Both kits are great in their own way, for their respective buyers, I feel. Great to see that the Ozark kit is of decent enough quality, to be genuinely usable in virtually every way.
I think it's also worth commending Walmart for releasing an affordable tool kit under the Ozark Trail brand. It will get someone started, and just further solidifies their support for getting people out on bikes.
That's how I did it as well. I would research how to perform a particular repair or maintenance task, and buy only the tools I needed. It has been about three years, but now I have a reasonably complete kit that allows me to do anything I need on my bike. I don't know how much it cost me in total, so it's possible that a quality all-in-one kit from the likes of Feedback Sports or Park would be more economical.
I did the same, but not out of choice Completely rebuilt my old bike to learn how to maintain my new bike and ended up doing a million runs to the shop because I kept running into blockers 😂
For the price of the Ozark trail set, if you have issues with any of the tools, you can always spend extra on a better wrench to swap out. It's a starting point for a tool set.
The only problem is that if you're serious about maintaining and repairing your own bike, you're eventually going to upgrade 100% of the tools in a budget kit, but I suppose it's a start.
@@Durwood71imo better to buy a multi-tool like the Crankbrothers m19 and buy individual tools as needed ... You can always use the multi-tool, and create your own kit. That Walmart one, while good for what it is, you'll need a separate kit for storage since that's pre-fitted. And a lot depends on how much you work on your own bike. My first couple years I didn't even change my own tires, and tightening things, replacing grips, saddle, brake pads or even handlebars was pretty much the only work I did, so the the multi-tool was perfect. Nowadays I work on both my bikes, plus my son's and best friend's, and do pretty much everything other then pressfit bottom brackets, headsets and wheel building (I gave up on my Byrd spokes and had to bring them in ... I just wasn't confident that I was doing it right). Anyway, makes sense for me to spend a lot on tools cause I use them so often.
Upgrading each of these tools is what I did few decades ago. But none of the upgraded tools fit in the box. So I soon needed a big toolbox to fit everything and now its a mess. I need to dig whenever I need a tool or to spread them on the floor. Anyway its a huge waste of time at the end of the repair session
That is actually fairly good value for $350, it's obvious where the extra money is going they are so much better in design and manufacturing quality, although for $30 you can't go wrong with the Walmart one as a starter tool kit.
Hey I've been watching your videos for about a month and a half and just got my first bike as wanted one so I could go fishing with my friend, Then I started researching and found your videos and I would like to say thank you for the high quality videos and teaching me everything to know about bikes!
I have the $30 kit (broke college student) and have been using it for a year or so. It’s pretty solid other than the hex wrenches in the multitool. At one point I had to cut the end of the 5mm hex down because the tip got so rounded off. I’ve also tried all kinds of tools to cut cables as well, but eventually gave in to the Park Tools cable cutters.
I still use some of my 15 year old blow molded cheap kit that my dad gave me in college. The tire levers, the chain whip, the old school crank puller. some of it's works just fine. i hear the shimano cable cutter tool is pretty good. It's hard to compete with companies like Wera on allen keys... a pro set from Wera (with the hex plus) will make your life better, you'll KOM on your next ride, and they'll cook you dinner.
Agreed. I use Wera Hex and Torx Keys. Pedro's Vice Whip 2. Knipex pliers and cobra pliers, a set of Capri Ultra thin Wrenches (3.5mm max thickness) and a Lezyne torque stick with a Sata Torque wrench. I can't stand low quality tools. More trouble than they're worth IMO
@@ahmedmohamed-ku2xr true that. I only have a small gripe on the walmart chain whip tool and BB remover coz I have experience in using those tools. Cheap bb remover is painful to hold even with those rubber handle. Not fun at all
@@MarioGoatse as much as i agree with you, it's better a kid learns with not top-tier tools, makes them appreciate good tools more, also kids are more likely to lose stuff quick, could be bad with expensive tools.
Hey Seth! My name's Owen and I'm 15 years old. My dad and I are going to ride Pisgah this month. We live in Thailand and we're visiting family. We decided that we wanted to go for a ride while we were here. We were wondering if you would be interested in coming. If not no problem, just thought I'd ask you for the heck of it 😂. Also if you've ever thought about making a video about mountain biking in Asia, Thailand would be the perfect place (we have a guest room without an occupant if you would wanna come).
I used some cheap kit to fully rebuild my bike during covid. Had some struggles with the kit but it was good enough for someone who is not professional mechanic and disasemble my bike once a year. Cheap Kit is still going great
W00p! That Feedback Sports kit is great - I bought mine back in 2017. That ’buy once, cry once, pass on to your offspring’ -mentality was exactly what I was going for. No surprises the quality is great on all the main tools - as it should be for that price. The kit has gone up in price around USD 55 in these 7 years. Less than I thought, actually. Really glad I bought it when I did - life happened, and today I wouldn’t be able to afford it anymore.
That blow-molded kit is almost exactly the same as one I bought over 10 years ago for about $30. Mine is lime green. It was an easy way to get most of what I needed. Since then, my toolbox has grown substantially.
Depends what it is, doesn't apply to a lot of things, but I get the point and she's definitely right. Take dress shoes for instance. A pair of $300 shoes will feel so much better, look a lot nicer and last way longer than a cheap pair of $50 shoes (assuming they're properly cared for). Same deal with a lotta bike components, apparel, helmets and certainly tools.
