Getting a bike tool kit is one of the best investments a cyclist could have. If you have the tools, you don’t need to go to the local bike shop whenever you want to do bike maintenance. Another advantage of owning a bike tool kit is you can do minor repairs at home and even when you’re on the road.
For a newbie cyclist, I suggest you get individual bike tools and start building your collection of tools from there. However, if you think you have good knowledge of bike repair, then you might want to get the complete toolkit set.
So the next question is where do you start? Don’t worry, I will try to help you decide which are the best bike repair tools that you should have.
Essential tools for a bike tool kit
- Screwdrivers – This tool is used to adjust your derailleurs and brakes. Make sure to have at least a combination of flat and star heads.
- Chain checker – This tool comes with two variants: a digital and an analog version. This tool is used to check if your chain is loose and if it needs to be replaced.
- Tire levers – Are a must-have tool especially if you’re riding out. Tire levers are used when you want to remove your tire to patch a punctured inner tube.
- Torque wrench – Having a good Torque wrench helps you avoid over-tightening any bolts or parts which can prevent damaging them. If you have carbon parts in your bike you need to invest in a Torque wrench.
- Allen (hex) keys – Aside from Tire levers another tool that you must bring when riding out is a multi-tool. Allen Keys come in varying sizes and they allow you access awkward bolts with reduced risk of damaging them.
- Bottom bracket tool – Also known as the BB tool, this tool is specifically used to remove your bottom bracket from the frame of the bike. However, the BB tool comes in varying types so you need to check first if the one that you’re buying is compatible with the bottom bracket of your bike.
- Pedal wrench – A pedal wrench or pedal spanner is usually flatter and thinner compared to your regular spanner. This is so that you won’t struggle to get in between the crank arm and pedal. Another tip in buying a pedal wrench is to get a longer wrench because it provides better leverage.
- Cassette lock ring with chain whip – A special tool needed when removing your cassette for cleaning and maintenance. The chain whip holds the cassette in place while the lock ring is used to remove the cassette.
- Chain breaker – Just like the name suggests the Chain breaker tool is used to cut chains. This tool will make the process of replacing your chain easy and convenient.
My recommendations for the best bike repair tool kit
The Top Peak Prepbox comes with 18 tool kits enclosed in a very tough case. The tools are made with quality in mind and are firmly secured inside the case. The Allen Keys are fairly long which gives the user more leverage when using them. The kit also comes with torque wrenches, bottom bracket tools, a chain tool with an extra driver pin, and many more.
Park Tool AK-5 Advanced Bicycle Mechanic Tool Kit
The Park Tool AK-5 Advanced Bicycle Mechanic Tool Kit comes with 36 tools for a wide variety of bike repairs and maintenance. The packaging is a sturdy toolbox with compartments and tray inserts. It also comes with a book on Bicycle repair and a comprehensive guide on how to work on bikes. Since Park Tool is known for its quality the only downside to buying this is the price.
Although the Birzman brand is still relatively new, one upside that I think you should reconsider is the price for the value of their products. The Birzman Essential Tool Box comes with a hard plastic case and 20 tools which are built with quality. The set includes the usual tools like a flathead screwdriver, chain whip, cassette tool, and pedal wrenches that are long enough to unstick seized parts.