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MY GUIDE:Bicycle Maintenance Tool Checklist

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MY GUIDE:Bicycle Maintenance Tool Checklist
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flag road-psyclist
Posted: Jan 2, 2010 at 17:18 Quote
Hello and welcome to my guide on bike maintenance.
I have copied this information from

MBR Magazine July 2009 Issue.

The following will show you what tools you need for in the workshop and out on the trails.
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Tools for on the trails


It is important to be as self sufficient as possible when out riding.
Not only will this increase the enjoyment gained from your rides by being able to efficiently deal with mechanical problems, it might save your life.
The tools you take on a ride need to be light and compact whilst still being functional.
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Multi-Tool

A multi-tool forms the heart of your toolkit when out on the bike- Allen Key, T25 Torrx key,screwdrivers,spoke keys and tyre levers and a chain tool.
Often it is to better to have a seperate chain tool, spoke keys and tyre levers because they are usually weak features on multi tools.
Not so on the Hexus-all the features are functional making this tool an excellent blend of size and value.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://cdn.mos.bikeradar.com/images/bikes-and-gear/tools/cycling-tools/multi-tool/WMB80.gear.lezyne-399-75.jpg
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Mini-Pump

A pump is an absolute essential;you will want one that is reliable,compact and isn't a massive chore to use. Usually there is no substitute for size when it comes to pumps, but the Alloy Drive manages to be small and very efficient.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/29956.jpg
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Inner Tubes

Patching tubes is a pain- make it easy for yourself and carry atleast one of these.
Also there is no way you'll ever succesfully patch a complete blow out.

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Puncture Repair Kit

You might need to rely on this for those infuriating days when the puncture fairy is suffering from PMT or you're riding with less well prepared friends.

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Tyre Boot

If you manage to put a gash in your tyre you'll need a tyre boot to prevent the tube from herniating.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.freeflowbikes.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/b407332d007eaf8fb42c3068fa0d95a6/p/a/park-tool-tb-2-emergency-tire-boot.jpg_________________________________________________________________________________________________

Tyre Lever

One essential tool is a tyre lever, you won't be getting your tyres off without it!

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/61d/e1d/747/27630/product_page/soma-steel-core-tyre-levers-pair-.jpg?1227119732

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Leatherman/Gerber Type Multi-Tool

A multi-tool based around a set of pliersfrom a manufacturer such a Gerber or Leatherman can be invaluable for getting you out of serious trouble.
While not absolutely essential, they can be called upon to straighten mech hangers,chain rings etc, or nip off the end of a chain pin.
They also have a wealth of useful features, like blades and screw drivers.
Something like a Leatherman Wave (www.leatherman.co.uk) should fit the bill nicely.
Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.outdoorgb.com/pi/leatherman/Leatherman-Wave-Beauty-Shot.jpg
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Basic Home Tool Kit

At home you don't have to worry about portability so function is of paramount importance,
If you gain the tools and knowledge to complete tasks such as changing your chain, cassette and BB you will save yourself a whole load of time and money at the bike shop.
Buy a tool box to keep it all in.
Then if you are travelling you can put it in the boot of your car.

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Allen Keys

Multi-Tools are great for out on the trail,but you can't beat a proper set of individual L Shaped Allen Keys for function.
Look for ball-ended types to allow access to awkward areas.
Invest in a good quality set of from the likes of Bhondus,Park or Pedros- Allen bolts are by far the most popular fastner on a MTB so they'll be used often.
A range of sizes from 1.5mm to 10mm should cover pretty much everything.
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Track Pump

No matter how good your mini-pump is, even a cheap track pump will destroy it when it comes to performance. Having a decent pump also encourages you to regularly maintain your tyre pressures.
This in turn leads to less punctures on the trail and more time riding!
Look for a pump with a metal barrel and a pressure gauge.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Original/52923.jpg
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Cleaning Kit

Keeping your bike clean helps it last longer.
Cleaning your bike also offers the perfect opportunity to spot the problem areas such as cracks before they fail catastophically.
Keeping the gears and shocks clean should be your main priority.
A bucket, a selection of brushes, some cleaning spray from the likes of Muc-Off or Fenwicks and a load of rags will make the job as quick as possible.
Don't forget to correctly lube the bike afterwards though or the whole thing will seize up.

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Shock Pump

If you've got air sprung suspension on your bike, a shock pump is essential to obtain the all important correct sag.
Sag is the number one factor in correct suspension set-up. Once you have the correct pressure settings, maintain them as frequently as you would your tyre pressures.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.noahsark.co.uk/images/products/HP_PUMP.jpg
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Cable Cutters

Gear and brake cables are fairly tough and need to be cut cleanly.
Invest in a decent set of cutters and make home cable replacement a breeze.