After i bought a bike after binge watching your videos, i bought the Ozark Trail kit because i wanted to take my new to me bike all the way down to the frame and service and rebuild everything. I needed some specialty tools that i didn't have, so i grabbed this kit. So far, my only gripe was with the cassette tool. It doesn't work the greatest with freewheels. I had to grind it down to fit. I also reused an older toolbox to keep all my bike specific tools in. But other than that, it's been a solid tool kit.
I have the feedback tool kit, would buy again and has been perfect for repairing bikes, only extra purchase has been torque for 4 5 and 6 in lbs for sterring tube etc and adjustable wrench (1.75in) for sterring tube nuts.
11:57 one other nice thing about the feedback tool on the rotor lock-ring is that the arm is offset a bit & won't rub on the rotor at all. The Park Tool one I use is flat & have to be careful not to scrape or rub the rotor. Great review!
When I found out about cassette pliers (WAY TOO LATE in my cycling life).. GAME CHANGER. Haven't gouged my hands since, it was almost a ritual that I get cut when changing cassettes.
@@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 I like to have my own basic set of tools, even if it’s not strictly necessary. That’s really the only way you can guarantee a tool is going to be where you expect it when you expect it unless you work alone.
@@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 only if people actually put them back where they are supposed to be when they’re done with it. If I’ve learned anything from working in an automotive shop, shared tools tend to disappear rather quickly.
I've bought a similar kit from Lidl, and it is a quick way to start working on bicycles at home and replace or buy new tools as needed. Not for professional uses!
The nice thing about the cheaper tool kit is you don't feel bad about upgrading the tools you use most. It's so inexpensive that you won't get buyer's remorse, and it has just enough of the specialty tools you won't often need that it's worth keeping around, even if it's just as a backup for a more expensive set you upgrade to later on. It never hurts to have a fallback considering luggage gets lost, things get misplaced, and mean people steal things every day.
you are 100% correct about the pick. i actually use a hook pick whenever I have to remove my chain, it really helps when having to thread the chain through the RD.
I actually have a very similar kit to the walmart kit that I bought used in the Netherlands for $20, had almost everything I needed to fully fix a bike! I've just bought the occasional high quality tool to add to my collection, saved SO much money.
I have the Ozark Trail kit from Walmart. I paid about $25 for it. I used it to remove the rear tire of my nephew’s bike. The included tire levers made changing the tube easy. Ozark Trail tools are for DIY occasional use. If you work at a bike shop, get the $350 set.
Sometimes Seth surprises me with his lack of knowledge of some cheap tools. Such as the cone wrenches and the Force Steel black tools, which are not intended to loosen a pedal, but only to hold a cone during adjustment, which requires considerably less force. Also the chain tool where he had not adjusted the adjusting screw on the other side of the chain at all, causing the cams to bend
He strikes me as good-intentioned, but he's also been using big-$$$-brand tools for years, so when he interacts with something that isn't quite on that level he's out of his depth
I got the Feedback Sports Kit. I even upgraded it with the T-Handle-Set from Feedback Sports. I absolutely love ist. You get so many good(!) tools in a relatively small set. And I often work outdoors, even when I am working at home. Being able to put the bag onto the repair stand and have perfect access on all tools without going or grabbing somewhere else, is the best option to me. It is expensive. You can get many more tools for the money. But your test shows perfectly, that the money is well spend. To be fair: It only is my set for outdoor use. In my garage I got many more tools and work with them. It still is the best thought-through-kit I know.
Seth, you should review the Decathlon Rockrider ST540. It retails for 450 bucks and comes with decent components. I'd like to see what you think about it.
I have been using a super similar cheap a$$ tool kit for years. I'm no bike mechanic, but wrench on them plenty. Super handy to have all those tools for a low cost, and work well enough if you don't treat them like garbage and don't use them everyday. Obviously have gotten other ones to replace some of the tools, and others not included, but it works great for me.
I have zero need to buy an all encompassing toolkit, since I have my home setup and don't ever find myself wrenching at an event. However, I watch every single one of your tool videos for the occasional cool tip or neat tool that I might need. In this case, it was that Feedback Sports cassette tool. Removing the top plug from air forks is annoying, as is pulling endcaps from wheels to remove a CL rotor. I just bought that tool because of this video.
I have no need for bike tools. If I did I’d probably go overkill and buy anything Milwaukee or better. I do however have a need for these videos by Seth. Each and every tool description has its own comforting vibe.
I'm finding it tough to justify spending $350 on a tool kit for a hobby I'm just starting out with. On the other hand, I've spent $400 on a drill kit for work without any regrets. Bike repair is new territory for me, and not having the right tools is a big setback when trying to figure out what I need. In my experience, better tools often make the work easier and more enjoyable. I guess I'm trying to convince myself that it's worth investing a few more hundred dollars into this hobby! Thanks for breaking down what comes with each kit.
I’ve purchased tools as I need them, and they go in a tool box. As my experience and types of job varies the more tools I acquire. Some tools are specialty which only have one use, there is no point to take them in a kit but great to have in a tool box that I can take with me to do repairs on friends bikes. Each kit out there has its uses depending on what you are doing, I have a food injector in my kit that I use to lube bearings. Not needed on the road but great for repairs.
I picked this up from walmart because it was the only store open that carried a cassette removal tool:), I usually go to the bike shop close by and they let me use theirs, but THIS KIT IS GREAT!
Thanks for making this. I have an old Spin Doctor blow plastic tool kit that I've had for years. I've been researching tools because I want to upgrade a little after watching all your other videos. I feel ready to tinker a bit more. I am really looking forward to the next video comparing more tool kits.
