All The Tools You Actually Need To Work On Your Mountain Bike | Essential MTB Toolkit

[@gmbntech]

What're the most useful tools in your tool kit?

[@kswsquared]

From time to time I get to strip down and deep clean and rebuild old and used bikes, so I'd say a crank puller. Can't hope to work with the old square taper standard without it. Also a mug of coffee is very important.

[@TheRCBasher69420]

Mine would be the specialty tools like crank puller, cassette tool, bb removal etc as I am sick of struggling with other tools like mole grips to remove the bb

[@itarry4]

Cup of Tea

[@Acceleronics]

Most useful? Or most used? I use the pressure gauge and pump nearly every day to top up the tires. But there are a lot more tools in the box that I couldn't do without.

[@gogomtb1]

My torque wrench is so important to me❗️Tightening bolts with the proper amount of torque is crucial to get rid of several problems, replacement costs and waiting times for spare parts/bolts.

[@sumikomei]

Also don't forget that you can use plastic/nylon tyre levers as a stand-in brake piston spacer, as well as pushing the pistons back into the caliper when fitting new brake pads or bleeding/cleaning your brakes. More multi-use single tools! 💕

[@newttella1043]

Boy, Doddy opened that beer with ease. It's as if he's done it a thousand times before.

tool i use the most, after the pump, is chain link tool, for taking chain off for proper cleaning. clean chain will last much longer. This year i got all mentioned tools so i dont need to wait for bike shop lines to do a some jobs on bike. With age of youtube DIY tutorials it was great experiance to learn to take care of bike by myself

[@scottdfuller]

Can you do a video that covers frequency of maintenance tasks? Like, replace tire sealant every x months. Replace shift cable every x months. Bleed brakes, service shocks, service headsets, cranksets, every x months...? I know this stuff varies with how much you ride but maybe it can be done in hours or miles, just to establish milestones. Thanks.

[@yvan2218]

You can save up money on the chain whip by snatching a length of old chain, a piece of wood, and some screws. Plenty of DIY options

[@a100267]

A set of picks are useful. I got by for many years without them so they're by no means essential yet since having some I find they get used all the time for all kinds of jobs.

[@kswsquared]

The casette tool also does centerlock bolts, if anyone reading this doesn't know. Cheaper centerlock rotors use the bottom bracket tool.

[@Cous1nJack]

And some rockshox top caps

[@BGraves]

A derailleur hanger alignment tool is critical if you ask me. You can get one for 40$ on amazon that does the trick. Such an easy job and one trip to the bike shop will cost you that. I wouldn't call it a specialist tool. Everyone bends hangers and rarely are they well aligned from the factory.

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I‘d suggest getting a basic multi-tool + a dedicated small chain splitter + a nipple wrench. On the more advanced multi-tools, the allen keys are often too short to reach some bolts. A real chain splitter is so much better and doesn‘t cost much and a real, good nipple wrench costs almost nothing.

[@mrdog3920]

Love the shout out about non recyclable plastic in cheap tools. All bases covered You the man. Always the right advice 🙌

[@davidgolightly232]

Hi Doddy I've just qualified as a bike mechanic from cycle systems academy in Devon glad to see videos of this nature

[@jamesccarpenter]

I normally use a MIG welder to cut and weld the inner gear cables. Just earth the cable, line everything up, a momentary zap, and your done. No need to crimp on a cap. I mean t's worked for the last 20 years, and saves me buying a dedicated tool. Outers angle grinder (not in situ). You can also use it to weld old chains into shelf brackets for bike themed home decor.

[@SmuggiNOLA]

"Only a rich man buys cheap tools" Great video. For Allen keys I went with Klein for half the price. But I notice some flex when I need to torque on something so I keep some hardened steel Allen keys handy, just whatever brand the big box carries. Where I have cheaped out is I bought a very inexpensive and under powered compressor for popping tubeless tyres in place. Before that, I was having luck going to the air pump at a nearby gas station with a valve adapter and handful of quarters. Great vid!

[@jasonfisher1496]

Tire levers are also good for getting under those old stock grips without scratching your bars so you can spray some soapy water in there to loosen them up for changing.

[@tfu6994]

Always have a nylon string/ shoelace in my toolbox and riding bag. You can split chains, hold chains together to rejoin them, tie anything to anywhere (dropper on rear tire/ things on your bag/ Gopro on the tree /.....), zip tie alternative, have a shoelace if you rip yours, I also did my internal cables with a string, a piece of metal, a magnet and the rockshox barb connector instead of buying the 60€ parktool kit. Endless possibilities 👍

[@twowheellifemagazine3583]

Old chain clamped in a pair of vise-grips makes a beautiful chain whip if you already have the vise-grips.