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Chain Tool Wear Indicator

These are the tools that will save you the most money.
Being able to identify when your chain is worn and replace it yourself at home will get the maximum life out of the rest of your gears.
Component prices have recently gone through the roof so this is more relevant now than ever.
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Chain Whip HG Cassette Tool

You'll need these to replace a cassette or swap it betwwen wheels.
If you have Centre Lock disc brakes the HG tool is also used for removing/fitting rotors.

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Screw Drivers

A range of screwdrivers is needed to work on a bike.
A Phillips no2 is probably the most important as it's the one you'll require for mech adjustment.
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BB Tools

Modern BB's can have fairly short life spans- why not put the money you would have spent on labour towards the tools to do it yourself at home?

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Spoke Keys

You might not be ready to knock up a set of wheels just yet, but with a bit of patience and guidance getting your hops round again isn't too hard

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://az15862.vo.msecnd.net/dbr/ProductImages008/p8156m01_500.jpg
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Torx Keys

Torx fasteners (the six pointed star shaped ones) are being used more frequently on MTB's.
They occur most frequntly in a T25 size in the form of disc rotor bolts.

Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Images/Models/Full/10194.jpg
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Workstand

If your're attemting any home maintenence a sturdy work stand is a godsend.
It allows free rotation of the wheels and puts the bike in an ideal position so that you can work safely and comfortably- scrabbling about on all fours can take the fun out of any workshop session.
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Hope this helps Smile

Also visit the website:

http://www.wix.com/AntiScam/bicyclemaintenance
flag neex
Posted: Jan 2, 2010 at 19:56 Quote
Kinetic-UK wrote:
My website will show you which tools you need out on the trail or at home....

http://www.wix.com/AntiScam/bicyclemaintenance

Hope this helps Smile

Good idea and nice descriptive site. Maybe you should have a 'tips' section or something that mentions wrapping duct tape around the seat post, carrying zip ties, using a mounted QR as a chain tool, shoelace to keep chain together and ride out of a long haul, tuning rear derailleurs by threading the axle into the rear Dthreads, there are lots of cool things you can use a QR for (holding a bb or cassette tool from slipping as well as resetting a rivnut when a bottle cage boss is loose). Speaking of bottle cage screws (5 mm x .8 mm) - they can double in a pinch as fender screws or holding shift levers. I heard a good one also the other day for removing gear cables easily (shift into the big ring front and rear or as close as you can without damaging your drivetrain) and then WITHOUT pedalling, shift down into the granny F/R... you should be able to pluck the gear cables out with ease as long as you don't spin the pedals (this is great for a quick trailside lube job or cleaning).

Ok enough about that. Nice visuals on the site. Just make sure you give kudos where it's due. None of the above were my ideas except maybe a variation of a few. Great tips that work well nonetheless thanks in many cases to legends like Sheldon Brown.


Thanks,
Andrew.
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Jan 3, 2010 at 8:05 Quote
Cheers mate I copied it from a MBUK guide as I thought it would help other riders but yeah you have some good ideas which can stay on this thread as extra info! Smile
flag pbuser102331
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 4:49 Quote
Eek you forgot an essential item.


Unsecure image, only https images allowed: http://www.evanscycles.com/product_image/image/61d/e1d/747/27630/product_page/soma-steel-core-tyre-levers-pair-.jpg?1227119732
flag pbuser102331
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 5:00 Quote
I posted those as they can pretty much cope with any tyre/rim combo,although i still bent one on a dt rim/specialized chunder tyre.
flag ritchierich
O+
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 6:08 Quote
This post reminded me, I lost my crankbrothers multi-tool the other day, such a bummer.
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 6:13 Quote
marquis wrote:
I posted those as they can pretty much cope with any tyre/rim combo,although i still bent one on a dt rim/specialized chunder tyre.


Eek but they're steel!
flag pbuser102331
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 7:12 Quote
kinetic-uk wrote:
marquis wrote:
I posted those as they can pretty much cope with any tyre/rim combo,although i still bent one on a dt rim/specialized chunder tyre.


Eek but they're steel!

Only thin and not hardened.
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 7:14 Quote
marquis wrote:
Only thin and not hardened.


Oh right, we've got plastic ones which are pretty thick.
flag pbuser102331
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 7:24 Quote
kinetic-uk wrote:
marquis wrote:
Only thin and not hardened.


Oh right, we've got plastic ones which are pretty thick.

They just bend on dh tyres.
flag road-psyclist
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 7:31 Quote
marquis wrote:
They just bend on dh tyres.


Is it something to do with the Kevlar?
flag pbuser102331
Posted: Feb 9, 2011 at 7:33 Quote
kinetic-uk wrote:
marquis wrote:
They just bend on dh tyres.


Is it something to do with the Kevlar?

No kevlar is really plyable and comes of the rim an absolute doddle Eek it's the steel bead in the dh tyre and the extra sidewall protection that makes them tougher to get of.
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