Been a mechanic for over 30 years and definitely with tools, buy once, cry once. However, you can find decent enough quality for an average user elsewhere, perhaps in that Ozark Trail kit. I'd rather have individual allen's with a ball end or the multi tool if those were my only options instead of the 'y' wrenches. However, I do use my Y's quite a bit, but there's a lot of times it's frustrating using them or they just can't be used. Thankfully Feedback Sports has extra storage slots. I think the Ozark Trail kit fits the bill, a kid or adult that doesn't have the disposable income to buy the Feedback kit, whereas the Feedback kit, if you're going to do your own service, is what you need to be buying. This kit wasn't even on my radar, thanks for sharing with us. I definitely look forward to the comparison video of all the kits!
Wow. This is super timely for me. I can’t wait to see the follow up head to head vid. I’ve been eyeing several of the kits that you sneak-peeked at the end.
Thanks for the comparison. Wobbly "CenterLock" / "HollowTech2" Bottom Bracket tools are a nightmare to use on disc brake locking rings 😨😨😨 $350 is nothing compared to a sliced up hand. And you get other tools as well!
I bought that same cheap kit at a flea market about 10 years ago. Maybe paid $15. Definitely got some use out of it. Still use the crank extractor, multitool, and spoke wrench to this day!
In Europe we have a few similar sets available in Lidl/Aldi/Decathlon. I also made a review from the Lidl Crivit set, and they are hard to beat at this price point(the Crivit bike repair stand is also a must have item).User will save a ton of money with them, if he/she has the confidence jumping into doing repairs on their own. With only a bb change and casette and chain service it will save the cost of the whole toolset.
i bought a similar toolkit to the ozark trail at princess auto. the whole point for me was to have the tools while I bought better ones slowly over time. great for that purpose.
I have wrenched on many bikes using a kit similar to the Ozark Trails kit. But I also get higher end tools, such as Park Tools as I can afford them. Had to get a real tool-box to carry them all now, but it works for me.
As a technician and hand work enthusiast, i think blow moulded cases are the best choice if the content worths, like a Bahco tubes set. They keep everything in place and are easy to pile with other tens of different cases. Soft cases always ends broken, the elastic bands loosens and the tools flies all over the place...
@@shawnmurphy6657 no, they won't. Unless you use the tools only twice a year... But even in that case, just the chemical composition of the rubber will tear down...
I have the Feedback kit. It's... just OK. Great for a car kit but at $350 it's expensive and isn't a good substitute for a well-thought-out toolbox for a race mechanic. I got mine on EP and it lives in my van waiting to be used. Very stylish, though.
I bought the exact same 30 dollar tool kit from Walmart and put on a sram gx cassette no problem as well as putting on new brake rotors and chain. proof that cheap tools get the job done
It feels like a pair of workshop gloves would be a good extra to go with the Ozark kit. Something to protect your hands when the tools slip! Not just because they are lower quality and more likely to slip, but because the person using that kit is likely to have less experience and coordination using the tools and doesn't yet have the tough skin you get from years of spanner rash! It's a great kit that would let you buy a cheap used bike then do it up, maintain it an upgrade it yourself. You could get yourself a reasonable bike for less than the cost of the feedback kit. Yet for a skilled bike mechanic with the Feedback Kit, a stand, and a box of consumables, you could run a pop-up workshop and earn that money back again.
I cannot wait for this series, I was just getting decided on which tool box to buy and I felt a bit lost given the wiiiiide range of tools and uses there are
Those cheapo sets are great to supplement a set of good general mechanic tools with the bike-specific stuff. I already own Tekton, Wera, Knipex, Klein, etc for general car and home repair so to get all the other stuff that only has one use on bikes for little cost is perfect. Then upgrade certain tools as time goes on
I started wirh a generic cheap toolkit that I got as a gift. After trying to use it a few times I got so frustrated with the tools breaking or not being functional that I bought a decent one. That happened to be the feedback sport set: very happy with the upgrade + it was like 80 euros where I bought it 😊
I cheap out on the stuff that is easy to make and doesn't get used too often but when it comes to my daily/weekly use tools and some tools I just don't like cheap versions of, I fork up the money for. My unior derailleur hanger tool and my wera ratchet set have been some of my best purchases
When I started getting serious about MTB, I bought something that looked like the Ozark Trail kit, but from Rose Bikes, and was about 65 Euros at the time - so not anything to brag about price-wise. However, that was 9 years ago and the tool kit still holds up. For a home mechanic, it could not be better. I did add some small stuff to it over the years though, and those extras do not fit in the blow-molded case :) It's only a few items though.
Great video! I work at my LBS occasionally so I have access to all the tools when I am doing big things but at home I have 7 bikes and growing. Several of the bikes are mine but not all. I have been wanting to buy tools for my garage to maintain all of the bikes. Sometimes we just want to ride as a family and not have to hall the bikes to the shop. I also don’t want to spend a fortune and this video had me asking… what kit is in between the 2. Glad I watched until the end. I can’t wait to see what’s next from your channel.
Started my bike tool journey with the Performance bike Spin Doctor tool box years ago. I think $100 or so for just about everything a home mechanic might need. As parts died or I just wanted better quality, Park, Pedro etc crept into the collection.
my grandpa gave me an old toolkit he used for long about 1,5 years ago its about the same as the cheap one in the video but has some more tools, it was very nice to have when i was fixing my bike but i'm still missing some stuff
Thanks for the videos Seth. I have a few people that I look forward to seeing new stuff from and you are probably my favorite! I so thought you were going to shred your knuckles on that rotor, good call skipping that.
