Starter Tool Kit - Youth
Discussion
I would start with a small toolbox and add a few items from below dependent on budget. Alternatively one of the sets liek the one posted above although I find the quality can vary massively on those types of things
some good quality allen keys - preferably without a ball joint so bolts don't get rounded (or a set with and without)
a few good quality screwdrivers
chain breaker
spoke tensioner
tyre levers
multitool for on the go
track pump
brake bleed kit / pliers and cutters dependent on brake type!
some good quality allen keys - preferably without a ball joint so bolts don't get rounded (or a set with and without)
a few good quality screwdrivers
chain breaker
spoke tensioner
tyre levers
multitool for on the go
track pump
brake bleed kit / pliers and cutters dependent on brake type!
Dont buy that kit above.
Buying a 'kit' like that is going to mean you have a very high chance of buying a load of tools that are no good.
Will his new bike have cup+cone hubs? A Square Taper Bottom Bracket? Brake Cables?
I havent used a 'spanner' on a bike for about 20 years.
Buy the right tools to suit the bike - and this will vary depending on what he's got, a mid-range and up modern bike or a supermarket BSO.
Good quality Allen/Hex Keys. Good quality Torx keys. Plastic Tyre Levers. A Track Pump. A Tubeless Kit. Some spare valves. A Chain tool. Chain wear indicator. Lube. etc etc...
Buying a 'kit' like that is going to mean you have a very high chance of buying a load of tools that are no good.
Will his new bike have cup+cone hubs? A Square Taper Bottom Bracket? Brake Cables?
I havent used a 'spanner' on a bike for about 20 years.
Buy the right tools to suit the bike - and this will vary depending on what he's got, a mid-range and up modern bike or a supermarket BSO.
Good quality Allen/Hex Keys. Good quality Torx keys. Plastic Tyre Levers. A Track Pump. A Tubeless Kit. Some spare valves. A Chain tool. Chain wear indicator. Lube. etc etc...
Come on, you know the rules about tools: it has to be Wera:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-Bicycle-Set-Pieces-0...
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wera-Bicycle-Set-Pieces-0...
snotrag said:
Dont buy that kit above.
Buying a 'kit' like that is going to mean you have a very high chance of buying a load of tools that are no good.
Will his new bike have cup+cone hubs? A Square Taper Bottom Bracket? Brake Cables?
I havent used a 'spanner' on a bike for about 20 years.
Buy the right tools to suit the bike - and this will vary depending on what he's got, a mid-range and up modern bike or a supermarket BSO.
Good quality Allen/Hex Keys. Good quality Torx keys. Plastic Tyre Levers. A Track Pump. A Tubeless Kit. Some spare valves. A Chain tool. Chain wear indicator. Lube. etc etc...
This.Buying a 'kit' like that is going to mean you have a very high chance of buying a load of tools that are no good.
Will his new bike have cup+cone hubs? A Square Taper Bottom Bracket? Brake Cables?
I havent used a 'spanner' on a bike for about 20 years.
Buy the right tools to suit the bike - and this will vary depending on what he's got, a mid-range and up modern bike or a supermarket BSO.
Good quality Allen/Hex Keys. Good quality Torx keys. Plastic Tyre Levers. A Track Pump. A Tubeless Kit. Some spare valves. A Chain tool. Chain wear indicator. Lube. etc etc...
I'd start with decent hex keys and maybe a torque wrench kit - I have got a really good "X Tools" branded one that is specific for bikes and gets more use than my much more expensive 1/4" torque wrench.
A chain wear indicator and chain tool are also a good shout, and maybe kit to replace the bottom bracket/cassette, but that depends on what is fitted to the bike. They likely won't be used for a while either.
Bike stand.
Get it right from the start. It makes everything easier especially, washing, drivetrain cleaning and lube which is 90% of bike maintenance.
It only took me 30 years to learn
I've got a cheap kit from Wiggle similar to the Halfords one that I chuck in the van and does the job for holidays but wouldn't recommend it for regular use. Building up quality tools from Park etc. makes more sense than buying a cheap kit where many of the tools may be obsolete on modern bike and the one you use frequently are of lesser quality.
Get it right from the start. It makes everything easier especially, washing, drivetrain cleaning and lube which is 90% of bike maintenance.
It only took me 30 years to learn
I've got a cheap kit from Wiggle similar to the Halfords one that I chuck in the van and does the job for holidays but wouldn't recommend it for regular use. Building up quality tools from Park etc. makes more sense than buying a cheap kit where many of the tools may be obsolete on modern bike and the one you use frequently are of lesser quality.
If he doesn't have a multitool to take on rides then start there, you can do most adjustment and maintenance with one. 2.5 / 4 / 5 / 6 / 8 hex, T25 Torx and a chain breaker covers all most modern bikes need. That plus a pump, tyre levers and patches (or a jabber if tubeless) covers most problems.
Things like bottom brackets, freehubs, headsets, etc need specialist tools so just buy when you need them.
Things like bottom brackets, freehubs, headsets, etc need specialist tools so just buy when you need them.
