrench. Essential when dealing with carbon and a really good idea the rest of the time.
"Topeak" is THE chain tool to carry. The Handel is an Allen key (5mm one end, and 6mm the other) has a chain connector aid too. I also carry one complete link of chain and a shimano master link.
depending on your bike you may need 14 and/or 15mm box wrenches to remove a nutted wheel. Also, an 8mm wrench for brake cable adjustment once you've gone past the limit of your in-line adjusters, and a screwdriver for setting derailleur limits. Headset and BB tools if you're really getting into it and need to grease things. Two chain whips for old screw on rear cogs (am I showing my age here?
I keep climbing finger tape with me just in case. Never had to use it yet, but it's a good alternative to cable ties, and can be used to patch the inside of a tyre if you have a critical hole.
Couple of patches in case of injuries for knees and elbows. Basic medical kit. I keep them in jersey pocket.
And, of course some energy gel. Can also be classical banana.
a good 3/8 inch ratchet. i use one with hex bits. its great
thats awesome i literally bought that same mini pump a few weeks ago
Impressive reacharound technique with that hand pump, Dan.
Having used hatchets, Bowie knives, scissors and various other sharp objects to cut cables in the past, I can safely say that a cable cutter is one of the most essential tools for anyone seeking to maintain their own bicycle!
For a guy who owns 4 bikes like myself bike-stand is on of the most important tools I use if not the most important one!
I wouldn't say it's a requirement, but if you're here watching GCN, you're probably more serious about biking and maintaining your bike than most people; so I'd say a torque wrench would be a good investment. My digital torque wrench only costed me $30 and considering the parts on my bike tallies up to $1500+, I'd say that's a very small price to pay to ensure your parts are on correctly.
Agreed on the torque wrench, but if you bought a digital - as in electronic readout - torque wrench for $30 US, I'd not be too confident in the accuracy. Sounds like a Harbor Freight/Chinese special. Super cheap tools are good if they don't have to be precise, (like a breaker bar) but a $30 digital torque wrench - that's less than half the price of a decent mechanical click-type version like the Park TW-5. The beam-type TW-1 can be had for not much more than $30, and a beam-type torque wrench can be more reliable and accurate than a mechanical click-type.
Big ol' crescent wrench for old school headsets. Lock ring spanners are nice too.
Workstand and a pedal wrench.
Many if not most pedals can also be loosened and tightened with allen keys. Agree on the work stand.
I'd disagree on most, at least not in my experience. I own 4 sets of pedals and only 1 of them is an allen-key job.
what kind of pedals do you own? Ive got look keos, speedplay nano and some shimanos(cant remember model) that all have allen key fittings.
well speedplay is hex to be precise
I've got a set of Look Keo clones from Outland, they're hex. I have another set Look Keo clones from BBB which are pedal wrench, and two sets of Shimano SPDs which are both pedal wrench. The only pair of flats I own are pedal wrench as well IIRC
Pin spanner. (various crank end caps and bar tape place holder)
Chain box. (drivetrain cleaner with less mess)
psst, rather than a track pump get an air compressor, useful for so many more things than a pump which is only for tires
i always carry sockets, Allen keys and screwdrivers with the connectors in them changeable screwdriver and heads you get, I carry tire levers, and a hand held pump and puncture repair kit, I don't have any of the other tools
a work stand is a must
Check the Super T Handle Metric set, a compact new design that solves the rotational problem when torque is not needed (at Amazon).
Torque wrench, torx bits and a hammer of course!
Amazingly the park tool derailleur hanger straightener is sround $700 as well as things like frame taps. You may never need them but it is a tool in your shed
A third hand tool. As a bike mechanic this is a must for me.
Please, make video about specific tools for bottom bracket removal. I visited many workshops in my town before found one which had Campagnolo ITA 36x24F BB removal tool.
I'd like to see a segment on small torque wrenches and do they really work. Not all of us can afford a standard large wrench for adjusting the seat binder bolt when changes are made either on road or home.
Gotta say my stand is currently my favorite tool. I hacked up my seat flipping up-side-down, even on my work bench.
Pedal wrench: to swap between clipless and flat pedals in a jiffy. Saves you from hauling around extra footwear or wearing out your road shoes.
You forgot a good bottle opener.
If you really feel the need to have a beer (or a soft drink as well) while you are riding, then practically anything could serve as a bottle opener, IMO.
A bike shoe cleat should do the trick!
Just buy more beer and open one with the other. Not working quite well with wine, tho.