I bought quality tools as I needed them, one by one. A couple of years later I have more or less exactly the Feedback sports kit. I paid a LOT more than 350$ for what I've got. If I were to start over I'd go with the 350$ kit, would save me a lot of time.
I'm kind of a Feedback Sports fanboy. I went from some cheap Spin Doctor bike stand to a Pro Elite from Feedback, and it's one of the best QOL upgrades I've ever done for anything! My tool kit is a mishmash. I started with something very similar to the $30 kit, and bought Park Tool versions over time for the stuff that didn't last, or with new tools I always went with Park because you can't really go wrong with them. It would be nice to have a cohesive kit like that Feedback Sports kit though.
Track the pricing on the Feeback Sports kit. I snagged it for $300 a month ago and it was at $270 when first in my cart, then next day jumped back to $350. The quality of the tools and the convenience of the case make it worth it. The case alone is available for $50, not bad for someone who already has some bike tools. The kit includes pretty much everything needed except torque wrench and bits for torque wrench.
I started with a cheap kit like that, lasted me about 10 years and stripped or built about 20 bikes. Cassette tool was the first to wear out and the chain breaker broke, but replacing both with something longer lived wasn’t expensive.
And if someone wants something in between, I'd suggest the Foundation tool kit from Jenson's. It's around 100 bucks or so, but I got mine on sale for 50 bucks at Black Friday. It comes in an actual tool box (plastic) and has allowed me to expand as I need to. Lots of options out there.
I only got my first "real" bike recently, and found myself needing the specialty tools to work on it despite having a fairly decent collection of tools for automotive and other hobby type work. The ozark trail kit seemed a decent value, $30 to get me almost everything I would need for basic maintenance, especially the niche items that can't be subbed in with more generic tools. For someone like me that only has one bike, or even someone who has two or three bikes, I think a $350 kit from a bike shop brand is hard to justify, in the automotive world that'd be like going into debt at the snap-on or matco truck just to work on your 2005 Camry. The $30 walmart tool set gets the job done well enough. Worthless, it certainly isn't.
I have a kit similar to the ozark trail one but with a few more tools. It’s was only around $20-$30 more and the tools are decent quality. The extra $5 for some park tool tire levers was more than worth it though
I have the same tools from AliExpress, that you reviewed in your previous video plus a bike stand for repairs, even if it is the cheapest. You need bicycle tools, makes your life so much easier.
Considering one full service tune, clean and grease costs right around 350, I would consider a complete tool set for 350 bucks a very good long term investment
I don't buy tool kits, but the walmart kit seems like a good start for someone new to bike maintenance. I would toss the case and dump everything in a toolbox or something.
nice comparison. I cant wait for the video where you review more premium brand tools and medium priced ones. Wanna know how much better are e.g. Park Tool items to warrant such a price hike.
With the $30 one you can cut out the inside of the case and put foam inside and you can organise it and maybe get a bit more in, or maybe you can get something bigger for the case and that means you can get a lot more in
Both kits are great in their own way, for their respective buyers, I feel.
Great to see that the Ozark kit is of decent enough quality, to be genuinely usable in virtually every way.
It's good enough for daily commuters that want to service their own bike once in a while
Yeah I honestly have no idea what the point of this video is.
@@iddra1868have you read the title? Or looked at the thumbnail?
I'm about 7 years into working from my BikeHand simple toolkit, but I've used every opportunity to upgrade random tools along the way.
I always say your best building something by parts you need instead of having a 70% useless pre built kit @@TheBRad704
I think it's also worth commending Walmart for releasing an affordable tool kit under the Ozark Trail brand. It will get someone started, and just further solidifies their support for getting people out on bikes.
I just bought tools as I needed them, but either of these kits would make a great gift to a new cyclist.
That's how I did it as well. I would research how to perform a particular repair or maintenance task, and buy only the tools I needed. It has been about three years, but now I have a reasonably complete kit that allows me to do anything I need on my bike. I don't know how much it cost me in total, so it's possible that a quality all-in-one kit from the likes of Feedback Sports or Park would be more economical.
I did the same, but not out of choice
Completely rebuilt my old bike to learn how to maintain my new bike and ended up doing a million runs to the shop because I kept running into blockers 😂
Please bring back cooking with Seth
Frrr
cooking with seth while answering questions would be fun to watch.
I remember his TacoTuesday videos those were great
Cooking meth with Seth!
@@3_x_plus_1lol
For the price of the Ozark trail set, if you have issues with any of the tools, you can always spend extra on a better wrench to swap out. It's a starting point for a tool set.
The only problem is that if you're serious about maintaining and repairing your own bike, you're eventually going to upgrade 100% of the tools in a budget kit, but I suppose it's a start.
@@Durwood71imo better to buy a multi-tool like the Crankbrothers m19 and buy individual tools as needed ... You can always use the multi-tool, and create your own kit. That Walmart one, while good for what it is, you'll need a separate kit for storage since that's pre-fitted.
And a lot depends on how much you work on your own bike. My first couple years I didn't even change my own tires, and tightening things, replacing grips, saddle, brake pads or even handlebars was pretty much the only work I did, so the the multi-tool was perfect.
Nowadays I work on both my bikes, plus my son's and best friend's, and do pretty much everything other then pressfit bottom brackets, headsets and wheel building (I gave up on my Byrd spokes and had to bring them in ... I just wasn't confident that I was doing it right).