Like many things, having the right tool to use makes life so much easier. (Cycle clothing is other area this is very valid to make life more enjoyable). Park Tool is my go to and can vouch they last for years, so initial cost is a bit higher but they are good quality.
You’ll also need decent products for maintenance also. Chain lube, cleaning stuff, brake cleaner etc.
More of a road bike perspective, but many things should be similar.
Don’t go too big at the start. Essentials off the top of my head…
- Bike stand. Everything is easier to do from this essential.
- Allen keys. (Park tool - ‘P handle’ ones are excellent). Probably only need 2-3 sizes to start with.
- Torque wrench. (Essential if carbon fibre involved)
- Track pump and potentially an air blaster thing if fitting tubeless. Some track pumps now have them as part of it.
- Piston press for disc brakes
- Cassette / Disc brake tool- Fitting/removing cassette or disc brakes. Does both.
- Chain whip
- Chain scrubber
- Small screwdriver as required for the small brake parts.
- Chain breaker and a chain stretch guide.
- micro fibre cloths for wiping chain, cleaning.
- Specific brushes for cleaning drivetrain.
I do regular maintenance/cleaning which is most important part, but some jobs I save for the bike mechanic and don’t have tools for the rare things like changing a bottom bracket. I would like to get the tools to bleed and do my own disc brakes next.
Once you know what components you have, like chain, brake pads, brake disc. Look out for when sales are on and worth having a spare, so when things do need a natural replacement, you’re good to go without having to wait and may be stock issues or pay more than necessary. Spare tyre/s also.
You’ll also need decent products for maintenance also. Chain lube, cleaning stuff, brake cleaner etc.
More of a road bike perspective, but many things should be similar.
Don’t go too big at the start. Essentials off the top of my head…
- Bike stand. Everything is easier to do from this essential.
- Allen keys. (Park tool - ‘P handle’ ones are excellent). Probably only need 2-3 sizes to start with.
- Torque wrench. (Essential if carbon fibre involved)
- Track pump and potentially an air blaster thing if fitting tubeless. Some track pumps now have them as part of it.
- Piston press for disc brakes
- Cassette / Disc brake tool- Fitting/removing cassette or disc brakes. Does both.
- Chain whip
- Chain scrubber
- Small screwdriver as required for the small brake parts.
- Chain breaker and a chain stretch guide.
- micro fibre cloths for wiping chain, cleaning.
- Specific brushes for cleaning drivetrain.
I do regular maintenance/cleaning which is most important part, but some jobs I save for the bike mechanic and don’t have tools for the rare things like changing a bottom bracket. I would like to get the tools to bleed and do my own disc brakes next.
Once you know what components you have, like chain, brake pads, brake disc. Look out for when sales are on and worth having a spare, so when things do need a natural replacement, you’re good to go without having to wait and may be stock issues or pay more than necessary. Spare tyre/s also.
I’m a bit of a tart when it comes to tools and generally go for parktool because of the quality of the tool and warranty they stand by (had one of their stands break on me and they sent a replacement part for free). For more general tools I’m more than happy to mix and match brands though so have bits from wera, bahco, silverline. For reference I’ve spent years carrying out mechanical maintenance in heavy engineering setting so like tools I swear by, not at.
I would say tool kick to get you started should include Allen keys, small socket set/bit sets, rubber hammer, spoke key, chain checker, chain splitter, cassette removal tool, pump and shock pump. Everything else starts becoming based on ability and how far you want to carry out the work yourself (bleeding brakes, suspension service, cutting down handle bars…)
I would say tool kick to get you started should include Allen keys, small socket set/bit sets, rubber hammer, spoke key, chain checker, chain splitter, cassette removal tool, pump and shock pump. Everything else starts becoming based on ability and how far you want to carry out the work yourself (bleeding brakes, suspension service, cutting down handle bars…)
https://www.bikeparts.co.uk/products/park-tool-sk-...
Forgotten lots of other smaller items like tyre leavers and cable cutters that I always end up using
Forgotten lots of other smaller items like tyre leavers and cable cutters that I always end up using
Edited by mattvanders on Tuesday 16th December 12:44
I've got a Park multitool/allen key set which I've had for easily 25 years now and its still in use almost every time I enter the bike cave so I'd definitely go quality like Park.
In terms of what to buy - allen keys, torx bits (maybe get a trail tool type thing but also a ratchet type tool with interchangeable heads for workshop fettling), tyre levers, snips for cable cutting and to be honest, I wouldn't go much further straight away. Things like BB and cassette tools would be good but there are so many bloody standards out there now that you need to make sure you're getting the right one - I now own 4 tools for external type bottom brackets!
In terms of what to buy - allen keys, torx bits (maybe get a trail tool type thing but also a ratchet type tool with interchangeable heads for workshop fettling), tyre levers, snips for cable cutting and to be honest, I wouldn't go much further straight away. Things like BB and cassette tools would be good but there are so many bloody standards out there now that you need to make sure you're getting the right one - I now own 4 tools for external type bottom brackets!
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