The beginner MTB toolbox

So you’re new to mountain biking, but may or may not be new to tools. Either way, you want to get started maintaining your mountain bike. These are the very first tools you’ll need to perform the vast majority of repairs. As you get down to more advanced repairs like bleeding brakes, replacing bottom brackets, and pressing headsets, you’ll most certainly need additional tools. For your first year though, this should easily cover it.
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Not including the floor pump, you can get a box and fill it for under $100.
Here are the tools featured in the video, with economical and premium options listed:
Picks
Eco amzn.to/2G9utZa
Pro amzn.to/2MFvdq3
Floor Pump
Eco amzn.to/2WzDUqv
Pro amzn.to/2TnYfNH
Hex Wrenches (Allen Keys)
Eco amzn.to/2Wxu8oQ
Pro amzn.to/2Wwaz06
Three Way amzn.to/2MGqvZf
Tire Levers
amzn.to/2CVKte1
Shock Pump
Eco amzn.to/2G9CsWi
Pro amzn.to/2Towd4s
Bike Multi Tool
amzn.to/2MHvtoz
General Multi Tool
Eco amzn.to/2CUU9Fz
Better amzn.to/2DJjlk5
Pro amzn.to/2sRQR1s
Needle Nose Pliers
Eco amzn.to/2S8MBZN
Pro amzn.to/2G9tAji
Adjustable Wrench
Eco amzn.to/2GdzQq7
Pro amzn.to/2GdzcJd
Torx Wrench (star shaped bolt)
Just T25 amzn.to/2WwzX5S
Full Set Eco amzn.to/2FZ2mN5
Full Set Pro amzn.to/2TlqRqF
Torque Wrench (to tighten things to spec)
Eco amzn.to/2WxL5iS
Pro amzn.to/2G9un3K
Chain tool
amzn.to/2Wro7dz
#bikerepair #mountainbiking

[@bkxc]

That red sticker is looking good!!

[@jordanleng204]

how does BKXC’s comment only have 3 likes? I was expecting a lot more from yet another huge mtb channel.

[@devontamarcinko5730]

P

[@fadilauliahakimchannel5269]

Its your sticke

[@certifiedomlayoo]

self praise lol

[@Dayjsusjddhhd]

Why? XD

[@TrailFeatures]

Growing up, I never truly appreciated having all my dad's tools at my disposal. As an adult, I now understand why he would kick my *** when I left them outside in the rain or let a friend "borrow" them. ...Dad, I get it now and I'm sorry. 😂

[@giancarlorivera2104]

Omg same

[@bearable3089]

Omg to real, the day I finally got my own tools, my dad almost lost his **** cause I wouldn't leave his **** out anymore and was so happy his 10 mm won't be lost again 😂

[@TekDristan]

Amen to that. My dad was the same way with his tools as I now am with mine.

[@Fire-dk4pi]

Same

[@chimichangas1405]

lol im 14 and your literally describing me

[@noashaw408]

Electrical tape is another great addition to a tool box

[@SteveSUX2BU]

And cable ties.

[@lukescovell8294]

he said no consumables but i agree

[@noashaw408]

Another consumable item are straws, not only can you use them to install non-clamp grips but you can use a large straw to tidy up your cables. Disconnect the cables slide the straw over heat until the straw has shrunk and you have a cheap solution for messy cables.

[@hedemalmcarl]

Nice bringing in a old seth hack! Remind us! 😃

[@AMANkumar-eh1oe]

Who else is addicted with this CHANNEL?

[@connorwilsonbikes111]

I have been for about 2 years now

[@Mj-ft1sn]

Yeah I’m currently seeing a therapist

[@sights00]

Hell yes

[@jacksonseetolee4983]

yEs

[@user-fo1cn8vf3j]

I am not even a mountain biker xD

[@joshbenik9694]

Remember, only a rich man buys cheap tools

[@CanIHasThisName]

Depends on the tools. Some specialised tools cost way more than they should and since you typically don't use them frequently, it doesn't hurt to skim on them. For example, I bought a very cheap Shimano BB tool from China. I've had it for years and no problem at all. Also, I've long been considering a nice chaintool but the one I got for $4 some years ago still works perfectly to this day and I've no real reason to replace it. Buying a cheap tool that you replace eventually makes more sense than buying an expensive tool which you barely ever use.