Anyway, makes sense for me to spend a lot on tools cause I use them so often.
Upgrading each of these tools is what I did few decades ago. But none of the upgraded tools fit in the box. So I soon needed a big toolbox to fit everything and now its a mess. I need to dig whenever I need a tool or to spread them on the floor. Anyway its a huge waste of time at the end of the repair session
@@xavierc9171 That's why I replaced my tool bag with one that has numerous inside pockets so my tools aren't just lying in a big heap at the bottom.
Just bought the Ozark Trail kit to start messing around with bikes. It's great to have some starting tools to putz around with
That is actually fairly good value for $350, it's obvious where the extra money is going they are so much better in design and manufacturing quality, although for $30 you can't go wrong with the Walmart one as a starter tool kit.
@@Duncan23 The good thing with those is that 1 tool is equivalent to 2 or three tools. They really did thought about it
@@Duncan23 The good thing with those is that 1 tool is equivalent to 2 or three tools. They really did thought about it
Hey I've been watching your videos for about a month and a half and just got my first bike as wanted one so I could go fishing with my friend, Then I started researching and found your videos and I would like to say thank you for the high quality videos and teaching me everything to know about bikes!
I have the $30 kit (broke college student) and have been using it for a year or so.
It’s pretty solid other than the hex wrenches in the multitool.
At one point I had to cut the end of the 5mm hex down because the tip got so rounded off.
I’ve also tried all kinds of tools to cut cables as well, but eventually gave in to the Park Tools cable cutters.
I still use some of my 15 year old blow molded cheap kit that my dad gave me in college. The tire levers, the chain whip, the old school crank puller. some of it's works just fine.
i hear the shimano cable cutter tool is pretty good.
It's hard to compete with companies like Wera on allen keys... a pro set from Wera (with the hex plus) will make your life better, you'll KOM on your next ride, and they'll cook you dinner.
30$ is actually a great value for someone’s first toolkit
Having tools that you immediately know will work and is comfortable makes working on your bikes more fun.
true, but if a kid wants to learn how to work on his own little bike, would be great to buy this for em. it's cheap and works well enough
Agreed. I use Wera Hex and Torx Keys. Pedro's Vice Whip 2. Knipex pliers and cobra pliers, a set of Capri Ultra thin Wrenches (3.5mm max thickness) and a Lezyne torque stick with a Sata Torque wrench. I can't stand low quality tools. More trouble than they're worth IMO
That fact that he can afford to Buy it is critical. £30 I could do as a 14 year old. 300, no. That's bike money.@@ahmedmohamed-ku2xr
@@ahmedmohamed-ku2xr true that. I only have a small gripe on the walmart chain whip tool and BB remover coz I have experience in using those tools. Cheap bb remover is painful to hold even with those rubber handle. Not fun at all
@@MarioGoatse as much as i agree with you, it's better a kid learns with not top-tier tools, makes them appreciate good tools more, also kids are more likely to lose stuff quick, could be bad with expensive tools.
2 minutes in and I'm like that tool case strapping to a bike stand is not gimmicky. That's actually pretty clutch for real.
Hey Seth! My name's Owen and I'm 15 years old. My dad and I are going to ride Pisgah this month. We live in Thailand and we're visiting family. We decided that we wanted to go for a ride while we were here. We were wondering if you would be interested in coming. If not no problem, just thought I'd ask you for the heck of it 😂. Also if you've ever thought about making a video about mountain biking in Asia, Thailand would be the perfect place (we have a guest room without an occupant if you would wanna come).
I used some cheap kit to fully rebuild my bike during covid. Had some struggles with the kit but it was good enough for someone who is not professional mechanic and disasemble my bike once a year. Cheap Kit is still going great
W00p!
That Feedback Sports kit is great - I bought mine back in 2017. That ’buy once, cry once, pass on to your offspring’ -mentality was exactly what I was going for. No surprises the quality is great on all the main tools - as it should be for that price.
The kit has gone up in price around USD 55 in these 7 years. Less than I thought, actually. Really glad I bought it when I did - life happened, and today I wouldn’t be able to afford it anymore.
That blow-molded kit is almost exactly the same as one I bought over 10 years ago for about $30. Mine is lime green. It was an easy way to get most of what I needed. Since then, my toolbox has grown substantially.
one day my grandma said to me we are poor that's why we buy expensive honestly the best advice in my life
Depends what it is, doesn't apply to a lot of things, but I get the point and she's definitely right. Take dress shoes for instance. A pair of $300 shoes will feel so much better, look a lot nicer and last way longer than a cheap pair of $50 shoes (assuming they're properly cared for).
Same deal with a lotta bike components, apparel, helmets and certainly tools.
Did your grandma own a snapon truck? don't go inside one of those trucks, it will make you poor!
After i bought a bike after binge watching your videos, i bought the Ozark Trail kit because i wanted to take my new to me bike all the way down to the frame and service and rebuild everything. I needed some specialty tools that i didn't have, so i grabbed this kit. So far, my only gripe was with the cassette tool. It doesn't work the greatest with freewheels. I had to grind it down to fit. I also reused an older toolbox to keep all my bike specific tools in. But other than that, it's been a solid tool kit.
I have the feedback tool kit, would buy again and has been perfect for repairing bikes, only extra purchase has been torque for 4 5 and 6 in lbs for sterring tube etc and adjustable wrench (1.75in) for sterring tube nuts.
11:57 one other nice thing about the feedback tool on the rotor lock-ring is that the arm is offset a bit & won't rub on the rotor at all. The Park Tool one I use is flat & have to be careful not to scrape or rub the rotor. Great review!
