While most of the leg work for bike assembly has been done by ourselves, there are some tools required for fully assembling it, and also some tools we’d consider to be essential for carrying out repairs and routine maintenance to keep your bike running sweet.
Essential Tools
Multi Tool- A multi tool provides a number of different tools to get you out of trouble when out on your bike, and is a tool we’d recommend taking out on every ride. This particular one features allen keys, a torx tool, screwdrivers and a chain tool, which should cover you for most trailside repairs.
Allen Keys- The above tool will help you when out and about, but for proper maintenance, some long handled allen keys are a better choice. The rounded ends mean you can access bolts that are at an angle also, while L-shaped keys also offer the leverage needed for bolts requiring a tighter torque.
Tyre Levers- Unless you’ve got thumbs of steel, you’ll be needing these for roadside/trailside repairs and home use when changing tyres. Plastic levers protect your rims from scratching and prevent you puncturing the tube as opposed to the metal options out there.
Puncture Repair Kit- Goes without saying, while most people just replace tubes these days when a puncture occurs, you may run out, and then what happens?
Chain Lube- Ideally you’ll want to apply chain lube every time you ride, but that depends on the weather. Either way, chain lube will prevent your chain going dry, which results in rough, noisy gear shifts and will mean your drivetrain will wear faster too.
Mini Pump- Again, something we’d recommend for every ride, nothing worse than ringing home to ask for a lift home due to being unprepared!
Shock Pump (for MTB use) -Setting your suspension fork to the correct pressure for your weight is critical for gaining grip and comfort. A shock pump works at higher pressure than standard pumps, hence while this is necessary for any rider with a suspension fork. See our handy guide on suspension setup here
Cleaning Brushes -One brush will do for most of your bike, but 4 means you’ll get it cleaned better and more efficiently on those winter days when you just want to get inside to thaw out.
Other Recommended Tools
Torque Wrench –under or overtightening bolts can cause damage to your bike or may cause components to fail also, so it’s a good idea to consider a torque wrench at least for the crucial bolts, as it’ll mean you get them tightened correctly, every time.
Workstand -While it may be alright doing basic maintenance on the floor or with the bike turned over, a workstand will allow you to freely move around the bike when working on it and won’t mean your taking test rides every minute to confirm its working properly.
Cleaning products – While a bit of fairy liquid can work, specific cleaners for different parts on your bike will prevent damage to your paintwork and will provide a much better result. Just watch your rotors when lubricating your chain!
Carbon Paste – Carbon components offer a smooth finish which is great to look at, but as a result doesn’t adhere to other parts as well as aluminium or steel. As a result, carbon paste is applied to them to provide additional friction to keep them in place. Seatpost's and handlebar clamping areas are the typical spots where carbon paste gets used.
Chain Tool – Being able to replace your chain when its worn and in need of replacement will mean your drivetrain lasts longer and shifts better.