Riding a bike is a lot of fun. But, like other modes of transport, it is subject to breakdown. And in which part a malfunction will occur and how far it will be from home, it is impossible to predict. To prevent such situations, it is necessary to have a minimum set of bicycle tools with you that will help you make urgent repairs.
In addition, for quality service at home, the cyclist must purchase a minimum set of tools that will help the bike stay in service for a long time.
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There are situations when some kind of breakdown occurs during riding. Therefore, it is worth carrying a set of tools that will help to repair bicycles on the spot. Usually they are quite compact, so it will not be difficult to have them with you.
Consider the main items that you may need when traveling long distances, as well as their features and characteristics.
Hexagons will help if you need to more tightly fix loose threaded connections, to remove and replace pads on the brake system, speed switch, or adjust the height of the steering wheel. In cycling, you can find bolts of different sizes, ranging from the smallest - 1 mm, ending with a size of 10 mm. Therefore, every cyclist should have a quality set of hexagons.
Depending on what exactly you need to tighten the bolt, the required size will be selected. 6-10mm hex sockets are for pedals or crankset, and for adjusting the brake levers, you will need a 1 or 1.5mm size. For handlebar, fender or rack settings, a fourth size is usually used, and a 5mm hex key is required to adjust the brakes.
This device is designed to remove the damaged link in the chain, in case of breakage.Also, in situations where there is a need to remove the entire chain in order to replace it, the user cannot do without squeezing. There are small, compact chain lock pullers available to take on your bike ride.
The cassette is the part with which the gears are switched. It consists of metal stars, which are interconnected by fasteners and is located on the rear wheel.
In order to access the spokes, change the cassette or adjust the rear wheel, the cassette must be removed. In this case, it is worth using a special item - a cassette remover.
It is necessary in case of damage to the camera. A compact tool should always be on the road: it will allow you to inflate the wheel in order to get to the place. But quickly getting the necessary pressure with a portable pump will not work.
This is a multifunctional tool kit that includes accessories for emergency repairs. Usually it includes hexagons of different sizes, as well as two types of screwdrivers - Phillips and flat.
But on sale there are kits with a large number of parts, which may include a chain squeezer, a knife or pliers. In the event of a bike breakdown on the road, with the help of a multi-tool you can repair the chain or adjust the brakes and spokes, as well as remove the tire.
The main advantage of such sets is their compactness. They fit easily into a pocket or can be carried around as a keychain. Having a small weight and size, such a thing is considered necessary in the arsenal of a cyclist.
When the camera is punctured on the road, with the help of a bicycle first-aid kit, you can fix the wheel with a patch for further travel.This kit includes "raw" rubber, glue and sandpaper. A first-aid kit should always be with you, as tire breaking is the most common breakdown.
Used to install and tension the wheel spokes. The most common problem that this tool can solve is the deformation of the spokes, the so-called "eight". But it is not easy to perform this procedure on your own, so it is better to contact a specialist. If the user has studied the information on how to properly use such an item, then you can try to solve the problem yourself.
Such a device will help to remove the tire without much effort. Commercially available plastic or metal spatulas. But it is better to buy from plastic, because if you move it carelessly, the metal can catch the camera and damage it. Thanks to its compactness, this tool can be taken with you on any trip.
Consider the repair supplies that every cyclist should have to service a more serious breakdown or to adjust certain parts of the bike.
With their help, the adjustment of bearings, disassembly and adjustment of the wheel hub is performed. Due to its small thickness, the key gains access to the node.
With frequent cycling, the cables and jackets (cable sheath) on the brakes begin to stretch over time. Therefore, it becomes necessary to shorten them a little so that they do not interfere with further trips. For this, it is best to use special wire cutters. They will help to make the cut even, so that the cable does not diverge further and does not fray.After notching, it is recommended to put a special tip on the received end of the cable: it will not allow further divergence of the cable.
It is not recommended to perform such a procedure with pliers, then the incision itself will not turn out even and will begin to bloom quickly. Therefore, wire cutters are an essential element in the repair of bicycles.
They are needed in order to adjust the speed switches or to fix the on-board computer, flashers, etc. Flat and Phillips screwdrivers are usually suitable.
To remove the pedals from the bike, it is worth purchasing such a tool, since its section is thin enough to penetrate the hole between the pedal and the crank. But if there is no such tool, and the pedals need to be removed, for example, to transport a bicycle, then you can use a 15 mm wrench - it will also cope with the task.
