Useful tools

[LosingGrip]

I've just got a new bike . I've got zero tools though...

What tools would you say are a must?

[lufbramatt]

Defo worth getting:
Decent set of hex (allen) wrenches/keys or a 1/4" socket set with hex sockets
track pump + shock pump if you have air suspension
tyre levers
cone/pedal spanners
pot of grease
chain lube
Degreaser etc.

If you want to get more involved:
chain tool (may not need this if you have a quick link)
cable cutters
cassette lockring tool and cassette holder thing
bottom bracket tool (depends if you have a threaded bottom bracket or not)
spoke keys (use with caution....)

Nice to have:
workstand
low range torque wrench

[LosingGrip]

Thanks!

[daddy cool]

lufbramatt said:

chain tool (may not need this if you have a quick link)

I would say you still want a (mini) chain tool to bring with you on rides - when I snap a chain its generally a normal link that goes, rather than a quick link, so you need the tool to remove the broken bits (and also bring a couple of quicklinks too)

Also, at home I have the proper (and ridiculously expensive) quicklink removal/fitting pliers... I remember back when I first used quicklinks on a 9-spd chain I could remove them with my fingers. Now 2 of my bikes are 11-spd and one is 12-spd, the chains and links are so narrow theres no chance without mechanical help...

[lufbramatt]

Have to say I don't have quick links on any of my bikes so not very familiar to them! I do carry a little Park mini chain tool but in 25 years of cycling I've never needed it (touch wood....)

[Simes205]

I’ve had quick links for 15 years, until last year I didn’t realise there was an actual tool for them! I now have two.
You’ll need a chain tool regardless of quick link as new chains always need shortening.

Back to tools invest in ‘park tools’ brand.
https://youtu.be/GFksprvmP1g

Edited by Simes205 on Tuesday 3rd March 15:59

[cml24]

You could certainly buy the top list now (I'd add spare inner tube if not tubeless), and then buy the things on the bottom list as and when you need them.

If you don't ride much it could be a long time before some parts need replacing.

[LosingGrip]

cml24 said:

You could certainly buy the top list now (I'd add spare inner tube if not tubeless), and then buy the things on the bottom list as and when you need them.

If you don't ride much it could be a long time before some parts need replacing.

That's what im going to do . Im useless with this type of thing but can change a tyre etc.

[HARTLEYHARE1]

Anyone of you fine people have a link to a compressor type to blow up my road bike tyres ??

I’m simply getting lazy but need a pump regardless

Thank you

[jesusbuiltmycar]

A derailleur hanger alignment tool - it is amaing how easilly they go out of alignment! A bent derailleur is quite often the cause of shifting issues!



https://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-x-tools-pro-gear...

[GOATever]

That should do.

Edited by GOATever on Thursday 5th March 04:15

[yellowjack]

To change a gear cassette you will need a lockring tool (socket-like thing), and something to hold the cassette while you loosen off the lock ring.

If anyone suggests you buy a "Chain Whip" immediately strike them from your Christmas card list.

What you actually need is Decathlon's 'Cassette Removal Tool'. I'd link you to it, but Decathlon's site isn't letting me in right now. But trust me - compared to a traditional "chain whip" it is orders of magnitude easier to use, and far, far kinder to your knuckles...

[yellowjack]

yellowjack said:

To change a gear cassette you will need a lockring tool (socket-like thing), and something to hold the cassette while you loosen off the lock ring.

If anyone suggests you buy a "Chain Whip" immediately strike them from your Christmas card list.

What you actually need is Decathlon's 'Cassette Removal Tool'. I'd link you to it, but Decathlon's site isn't letting me in right now. But trust me - compared to a traditional "chain whip" it is orders of magnitude easier to use, and far, far kinder to your knuckles...

Hmmm? As suggested, I cleared all cookies, but Decathlon's (UK) website isn't playing still. Here's a link to a non-UK Decathlon site so you know what to look for... https://www.decathlon.ie/ie_en/chain-whip-cassette...


Compared to this item, anything that looks like a handle with a length of chain attached to it is no more than scrap. It really is that much better.

[millen]

Interesting, Yellowjack, but can you explain how that BTWin device actually works to hold the cassette firmly when attacking the removal 'nut' with a long torque wrench?

