Essential Bike Tools: Buyer’s Guide for the Beginner Mechanic

essential bike tools

Updated 11/20/16

DIY bicycle wrenching might sound intimidating, but consider this: Having a few essential bike tools and the skills to perform basic maintenance will not only save you significant cash in the long run, but could also save you from a long walk home if you snap a chain or pop a spoke in the middle of nowhere.

There are a few basic bike tools that every cyclist should own, some aren’t even bike specific (ie: they can be found cheaply at a hardware store). Every cyclist should know how to lube a chain, fix a flat and properly clean a bike. In fact, a cleaned and degreased bike should be first on the list before a tool ever touches it.

The right tools will help you replace a chain, cables and housing, as well as adjust brakes, remove a cassette or straighten misaligned wheels. I suggest pairing this guide with a bicycle maintenance book such as The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Maintenance or the recently updated Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance and, if in doubt, always consult your local bike shop before attempting a hero move that could compromise your bike or result in more repairs.

Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair | Amazon
$4.01

Learn to repair your bike with this powerful book! Each job is carefully explained in a way that makes sense to a novice mechanic and the experience wrench person. Each repair or maintenance project has easy to follow steps, complete with photographs, examples and helpful tips.

Buy at Amazon.com
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08/22/2022 10:46 pm GMT

Zinn & the Art of Road Bike Maintenance | Amazon
$18.69

This is the world's best-selling guide to bicycle repair and maintenance. From basic repairs like how to fix a flat tire to advanced overhauls of drivetrains and brakes, Lennard Zinn's clearly illustrated guide makes every bicycle repair and maintenance job easy for everyone.

Buy at Amazon.com
We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you.
08/23/2022 05:30 am GMT

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