Cycling Equipment · Public discussion

Full tool kit?

Started by FrontBrakesOnly · · Last activity · 4 posts · 1,113 views

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Cycling Equipment
Published
6 April 2010
Last activity
8 April 2010
Original author
FrontBrakesOnly
Posts
4
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Public discussion
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Topics
Bottom bracketsChain lube and cleaningWheel building

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  1. Original post
    FrontBrakesOnly
    Archived post
    #1

    I have a ~2004 Giant OCR 1 with all stock components. I got it new in college and was always too broke/lazy/busy drinking to care for it properly. I used to stick it in the shower periodically and blast it with degreaser and hot water. I stopped doing that when I heard that hot water was bad.

    It's got thousands of miles on it and the only work I remember was getting a new chain and possibly cassette at some point. The bike shop may have thrown in cables but I forget.

    In any case, I want to strip the bike all the way down, clear everything and replace what needs replacing. I have no idea how to do this properly. What tools will I need to do 100% of this job? I don't want a half-assed tool kit. Buying stuff, doing 90% of the job then getting stuck and having to pay a bike shop to fix my mistakes is super lame.

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  2. tafi
    Archived post
    #2

    If you have no idea how to do it, then you can expect to be "lame" several times before you've finished. Making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn.

    Lennard Zinn has written several editions of "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance", which are the best place to start. He even has a chapter on what tools are necessary for how in depth you want to go.

    The things you will most need are:
    - a set of metric allen keys,
    - screwdrivers
    - cable cutters,
    - pliers
    - 10-15mm spanners.
    - chain whip,
    - cassette remover,
    - bottom bracket spanner.
    I may have forgotten something.

    If you want to strip the bike you will also need a work stand.

    This basic set should be enough for almost anything but you will still not be able to do "100%" of repairs without spending a lot of money on tools.

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  3. randochap
    Archived post
    #3

    As mentioned above, you'll be frustrated and may do further damage without the proper tools. I've been collecting tools for decades and have worked in bike shops going back as long. Still, there's some jobs I'll leave to colleagues who wrench every day (wheel building, for instance).

    Having said that, I learned in my childhood by taking my bikes apart and making mistakes. If you have the leisure and another bike to fill in while you learn, I recommend the experience.

    Once you've got it all shipshape, make sure to maintain your bike with regular cleaning and lubing.

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  4. rschleicher
    Archived post
    #4
    tafi said:

    If you have no idea how to do it, then you can expect to be "lame" several times before you've finished. Making mistakes is one of the best ways to learn.

    Lennard Zinn has written several editions of "Zinn and the Art of Road Bike Maintenance", which are the best place to start. He even has a chapter on what tools are necessary for how in depth you want to go.

    The things you will most need are:
    - a set of metric allen keys,
    - screwdrivers
    - cable cutters,
    - pliers
    - 10-15mm spanners.
    - chain whip,
    - cassette remover,
    - bottom bracket spanner.
    I may have forgotten something.

    If you want to strip the bike you will also need a work stand.

    This basic set should be enough for almost anything but you will still not be able to do "100%" of repairs without spending a lot of money on tools.

    In addition to Zinn's excellent book, there are also a fair amount of maintenance and simple repair instructions to be found at the Park Tools web site (who of course sell bicycle tools, work stands, etc.): Welcome to Park Tool Company

    Report

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