 The Tools you need
 each part of your bike usually needs a different tool.
Here are the tools you need: Specialty tools You will need several
bicycle specific tools found only in shops and catalogs. Some tools are made for
particular brands of components, while others are more universal. If you become proficient
working on your bike, it's likely the word will spread, and you'll occasionally be fixing
others. Therefore, it's better to buy the universal tool when there is the option.
Crankarm tools.
Two tools are necessary to remove cotterless crankarms, one to unscrew the fixing bolts
and the other to pull the arms off the crank axle. Bolt wrenches cost $3 to $7 and come in
14, 15, and 16 mm. The Park universal wrench with all three sizes sells for $10 to $12. If
you own a socket driver, you may be able to get at the bolts with a thin wall socket.
Park also makes a universal extractor that services
virtually all cranks and costs $12 to $15. Otherwise, an extractor must be purchased for
each brand at $5 to $8 per tool.
Bottom bracket tools.
Nearly all bottom brackets can be serviced with two tools (in addition to the crankarm
tools). Lockring pliers have a slip joint for accommodating any size lockring. They cost
about $10 per pair. Add another $4 to $6 for a universal pin tool to fit the adjustable
cup. Generally, inexpensive fixed cup tools don't work well, and the professional tool is
expensive. So when fixed cup replacement becomes necessary, visit a pro mechanic.
If you want to work on a bike with a sealed bottom
bracket cartridge, you may have to buy tools made for the unit. Inquire at a bike shop.
Freewheel remover.
There are no universal tools in this department. Every freewheel manufacturer makes a
remover with unique dimensions. The freewheel must be removed for servicing the rear hub
and replacing spokes. Buy one remover for each brand of freewheel you plan to encounter.
The price ranges from $2.50 to $7.00.
For those of you with cassette freehubs instead of
freewheels, invest in a pair of chainwhips ($10 to $15 per pair) for removing the cogs.
Spoke wrench.
There are three common spoke nipple sizes: Japanese, French, and DT. Park makes very good
spoke wrenches in each size for around $4 each, but not a universal tool. For occasional
truing (as opposed to wheelbuilding) a $2 universal tool works fine.
Tire levers.
There's nothing better than tire levers for removing clincher tires. A set of three in
plastic, steel, or alloy won't exceed $3.
Third-hand tool.
This $2 to $4 tool holds the brake pads against the rim to free your hands for the cable
adjustment.
Chain rivet extractor.
A derailleur equipped bike doesn't have a master link in the chain, so a rivet extractor
is necessary for chain removal and installation. The Cyclo Rivoli is a good choice for
about $6.
Headset wrench.
To adjust most headsets you need a flat 32mm wrench for turning the upper race nut. Park
has one with a 15mm pedal wrench at the opposite end for about $8. Certain headsets, such
as Mavic and Shimano 600, require special tools.
Cone wrenches.
These special flat wrenches allow you to adjust and overhaul hubs. The 13mm size doubles
as a caliper centering tool in many brakesets. Buy two cone wrenches in the 13-14mm size
and two in the 15-16mm size. Pay extra to get Campagnolo, Park, or Bicycle Research,
because cheap cone wrenches don't last. Use the 17mm wrench from the box or open end set
for the occasional French locknut.
Floor pump with gauge.
Underinflated tires perform poorly, wear quickly, and contribute to rim damage. A
high-pressure pump with a built in gauge eliminates guesswork. Prices range from $20 to
$35. |