I gave up on my shiny new carbons with a traditional chain whip once I got to 50 Nm (against a rated 40 Nm). The LBS loosened it in a few seconds using a natty large pair of pliers (or tongs?) with curved toothed jaws to hold a sprocket very securely. I imagine it costs a lot more than a basic chain whip but might be worth it for peace of mind with delicate wheels? Anyway, a quick google didn't find me anything similar so I'd best ask the LBS what make it is.

[lufbramatt]

The three round prongs around a hole fit into the teeth of the smallest sprocket and hold the cassette still. It has different sets of prongs for different sprocket sizes.

[snotrag]

lufbramatt said:

Ido carry a little Park mini chain tool but in 25 years of cycling I've never needed it

That's why you carry it!

[the tribester]

yellowjack said:

To change a gear cassette you will need a lockring tool (socket-like thing), and something to hold the cassette while you loosen off the lock ring.

If anyone suggests you buy a "Chain Whip" immediately strike them from your Christmas card list.

What you actually need is Decathlon's 'Cassette Removal Tool'. I'd link you to it, but Decathlon's site isn't letting me in right now. But trust me - compared to a traditional "chain whip" it is orders of magnitude easier to use, and far, far kinder to your knuckles...

That's the first time I've seen one of those!

Decathlon B'Twin chain whip

it says ''to remove cassettes with 11 to 14-tooth cogs and 7 to 11-speed cassettes'' but I can't see a reason for it not to work on my 11-50 12 speed cassette.

[yellowjack]

the tribester said:

That's the first time I've seen one of those!

Decathlon B'Twin chain whip

it says ''to remove cassettes with 11 to 14-tooth cogs and 7 to 11-speed cassettes'' but I can't see a reason for it not to work on my 11-50 12 speed cassette.

It certainly should do. Depth of cassette has no bearing on the operation of the tool - it is governed by the spacing of the pins, and only interacts with the smallest ring on the cassette. It won't work on a 10-tooth cassette ring, or at least not as securely as it should. But an 11-tooth small ring on a 12-speed cassette ought to work fine.

[yellowjack]

millen said:

Interesting, Yellowjack, but can you explain how that BTWin device actually works to hold the cassette firmly when attacking the removal 'nut' with a long torque wrench?

I gave up on my shiny new carbons with a traditional chain whip once I got to 50 Nm (against a rated 40 Nm). The LBS loosened it in a few seconds using a natty large pair of pliers (or tongs?) with curved toothed jaws to hold a sprocket very securely. I imagine it costs a lot more than a basic chain whip but might be worth it for peace of mind with delicate wheels? Anyway, a quick google didn't find me anything similar so I'd best ask the LBS what make it is.

Proper link, now it's working again... https://www.decathlon.co.uk/chain-whip-cassette-re...

As to how to use it?

Select the appropriate hole for your cassette size (for your smallest sprocket/highest gear). Slide the tool over the centre of the axle, locating those three pins in the teeth of the sprocket. Then slide the cassette lock ring tool into the axle (through the hole in the Decathlon tool) and locate the splines in the lock ring. I use a ½ inch Square Drive 'T' bar on my lock ring tool. If you locate the two tools close to one another you can squeeze them together like a pair of pliers or a pipe wrench. As soon as the lock ring breaks torque, it'll spin off easily enough. So long as you've located the pins properly, they'll "lock" to the teeth, as there is a slight recess machined around each pin, so a little bit of jiggling is needed to remove the tool from the teeth. I have skinned so many knuckles using traditional chain whips varying in quality from home made, to cheap shop bought, to brand name expensive. I have never had this tool slip yet. It saves time, saves on spilled blood, and saves a lot of swearing. I wouldn't be without it now. I bought it at £11.99, it seems to be £12.99 now. But it's not as if it'll wear out, and it's a forever tool too. For the sake of what? Less than a decent Indian takeaway? The sooner you get one, the cheaper it'll be per use over it's lifetime. And you'll thank me for saving you the calories in that takeaway too...

There's a video on the product page, too, if I haven't explained clearly enough... https://www.decathlon.co.uk/chain-whip-cassette-re... ...just click on the video 'play button' icon under the thumbnail images on the product page, and it'll open a short video (no dialogue) down the page.

[Paul Drawmer]

I bought one of the above Decathlon tools after seeing it on here a couple of years ago.

It's BLOODY GOOD!