When I found out about cassette pliers (WAY TOO LATE in my cycling life).. GAME CHANGER. Haven't gouged my hands since, it was almost a ritual that I get cut when changing cassettes.
I may be getting a part time job at a bike shop in the next month or so, these tool videos are incredibly helpful.
where you'll have tools 3x the quality of these at your elbow.
@@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 I like to have my own basic set of tools, even if it’s not strictly necessary.
That’s really the only way you can guarantee a tool is going to be where you expect it when you expect it unless you work alone.
@@zygmuntthecacaokakistocrat6589 only if people actually put them back where they are supposed to be when they’re done with it.
If I’ve learned anything from working in an automotive shop, shared tools tend to disappear rather quickly.
I've bought a similar kit from Lidl, and it is a quick way to start working on bicycles at home and replace or buy new tools as needed. Not for professional uses!
The nice thing about the cheaper tool kit is you don't feel bad about upgrading the tools you use most. It's so inexpensive that you won't get buyer's remorse, and it has just enough of the specialty tools you won't often need that it's worth keeping around, even if it's just as a backup for a more expensive set you upgrade to later on. It never hurts to have a fallback considering luggage gets lost, things get misplaced, and mean people steal things every day.
you are 100% correct about the pick. i actually use a hook pick whenever I have to remove my chain, it really helps when having to thread the chain through the RD.
Looking forward to the full comparison video.
I actually have a very similar kit to the walmart kit that I bought used in the Netherlands for $20, had almost everything I needed to fully fix a bike! I've just bought the occasional high quality tool to add to my collection, saved SO much money.
The BikeHand $200 tool kit has served me well for years barring specialty suspension and BB tools.
Yep I've had one for 15 years and only the crank puller I had to replace
I just commented on Bike Hand. I got my set about 4 years ago and am very impressed with the quality and value.
I have the Ozark Trail kit from Walmart. I paid about $25 for it. I used it to remove the rear tire of my nephew’s bike. The included tire levers made changing the tube easy. Ozark Trail tools are for DIY occasional use. If you work at a bike shop, get the $350 set.
Man, I was quite literally about to search for a video reviewing these when it popped up. Thanks Seth!
Sometimes Seth surprises me with his lack of knowledge of some cheap tools. Such as the cone wrenches and the Force Steel black tools, which are not intended to loosen a pedal, but only to hold a cone during adjustment, which requires considerably less force. Also the chain tool where he had not adjusted the adjusting screw on the other side of the chain at all, causing the cams to bend
He strikes me as good-intentioned, but he's also been using big-$$$-brand tools for years, so when he interacts with something that isn't quite on that level he's out of his depth
I got the Feedback Sports Kit. I even upgraded it with the T-Handle-Set from Feedback Sports. I absolutely love ist. You get so many good(!) tools in a relatively small set. And I often work outdoors, even when I am working at home. Being able to put the bag onto the repair stand and have perfect access on all tools without going or grabbing somewhere else, is the best option to me.
It is expensive. You can get many more tools for the money. But your test shows perfectly, that the money is well spend.
To be fair: It only is my set for outdoor use. In my garage I got many more tools and work with them. It still is the best thought-through-kit I know.
Seth, you should review the Decathlon Rockrider ST540. It retails for 450 bucks and comes with decent components. I'd like to see what you think about it.
I was served a Walmart ad while watching this video. Probably no coincidence.
I have been using a super similar cheap a$$ tool kit for years. I'm no bike mechanic, but wrench on them plenty. Super handy to have all those tools for a low cost, and work well enough if you don't treat them like garbage and don't use them everyday. Obviously have gotten other ones to replace some of the tools, and others not included, but it works great for me.
When's the video comparing all the major brand tool kits coming out? What a tease!
I love your videos, thanks!
Not enough people are buying Parktool or Pedro's kits. The Parktool Equivalent of that Feedback Sports kit in the video is literally $1000 minimum
I have zero need to buy an all encompassing toolkit, since I have my home setup and don't ever find myself wrenching at an event. However, I watch every single one of your tool videos for the occasional cool tip or neat tool that I might need. In this case, it was that Feedback Sports cassette tool. Removing the top plug from air forks is annoying, as is pulling endcaps from wheels to remove a CL rotor. I just bought that tool because of this video.
Oh, you have no idea how many extra things I can squeeze into a blow-moulded case before the hinges finally burst! 🤣🤣🤣
I have no need for bike tools. If I did I’d probably go overkill and buy anything Milwaukee or better. I do however have a need for these videos by Seth. Each and every tool description has its own comforting vibe.
I'm finding it tough to justify spending $350 on a tool kit for a hobby I'm just starting out with. On the other hand, I've spent $400 on a drill kit for work without any regrets. Bike repair is new territory for me, and not having the right tools is a big setback when trying to figure out what I need. In my experience, better tools often make the work easier and more enjoyable. I guess I'm trying to convince myself that it's worth investing a few more hundred dollars into this hobby! Thanks for breaking down what comes with each kit.
I’ve purchased tools as I need them, and they go in a tool box. As my experience and types of job varies the more tools I acquire. Some tools are specialty which only have one use, there is no point to take them in a kit but great to have in a tool box that I can take with me to do repairs on friends bikes. Each kit out there has its uses depending on what you are doing, I have a food injector in my kit that I use to lube bearings. Not needed on the road but great for repairs.