[@nathansharp3193]

That's awesome! I'm going to remember that. It goes up there with, "Grease is cheap."

[@raxsarunting6761]

Hahaha.. depend on who u are.. If you're bike shop owner or cycling is your butter n bread, u should get quality tools..

[@RileyGoss]

Buy it nice or buy it twice.

[@Thomas5937]

Buy the harbor freight one and when you break it buy a nice one. A lot of the harbor freight tools will be so simple or so infrequently used that you'll never break them.

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Who's about to order some picks?

[@jjr1314]

On our way to get some now!!

[@krashandroll1297]

I use old spokes that ive cut and sharpened on a grinder. They work great !

[@berticusmaximus00]

Ice picks to dig myself out of this winter

[@fatjon215]

I have a park pick on my bench at the shop I part time at. It gets loads of use and has a magnet on the other side.

[@Medaichi]

I need a torque wrench

[@Malio75]

One of the reasons I cancelled cable TV: I’d rather watch these informative and entertaining under 12 minute vids than anything on crappy network television.

[@No_ReGretzky99]

I have bad ADHD and I don't want to take medication cuz I'm recovering alcoholic and drug addict with multiple years sober finally getting back into mountain biking looking at a few hardtails around 600 to 70000 there's two Diamondbacks I really want to look at if anybody has any recommendations on bikes to check out let me know❤❤❤

[@mathewhumvee]

anyone call the HEX wrenches ALLEN KEYS.... might be a Canadian thing

[@SethsBikeHacks]

I call them that too, but it’s technically a registered trademark. Allen key is the same as Kleenex, Velcro, Scotch Tape, etc.

[@mathewhumvee]

Seth's Bike Hacks Really didn’t know it’s a trade mark, I live in Toronto and most places you say hex wrench’s, and they go “you mean an Allen key set right”. Anyways love from CDN, hope your healing up.

[@camerongordon2378]

Same

[@denishuber7758]

In my country they called imbus wrenches....and only in metric sizes

[@stanp2281]

Yeah same

[@j.c.n4301]

yes, protect your tools, when my granpa died the majority of his tools disapeared

[@scnomad3626]

A fishing tackle box makes a great bike tool box, as it has all kinds of little compartments for nipples, brake pads, bolts, housing ferrules, cable ends, etc. as well as larger spaces for tools.

[@omegaelixir]

The Louis Rossmann reference "It has a label on it, that is near impossible to remove"

[@c.h.7067]

some glues are oil soluble/ water soluble, sometimes its worth to try remove them with some WD40

[@timhammesfahr4115]

Ahhhhh the ole adjustable hammer 🔨

[@INTEL965GAMES]

2 years ago i was a noob.........now i have tire leveres, chain cutter, cassette remove, patch fro tires, some sponge to wash dust, oil, grease, allen keys, torx keys

[@Sam-oj8sr]

And u can make a pick out of an old spoke and a grinder

[@paul3180]

or a wrecked/worn out screw driver.

[@blakekuhlmann2143]

dont forget the stick

[@hedemalmcarl]

Toothpicks are technically picks so.. lol

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

A chain wear indicator will save you hundreds of dollars in the long run, mine is 20 years old and has saved me at least £1500 in drivetrain parts in that time

[@coleroyer2494]

i payed 10 dollars for mine after learning the hard way that they are necessary but a 1x8 drive train is cheap anyways, lucky me

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

You minus well just buy a new bike

[@Iilith_]

minus well

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

@@beastfromtheeast9318 very silly comment, I have new bikes, the tool works to save you money, if you don't understand this concept, good luck to you

[@beastfromtheeast9318]

Carbon suicide mtb don’t be such a girly man, it’s a sarcastic comment.

