Bike mechanics are expensive, and ive noticed not very interested in working with fixie riders. Also Im really wanting to get into bike mechanics as a hobby. As such, I need some bike specific tools. I already dont have many tools, since I dont really have many things to work on besides a bike.
Ive been shopping around. Park tools are just outta the question because of price. This set in the picture is one ive been eyeing and loosely saving up for (not a priority). Its got good reviews, reasonably priced, and seems to have even more than I would need for my fixie.
So what do you think? If you tell me its crap, try to throw me some suggestions that wont break the bank. 🙂
In addition to a fixie, my roomie has a nice road bike that needs a little work, and could be something I am able to use from time to time. So overkill or not, I just wanna learn by doing.
by analoguecycles
10 Comments
Hey maybe see if there is a bike co-op near you?
I would recommend building your toolset over time based on each project you tackle. But the Amazon stuff is unlikely to hold up, likely to round out your bolts b/c of low quality tolerances and QC.
It doesn’t have to be park tool (though I highly recommend their tools, I’ve bought individual as needed for each level of learning project). Pedro’s makes decent tools too. And basic wrenches can be found reasonably at hardware stores. Heck even hex keys are decent there.
But I’ve rounded out hex keys from Amazon, and rounded bolts on bikes with cheap “kits” like this.
Buyer beware.
compile your own tool kit over time. these premade kits are usually full of junk.
Looks like junk, personally I wouldn’t spend more than $25 on a kit like that. The few tools you would need would be low quality and make your life more difficult.
Buy a park tool 3 way tool, a metric allen wrench set, a 15mm pedal wrench (only if you have such a pedal), 15mm box end wrench for 15mm track nuts, a decent chain tool, a bottom bracket tool for whatever kind of threaded bottom bracket you have. Pedro’s tire levers, a quality 3 size spoke wrench.
You are WAAYYY better off buying what you will use rather than some junk pre-made kit.
Wera Tools have been good to me. I’ve got my aviation tools, automotive tools and bike tools. Wera is the majority of among them
I bought a cheaper version of this same brand . Honestly it’ was great all the tools were good quality especially the chain breaker .
In terms of hex wrenches I recommend Wera. Combo wrenches I’d say automotive ones from any hardware store generally speaking. Any specialty bike tools I’d say go to the bike brands (Unior, Pedro’s, Park Tool, Shimano/Pro). I have even more specific recommendations for every individual tool if you want to get deep into it. And the best all around most clutch in so many situations are Knipex pliers wrench and Knipex slip joint twin grip pliers.
Source: my tool bench.
I bought this set a year or so ago when I ran into an issue while I traveling for a race. It’s got everything you need and the quality is decent. This is all most people need. Disregard the autists saying this is junk. This set is an excellent place to start if you are just getting started with doing maintenance yourself and/or you don’t want to or can’t spend a ton of money on bike tools. There’s not much you can’t do to a bike with this kit. This has become my go to travel tool kit as I’m not going to pack tools from my garage every time I travel with the bike (3-4 times per week). I toss it in my bag and load it in the car and I’m on my way. The only thing I recommend changing at some point is the hex wrenches. They’re fine to get you started though. I recommend Wera hex wrenches (most of their tools really).
Buy nice or buy twice
I have the exact kit in the photo. It has been really nice, the only tools I have purchased was a chain whip for a 1/8 x 1/2 chain, and a bottom bracket tool for my SRAM Omniums. Other than that, I’ve used basically every tool in the kit multiple times and they have all been great!