Tech tips »
Essential mountain bike tools
Following up on an earlier entry about essential tools for a good trail side tool kit, this entry outlines some of the first tools that you should gather together. Learn how to use them properly and you’ll be on your way to lowering maintenance costs and your reliance on your local shop for mundane repairs.
Essential mountain bike tools, the basics
- Pliers (needlenose, sidecutters, and heavier-duty)
- Screwdrivers (small standard, Phillips)
- Chain lube. I prefer TriFlow or White Lightning.
- 10mm box wrench. For pushing back brake pistons, among other things.
- Full size allen wrench set.
- Spoke wrench. It’s nice having a full-sized spoke wrench, even if you have one integrated with your multitool. Make sure you pick up the size that’s right for your wheelset.
- Crank puller and bottom bracket tool (make sure your BB tool works with your bottom bracket). You don&’t need these tools if you run an X-Type crankset like the new Shimano XT crankset or the Race Face Deus XC.
- Spare tubes, derailleur cables, a few feet of housing. There’s nothing worse than preparing your bike the night before an early morning ride and finding out you need some of this gear.
- Brake pads. You should have at least one spare set kicking around.
1. Posted by Optional mountain bike tools and accessories » The Biking Hub | 2:38 pm, 14 December 2005
[…] This entry is part of an ongoing series that focuses on building up a top notch tool kit that will allow you to maintain your bike on your own terms. Earlier entries outlined tools that you should have with you while riding and essential items for your tool box at home; this entry focuses on items that aren’t necessities for everyone but are of use for riders who take care of most of their maintenance on their own. […]