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There are two things you can do to get the most enjoyment out of cycling. \u00a0As a beginning cyclist the first important thing that you should do is to get the\u00a0best bike fit that you can.\u00a0 If your bike\u00a0doesn’t fit you right then you will not have the desire to ride and your bike, no matter how much it cost you, will soon become a great place to collect dust and hang stuff.<\/p>\n
But that’s probably not why you’re reading this article – you’re here to find the basic tools for beginning cyclists. \u00a0So, the second thing you can do to ensure that you have many enjoyable years on the bike is to learn how to maintain your bike and do basic repairs and upgrades. \u00a0We’re not talking about a full rebuild of your hubs or anything complicated like that. \u00a0What we’re saying is that there are few tools that every cyclist should have in order to perform the routine weekly, monthly, quarterly, annual or mileage-based maintenance. \u00a0(Check out our maintenance how-to articles<\/a> to get tips to keep your bike on the road)<\/p>\n We’ve compiled an extensive list of the Essential Bike Tools that every cyclist should have<\/a> on the next page but what are the basic bike tools that you need to just get by? \u00a0Most would agree that, aside from a good set of tire levers, 90% of all routine bike maintenance can be done with basic garage tools. \u00a0We’re not talking about anything special, just a basic tools that you can get from your local automotive, department or hardware store. \u00a0You will want to make sure you at least have the following in your bike-ready repair kit:<\/p>\n That’s it. \u00a0There isn’t much else that you will need to do basic maintenance on your bike. \u00a0The 6\u00a0item categories above will allow you to perform most easy adjustments & fixes. \u00a0I know there will be many who will argue with this list because we didn’t include a chain whip, or a chain break or a cable cutters. \u00a0We know that. \u00a0We’re not talking about the “Essential Bike Tools<\/a>“, we’re just talking about the Basic Tools here. \u00a0Now as you get more into cycling and as you become more familiar with wrenching on your bike, you will want to get the more bike-friendly versions of these tools. \u00a0Like T-Handle hex wrenches and cone wrenches as they are more effective. \u00a0But basically these are what you will need to get started. \u00a0Check out our how-to articles<\/a>, reviews<\/a>\u00a0and tool rankings<\/a> to see which of these basic tools are the best.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n As mentioned before, there are many tools that are specific to just one type of part or one manufacturer. \u00a0In the past there weren’t any standards or parts that were universal in the bike world so many of the older tools are unique and specific. \u00a0However for most newer bikes there are a few different categories of tools specific to working on your bike. \u00a0Here is a quick list of some of the more ubiquitous bike tools and a brief explanation. \u00a0This list is basically a reference with links to various pages within the site as well as external links to some of the best examples of each tool in the various categories. \u00a0Click on the tool names to see the review archive for each tool type. \u00a0Please let us know if we’re missing any.<\/p>\n Basic Bike Tools<\/strong> – we like to call these your “garage tools” these are the tools (or tool sets) that you can buy at your local big box store (or from a tool truck) and you use them around the house. \u00a0If you want to go high-end on these, there’s nothing wrong with that. \u00a0Most bike repairs done at home can be done with a good set of garage tools.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Bike Work Stands<\/a><\/strong> – A bike work stand, bike maintenance stand or bike repair stand as they are sometimes called is basically a device that was created to hold your bike in place while you work on it. \u00a0It brings the bike up to a comfortable level so you don’t have to bend over to work on your bike. \u00a0They usually have a clamp which attaches to your bike’s seatpost or another part of the bike to hold it in place (although some attach to the forks and bottom bracket). \u00a0There are 4 different types of bike work stands. \u00a0There are fixed stands which usually bolt to the ground and are mostly used in a larger shops, there are portable stands, fixed bench\/wall stands which bolt to a work bench or a wall, and then there are some which attach to the bottom bracket or frame. \u00a0\u00a0They\u00a0could easily fall into the “essential tool” category as they are great for working on your bike, storage and cleaning. \u00a0Please check out our extensive section on bike work stands.<\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Hub, Wheel & Tire Tools<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0– We think it goes without saying that second to your running gears (cranks, chain, cassette, etc.) the tires are some of the most important components on your bike. \u00a0If your tires aren’t at the correct pressure, if your wheels\/rims aren’t aligned correctly (aka True), or if your bearings don’t spin freely you will introduce a significant amount of resistance which will make your rides less enjoyable and frustrating. \u00a0Here are some of the tools you might need or encounter related to your hubs, wheels & tires.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Brake Tools<\/a><\/strong> – Brake tools are used to adjust caliper, cantilever and disc brakes as well as adjust the cables or hydraulic lines which are used to actuate the brakes. Here are a few of the tools you will find that are specific for bike brakes.