[@jinavl]

Always keep a spare derailleur hanger in your pack when shreddin

[@598Hans]

Thanks Seth, this video and a last one was just in time! I just got new bike after 9 years and even though I’m mechanical engineer and I shouldn’t have any problems with choosing right tools I still appreciate your guides

[@Dennis-mb8ip]

He is the guy to carry every tool you will need

[@dylan44117]

The one tool I would recommend buying over anything else is a chain wear indicator. I overstretched my chain to the point where it distroyed the cog on my dirt jumper to the point I had to get a new wheel. This could have been provented if I checked my chain once in a while

[@donovanstaab]

Please do a cleaning/ maintenance equipment for budget/ beginners :)

[@maxbottcher925]

nice video! I searched for such a video for quite some time now and suddenly it's coming from you :D oh and tanks that you put all the links in the description makes it a lot easier Greetings from Germany :)

[@hunterbeaulaurier1614]

I've had really good luck 3D printing my tire levers! Free files are easily found online too.

[@hunterbeaulaurier1614]

Oh and those little cable hold down things that are used to route cables externally!

[@sebastianjost]

@@hunterbeaulaurier1614 just use zip ties. They don't fall off as the other ones that come with most bikes

[@hunterbeaulaurier1614]

@@sebastianjost I've used both, but I like the way the C shaped ones look better!

[@francissteven304]

I feel like this is one of the few channels that takes into consideration staying on a budget on certain things. Such a great channel!

[@kwaktak]

This is one of those few videos that will be going in my Watch Later playlist for easy reference. Thx for including the different price point options. Sometimes a trip to Harbor Freight will do in a pinch, but I completely agree with the needle nose pliers. They aren't even worthy to use as a can opener!

[@berticusmaximus00]

This is why Thursdays are my favorite day of the week

[@Rpavsner]

Great video. If you are truly starting from scratch a number of the big online retailers have pretty good house brand starter tool box/kits at a decent price. That is what I did (a long time ago) and just replaced the highly used tools with better versions as budget and need warranted. High(er) end 4/5/6 hex, cable cutters and tire levers are probably my best ROI tools for sure.

[@1arod562]

Been to long without a Seth video in my life....ahhh back at ease now. Great vid, keep'em coming!

[@zoloclonecommando]

Really appreciate the description Seth! this video is great!

[@WorkingViews]

great tips as usual! My only addition for anyone trying to restore an older mtb is to get some #1 and #2 JIS screw drivers for certain adjustment screws that look like phil but will strip under torque.

[@Sam-oj8sr]

Sometimes the L style Allen key is easier to use in tight spaces.

[@kevinkohler7997]

Besides Bike Multitool I do indeed carry an extra L-shaped 4 or 5mm in seat bag your reason

[@Me_Being_Curious]

Just got my Fuse 27.5+ yesterday & yup tools are next on my list. Thanks for this video!

[@dyfanmorris3449]

This really helped me as I just got into mountain biking. Thanks Seth

[@tm_banditt1516]

Your my favorite mountain biker to watch and I will purchase these

[@rideallegretto1933]

Here’s a hack for one of your videos, when learning to pull up barspin learn to do a barspin on ice since you don’t have to lift up the front wheel and then when your comfortable with that you can move on to the actual barspin👍🏼

[@richarde1355]

Seth, you rock. Your videos are pure gems and provide useful information. Thanks so much for putting these together and sharing them with us.

[@safekraka]

Fantastic vid. Wise words for not only a good bike tool set but for every household.

[@dustinvanover2940]

me and my dad found out the hard way how expensive mtb can be, i mean we both bought $1700 bikes both out of pocket to be able to do more together on the trail. we started because of you, shout out to my 50 year old dad that is keaping up with me a 13 year old on black dimond trails. btw when you coming to charlotte we have some great trails here and as always: RIDE HARD LIVE LONG

[@sham_coot9532]

Remember, always keep a bottle opener on you for those after shred beers!

[@julesbertin1197]

Ive got my pedals to do this !

[@FantaMann42]

Seth You Rock!!!!! That is so practical for a start up MTB tool box set... KUDOS BRO!!!! No wonder you have 1 million subscribers!!!!!

[@DanielMaslin]

Just bought a giant trance 4, you made this video at the perfect time. Thankyou

[@Beachchiccx]

You forgot grease! It's in the shots of your toolbox, but it was never mentioned. I never realized how much I would need it until I got it, even for things outside of bike maintenance.