Floor models are adapted for quick inflation of wheels of different diameters. Some types are equipped with a pressure gauge, which allows you to pump up the wheel to the required pressure. This tool is a must have for every cyclist.
Pedals and chainrings are attached to the cranks. To gain access to the bottom bracket, which is located behind the cranks, they must be removed. Depending on what kind of mount the bottom bracket has, a crank puller is distinguished for square or slotted mounts.
When the chain begins to wear out, it stretches and, accordingly, increases in length. Outwardly, it is very difficult to determine this, so it is better to purchase a special device that will determine the degree of wear.According to the indicators indicated on the tool, it is possible to determine whether it is worth replacing only the chain or the rear sprockets also need to be replaced.
These types of wrenches are necessary for tightening bolts that have “stars” on their hats. Most often, these mounts are found on bicycles that are equipped with disc brakes.
Before you buy the required tools for bicycle repair, you need to pay attention to the quality of the material from which they are made.
Metal products are most often made of chrome steel, aluminum, an alloy of molybdenum and chromium, as well as stainless or chrome vanadium steel.
Many types of keys (for example, for pedals) are made of hardened steel and have a rubberized handle so that while working with tools it does not slip in your hand.
In addition to the material of manufacture, you should also familiarize yourself with popular manufacturers. A fairly common mistake when choosing is to buy a product of an unknown brand. As a result, the material of manufacture may be of poor quality, and such a thing will not last long.
Let's review the best companies involved in the manufacture and sale of bicycle tools.
The American company SRAM has been manufacturing parts since 1987 and produces products for both urban bikes and mountain bikes. Thanks to the release of products of the highest quality, this brand has established itself only on the positive side. You can buy brake systems, shock absorbers, gear shifters, steering wheels and other equipment from them.
Neco manufactures forks, pedals, bottom brackets and a variety of other bike repair products.In addition to high quality, this brand is distinguished by quite affordable prices for its products.
The Japanese company Shimano has been in the bicycle tool industry since 1921 and produces products for mountain and road bikes. You can buy from them almost all the spare parts necessary for repairing a bicycle or upgrading it.
KMS is a brand that has been selling only bicycle chains since 1977. Thanks to modern production technologies, the quality of the products is very high: the special alloy from which the chains are made is not as elastic as that of other manufacturers, therefore their service life is much longer.
STG manufactures a huge amount of goods necessary for bicycle repair: wire cutters, squeezers, various types of wrenches, pryers, multi-tools and other types of repair equipment. With the high quality of its products, the prices for it are budgetary.
Bike Hand from Taiwan is considered to be one of the best cycling tool manufacturers. The product of this professional brand is suitable for the repair of both modern and domestic old-model bicycles.
The buyer decides which company is better to give his preference to, following the studied recommendations and advice.
In order to buy all the necessary items for repairs, you should contact the store that sells building and repair materials. In it, the buyer will be consulted on all issues, they will offer the necessary options from the availability, and they can also give advice on the repair of bicycle transport.
But not always in a specialized store there is the right tool at the moment.Therefore, you can use the services of an online store. Usually, they have a much larger selection of goods than in a store. In addition, there is all the detailed information about the products: manufacturer, description of the main characteristics, equipment, price, customer opinion.
At the frequent request of some models of tools, it can be concluded that they are popular with other users, so the proposed options are also worth paying attention to.
Also, the sites provide photos of the goods from all angles, this makes it possible to examine the selected model in detail.
The AliExpress website with delivery from China is very popular for the products provided. In addition to a huge selection of products, you can find reviews of other buyers on it. If necessary, you can choose the desired range by price: from inexpensive to medium, or more expensive models. This site is also known for the fact that the cost of goods on it is much less than in other online stores.
The "News" section provides an opportunity to get acquainted with the goods that have recently gone on sale. Perhaps they will also be of interest to the buyer and the choice will be made from this category.
After the user has decided on the product he needs, an order is placed and delivery is expected within the time indicated on the site.
When riding a bike, unforeseen situations can often occur in which a minor breakdown can occur. Therefore, for quick and urgent repairs, it is recommended to always carry small tools with you that will help solve the problem on the spot.
Consider the ranking of the most popular multi-tools, which were most often purchased or requested by users in 2022.