[@Assimilator702]

Unless you’re removing 5 cassettes per day the vice grips and chain is the most logical chain tool.

[@xJohnDoughx]

Best video on this topic from a DIY-perspective

[@chrisridesbicycles]

In my teens, I could not afford a chain whip so I used a thick leather welding glove we had to hold the cassette. Did the job.

[@gmbntech]

😳💪

[@joefawcett9237]

Bare hands works better 👍

[@dylan-5287]

Oh man, at that point it seems like it'd be easier to just find a dead chain and use that with some pliers haha. Nothing like ingenuity when you lack the proper tools, definitely been there!

[@emilskravalis9058]

Some really useful info, cheers! Just a month or so ago was setting up for finally learning to do essential maintenance myself and after a bunch of research arrived at pretty much this set of tools exactly (even the need for a separate 8mm allen key to accompany a multitool 😆). The one thing I looked at and skipped for now is a chainwhip. I find that if you're only servicing your own bike and need to remove the cassette once in a blue moon, an old chain can do the trick quite well. Wrap one end around the sprocket, put the other end on the ground and step on it.

[@sandy_knight]

The primary reason you want to stop your inner cable fraying, IMO, is so you can still remove the inner cable (e.g to clean/lube the inside of the housing) and then thread it back through again afterwards, without trimming it and making it too shorter. Also, frayed cables are sharp and pointy, make sure your tetanus booster is up to date!

[@HabaneroTi]

I've used the same Joe Blow floor pump for nearly 20 years, a model very similar to this one, and couldn't be happier with it. Well worth the $60 or so I paid for it back then (on sale). As for allen keys, I will sheepishly admit to never having owned a proper set in my over 40 years of riding and maintaining my own bikes, relying on a combination of various multitools, a Park Tools 3-way ball end hex tool, and allen sockets for when I have to use a ratchet or torque wrench. These have usually sufficed but I will admit to having rounded the occasional bolt head due to insufficient torque. No need for Torx tools as my bikes doesn't use them, although I do have various Torx bits and sockets. Also no need for a bleed kit as I have rim brakes, but I do have a makeshift bleeding setup for when I have to bleed my car's brakes. I installed one-way bleeder valves on it which makes the process so much easier. Are there such things in the bike world? I've never owned a high quality chain breaker because I've never needed one since I only shorten new chains and then use master links so I don't need the precision of a quality tool to install pins. Otherwise I have all the other tools discussed here, and many others. However I try to never use an adjustable or crescent wrench as shown in the thumbnail if I can help it as they loosen and slip, unless it's the locking type or I don't have the proper size spanner and have no choice.

[@mclaren44]

built my bike with a multi tool

[@Basement_CNC]

you have a multitool with bb wrench, lockringtool and cablecutters , bro i want one to🤣🤔

[@fatfuckgaming5541]

built mine with a multitool, pliers

[@fatfuckgaming5541]

@@Basement_CNC wheels came with a cassette, cut the housing and stuff with cable cutters, brakes no need because #external

[@Rab_Cee]

@@Basement_CNC arent most bikes pre built? you just put wheels on n fit fork n bar.

[@nicoskie]

Try repacking a hub with that. 😂😂😂

[@andrecook4268]

I made a list of hex/torx bits that I need for my new Merida 120 400, the only torx bit it didn't use was T25 lol. Which is what all the mutli-tools have. Went to the hardware store instead and got a mini hex bit ratchet with the torx and hex sizes I needed for 1/4 the price. Might not be as high quality as the brand name kits, but it's got all the bits I need.

[@billcushion1049]

Best tools I bought were a couple from Park, one is a Pedal wrench and the other is a Shimano Crank puller. Bought a chain whip bit it’s a cheap one

[@TheGamingChamp101]

Dods been cleaning his shed up i see!

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Bondhus are the sweet spot for Allen keys, great performance at a good price. They make the Park ones for them

[@Basement_CNC]

same with wera👌

[@DonnieX6]

@@Basement_CNC +1 for the wera, love this set!

[@Cous1nJack]

Wera. Got a set on offer at tool station, different level even v park.

[@SusiesRepeat]

I too love Wera.

