Cycle Tools / recommendation

[Giant-Churchy]

Hello all,

I have a wide range of tools to repair cars, motorbikes and DIY around the house but I don't have any specific Bike tools. As I am doing more cycling and have a road and mountain bike ill be carrying out more maintenance. I do enjoy tinkering and altering things as well. For example plans to change my commuter to SS.

My question is, are there any tool kits that are reasonably comprehensive for cycle repairs. I have been looking at the park AK38 kits but wanted others advice and experiences.

Thanks all

 

[helston90]

As with buying a bike- buy the best tools you can afford.
The kit you mention is up there with the best and should have everything you need for routine maintenance (including the bottle opener).
Avoid the temptation to buy cheap or you will buy twice- he says looking at his rounded spanners and sheared philips screwdrivers.

 

[smokeysmoo]

The only things you need 'specialist' tools for are things like bottom brackets, hubs, chains and spokes. Most other things can be fettled with everyday tools like allen wrenches, torx drives, sockets, spanners and srewdrivers.

Park Tools are the dogs goolies, but then again they are designed for professional everyday use and in most cases are overkill for the man in the street, (but yes I do have some myself!).

In reality cheaper tools can last perfectly well for the DIY bike mechanic. Ice Toolz, Lifeline, Topeak and Fat Spanner for example all make decent tools that don't cost the earth, and that IME the ones I have will probably outlast me.

I'd rather invest in a decent set of allen wrenches that will be used often than a decent BB spanner that will only be used once in a blue moon, but maybe that's just me?

The trouble with toolkits is there will be stuff in there that you never use/need. My advice would be to get the specialist tools you need as you go along, (as per your other thread about your drivetrain), and just add them to the rest of your existing tool kits, you'll probably find you don't need that much after all.

 

[Giant-Churchy]

The only things you need 'specialist' tools for are things like bottom brackets, hubs, chains and spokes. Most other things can be fettled with everyday tools like allen wrenches, torx drives, sockets, spanners and srewdrivers.

Park Tools are the dogs goolies, but then again they are designed for professional everyday use and in most cases are overkill for the man in the street, (but yes I do have some myself!).

In reality cheaper tools can last perfectly well for the DIY bike mechanic. Ice Toolz, Lifeline, Topeak and Fat Spanner for example all make decent tools that don't cost the earth, and that IME the ones I have will probably outlast me.

I'd rather invest in a decent set of allen wrenches that will be used often than a decent BB spanner that will only be used once in a blue moon, but maybe that's just me?

The trouble with toolkits is there will be stuff in there that you never use/need. My advice would be to get the specialist tools you need as you go along, (as per your other thread about your drivetrain), and just add them to the rest of your existing tool kits, you'll probably find you don't need that much after all.

I think we are both thinking alike I will do as your suggested. I am a sucker for a good quality tool though. After all I am in my 20s still so could get some useage. Im also a sucker for a nice looking tool kit full of tools you never use haha I must change .....!

 

[smokeysmoo]

I'm also a sucker for a nice looking tool kit full of tools you never use haha I must change .....!

You will..............................when your bank account is empty

 

[Giant-Churchy]

You will..............................when your bank account is empty

So true roll on payday

 

[slowmotion]

I have always bought good tools for use at work. It makes sense. You work faster and better. Much as I enjoy cycling, I'm not going to be using bike tools regularly on my bikes so I don't buy professional quality ones. I would rather spend the money on something else. If money was no object, I would buy Park Tools, without doubt.

 

[screenman]

I would say get the straight away, that way if I find a tool we do not have I can pop in and borrow it.

One thing I know is that nobody ever regrets buying quality.

 

[Giant-Churchy]

We all agree that park tools are worth the money and not over priced badge statements. Thanks