[@adizivojevic8635]

No consumables,dry lube is ton better

[@jeremytoms9698]

Good video. I have a nasty habit of buying good tools that I only use once - I could be a car mechanic or full fledge carpenter at this point. I do love the idea of just buying the entire Park Tool box (or Pedros) and keeping it separate and safe. I made sure to buy your stickers, Seth! My Trek Stache is going to Smeash!

[@eliyaanshakeel4060]

I can now say I have done this purchase. Pretty much purchased the one lower from the Pro. The Eco Parts. I spent around 150$ with extras such as a chain whip some of the Dry Teflon Lube and some other things. Great video Seth. My toolbox will be outfitted with your stickers!

[@louiescott5055]

Loving the content Gr8 to see it’s still super original Can’t wait for the next vid

[@edensaywell2048]

I always keep by tools in an old shoe box, and use the lid as a"tray"

[@SamMtnMan]

The beginning of the video is literally how to basic

[@outowengamer3568]

i would always use my multi tool for every repair and now i got these tools and actually bought myself how to repair and switch parts now thanks seth

[@trevorjamieson4924]

Well done, Seth! Great starter kit for newer MTB riders.

[@jimmys_bikelife]

This bike is amazing

[@thatcherwelkermtb9139]

diomandback release

[@adamg596]

You forgot the impact driver for installing carbon parts!

[@carbonsuicidemtb1583]

I wouldn't use an impact driver, a torque wrench is what you need

[@lucianonarno1408]

Carbon suicide mtb it was a joke, you big dummy

[@EliteSniperFMJ]

1 ugga dugga for bike parks 2-5 for for car parts, who needs a torque wrench lol

[@PanchoPistolas45]

Adam Gibson 3/4” drive right?

[@jacobsebastien3910]

I use a Milwaukee 1/2 inch high impact wrench for everything on bike, it produces 1,400 ft pounds of break away torque.

[@RgezMTB]

This is exactly what I'm looking for, answers my question, what do I need for a beginner's toolbox. Thanks a lot Seth.

[@BigEvy]

My beginner tool box was from the dollar store. Looked really similar to yours, but was incredibly cheap just like it ! The hinges were not solid, and often times caused the top and the divider to fall out. The tray was misshapen upon purchase and rarely could be slammed into the box . It still holds some of my tools , a valiant warrior it is.

[@goproalex3409]

You can get T handles from harbor freight that come in sae and metric. They’re actually good and have a lifetime warranty

[@Torchedini]

You can, but it is better to spend a bit more on hex and torx keys. If you get cheap tools they are soft and will destroy the bolt you are trying to extract/put in. When everything is new this no problem, but when it gets dirty it gets difficult. By spending more you get tools that are nicer to handle and last longer. Buy cheap, buy twice. And have to extract a broken bolt.

[@mqqnmypops]

As usual U hit the nail on the head, or at least the ball out of the Park (tool). Man that was bad. Anyway that statement about family friend's and toolboxes, yeah that's probably one of the best tips. It's amazing just how many tool's grow legs and simply walk away. I'm still waiting for my 15mm wrenches to come back from their taco Tuesday party. Got a feeling they must've gone down to Cabo without me.👍😎🚲🍺🌮🌮🌮

[@Torchedini]

Don't forget about the 10 mm too. Those are both gone in my collections. That is where the adjustable comes in, but still. Same goes for sockets. You'll miss one soon enough.

[@mqqnmypops]

@@Torchedini yup,i quit counting the little guys 5-10 mainly cause like little kids they luv playin hid & seek, and always seem to come out when u stop looking for'm 😎

[@demonking4203]

I love biking but i dunno anything about workin on my bike or tools but these videos teach me a ton

[@chrismitchell2535]

I used the Taco tool box hack the other day. My wife and I finished a 50 mile road ride as part of the Prouty Cancer Fundraiser in Hanover NH. We road 80 mile last year and decided 50 miles was more then enough. The rest of our team were riding longer distances so we found ourself with some time to kill. We reconnected with the car, got changed and then went to pick up some beer for the team as they finished up 80 and 100 mile rides. Now for the Taco hack - 12 pack of beer, new bag of ice and a cooler full of food. Faced with the problem of trying to keep the beer cold on a hot July day I thought what would Seth do? So I dumped the tools out of my tool box in the back of the car, removed the food from the cooler and put most of it in the tool box with some ice and then put the beer on ice in the cooler - so finishing team members were welcomed with ice cold beers! Thanks for your Hacks and other instruction! Great Channel!