[@danieldeponte2631]

You forgot to mention that You can use the tyre levers for pressing the caliper pots back into place when working with your brakes.

[@koko-lores]

For allen keys, you can get a quality ratchet kit as well. They often include torx bits as well, you get the range, and you get the lever power. Moreover, you can use the same bits on a torque wrench (small or large).

[@androdelrosario]

This is why I’m proud of a recent purchase: the Topeak Survival Gear Box. Has most of these tools that I can both use at home and out on the trail.

[@WestRipStiker]

The only issue that I have with this video is the Phillips Screwdriver, Bikes do not use Phillips, they use JIS cross-point, slightly different from a standard Phillips. If you try using a Phillips, you are more than likely to ruin the bolts on the derailleurs. Love the content!

[@zachgiordano62]

Those tyre levers with the quick link holders look awesome

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

They are quite large IRL though. You might be unpleasantly surprised. You can split a chain with a rock quite easy. Got to try with ordinary tyre lever though for no markings/coating damage.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

But those levers are looking tough as nails though IRL at the same time. And once you look up how they work for splitting, they're even better. Literally unbreakable for splitting and very tough for everything else. But I've yet to make any operations on a chain on the trail or road, and yet to needed 2 levers in last 5 years of real MTB. Soo...too big for me.

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Chain splitting trick with no splitting tool kzbin.info/www/bejne/bma4lpekp5mtfKs

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

@@RealMTBAddict if you get even 1 pin wrecked in the chain, there is no fixing it even with chain tool without cutting it short

[@bob69365]

I picked up a pair after a previous GMBN tech video. When they turned up they had a label on the packaging saying not compatible with 12 speed chains which was not on the product description or photos on Amazon or the Topeak website at the time. I returned them and will stick with my trusty Bontragers.

[@uthikoloshe]

Changing your chain at .75 stretch is a good plan I heard as you can expect three chains over the lifetime of the rest of the components. What about instead having three chains in a constant rotation? One on the bike, another being washed and degreased, the last being readied to install. Seems like it might be the same

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

Wow, good action on that beer bottle Doddy😂👍🏻

[@vladimirp5260]

Need of the hour. Great and helpful video 👍👍👍

[@averteramoful]

I bought the Wera tool check plus. Over kill yes but it has everything I would need and it’s surprisingly compact

[@lancelotprice5520]

I appreciate you so much, Doddy. You really know what you're talking about and you always give such good advice!

[@pyrodoll2422]

My mind kept tuning in to the wobbly background muzak instead of your words of wisdom, please don't put me through it again 😂, cheers. Great content by the way m

[@masterace1150]

I have a 80's Bianchi road bike, I built it from scratch scavenging parts for about 3 years. After several years of enjoying the road bike, I wanted a mountain bike as well, so yesterday I picked up a Cannondale RUSH LEFTY. I paid 1300 bucks for it, however, the bike is completely stock and in almost brand new condition, only 1 very minor scratch on the pedal. I really love the design and I felt right at home as soon as I took it for a test ride. :) I am so happy with my purchase and its my very first "expensive" bike, I am a broke university student who loves everything on 2 wheels...sometimes even 1 wheel. From your professional experience, have I made the right choice interms of choice of equipment? Because happiness is priceless :)

[@gregknipe8772]

in the US, it is necessary to do many of these tasks yourself because most bike shops are several weeks behind. and new parts are quit scarce. a timely post here GMBN!! order your tools NOW!!!

[@Alan-75]

Best tool by far was the tyre levers... proper job

[@desperadodeluxe2292]

Long Allen keys with quick twist nose. I skip the chain whip in favor of extra chain and gloves to keep it from spinning. You can also use a rag. Chain splitter is a must. Heck carry some tin snips. And a hacksaw. Your gonna need em.

[@SaveWithCrypto]

"Proper Job" is currently my favourite beer, very nice. Would you recommend having a Rear Derailleur Alignment Tool?

[@JustB1892]

Great and simple, BUT I think you might also need grease, and it is very important if you going to take care of your bike at home

[@spin2win721]

Metal covered in nylon tire levers is the better option. Best of both worlds.

[@Rab_Cee]

Watch Sam Pilgrim bike builds, you just need a house brick, mallet, piece of wood, couple allen keys n sum spray paint

[@ShitStefanShoots]

and you can boil down your entire vocabulary to the word "epic"

[@itarry4]

Miseed the local curb to take the sharp edges off metal...