I'm loving the tool videos! Can't wait for the next ones
Very interesting to have found the Joshua Bardwell of mountain biking. I could watch both of y'all's stuff forever.
One of the best things you told us all to go with any bike
An F15 multi tool
I picked this up from walmart because it was the only store open that carried a cassette removal tool:), I usually go to the bike shop close by and they let me use theirs, but THIS KIT IS GREAT!
Thanks for making this. I have an old Spin Doctor blow plastic tool kit that I've had for years. I've been researching tools because I want to upgrade a little after watching all your other videos. I feel ready to tinker a bit more. I am really looking forward to the next video comparing more tool kits.
Been a mechanic for over 30 years and definitely with tools, buy once, cry once. However, you can find decent enough quality for an average user elsewhere, perhaps in that Ozark Trail kit. I'd rather have individual allen's with a ball end or the multi tool if those were my only options instead of the 'y' wrenches. However, I do use my Y's quite a bit, but there's a lot of times it's frustrating using them or they just can't be used. Thankfully Feedback Sports has extra storage slots. I think the Ozark Trail kit fits the bill, a kid or adult that doesn't have the disposable income to buy the Feedback kit, whereas the Feedback kit, if you're going to do your own service, is what you need to be buying. This kit wasn't even on my radar, thanks for sharing with us. I definitely look forward to the comparison video of all the kits!
The walmart set reminds me of the Nashbar set from mid 90s.
Wow. This is super timely for me. I can’t wait to see the follow up head to head vid. I’ve been eyeing several of the kits that you sneak-peeked at the end.
Thanks for the comparison. Wobbly "CenterLock" / "HollowTech2" Bottom Bracket tools are a nightmare to use on disc brake locking rings 😨😨😨 $350 is nothing compared to a sliced up hand. And you get other tools as well!
I bought that same cheap kit at a flea market about 10 years ago. Maybe paid $15. Definitely got some use out of it. Still use the crank extractor, multitool, and spoke wrench to this day!
we have one of those feedback kits and it is in a lot older shape! haha nice to see one new. we love ours and its absolutely the best kit.
I use a set of parallel, jaw, pliers for truing brake rotors, they’re also nice for holding parts when using grinding wheels.
It's good to know that these bike tools from Walmart are at least up to the task in a pinch. And you sure can't beat the availability!
In Europe we have a few similar sets available in Lidl/Aldi/Decathlon. I also made a review from the Lidl Crivit set, and they are hard to beat at this price point(the Crivit bike repair stand is also a must have item).User will save a ton of money with them, if he/she has the confidence jumping into doing repairs on their own. With only a bb change and casette and chain service it will save the cost of the whole toolset.
Just got back from the hospital after breaking my collarbone, love watching the videos!
i bought a similar toolkit to the ozark trail at princess auto. the whole point for me was to have the tools while I bought better ones slowly over time. great for that purpose.
I have wrenched on many bikes using a kit similar to the Ozark Trails kit. But I also get higher end tools, such as Park Tools as I can afford them. Had to get a real tool-box to carry them all now, but it works for me.
I’ve been given a tool box like the basic one as a gift once, never used it. Had all the tools already as separate pieces, in better quality.
As a technician and hand work enthusiast, i think blow moulded cases are the best choice if the content worths, like a Bahco tubes set. They keep everything in place and are easy to pile with other tens of different cases. Soft cases always ends broken, the elastic bands loosens and the tools flies all over the place...
This is what I worry about. 5 years down the road will the elastic still hold?
@@shawnmurphy6657 no, they won't. Unless you use the tools only twice a year...
But even in that case, just the chemical composition of the rubber will tear down...
The 30$ is actually a good value especially for those that start at mountain biking
I have the Feedback kit. It's... just OK. Great for a car kit but at $350 it's expensive and isn't a good substitute for a well-thought-out toolbox for a race mechanic. I got mine on EP and it lives in my van waiting to be used. Very stylish, though.
I bought the exact same 30 dollar tool kit from Walmart and put on a sram gx cassette no problem as well as putting on new brake rotors and chain. proof that cheap tools get the job done
It feels like a pair of workshop gloves would be a good extra to go with the Ozark kit. Something to protect your hands when the tools slip!
Not just because they are lower quality and more likely to slip, but because the person using that kit is likely to have less experience and coordination using the tools and doesn't yet have the tough skin you get from years of spanner rash!
It's a great kit that would let you buy a cheap used bike then do it up, maintain it an upgrade it yourself. You could get yourself a reasonable bike for less than the cost of the feedback kit.
Yet for a skilled bike mechanic with the Feedback Kit, a stand, and a box of consumables, you could run a pop-up workshop and earn that money back again.
I cannot wait for this series, I was just getting decided on which tool box to buy and I felt a bit lost given the wiiiiide range of tools and uses there are
I actually have the feedback kit. Got it from REI on sale plus 20% off. Love it.
Those cheapo sets are great to supplement a set of good general mechanic tools with the bike-specific stuff. I already own Tekton, Wera, Knipex, Klein, etc for general car and home repair so to get all the other stuff that only has one use on bikes for little cost is perfect. Then upgrade certain tools as time goes on
Personally I'd rather buy the feedback sports case and build it up with my existing tools and the tools I need as I go.