Crank arm puller and a valve removal tool to deflate a tire in seconds, not sure how hollowtech and other bottom brackets work but I got an old school bike with a square taper one. Good tips, ta.
Johny40Se7en valve tool remover? top five tool? really how can it be faster than undoing the screw and pressing down? and also why?my valve tool remover would be way slower to undo than just undoing the locknut
I need to purchase more tools. Thanks Mr Lloyd.
A lock ring wrench, or a wrench for older bottom brackets that could open a track hub lock ring
Cone spanners 13 (thru)16mm real handy + 6" & 8 inch adjustable spanner/s ;)
Got to admit that I prefer metal tyre levers for the road bike - a bit more robust and tend to be narrower to get under the tight beading!! Aside from that, and I don't own one yet but a torque wrench seems to becoming more of an essential for the home mechanic!
While I also agree with the other items already mentioned by others - workstand, puncture repair kit, chain length checker, chain cleaner, 4th hand tool - I also couldn't do without my headset race removal tool for the removal of the races upon 1" threaded headsets & a Quick Link removal/insertion tool for chain Quick Links...
I recommend Pedro's tire levers, I've used them and have not broken
I could not "live" without a work stand.Makes life as a DIY cyclist unimaginably easier...
And an air compressor...I've said it before, something in me dies a little every time I think of water air drying on my bike... :)
A cold Bluemoon and a orange slice
Can you do a video on how to build a wheel, the different spoke designs and how to true a wheel.
Very helpful advice. Thanks.
Hanger alignment gauge, align my hanger and derailleur tuning is easy.
I find chain oil and grease to be vital, since the noise is really annoying when you don't have them
I would add a torque wrench instead of a multi-tool if you're properly serious. It's not hard to overtighten something and either strip the thread, or damage something when you have to use a lot of force to undo it (cassettes would be a good example). A torque wrench allows you to control how tight a component is and I use them all the time, so much so that we have TWO in my house.
Its also useful to have a torque wrench, to avoid snapping bolts due to overtighting, and possibly failure of (especially carbon) components!
Though it is not intended for bike maintenance specifically, there is one tool I would never want to be without; the humble pocket knife. One of man's earliest tools are absolutely invaluable, even in today's modern world... be it for opening packaging of food or other maintenance products, digging a foreign object out of your tire, or clearing unsightly zip-ties from road signs to keep your neighborhood a little neater. Heck, a couple years ago I even used mine to clear a felled tree from a local path after a storm rolled through.
Torque wrench
A lot more needed then cablecutters
In modern bikes with modern components this tool is essential. Moreover if we decide to take the "1 Hour Tune Up" GCN's video suggestions. In that video does not mention that to reassemble the headset and crankset, it is required that the screws are tightened to a specific torque indicated by the manufacturer. Even Shimano specifies a torque for the bolts that secure the cable at derailleurs
Agreed!
A weighing scale and basic physics knowledge can enable you to use stand hex wrenches for proper torque tightening. Not entirely hassle free solution though. But definitely an economical one.
On the cool tool topic, what would you recommend for a phone/electronics charger that is powered by the bike. I found the Atom by Siva Cycle but it doesn't work with disc brakes. I'd like to go on longer rides while still running Strava, Glympse (comforting for my family) and music when away from traffic. Recommendations?
Thanks again and I really enjoy the vids and the education really helps!
johnsobj
park tool 3 way allen key tool, the bigger and smaller sizes.
have to agree, a fantastic bit of kit! Jon
Plus it keeps people from overtightening with the ball end of the P-handles and rounding out their bolts.
It’s a classic!
I bought a toolbox with all of these tools (and more) for £60, very wise purchase and the box means you always know where they are...
I dont have cable cutters but Im using dremel tool. Cheers
Cone spanners,, a lot of times where cone spanners solved me amounts of wheel related issues
i deal with alot of lower quality /older bikes and i couldn't do half of what i do without a good set of headset wrenches
Can you do a videos about each presenter, their cycling history, their house etc. would make a very popular video a behind the scenes almost mention me if you make it :D
I've never seen anyone counterhold a cassette while tightening...that technique looks like potential knucklebuster. On my tune up QC test rides, a hex key AWS-10 and philips screwdriver SD-2 come along and solve 90% of running problems. On the road, the "Kitchen sink" MTB-3, CO2 nanoflate, and pedros tire levers for breakdowns and flats. For a DIY home tool kit, the PRS-20 Race stand is ideal in capability and storage size. Torque wrench - critical on modern equipment. In addition to chain tool, I'd recommend masterlink pliers, offset chainring nut tool CNW-2, Pedro's cable cutters - the Park tool is awful. Shimano guys ought to have the BBT and crank bolt tools. You can never have too many tools!
