10 Best Bike Tools to Always Have On Hand, According to Experts
Updated: Apr. 03, 2024
A no-nonsense guide to bike tools that will help you conquer basic bike maintenance at home.
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As soon I became more serious about road and gravel cycling, I realized I needed to get better at actually fixing and maintaining the bikes I love to ride.
I started chatting up local bike mechanics and spent a lot of time on YouTube University to get a baseline on what I could realistically conquer out of my garage, like building this simple bike rack to keep my bikes organized. Fast-forward a few years and I feel like I have a nice grasp on basic- to medium-level maintenance, which allows me to keep two bikes in fine running condition for year-round riding.
In that time, I’ve sorted (and re-sorted) my basic chest of bike tools that I count on for most of those regular maintenance tasks and simple adjustments or repairs. I’ve organized everything with bike storage tools so I know where I can find my trusty set of hex wrenches or my sealant syringe when it’s time to refresh tubeless sealant.
This list brings together 10 of the most essential tools that I use regularly. They’re reliable and won’t break the bank. For this piece, I also enlisted the help of bike mechanic Sam Haines, who runs Localis Bikes in Hillsboro, Oregon, a western suburb of Portland. His decade-plus of experience racing and working on bikes gives him a special perspective on the tools for daily service and repair.
Best Bike Stand
Park Tool Delux Mechanic Repair Stand
If you’re ready to get into more serious maintenance, you will need a proper work stand to securely hold your bike. A bike stand makes it easier to work on a bike. It puts the frame at eye level, so you’re not bending and twisting to get into tough corners. It also provides an optimum angle to remove and install parts.
Like most people, I don’t have the space in my garage to keep one up permanently, so I opted for a foldable version that I can stow when not in use. This option from Park Tool has served me well the last couple of years–it’s easy to fold and unfold and has a reliable clamp to hold the bike up. It’s also easy to clean, which is especially handy after cleaning a bike chain.
Best Torque Wrench
Park Tool Adjustable Torque Driver
According to Haines, “a high-quality torque wrench is crucial for ensuring that all bolts and components are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications, preventing damage from over or under-tightening.”
Understanding torque requires a bit of trial and error, but bike companies have listed torque specs to protect expensive components and keep things attached with just enough force. If you’re new to this tool, read up on how to use a torque wrench before you start tinkering.
Best Bike Hex Keys
Silca HX-One Essentials Kit
Since the vast majority of bikes use bolts that fit hex keys (also known as Allen wrenches), it’s important to have a set when working on your bike.
Haines and I agree: Splurge on a set of hex keys, whether made from H2 tool steel or another high-quality material. Solid, well-built hex keys are an absolute essential, especially for those times when you have to use all your might to loosen a seized bolt or pedal connector. In my experience, you’ll be just fine with an Allen wrench set that includes 2 mm-8 mm wrenches. (There are a few cases where you may need a 10 mm, but I haven’t seen anything that would require 1 mm.)
It’s also nice to have a set that comes with a holder so you can put it in a travel bag if you’re taking your bikes somewhere and might need to make an adjustment. Haines’ personal favorites are the Silca HX-series hex keys, which come in a handsome beechwood case, are magnetic and have Torx ends for when the job calls for an odd-sized head.
Best Tire Levers
Park Tool TL-1.2C Tire Levers
There’s a certain amount of satisfaction that comes from changing a set of bike tires and filling them with tubeless sealant for the first time. Even when following a tutorial on how to change a bike tire, you will likely not be able to do it without a good set of tire levers.
Everyone has an opinion about the best material for levers, but I find that solid plastic ones do the job just fine. There are some more expensive options with composite steel, but they don’t make that much of a difference. It’s important that any levers you choose have the spoke holders in the back to gain extra leverage on fresh tires that have zero bounce. This set from Park Tool is inexpensive, effective and runs a lower risk of damaging the rims of expensive wheels.
Best Chain Wear Indicator
Park Tool CC-4 Bike Chain Wear Indicator
I didn’t understand chain wear until fairly recently. I just thought you rode chains until they “looked” worn out, but a chain wear indicator ensures you don’t replace a bike chain too late or too often.
“Chain wear is one of those things that needs to be checked regularly,” Haines says. “I have come to trust the accuracy and ease of use of the Park Tool CC-4 Chain Wear Indicator but would also recommend the SRAM Chain Wear Tool or Pedro’s Chain Checker Plus.”
I can attest to the efficacy of the CC-4. It’s as simple as following the steps on the tool to get an accurate reading of how much optimal time your chain has left. Park Tool has another tool, the CC-2, but I found it’s not as accurate and can give improper readings.
The CC-4 sits in my main tool cabinet, and I grab it about once a month to see where my chain is at–more if it’s summer and I’m riding more often.
Best Tubeless Sealant Tool
Silca Ultimate Replenisher Syringe
Although this tool will likely only come out a few times a year, it’s so important I had to include it. Tubeless tires can get messy, but a surefire way to limit the mess is to use a specific kind of syringe to get the sealant into the rim cavity.
