Keeping your bike in peak condition requires having the right set of tools. If you maintain your bike as you ride it and don't wait for a problem to arise, you should be able to keep the bike in competitive condition for years. Many bike tools are things you may already have out in the garage or down in the basement. Some tools, however, are very specific to biking and you may need to make the investment.
Wrenches
The best bike toolkit will have a variety of wrenches to deal with the different parts of the bike that requires tightening or loosening. Adjustable wrenches can do many of the jobs that you will come across, but it doesn't hurt to add some ring wrenches in sizes from 8 mm to 17 mm.
Chain Tool
The chain tool is one of those little items that you will specifically need to buy once you get into the sport. This is an oddly shaped little device that is absolutely vital for making adjustments to the bike chain. Most chain tools will work with any bike, but if you have a unique chain you'll probably need to get a chain tool that is built for it.
Spoke Key
The spoke key may become a very necessary item in your bicycle tool kit. This device that looks like a squished letter C is essential for dealing with the spokes of the tire. Very often the tension of the spokes come loose and create problems with your control. The spoke key comes in handy for tightening them.
Work Stand
A work stand is one of the best things you can buy when you start getting serious about biking. Trying to use all your other tools while you attempt to position the bike on the driveway can quickly become frustrating. Freestanding adjustable work stands allow you to position the bike in any number of ways so that you can easily and efficiently get to the part of the bike that's giving you trouble.
Track Pump
A track pump is actually one of the first tools you should buy after investing in a nice bike. You're going to get tired of stopping by the gas station to fill your tires. A track pump is not like the pump you had as a kid. It is much heavier and more durable. The air chamber is larger, which means you can inflate the tires much more quickly.
About The Author
Timothy Sexton is an award-winning writer who has published over 6,000 articles on such topics as film, television, politics, fitness and health, travel, sports, and recreation. He has a B.A. in English from the University of West Florida and is a member of the Society of Professional Journalists.
