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29 votes
4 answers
1k views

Basic toolkit for bicycle maintenance

What should be in the basic toolkit for someone that wants to maintain their own bicycle? I'm looking for something for your average day to day maintenance and tools that I will get the most use out ...
milesmeow's user avatar
  • 2,373
19 votes
7 answers
13k views

Why would I need a torque wrench for a bicycle?

I was rather surprised to find a question about choosing a torque wrench on this site. I haven't cycled for years, but many years ago when I actually cycled I would do with a set of ordinary wrenches ...
sharptooth's user avatar
  • 1,214
16 votes
4 answers
3k views

Pro and cons of "torsion based" torque wrenches

Brands like Canyon are delivering their bikes with torque wrenches that are based on the torsion resistance of the metal that mades up the wrench, like the one pictured below (for the working ...
Rеnаud's user avatar
  • 21.4k
16 votes
4 answers
5k views

Are bleeding kit syringes single use?

I recently bought a bleed kit (for shimano brakes from shimano) and used it on my hydraulic brakes (successfully as far as I can tell). During cleaning up I noticed the syringe says it was for single ...
pseyfert's user avatar
  • 1,023
13 votes
7 answers
1k views

Minimalist setup for a "travelling bike mechanic"?

I have very little living/working space of my own and so, in order to keep my personal bike in working order, I need to be able to transport "bike mechanic stuff" (e.g. tools, screws, cables, inner ...
errantlinguist's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
5k views

Separate hex keys vs. combined multi-tool for bike adjustments?

Are separate hex (Allen) keys better than a multi-tool for adjusting and maintaining a bike at home? Some of the separated sets also have ball-ends for the 4/5/6mm keys: Apart from Torx T25 screws ...
Baumr's user avatar
  • 1,585
13 votes
4 answers
5k views

How to objectively evaluate torque wrenches?

My local bicycle group bought very nice but very expensive torque wrenches (if I can remember right they cost about €300–500). My local discount store markets them for about €50. My local auction site ...
user avatar
12 votes
4 answers
17k views

Metal vs. plastic tire levers

What are the advantages of buying plastic over metal tire levers? (or vice versa). Which ones are easier to use?
dieKleene's user avatar
  • 267
12 votes
2 answers
1k views

What kind of tool do I need to change my bottom bracket?

I want to replace my bottom bracket, but I have no idea what kind of tool to use. What kind of bottom bracket is this? What tool do I need to change it?
Simon Hüning's user avatar
11 votes
6 answers
7k views

How can I remove the stripped plastic cups of a bottom bracket?

I have a 2 frames with FAG bottom brackets (can't tell the exact model from the outside, but something like this): (datasheet here) in various states of destruction Bike 1 I didn't have the tool so ...
oarfish's user avatar
  • 415
11 votes
5 answers
1k views

What is the necessary equipment on longer bike rides?

Let me provide some context to the question. I mostly cycle alone and cover distances in the range from 45 km to 65 km; depending on the route, these rides last from less than 2 hours to well over 4 ...
user12344567's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

What tool should I be using on this bottom bracket?

Belongs to a fairly basic kids bike. Bought second hand and was able to remove it using almost my fingers alone, with a little assistance from a flat head screwdriver. After replacing the bearings, ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 193
9 votes
2 answers
549 views

What's in this patch kit?

I have a patch kit (from Bike Hand) and it includes: Rubber solution Metal rasp Patches Along with the aforementioned supplies there are two small rubber tubes, hollow, and about 1cm long. What ...
ebrohman's user avatar
  • 5,518
9 votes
3 answers
13k views

What tools are required to replace a spoke?

When out riding at the weekend, for the very first time, I managed to break a spoke on my wheel. Because I've not done it before, and I want to get back out on the bike soon, this time around I am ...
PeteH's user avatar
  • 9,753
9 votes
2 answers
3k views

Typical fastener torque values for bicycles

I'm thinking of getting a torque wrench (or something similar) for working on bikes. The ones I have for cars are pretty ungainly and I think I'd be at the low end of the range where they aren't too ...
dlu's user avatar
  • 7,086

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