Torqux key set. They are slowly replacing hex keys because of their superier drive capacity. Most new Campagnolo parts use them now (as have most european cars for the past 10 years)
Basic plastic tyre levers.....until the day out on the road or trail when you come across the "TYRE THAT WILL NOT MOVE!"
Couldn't live without my fourth hand tool.
I have a little piece of coat hanger that I have bent on both ends so it can hold onto the chain when replacing a chain, fixing a broken link or for any other time you need to put a chain on I bike. It kinda looks like this (__) and it's indispensable, if you break as many chains as I do out on the trails ;(
Shimano bottom bracket tool and 8mm Allen key!
1:58 Whats the name of that bar tape? And what's the difference between bar tape with holes? It would be a good idea for a video to talk about the importance of handlebar tape!
I have a spare Car just in case my bike fails.
Funny - I have a wee folding bike in the back of the car in case it fails. Transport-ception!
I could not live without a socket set especially since i have a couple of older bikes where hex bolts are not as common
What cheap bike grease can you recommend for servicing your headset?
Just a question, if I'm 85kg what pressure would I put into my tires to reduce the chance of them bursting? 100psi or slightly less?
Torque wrench should be one important tool especially for working on carbon parts.
Knippex pliers wrench! Replaces all spanners.
Thanks for a very helpful video. Idea for a new video: Review of bike work stands. Cheers.
While not a tool technically, I have a bent spoke to help when removing or installing a chain. The spoke it bent in to an Omega type shape (Ω), just a bit more diamond shaped on top rather than round. When you hook the chain in each side, it keeps the chain in place, while leaving a nice slack bit in the middle to work with.
*Edit* Turns out this bent spoke I've been using for 10 years has a name, a "Chain Connector Aid".
hi is it possible for you guys to make a speed play pedals video?
Hi, I have just started cycling and I'm looking around for the tools nessesary to maintain and repair my bike.
Question: why should I invest in bike-special tools like wrenches, etc, if most tools I have already laying around? I understand that sometimes it's easier with a special narrow pedal wrench or I need a special adaptor for the cassette etc, but in general, what's the advantage of bike tools vs professional grade workshop tools?
There are specific tools for very specific bike only jobs, but I guess you already learned it..
When starting out doing your own maintenance and repairs, I waited until an item came up and made the call whether to purchase a tool, use a standard tool that I already own, or let the shop handle it. A bit of ad hoc, play it by ear, which I am sure you have done a bit by now.
Examples: I had to replace a rear wheel spoke that required removing the cog cassette. Made sense to buy the bicycle specific tools to do it, chain whip and cassette lockring tool. For general tightening fasteners, I stick with my standard tools, an Allen key set and a Torx set are more flexible than the bike-specific versions. Finally, I recently had to determine the source of a creaking noise on my carbon road bike. For $30, the shop tracked it down to the bottom bracket (as we suspected), and they had the very specific (and somewhat expensive) tools for a press-fit bottom bracket removal/replacement. Mechanic just had to inspect, clean, and repack. Works great. For a very accurately machined hole in a carbon frame, I left that one to the pros.
What is the best groupset for a beginner biker? Is the Sora is Good to my atomic 700c?
workstand, philips screwdriver, vise grip
Adjustable cone wrench and adjustable allen keys
Workstand. I can't do without mine for making adjustments, repairs, or just to wash the bike.
I know that it's really stupid of me, but I have been very lucky to not have any repairs on the road, so I have been cycling without any tools or spares with me this entire year. I always do minor check ups everytime before a ride and wash my bike at least once a week. Tale good care of your bike and it will last
i would say a bike repair stand, although i do not own one i can see how important and useful it would be. i love watching your videos. you helped me get back out there again. #gcnwaterbottle
Sorry GCN, I know you made a video about setting up the cleats but a tool like those from Ergon are really good, inexpensive. (Tip: Buy it for the whole club and pay it with the club money so every member can use it)
Crank puller for making it easy to clean out the bottom bracket, crankset, etc. use it after every 4 rides to clean out the guts
park tool cotterless crank remover . never fails if used properly
James Pierce most people now have not got that type of crank so beware putting that advise out there!
master link removal pliers are sometimes handy