This syringe from Silca makes wheel maintenance a whole lot easier. You could even use this syringe to apply sealant the first time. Now that I’ve committed to tubeless across both of my bikes, it’s a crucial tool to keep around.
Best Bike Shifting Tool
Park Tool DAG-3 Derailleur Hanger Tool
“Ensuring the derailleur hanger is perfectly aligned is critical for precise shifting,” Haines advises. “The Park Tool DAG 3 Derailleur Hanger Alignment Gauge is my go-to for its pivoting indicator.”
This tool can help diagnose and treat annoying imprecise shifting without going to the bike shop. Or, let’s say you’ve taken a tumble on your bike (as I have more than once) and the impact bent, but didn’t destroy your derailleur. You can use this tool to bring your rear derailleur back into alignment, saving you a lot of money on a new derailleur (and the installation of said derailleur). It does take a bit of learning to understand how to use it, but will become a go-to once you do.
Best Bike Cassette Tools
Park Tool CP-1.2 & Abbey Dual-Sided Crombie Tool
Learning how to change a cassette and disc brakes can be daunting at first, but once I figured it out, it saved me so much time in maintenance. I also love taking off my cassette and rotors to give them a good clean.
You can’t do any of that without these two tools. The cassette tool holds the cogs in place so you can get leverage with the lockring tool to loosen the center lock bolt. These tools need to be solid as neither work without the appropriate material leverage. Park Tool makes two great options here, but if you’re switching frequently between Shimano, SRAM and Campagnolo systems, the Abbey dual-sided option is probably worth your time.
Best Disc Brake Tool
Park Tool Disc Brake Spreader
Speaking of disc brakes, I find myself trying to fix “brake rubbing” often. This occurs when the brake pads in disc brakes rub up against the rotors while in motion. There are a number of reasons this could happen–heat, misalignment, a loose brake assembly–but I can usually get some improvement with this simple spreader tool.
All you do is put the spreader between the brake pads and (gently!) push on either side to create more space. It’s easier and safer than using a flathead screwdriver, which some mechanics will recommend. Be sure to spray the tool with rubbing alcohol before you use it! The natural oils in our hands (or other things found in your toolbox) could contaminate the pads, leading to brake failure.
Best Bike Work Gloves
Dura-Gold Disposable Work Gloves
Bike maintenance can get dirty, even when you think you’re being as careful as possible. There are also certain tasks, like brake maintenance, that require gloves for the safety of the equipment and your hands.
I tried the reusable route on gloves and found that it was more hassle than it was worth. After all, you have to soak soiled gloves to try to get out grease, grime and sealant before tossing them in the washer. Then, there is no guarantee the stains will actually come out.
As much as I want to create less waste, disposable gloves are just the way to go here. I found these nitrile gloves (nitrile is different from latex, by the way) on Amazon and they work great. They fit well and have a nice grip.
Why You Should Trust Us
I ride somewhere in the neighborhood of 2,000 miles a year. That means that bike upkeep is a big part of biking for me, and something I try to stay on top of to protect my investments. I’ve learned plenty about what tools and methods work and which don’t. I have a reasonable approach when it comes to bike maintenance; I’m not doing major drivetrain swaps or even brake bleeds, but I like to manage my wheels, tires and a few other simple items without needing a visit to the bike shop.
Sam has spent most of his adult life in the bike world, as a mechanic, racer and more. He’s worked on almost every kind of bike imaginable and has a near-encyclopedic knowledge of bikes.
What to Look for When Buying Bike Tools
This one is simple: don’t buy cheap tools. Low-quality tools lead to low-quality maintenance which will cost you more in the long run. Good bike tools are sold through sites like Competitive Cyclist and The Pro’s Closet, or at your friendly local bike shop. There are probably a dozen brands worth your time and money, such as Park Tool, PRO, Silca, Abbey, Pedro’s, Wera, Stan’s and a few others. If in doubt, visit a bike shop and consult an expert.
How We Found the Best Bike Tools
Simply put, all of these items have been put to use in real-life bike maintenance. Some products are used more than others, but every single product has been tested across road, mountain and gravel bikes. Many of these tools will work on e-bikes, except for the electric motor, which probably requires a professional to service. Bike tools get jostled and thrown around more often than not, so we look for tools that are durable, functional and have longevity.
FAQ
How do you carry tools on a bike?
Bikers are getting crafty about how they’re carrying tools. The standard is still in a frame, saddle or handlebar bag. Some are now putting quick flat repair kits in their bar ends. Others will go bagless and just stuff everything into kit pockets.
Should I use a saddle bag?
It’s very practical to use a saddle bag. They tuck away nicely underneath the back end of a saddle and can carry a surprising amount. I like a saddlebag to pack extra snacks and a few tools when I’m riding more than 30 miles. Saddle bags come in a variety of materials, but it’s best to find one that’s weather-resistant since your rear side takes the brunt of dirt and mud from the road..
Is it OK to ride with one pannier?
This largely depends on what you need for your day. One pannier is totally fine, you’ll just need to compensate for the awkward balance. It’s recommended not to overload one pannier beyond the manufacturer’s weight limits. If you find you have too much weight, it’s probably a good idea to get a second bag.
Originally Published: September 09, 2021