I started wirh a generic cheap toolkit that I got as a gift. After trying to use it a few times I got so frustrated with the tools breaking or not being functional that I bought a decent one. That happened to be the feedback sport set: very happy with the upgrade + it was like 80 euros where I bought it 😊
I cheap out on the stuff that is easy to make and doesn't get used too often but when it comes to my daily/weekly use tools and some tools I just don't like cheap versions of, I fork up the money for. My unior derailleur hanger tool and my wera ratchet set have been some of my best purchases
I recently have been wanting to service my bike myself and these videos are soooooo helpful. Well done Seth. love it👍🤙
When I started getting serious about MTB, I bought something that looked like the Ozark Trail kit, but from Rose Bikes, and was about 65 Euros at the time - so not anything to brag about price-wise. However, that was 9 years ago and the tool kit still holds up. For a home mechanic, it could not be better.
I did add some small stuff to it over the years though, and those extras do not fit in the blow-molded case :) It's only a few items though.
Great video! I work at my LBS occasionally so I have access to all the tools when I am doing big things but at home I have 7 bikes and growing. Several of the bikes are mine but not all. I have been wanting to buy tools for my garage to maintain all of the bikes. Sometimes we just want to ride as a family and not have to hall the bikes to the shop. I also don’t want to spend a fortune and this video had me asking… what kit is in between the 2. Glad I watched until the end. I can’t wait to see what’s next from your channel.
I am missing the “today we are doing somthing a little different, but kind of the same?”
Can ypu do a video on where to get miscellaneous screws and bolts to fix rusted screws or stripped bolts?
I bought all my tools 1 by 1. But I do want that feedback cassette pliers!! Great vid Seth 🤙🏻
Started my bike tool journey with the Performance bike Spin Doctor tool box years ago. I think $100 or so for just about everything a home mechanic might need. As parts died or I just wanted better quality, Park, Pedro etc crept into the collection.
Locking cassette pliers - I need those. I'm not going to buy the whole kit, but I need those pliers.
The elastic wont snap back after years of use so is that better than blow molding? Nice comparison tho
my grandpa gave me an old toolkit he used for long about 1,5 years ago
its about the same as the cheap one in the video but has some more tools, it was very nice to have when i was fixing my bike but i'm still missing some stuff
Thanks for the videos Seth. I have a few people that I look forward to seeing new stuff from and you are probably my favorite! I so thought you were going to shred your knuckles on that rotor, good call skipping that.
I bought quality tools as I needed them, one by one. A couple of years later I have more or less exactly the Feedback sports kit. I paid a LOT more than 350$ for what I've got. If I were to start over I'd go with the 350$ kit, would save me a lot of time.
I'm kind of a Feedback Sports fanboy. I went from some cheap Spin Doctor bike stand to a Pro Elite from Feedback, and it's one of the best QOL upgrades I've ever done for anything! My tool kit is a mishmash. I started with something very similar to the $30 kit, and bought Park Tool versions over time for the stuff that didn't last, or with new tools I always went with Park because you can't really go wrong with them. It would be nice to have a cohesive kit like that Feedback Sports kit though.
Track the pricing on the Feeback Sports kit. I snagged it for $300 a month ago and it was at $270 when first in my cart, then next day jumped back to $350. The quality of the tools and the convenience of the case make it worth it. The case alone is available for $50, not bad for someone who already has some bike tools. The kit includes pretty much everything needed except torque wrench and bits for torque wrench.
I started with a cheap kit like that, lasted me about 10 years and stripped or built about 20 bikes. Cassette tool was the first to wear out and the chain breaker broke, but replacing both with something longer lived wasn’t expensive.
And if someone wants something in between, I'd suggest the Foundation tool kit from Jenson's. It's around 100 bucks or so, but I got mine on sale for 50 bucks at Black Friday. It comes in an actual tool box (plastic) and has allowed me to expand as I need to. Lots of options out there.
I only got my first "real" bike recently, and found myself needing the specialty tools to work on it despite having a fairly decent collection of tools for automotive and other hobby type work. The ozark trail kit seemed a decent value, $30 to get me almost everything I would need for basic maintenance, especially the niche items that can't be subbed in with more generic tools.
For someone like me that only has one bike, or even someone who has two or three bikes, I think a $350 kit from a bike shop brand is hard to justify, in the automotive world that'd be like going into debt at the snap-on or matco truck just to work on your 2005 Camry. The $30 walmart tool set gets the job done well enough. Worthless, it certainly isn't.
I actually have the $30 tool kit, haven’t been too hard on the tools but so far they’ve held up
I have a kit similar to the ozark trail one but with a few more tools. It’s was only around $20-$30 more and the tools are decent quality. The extra $5 for some park tool tire levers was more than worth it though
i got a tool back pack then add tools as i get them , and even room for first aid . and some spare parts
17:07 I use my hands 😂
I love Park Tool but they are really proud of their products.
Very happy with my last few Walmart purchases vs. Amazon. Half the price and higher quality.
I have the same tools from AliExpress, that you reviewed in your previous video plus a bike stand for repairs, even if it is the cheapest. You need bicycle tools, makes your life so much easier.
For $350 i expect to get a pelican case with custom foam inlace for every tool!
Considering one full service tune, clean and grease costs right around 350, I would consider a complete tool set for 350 bucks a very good long term investment
That's very clever marketing! :) I love it! :) :)
I don't buy tool kits, but the walmart kit seems like a good start for someone new to bike maintenance. I would toss the case and dump everything in a toolbox or something.
nice comparison. I cant wait for the video where you review more premium brand tools and medium priced ones. Wanna know how much better are e.g. Park Tool items to warrant such a price hike.
With the $30 one you can cut out the inside of the case and put foam inside and you can organise it and maybe get a bit more in, or maybe you can get something bigger for the case and that means you can get a lot more in