[@elijahjamieson5354]

When you used the screwdriver as a tire lever I physically yelled and my body curled up and I was at the airport waiting for a flight

[@hedemalmcarl]

Elijah Jamieson Hahaha

[@hedemalmcarl]

Same here

[@FatGuyBiking]

HAHAHA I have that same toolbox, but I like to keep a few blocks of styrofoam near my toolbox because I put screws in it and label them.

[@FatGuyBiking]

CarsonSwitalskiDrums I think I got mine at harbor freight for less than 10 bucks I believe

[@RyanAir-we1gc]

Thank you Seth’sBikeHacks for this! Now i have all my tool in just one Box!

[@lammruss]

Thank you Seth for posting I love this idea and I will probably buy everything you have talked about in this video again Seth thanks for posting!!

[@WorldwideCyclery]

Solid video.

[@jamesjenkins2401]

My tyres are so tight I have to literally use a crow bar, so that’s now in my tool box

[@lukeschlieper8880]

James Jenkins You’re doing something wrong, or you have too small of a tire on or the bead is pregnant and doing contractions (work at a shop and seen this a few times, super weird, usually happens with aramid beads). For extra slack in the tire squeeze the bead into the center channel where all the spike nipples are located and you can usually get enough to pull her off.

[@charliemccloskey8358]

Then u are doing something wrong

[@barbellranch2763]

Straightforward and utterly useful. Thank you for this video.

[@thejwchannel3137]

Thanks Seth, another great vid. Enjoy your work very much. Big hi from Australia!

[@twowheeltv5965]

Who else calls them Alan keys not hex wrenches

[@Fire-dk4pi]

Alan keys lmaoooo

[@Flying_Spaghetti_Monster]

We call them Inbusschlüssel

[@hamishkeall2518]

Yep

[@faon9593]

you should make a seths bike hacks branded tool box

[@wreams2964]

Maz Eclipse. It’s just a book of ways to make tacos.

[@dylanpickersgill2088]

He should hook up with park tool

[@brian8156]

Man you’ve thought and explained everything I’d ever need to know. Thanks Seth!

[@suchasreallife]

I bought a beginner tool kit from a local bike shop had a lot of specialty bike tools came in very handy

[@thesecondset]

Seth what’s your favorite bike you own

[@riyankachowdhury4230]

its obvious his favourite bike is his diamondback release 5c

[@user-us1dz3ls3q]

@@riyankachowdhury4230 he said that also

[@matejmanceta1794]

5c

[@alfianodamanik]

You forgot one thing: labelling machine

[@KD-mm3li]

My travel box is a slim double handgun case. Cut outs for a set of hex and torx keys. Needle nose pliers. An Abby bike tools 4 way tool. A metal JIS screwdriver by park tool. 3rd hand for cables. Tire levers. A multi tool. Preferred brands are wera, snap on, channel lock, Abby, and park. Im a professional mechanic and so many travel demos in my local area. Done four years with specialized for their demo retail event. Sea otter classic. And others. Love every second of it.

[@RonClouds]

Your videos are very informative. Cheers to more vids like these.

[@Korina42]

Will doing the impossible make me mighty? 😎

[@SethsBikeHacks]

Get at that sticker!

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

Korina42 which sticker?

[@Korina42]

Sorry, it was a Firefly reference.

[@OBEYzALL]

When are the riding vids coming back!?

[@fernandolopez3094]

The doc said february

[@lammruss]

Zac Peasley it’s too cold now but soon

[@scnomad3626]

LammFamm aquariums, there is no such thing as too cold

[@OBEYzALL]

@Jeremy Dozorec Yeah ik, bit annoying how he keeps getting hurt, I was asking when he can ride anyways

[@OBEYzALL]

@@fernandolopez3094 thanks

[@DaveLopez575]

I definitely need a tool box. Thank you Seth’s Bike Hacks Bike University for educating me.

