No matter how well you take care of your bike, small repairs will always need to be made due to regular wear. But if you run to a bike repair shop every time your bike needs a fix, you will end up spending more than you paid for your entire set-up. What’s more, this often means leaving the bike at the shop and being unable to use it for days.
So, why not just try fixing it yourself whenever possible? A deflated tyre, a worn out chain or an unscrewed blot are just some of the things you can take care of in an instant with the help of the following useful tools for cycling repairs.
A Floor Pump
If you’re commuting with your bike or ride regularly through harsh terrain, your tyres will deflate easily. That’s why it’s so important to check their state before any trip. Whenever your tyres have low pressure, a floor pump can give them the right air boost for optimal performance. If you want to be able to assess the level of pressure in the tyres, a pump with a pressure gauge can be a helpful tool. When purchasing a pump, it’s important to check whether its valve is compatible with the tyres’ tubes.
Allen Keys
As bikes are covered with bolts you need to regularly tighten, an Allen key is one of the most useful tools for cycling. Most bolts on the bike take either a 4mm, 5mm, or 6mm Allen key, so make sure to pick keys suitable for those sizes. For greater versatility, consider a three-way Allen key that consists of three of the most common sizes into one tool. A t-handle key with a ball end on the long side will be also helpful for accessing awkward bolts.
Chain Checker
Regularly replacing the chain is essential if you want to stay safe riding your bike. Since chains have become increasingly expensive, it’s important to properly judge whether your chain needs replacing. A quality chain checker can help you gauge the wear and stretch of your chain by measuring the changes in its length. Ideally, the chain shouldn’t be more than 0.75% worn off.
Chain Tool
But when you do discover that your chain is worn off, you can easily replace it with a new one with the help of a chain tool. However, if you want to prolong the lifespan of your chain, you should consider giving it a thorough cleaning at least once a month if you’re cycling frequently. To do so, you can simply take out the chain with your chain tool and give it a good brushing using a citrus-based or similar degreaser.