In addition to all of the swim, bike, and run work that we do, it is important to have the tools and the knowledge to perform basic mechanical tasks on your bike. Not only will it save you money and time (no more bike shop visits for basic repairs and maintenance), it will also allow you to ensure your bike is always ready to go.
In no particular order, this article will review the tools you need and what they do.
Tire Levers
Tire levers are a pretty basic item however bad tire levers are well, bad. There is nothing worse than being out on the road and snapping a tire lever while changing a flat.
The levers from Park TL 1.2 and Pedro’s are good options. For extra special levers, you can spring for the Silca levers.
Chain Breaker
A chain breaker allows you to remove links from a new chain to get it to the proper length for installation. The easiest way to figure out what length you need your new chain to be is to measure the new chain length against the old chain and remove the extra links.
This is a pretty simple but necessary tool, and there are quality options available from Park, Topeak, and Oumers.
Chain Link Tool
In order to install or remove your chain, you will need a chain link tool. This tool looks like a pair of pointy pliers that fit around the master link to remove or install it.
The Park MLP-1.2, Shimano TL-CN10, and the Pro Bike Tool 2 in 1 Master Link Pliers are all good options.
Spare Master Links
New chains will typically come with a new master link for installation, if you are going to wax your chain or take it off for cleaning you will need to have a spare master link for the reinstallation, some master links can be reused more than once so check your master link to see if it is a single or multi-use link.
Some options here are from YBN (Re-useable), Shimano, SRAM, and Campagnolo replacement links.
Torque wrench
This might be the most important tool in your toolbox. Carbon bikes and modern equipment ride great, shift great and will provide miles of trouble-free riding. However, when working on any of this equipment you must be able to get any bolt that you are touching to the proper torque.
Too loose and bad things can happen; too tight, you run the risk of cracking your expensive carbon frame or stripping the threads on a bolt. Every bolt has a torque value that it should be tightened to and you need to make sure that you use a torque wrench every time.
Good torque wrenches are not inexpensive, but they are cheaper than cracking your frame or risking equipment failure while riding. Park, Pro Tool, and Silca are all good options. There are other options out there but just make sure that you read the reviews to make sure that you are getting a reputable brand.
Cassette lock ring tool
This tool along with a chain whip is what allows you to remove your cassette from your rear wheel. It is a simple process and if you need to change your cassette to your race wheels or change your gearing for a different course, you will need one of these that fits the brand of cassette you are riding with so make sure that you get the right one based on your equipment.
Park, Pro Bike, and Bike Hand all make solid lock ring tools. The models with the guide pin and the built-in handle also make it a little easier to use.
Chain whip
A chain whip is used along with your cassette lock ring tool to hold the freewheel in place so you can remove the lock ring. Because the lock ring is removed in the same direction as the cassette moves when it is freewheeling you need to hold it in place in order to remove it.
Park, Bike Hand, Pro Bike, and Oumers are good options. Often you can buy the cassette tools in a bundle to get everything at once and save a few dollars.
While the initial outlay of cash for these tools may add up, you will save hundreds and quite likely thousands of dollars by doing basic bike maintenance on your own. Additionally, given wait times to get bikes back, this can help keep your favorite whip on the road – ready to rock and race at any time.
*Note: We are not sponsored by nor do we accept any commissions from the products mentioned in this article.