The material of manufacture is chrome vanadium steel, the set includes 11 items: hexagons for the chain and wrenches for the spokes, a kit for repairing the cameras, a compact mount for removing the tire, a squeeze for the chain and screwdrivers. For the convenience of the user, all items are completed in a special case. The weight of the whole set is 250 grams. The average price is about 1700 rubles.
For the manufacture of tools, the material was hardened steel, the body is made of aluminum. The set includes 8 elements: 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 mm hexagons, a Phillips and flat screwdriver for T25 and 5 mm, respectively, as well as Torx keys for T25.
The size of the folded kit is 26x11 mm, and it weighs only 63 grams. You can buy for 850-900 rubles.
The material of manufacture is hardened tool steel, the body itself is made of a steel frame. The set includes Torx keys in the amount of 8 pieces in sizes T9, T10, T15, T20, T25, T27, T30 and T40. The number of possible functions is 8, the weight is 140 grams. The price is about 800 rubles.
The tools are made of chrome vanadium steel and reinforced plastic.With it, you can perform 11 functions for assembling, disassembling the bike, as well as adjusting individual parts. The set includes 7 hexagon sockets from 2 to 8 mm, a Phillips screwdriver and Torx keys for T20 and T25.
If you need to use an 8 mm hex wrench, you should know that a separate nozzle is put on 5 mm.
The dimensions are 9.5x3x1.9 cm, and the weight is just over 100 grams, so they can easily fit in your pocket. The cost is in the range of 1100-1200 rubles.
Production material - steel. The multitool set includes 6 hexagon sockets, as well as flat and Phillips screwdrivers. Small size allows you to carry. The weight of the product is 150 grams. The price is from 300 rubles.
There are items that every cyclist should have for home maintenance and repairs. Let's review the most popular sets and their components.
Such a kit will help to fix almost any breakdown in the bike. It includes 19 items: tire spatula, 3 and 6 mm flat screwdrivers, chain squeezer, hex keys, adjustable, nipple and pedal wrenches, bottom bracket and crank puller, repair kit, ratchet tightening wrench, wrenches and cone wrenches, items to adjust the steering column. For easy storage, the entire set comes with a carry case. Price from 4500 rubles.
This set of bike tools has everything you need for quality transport service. The kit includes 33 items, namely: a tightening wrench for ratchets, wire cutters, a special brush for cleaning the ratchet and bicycle chain, a chain squeezer, mounting blades, 7 cone wrenches in the amount of 13 to 19 mm, a crank puller, special wrenches for tightening the spokes, pullers for the carriage of various systems, pedal wrenches, wrenches and nipple wrenches, grease, cassette puller, hexagons. In addition, the kit includes a chain wear gauge, a bicycle tube repair kit, Torx and screwdrivers.
There is also a tool of the required size on the steering wheel for tightening the columns. The special plastic case for convenient storage of tools is included in the package. The price of such a set is about 14,000 rubles.
A special tool bag contains 6 items: hexagons, Phillips screwdrivers, nipple wrenches, mounting blades for removing the camera, a bicycle first-aid kit, a pump, and a dumbbell-shaped hexagon wrench. The weight of this set is 580 grams. You can buy at a price within 1500 rubles.
The kit contains 26 items for repair: Torx wrenches, Phillips and flat screwdrivers, hex sizes from 2 to 6, as well as 8 mm for pullers, mounting blades, chain squeezer and for cranks, spoke and pedal wrench, conical, ranging in size from 13 to 16 mm, bicycle first-aid kit for repairing the camera, whip, remover of the bottom bracket and clamping bolt.
With the help of these items, you can carry out an independent basic repair of a bicycle. The price is within 5000 rubles.
The kit includes 21 items that are necessary for maintenance, namely: a brush for cleaning a bicycle transmission, a barrel, cone and spoke wrenches, wire cutters, bottom bracket pullers with external and internal bearings, a cassette puller, mounting blades, a chain wear gauge, Torx wrenches, whip for removing the cassette, hexagons.
In addition, the set includes crank pullers, Phillips and flathead screwdrivers, a hook and tool for removing the chain lock, as well as a squeeze for it. The price varies from 11,000 to 13,000 rubles.
Having studied the rating of the most popular multi-tools and sets, it will be easier for the user to decide which tool deserves attention.