[@Rab_Cee]

Just got 1 of them topeak multi tools, "mini 20" looks same as the one in video but no knife on it, its got a tyre lever/piston tool. Got on sale £25 instead of the £31 rrp. Definitely best thing for quick maintenance instead of pulling out the tool kit

[@davidking3699]

You forgot the ultimate multi-tool... a hammer! - Seriously, the cassette tool is also used for some disc brake centrelock setups... not all of them use the 6 torx bolts...

[@r.mercado9737]

Outstanding!

[@destroythebehemoth8827]

At 6:40, does Doddy say 'mind'? I have noticed atlot of english people say this alot and iv always wondered what 'mind' actually means when they say it

[@mara2382]

what about a torque wrench? with so many specific nm written all over the bike's "delicate" or moving parts: do you just feel it in the wrist or have a tool to adjust the actual required nm.?

[@will88mph29]

Great video… Proper Job 🍺

[@mikege4671]

Just bleeded my sram g2 r breaks. Love the bleeding system from sram.

[@winklertribe5268]

Can you do an episode on wheels and hubs? Specifically non-boost, boost, and super boost. How to figure out what to get when upgrading your wheel set. Thanks!

[@Niloc1922]

Good idea. Basically you just need to figure out what you have now whether that be looking at the manufactures website or on the fork.

[@545future6]

super helpful video thanks

[@NorthstarSanZbar]

Another good video would be basically the same concept as with this one but with essentials like grease or chain lube.

[@AshfordMTB]

Pump. I have a floor standing pump that not only I use for my bike tyres, but I have also used it to inflate a tyre on my van. £10 from Wilkinson.

[@Rab_Cee]

Lol floor pump on car tyre, F that buy a car compressor ther cheaper than most bike pumps

[@MrGrayFox0]

Speaking about small pumps: Which mini pump would you recommend for trailside for tubeless tyres. I'm riding 29x2,2 and I've bought a ittle combo- pump with a CO2 cartridge function on the other end but the volume power is not OK to fill any modern MTB- tyres.- Maybe you can recommend me one. Thank you! Nice weekend!

[@mpeay3945]

I don't why i keep expecting these videos to be insightful.

[@codebender9435]

I have the china bike tool set from Aldi for 30€ and it's ok. I done everything with it. Just the tyre levers are really bad.

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Gear limit screws are still JIS on all my bikes, when did they change to Allen?

[@Basement_CNC]

i think sram started it , cause 1 less tool and less head stripping🤔i think some other brands jumpt on rhe train too

[@bob69365]

You should put a disclaimer on those Topeak levers as they are not compatible with Shimano 11 and 12 speed quick links according to the packaging which a fair proportion of viewers will be running. I picked some up from Amazon after you plugged them before (I assume now they’re a sponsor).. Most retailers do not mention this and is not in any of the product shots either. Topeak also state in the instructions only they are not designed to be used on heavy duty, thick casing downhill or extreme off-road riding type tires. So they are pretty useless..

[@coreybrill6848]

I live by the old adage “Buy Nice, or buy Twice”. It appears Doddy does too.

[@jaredharris1970]

I prefer to build my own kit because I’ve had store bought kits where none of the sockets that came in the kit fit the nuts on my bike they was either too small or too big so I carry a small adjustable wrench to adjust seat or remove tires I have one of those Allen key multi tools,pump, patches a pair of gloves to keep hands free of grease from chain a rag to wipe dirt off brake disks and a leather man surge I spoke wrench I try to keep my kit light since I commute and live only 2 miles from work

[@LRF49]

The beer plug in tho 👌

[@craigweightman799]

Very useful video. 👍

[@natur.travel]

What brand is that multitool? Thank you

[@M3PH11]

5:51 I don't know about anyone else but my shimano cranks are held on by 2 5mm allun key bolts not an 8mm (isis cranks suck)

[@duckey599]

Hello, love watching the show! i was wondering if you guys are gonna upload videos in 4K? best regards

[@ANTheWhizkid]

taking the 8mm as single and saving an old handle bar might be the result of a steep learning curve caused by frustrating experiences with truevative cranksets lol

[@MrGrayFox0]

Great video! But you forgot the most important advice on the end: "Don't drink and wrench!"...😆- No, just for fun!👍

[@brianhampton9392]

Well done

[@Guido-vj7so]

#askgmbn Hey GMBN, my bike can have a 32t front chain ring max with the -3mm offset. My cassette is worn on the smallest 3 rings, but new ones are all out of stock for several weeks. Upgrading to a 34t will let me get more out of my cassette for the coming weeks. I'm able to go to 34t, but only with a different offset of +3 or +6. Can i just change the chain ring offset or will that negatively affect my bike?