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Cassette & Chain Tools<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0– most of the tools in this group are used to keep the rear section or your running gears operating properly. \u00a0The front cranks\/chainrings, the cassette, deraillers (front & rear) and the chain make up the running gear. \u00a0It is recommended that you service, or completely replace, your chain and cassette every 1500-2000 miles.<\/p>\n Headset Tools<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0– Steering a bike is one of the most important things you can do when riding. \u00a0The following tools will help you maintain and repair almost every part of the steering component group. \u00a0The headset is the front section of the bike frame where\u00a0the headset is where your forks and handlebars\/stem meet.<\/p>\n Bottom Bracket & Crankset Tools<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0– The front section of the running gears are comprised of the bottom bracket, crankset, chainrings and pedals. \u00a0The parts that go into this section are usually pretty robust since they experience a significant amount of force during rides. \u00a0It’s important to keep this area clean, lubed and tight.<\/p>\n Bike Tool Kits<\/a><\/strong>\u00a0–\u00a0A bike tool kit is a quick way to purchase most of the essential tools that you’ll need to work on your bike. \u00a0It’s also a great way to make one quick purchase and ensure that all of your tools are of the same quality, have the same warranty and can be stored easily. \u00a0We’ve compiled a great buying guide on bike tool kits with rankings, reviews and helpful information<\/a>. \u00a0Below are a few different tool kit classifications.<\/p>\n The table below provides a set of quick links to all of the reviews in each of the six bike tool categories. \u00a0The links below will take you to an archive listing of the different review articles and posts about the topics.<\/p>\n\n
*Tire levers are the only tool on this list that are specific to bikes. \u00a0See below for links to some of the best tire levers around.<\/h6>\n
\nBike Tool Introduction & Definitions<\/h2>\n
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![\"Page_Header_Bike-Work-Stand\"](\"https:\/\/cranxx.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Page_Header_Bike-Work-Stand.png\")
<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Page_Header_Hub-Wheel-Tire-Tools\"](\"https:\/\/cranxx.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Page_Header_Hub-Wheel-Tire-Tools.png\")
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![\"Page_Header_Cassette&Chain\"](\"https:\/\/cranxx.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Page_Header_CassetteChain.png\")
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![\"Page_Header_Headset-Tools\"](\"https:\/\/cranxx.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Page_Header_Headset-Tools.png\")
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![\"Page_Header_Tool-Kits\"](\"https:\/\/cranxx.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/02\/Page_Header_Tool-Kits.png\")
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So, which of these tools do you really need? \u00a0What are the basic tools you need and which specific bike tools are essential<\/a>?<\/h3>\n
Bike Tool Quick Links - View Category Archives<\/h2>\n\n
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\n\t \nTool Types<\/th> Description & Uses<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Basic Tools<\/a><\/h4><\/td>
These are the basic tools which should be found in any shop, garage or tool kit. These include wrenches, screwdrivers, allen keys, sockets, ratchets, hammers, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t EDC Tools<\/a><\/h4><\/td>
Everyday Carry Tools: These are the tools that you should take with you on every ride and, in some cases, you should carry with you all the time \"just in case\". Examples of EDC Tools would be a mini pump, a bike multi tool, patches, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Essential Tools<\/a><\/h4><\/td>
Much like the \"Basic Tools\" from above, these are the tools that you should have in your toolbox no matter what type of bike you ride. These tools are the essential tools to own to maintain and repair your bike. This would include a bike work stand, a chain stretch gauge, a chain whip, a set of allen keys, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Tool Sets<\/a><\/h4><\/td>
There are so many different bike tool sets out there. This is an archive of all the tool sets we've reviewed and more information on each one (with a category ranking and where to get more information). These sets range from small and cheap to very large and expensive.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Specialty Tools<\/a><\/h4><\/td>
There are a few specialty bike tools out there that are bike specific, brand specific or are used or special bike repairs\/rebuilds. We still review those so you can review an archive of the specialty bike tools. Some specialty bike tools include the headset press, a truing stand, a frame stretcher, and many others.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Innovative Tools<\/a><\/h4><\/td>
What's new and innovative in the bike tool world. Most people think we've gone as far as we can go in this realm - then someone comes up with a new tool! Here are some of the newest that we've seen. <\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<\/p>\n
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