Correct bike maintenance is an essential part of keeping your bike running smoothly, and regular checks will make all the difference in your ride.
When it comes to maintaining your bike, there are a lot of different bike maintenance tools out there and it can be a little overwhelming to know where to start. However, this guide will help narrow down exactly what you need, and our top picks!
Function Multi-tool
A good multi-tool is a cyclist’s best friend for on-the-road emergency maintenance, and can mean the difference between making a speedy mid-ride adjustment or suffering with poorly working equipment.
The Cyclo 20 Function Multi Tool is a nifty little tool with everything you need to keep you going throughout your rides, including hex keys, a spoke key, chain breaker, puncture repair kit, screwdriver and more. Plus, with a Phillips screwdriver on-board you can also see to any bike screws or fittings with ease in your workshop.
Tyre Lever
Bike tyres are designed to fit around the bike wheel to improve performance and prevent movement when out on the road. But when you need to change your tyre, the tight design can make it extremely difficult to unhook the tyre without damaging the bike wheel. But, with a tyre lever, you can remove and install tyres without damaging anything in the process.
Made of ‘high strength matrix polymer and engineering grade reinforced plastic’, Topeak Shuttle Levers feature finely pointed levers with a nice curvature perfect for getting between a tight-fitting bead and rim.
Pedal Spanner
A pedal spanner is another useful item to keep handy in your tool kit.This is because most pedals require a 15mm spanner to get them on and off due to the tight gap between the pedal and crank.
The Halfords Premium Pedal Spanner is specifically designed to remove bike pedals and has all the innovative features that help make the job simple. It even features a long handle for increased leverage when removing seized and stubborn pedals
Chain Lube
Chain lube is essential to keep your drivetrain running smoothly. A good chain lube can smooth the chain’s engagement with the cassette sprockets and chainrings, and maintain proper shifting performance. It also helps prevent corrosion and reduces friction and drivetrain wear. We recommend cleaning and lubricating your bike’s drive chain at least once a month to maintain optimal performance and protection.
There are a few types of lubes for all sorts of riding conditions. For example, dry lube is designed to be used in dry conditions, whereas wet lubes are for cycling in wet weather.
Floor pump
Rubber is slightly porous and naturally loses air, even in as little time as overnight. It is therefore a good idea to have a pump handy for when you need to give your tyres a quick pump.
We recommend getting into the habit of checking your tyres before every ride, and pumping if necessary. A good pump, like the Clarks Bike Track Pump, will have a gauge that tells you your tire pressure, and many also have convenient markings right on the gauge indicating the appropriate pressure for road, mountain, and hybrid bikes.
Hex keys
Hex keys are an absolute essential for any avid cyclist. Hex keys, along with Torx keys, are the two most commonly used tools in tightening various parts of the bicycle for instance, the handlebar, stem, steerer tube, seatpost, saddle clamp, bottle cages.
The Park Tool Professional Hex Wrench Set is a popular home and professional workshop item, and comes with the most commonly used hex keys. Includes 1.2,2,2.5,3,4,5,6,8 and 10mm sizes.
Spoke Wrench
You won’t find any other tool that can replace a spoke wrench, used to true wheels and replace broken spokes. Spoke nipples come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to get the correct-size wrench, or you’ll round off the nipple. It’s also a good idea to stay away from multi-size spoke wrenches, as they tend to have a sloppy fit.
Written by Kate, on behalf of Mackadams.
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