Recommendations for road bike equipment?



TheLostApple

New Member
Jul 26, 2005
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I am about to get a road bike. I was wondering what kind of tools I should invest in. This includes for when I am on the bike and when I am at home. I want to try and do most of the minor adjustments and easier stuff. It would seem a basic travel kit would include spare tubes, patches and a tire lever (I have no idea what this does exactly) I have been lucky so far and my MTB hasn't had any flats. I have heard that road tires are a little less forgiving. Also what about things for home repair? I imagine a bike stand for working on one is a good idea? So please give me some suggestions no matter how small or insignificant you think it is. I am new to the road bike world so something pretty standard would pass by me, like a tire lever. Thanks in advance for any help.
 
Pretty much the only tools you need to perform most adjustments are a set of metric Allen wrenches. A folding set is a good thing to carry while riding, as is an air pump. A work stand is nice to have, but you don't really need it for most things. http://www.parktool.com/ has info on just about every bike tool out there and how to use it.
 
Easily the most useful set of tools is a set of metric Allen wrenches, but most bike shops sell either the "L" shaped or "P" handle individual wrenches or, worse yet, a set of wrenches mounted on a handle where the wrenches swing out. I find both of these pretty worthless in practical use. Far more useful is a set of "T" handle Allen wrenches with relatively long shafts such as these http://www.professionalequipment.com/xq/ASP/ProductID.3787/id.3/subID.412/qx/default.htm. These definitely aren't for carrying on the road, but are invaluable at home.
 

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