Maintenance tools - recommendations

[BigDL]

As someone already mentioned, tool kits usually come with a number of tools you don't need. However this X-tool kit is great. Will probably cost more to buy the BB tool, chain whip, cassette tool and chain breaker separately.

 

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/za/en/x-tools-bike-tool-kit-18-piece/rp-prod40997

Coincidentally I was looking at this exact kit this morning in CRC. Decided against it as a lot of the tools look fairly roughly finished. I'm sure it makes little difference to their use but personally I decided to just buy individual tools as and when I can afford them, but to go for better quality

 

 

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[Bateleur1]

Admit to making some mistakes ... and having to dig into the Christmas funds to get it resolved, but find it a lot more pleasurable to work on my own bike. Anyway, if you look at the regularity I do my chain and cassette (6 hours of riding), there is no way I would have those cleaned regularly at my LBS.

 

I have noticed that since I starting doing the maintenance myself I look after the chain better.  I always got good milage out of it but I do clean it more often now, especially now that I am setup to better at home.

[Odinson]

Step 5: take bike + credit card to LBS so they can fix your ####-ups.

 

(Step 5 for me, anyway)

 

Nah. 99% of bike maintenance can be done if you have the right tools and plan your work. For trickier stuff, like fork rebuilds and installing a Di2 system, most people will opt for their LBS, but if you've got the tech skillz, it's also doable at home.  

 

Last night I serviced my KS eTen dropper and it was dead simple - strip down, clean, inspect, regrease and refit.

[Hackster]

Bike tools can be divided into two groups: bike-specific tools and ordinary tools.

 

Buy the best bike-specific tools you can find. And if you don't have the bucks to buy Park level stuff, save up until you do.

 

As for the ordinary tools, find an engineering supplies or hardware shop and do your shopping there. Generally, even their entry level brands are cheaper and better than cheap bike tools.

 

Some of the cheap bike tools sold in bike shops are utter crap - it's stuff that will mess you and your bike up good and proper.

[Long Wheel Base]

Expert and OCD

 

Ultrasonic cleaner 

Needle nose grease guns with various types of grease (I have 3 in use - waterproof grease for bearings, copperslip, and teflon based grease)

Carbon paste

Blind bearing pullers

Compressor

These things rock. I bought one designed for jewelry, Does 1 chain at a time and that thing comes out like new. 

[venom1]

2 x Spray bottles (1 for Body and 1 for Crank, Chain, Cassette and Jockey)

http://www.crazydetailer.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=7&products_id=922

 

1 x Brush for the body

http://www.crazydetailer.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=21&products_id=913

 

1 x Cheapish paint brush for crank, chain and jockey.

 

1 x All Purpose Cleaner (APC)

http://www.crazydetailer.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=18&products_id=342

1 x Bottle has a mild mixture of water and APC(1 APC/10 Water) for the body 

2nd bottle has a strong mix for cranks, etc (clean APC or 1 APC/4 Water)

 

1 x Quick Detailer (if you have a Gloss Finish)

http://www.crazydetailer.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=24&products_id=849

 

1 x Microfiber cloth (to apply the Quick Detailer)

http://www.crazydetailer.co.za/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=20&products_id=1015

[V12man]

These things rock. I bought one designed for jewelry, Does 1 chain at a time and that thing comes out like new. 

They do rock - but you need to submerse your chain in lubricant afterwards to get it properly lubricated again - always wanted to try this method - but never seem to get it together, but apparently this delivers the least wattage loss of all lube types. http://www.instructables.com/id/Lubricating-a-Bicycle-Chain-using-Paraffin/?ALLSTEPS

 

I just have a flat tin of smoove - drop it in for an hour or so, hang it up to drip the excess off and bob's your aunty... (engine oil mixed with chainsaw oil should also work fine)

[Pulse]

They do rock - but you need to submerse your chain in lubricant afterwards to get it properly lubricated again - always wanted to try this method - but never seem to get it together, but apparently this delivers the least wattage loss of all lube types. http://www.instructables.com/id/Lubricating-a-Bicycle-Chain-using-Paraffin/?ALLSTEPS

 

I just have a flat tin of smoove - drop it in for an hour or so, hang it up to drip the excess off and bob's your aunty... (engine oil mixed with chainsaw oil should also work fine)

I like this idea... Will have to try it

[igg]

+1 on the cable cutters; side-cutters are a very poor substitute.

Also, make sure to get a fist full of ferrules & cable ends, as well as a few meters of cable housing.

 

A decent tyre pressure gauge is also a must have.

[Bateleur1]

Next on my list is cable cutters and then a set of torx wrenches.  I have a challange to remove the chain rings off my mtb at the moment.

[Amberdrake]

CWC has cable cutter on special atm

[Long Wheel Base]

They do rock - but you need to submerse your chain in lubricant afterwards to get it properly lubricated again - always wanted to try this method - but never seem to get it together, but apparently this delivers the least wattage loss of all lube types. http://www.instructables.com/id/Lubricating-a-Bicycle-Chain-using-Paraffin/?ALLSTEPS

 

I just have a flat tin of smoove - drop it in for an hour or so, hang it up to drip the excess off and bob's your aunty... (engine oil mixed with chainsaw oil should also work fine)

I have a plastic container with silicon oil that I leave it lying in for a bit to "soak" up the oil. I dont like using a thick oil. The silicon oil is almost like water.

 

That link looks interesting. Wouldn't mind trying it out.

Have you seen the new chains that some PRO's ride? I know DiData ride them(When Cummings won that stage at TDF the commentators where talking about his new chain). They are ceramic and apparently have virtually zero friction. Would love to know what those cost.

[V12man]

I have a plastic container with silicon oil that I leave it lying in for a bit to "soak" up the oil. I dont like using a thick oil. The silicon oil is almost like water.

 

That link looks interesting. Wouldn't mind trying it out.

Have you seen the new chains that some PRO's ride? I know DiData ride them(When Cummings won that stage at TDF the commentators where talking about his new chain). They are ceramic and apparently have virtually zero friction. Would love to know what those cost.

65GBP?

 

https://shopforwatts.co.uk/purchase/

[Long Wheel Base]

65GBP?

 

https://shopforwatts.co.uk/purchase/

I don't think they use Dura-ace chains.

Maybe ceramic speed?

http://www.ceramicspeed.com/5214.aspx

 

According to this article they cost $129 to $165

http://www.bicycling.com/bikes-gear/previews/first-look-ceramicspeeds-ufo-chain

[Chavo]

In case anyone wants to stock up on bike-specific workshop tools, a 55% off special on Pedros tools can be found here http://bikegoodies.co.za/ using the coupon code "closeout" at checkout.

 

Never bought from the site myself, but it's hard to argue with the prices once discount is applied!

[Sepia]

Coincidentally I was looking at this exact kit this morning in CRC. Decided against it as a lot of the tools look fairly roughly finished. I'm sure it makes little difference to their use but personally I decided to just buy individual tools as and when I can afford them, but to go for better quality

 

 

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Not the best set of tools but you get by.  Cheaper than Park Tool (drool)  Nothing bust yet after three years.