[@thetrailninja3791]

I just love your channel Seth! You know how to put together a top notch video and always exciting to see a new video come out! :D

[@mrSalior1]

Spray penetrating fluid in the hinge of pliers and cutters, open and close them and watch the junk come out

[@ronanM-L]

Did you just eat a Taco with a spoon out of a tool box?

[@SethsBikeHacks]

yes

[@BuckarooBeatdown]

Wait.... Is that not ⁿᵒʳᵐᵃˡ

[@baddriversofcolga]

Should he have used a fork?

[@AnomadAlaska]

That was a Park Tool SPK-1. Seth doesn't F around.

[@maxMax-ns9pg]

Also seriously Seth, your videos are so high quality it’s insane

[@francosantella7113]

Ah. I was just wondering when your newest video comes out. I also really needed this video!

[@dylanrutz4830]

Legend has it if you comment this early Seth's Bike Hacks will respond.

[@Foster_B]

Howdy

[@yellowpole9651]

FosterKid partner

[@francopicc_0698]

I have got the same bok lol😂😂

[@blainewinters8492]

This is just the video I was looking for next!! Thank you!!

[@phixion35]

Great video Seth! Some tools I already have and others I know I should get for when (not if) I need them. An alternative in the torque wrench area is the Harbor Freight Pittsburgh 1/4" torque wrench which can usually be had for $12 or less on sale or with a 20% off coupon. It measures in in/lbs. So you'll just have to learn or print/save a chart to convert to nM measurement. I got one specifically to use for my MTB, and I love it and it works very well! 👍

[@harjinders6035]

First

[@jamesrgod]

Dang it you beat me

[@alfie.3325]

Hi

[@critter3745]

Thanks. Very useful. I have most of those tools, but not a dedicated bicycle toolbox. I like the parts tray idea too.

[@khvnp1l0t]

I work on cars a lot, just getting in to serious mountain biking though. Same as with my car, I'm gonna try and do most of my work myself. It's good to have videos like this to know where to start with tools -- thanks for that! No more hanging my weight off of 30" breaker bars or ratchets with 5' pipes over them though 😮

[@woodlandwillmtb]

Seth, I always watch the ads to the end so that you get revenue, and I’m really loving the channel and the content. Keep it up!

[@Mapl3Syrup]

That first hex wrench set from harbor freight is EXACLY that I have I also got a set that fits a 3/8 drive wrench for more leverage. I use it on cranks, linkage bolts, and shock bolts. Didn’t realize how much I’d use it until I noticed how rarely anything comes loose now that I can tighten everything properly!

[@2002william]

Thank you Seth! I thought about writting a comment on another video about tools i should own! And then I found this video! Great content!

[@ToogyHowser]

Great video as always! solid list of tools to get people started for working on and maintaining their bike.

[@ThumperThumper-uo9oo]

The Park's 3 way Y tool is Amazing. I have owned one for over 25 years and it works Amazingly. Deffiently worth every penny .

[@cwd1232]

Def like the idea of this series.. very useful! Def looking forward to an intermediate and advanced version off this tool series!!🤙🤙

[@xcsam9434]

Good to know! I'm starting to get serious about MTB this year so I will stock up on the necessities!

[@stupidedition5401]

Nice vid as always, i just got a new tool kit for Christmas so this was a check list for what i needed

[@mikezagar7462]

I have a couple of the 3 way park tool Allen’s and I love them. Definitely my go to tool for any project

[@denishuber7758]

This was a very handy video to see that i got all i need for bike maintenance and service...next on my wish list is an torque wrench for spring check up ;)

[@Wrangzilla]

This is definitely my favorite channel. You're the man Seth!!! If you're ever up in Richmond,Va. You're alway welcome at my place....

[@dhelix85]

I've needed this for a while.

[@blame7121]

Right now is probably not the best time to get into the hobby due to there being little work and thus thin paychecks, but i used my last paycheck to buy my first mountain bike, and will probably be using my next one for some tools, and I'll be using this video as a guide. Thanks