[@JoeJoe-C137]

Am pretty sure you need that cassette tool for raceface cranks aswell

[@changereception7750]

If MacGyver can do it with a plastic straw, old rusty nail and a napkin, so can I!

[@sixtring73]

Great taste in beer Doddy!

[@VadikRamm]

I've challenged myself today to replace my rear tire and not use a tubeless specific pump... what a frustrating experience. Never again!

[@sturedman6920]

these guys are park tool lovers

[@paulholt2758]

Could anyone tell me how I can get some of the pipe that you need to bleed Shimano breakes, or do I have to buy a new kit?

[@Rab_Cee]

Pipe?? Dont u use a shimano bleed cup n a syringe, haven't had to do new shimano brake yet

[@paulholt2758]

@@Rab_Cee Thanks, but I still need to replace the pipe for my syringe.

[@Rab_Cee]

@@paulholt2758 type "brake bleeding hose" on amazon

[@plainuser48596]

how about tools for fork maintenance ?

[@samsonmihaly6139]

#AskGMBNTech Hey Doddy! I really cannot understand why aren't six pot brakes a thing yet. I mean as stated in a previous video, 35 mil bars too are just for compensation to thicker stanchion tubes. Yes, there were old ones with six pistons from hope and brembo, but why aren't there any modern ones? They would probably be too powerful, but I bet those big brands could make them a little weaker, and the cooling would still be better (not even mentioning the cool factor).

[@ridefast0]

Argh! Why would you use an adjustable spanner with the cassette tool, instead of a socket or a ring spanner? For a tight fastener the jaws will widen and round off the fastener!

[@polishguywithhardtospellna8227]

Splitting chain with no tool video kzbin.info/www/bejne/bma4lpekp5mtfKs Those splitting levers are looking tough as nails IRL, and splitting is designed well. But they are BIG. Yet you can split with no tool, by tapping with multitool or a rock. Maybe pressing with ordinary lever to avoid chain coating or multitool coating damage when using advice in the video. Upvote and spread the trick which is still not well known.

[@woduk]

Got a bit carried away probably fit it all in a small snap on tool chest here lol

[@stevecrump1375]

I only need a Phillips and a shifting spanner

[@markmoreno7295]

Did I miss the venerable crescent wrench?

[@vincedavis5326]

So a tire lever is a multi tool as well. 👍

[@Mac2point1]

Pump you got is like a rocket launcher 😅😅😅

[@andycjohnston]

Where's the link to the beer Doddy!!??

[@victorokeahialam8925]

Do you need a special tool for bottom brackets?

[@shadow7423]

What about a torque wrench?

[@rctankchannelone7558]

Bottom bracket tool

[@mbelfry]

Perfectly named bottle of beer.

[@hamzahwaheed8417]

Hi gmbn I just wanted to ask if rims affect the hub sound like different rims make the hub sound louder or muffle it ? #askgmbntech

[@rupedog]

No. Zero discernable effect.

[@itarry4]

You can make a perfect chain whip for £1 with a bit of old chain and a piece of metal or wood....

[@billcushion1049]

You can take your Freehub off with an Allen key

[@marcusmartin5758]

Forgot the headset tools, star nut installer/remover, fork cap wrench, wrench for hub (thin wrench)

[@devinwillis7787]

The amount of people who actually need to install a star nut is very small

[@newttella1043]

You clearly don't know who Sam Pilgrim is.

[@marcusmartin5758]

@@newttella1043 who me? Im subsribed to his chanel

[@newttella1043]

@@marcusmartin5758 I'm contrasting your tool suggestion with Sam rock bashing in the star nut. That guy cracks me up.

[@kolec76]

damn the only thing I don't have from this vid is break bleed kit

[@BOT_Botman]

#AskGMBNTech I left my bike outside and the sun is high, every part of my bike is so hot. Question: Is it bad for the mineral oil in my breaks?

[@rayglasscock9667]

Brakes get extremely way hotter than transfer of material temperature via weathering. I've seen motor cycle break fluid boil due to inadequate materials and set up that is where you're likely to encounter heat problems over (wrong techniques )use on long fast decent with harpin corners throughout speed excessive over 50mph ,brake fade can cause excitement failure seriously you don't want .

[@Gzografidis]

+fork pump