Table of contents
For many people, the bicycle is more than just a means of transport – their bike not only gets them reliably to their destination, but also provides a lot of riding pleasure. That is, as long as everything is in good working order, because although the principle of a bicycle is simple, the technology can be delicate and demanding. As anyone who has ever had a flat tyre in the middle of nowhere can tell you, having the right bike tool kit for emergency repairs is essential. In addition, it’s also easier to work on your bike in the workshop at home if you have a basic set of basic bicycle tools in your toolbox.
This guide and checklist will show you which tools are indispensable for bicycle repairs, both on the road and at home. You can download the bike tool kit checklist for free in pdf format, so that it is always at hand even offline.
Bicycle repair tools for on the road
In order to carry out the most necessary repairs to your bike in the event of a breakdown while out and about, you will need a few small tools with you on the road. Handy and lightweight bicycle tools are easy to carry and might just end up saving you a lot of hassle on both long and short journeys.
What you need:
- Spare inner tube: The most important accessory for flat tyres and an indispensable part of every bike tool kit, especially if you are going on longer bike tours
- Hand pump: If there is not enough air in the tyre or if you need to pump up the new inner tube, a hand pump is a must
- Multitool: For the multitude of different screws on a bike, you need the appropriate tools – in all the different required sizes. However, screwdrivers, hex keys (Allen), Torx keys and open-ended spanners would take up too much space and weight in your luggage individually, so a practical multitool is recommended
- Tyre lever: This is needed to remove and install the tyres and comes included on some multitools
- Patching kit: This consists of patches, vulcanising agent, and sandpaper. Special tubeless patch kits also seal holes in tubeless tyres
- Chain rivet: This bicycle tool is used to replace a link in case of a chain break or a stiff chain link and must fit the size of the chain. However, the chain must not have a chain lock or special chain lock pliers will be required
- Bicycle bag: Except for the pump, which can usually be attached to the frame, the basic equipment for your mobile bicycle repair fits into a handy bag, which is attached directly under the saddle, or other suitable storage area
Basic bicycle tools for repairs at home
If you like to do a bit of work on your bike in your workshop or garage, there are some basic tools you should have on hand, as well as a few more specialised bicycle tools. This way, you can not only carry out repairs yourself, but with the right maintenance and care, you can also extend the lifespan of your bicycle.
Your home workshop toolkit should have the following bicycle tools:
- Assembly stand: For home repairs, a flexible, stable, and easily positioned assembly stand is useful. Securely fasten your bike at the appropriate working height and get started
- Floor pump: For mountain bikes and trekking bikes with suspension forks and shocks, adjust the air pressure with a special shock pump. Air pumps with pressure gauges ensure more precise adjustment
- Chain oil: The lubricant ensures smooth functioning and less wear on the bicycle chain
- Torque spanner: The spanner adjusts bolts to the perfect torque in Newton metres (Nm) – not too tight and not too loose. The bike tool needs matching bit sets for the different screws
- Cable cutter: This assists in replacing and repairing brake and shift cables
- Chain gauge: Use this to check the wear of the bicycle chain
- Nipple tensioner: Also called a spoke spanner. Use it to change the tension of a spoke. This tool should have several different size notches in order to be compatible with the various common bicycle spokes
- Spare parts: Tubes, brake pads and chain are the most important pieces of equipment you should have in stock
- Toolbox: For safe storage, but also to keep your bicycle tools neatly sorted, a sufficiently large bike tool kit box or bag is practical. Fitted with suitable foam inserts, even sensitive special tools can be stored safely and always within reach.
Image source:
© gettyimages.de – South_agency
© gettyimages.de – ArtistGNDphotography
