The tools you need to start wrenching on your own bike (BEGINNER TOOLSET) | Syd Fixes Bikes

[@LeadMunitions]

Just spent about $600 getting my tool game up to spec! I was tired of paying the shop for service that was easy to learn with some youtube videos..Found a lot of brands other than Park that offer some high quality tools...Wera, Wiha are some of my favorite. I did spring for 2 of the Park Torque wrenches. A must for todays modern suspension bikes. Thnks to videos like yours, i have fixed a lot and replaced parts that otherwise i would have to wait weeks for my local shop to fix!! Thanks guys, keep up the great work!

[@Elephantine999]

Yep, buying even and expensive tool is usually cheaper than paying the shop (and the work gets done to your standard, and you know what do do when something breaks and no shop is around.) 🙂

[@downhilldummy8091]

I love Macky’s random contributions from behind the camera letting everyone know he is still there.... you guys are great!

[@ReVolt_e-Vlogs]

To lock the quick link I either push on the pedal once of the repair stand & on the ground, or even with the older quick link tool, you just pull it open, & it'll lock it in place, most are made to spread just enough to lock the link

[@thrdwrld3]

You guys are on your way to become the #1 bike repair channel online.

[@misterplissken]

“Screwdriver things” 😂😂 These vids are the best!!

[@Bishop0151]

The things I might add; Torque wrench, especially if you have carbon on the bike. Sure you can do it by feel, but that takes practice that beginners don'r have, and is an expensive risk around carbon. Spoke wrench For tubeless Valve core remover and big ass syringe Hydraulic brakes Bleed kit

[@BigVanLittleAdventures]

Bike stand... Probably most used thing in my shop next to my allen wrenches.

[@LeadMunitions]

thats on my Christmas list!

[@BigVanLittleAdventures]

@@LeadMunitions thats a great choice! My list is full of bike goodies 😄

[@invectiondk]

Fixed bikes for years without a stand. It's super neat to have, but absolutely not a must have, not at all for beginners.

[@misterhaan]

when i was a kid doing this with whatever was already in my parents' garage trying not to spend any money, i changed tires using a couple flat screwdrivers (definitely scratched a few rims but rarely popped an inner tube), swapped pedals using a standard open-ended wrench (still don't own a pedal wrench), and cut cables and housings with basic wire cutters (had to re-round the cut end of the housing each time). i did buy a 4/5/6 triangle hex wrench and a chain tool back then (still have and use them 30 years later) but as an adult with my own garage i've been adding more bike-specific tools as i keep doing more things and getting new kinds of parts -- just today got myself set up to install and maintain hydraulic brakes! still saving up for that bike stand though -- still have the habit of setting the bike upside down to work on it

[@JustAGlitchFL]

You can use a normal master link tool to close them, by just pulling it the other way. Or you can just put the master link on the top side of the chain stay and crank the pedals hard in a high gear. If you do it fast enough, it will just pop into place.

[@jmast1037]

I use my normal park to close them, too. Or, put the quick link on top, squeeze the brakes and stomp on the pedal. With the bike out of the stand, of course.

[@Freepowder]

Chain whip. I built mine from a couple chunks of chain, 1.5" x 8" aluminum, dipped the handle end in that plasitcoat stuff. Also a cassette taker-off-er wrench thingie.

[@graffix11us]

Smoosh and Pinch - best description of what pliers do.

[@GHinWI]

Valve core remover tool is great to have and you don’t know you need it till you do. Also, Eklind makes great sets of Allen & torx wrenches. They’re cheap and high quality, and you can buy them at Home Depot.

[@danielrauhaus6474]

Add: A stack of discarded T-shirts / dishrags and some hand cleaning paste :)

[@4961Studebaker]

All good tips. May I say the vid quality and lighting in the Shred Shed has been ON POINT! Great channel.

[@TheGroupRide]

Torque wrench. Even just the fixed 5nM options will save you many heartaches.

[@OurMTBJourney]

I ended up getting most of these tools already, mainly as I need them. With bike shops in the area not having the ability to turn around repairs quickly due to the huge demand I found it useful to learn how to do just about everything. Loving the videos. On a side note, I realized my video I made on the Santa Cruz Bronson I kept saying S RAM instead of how you are suppose to say it. No idea why I said it that way, but when I heard you say SRAM I went... ooops ;-) Then went and redid the voiceover of the video and uploaded it again (as it wasn’t live yet). So bonus thanks.

[@AndrewSimpson-us9lf]

Spoke wrenches to keep wheels true.Cone wrenches to keep older hub axels adjusted. In my opinion should be included in the maintenance tool dept. Like the style of your videos!

[@forestkan6653]

I also want to add that a hanger alignment gauge is slowly becoming more and more important... or maybe seven bent hangers in five months is just a me thing...

[@sydfixesbikes]

We had years/bikes where that was true...

[@MTBTrailRider]

I love the use of the chapters on the video. I use them on my videos and I love it when other creators use them. I tend to be more engaged because if theres something I want to skip, I know exactly how far to skip or to find what I need.

[@markkimley5273]

I just discovered feedback sports tools about an hour before I saw this video. Nice to see they're the tools you're using. Makes me feel better about buying their tool kit.

[@sydfixesbikes]

It's an AWESOME kit!

[@ericpeysar2593]

Great video You two. I just had the same conversation with a friend who is starting out. There is only idea i might suggest. Yes a good multitool and a mini pump are far from ideal in the shop but if you cant take the tools with you, then you cant fix anything. Oh and one more thing ... if you have an experienced cycling friend ask them what tools they may have doubles or triples of. Maybe you can trade some tools for beer so everyone wins. 🤪

[@tmwei396]

Informative video for a beginner but I have a couple of points to make. My Park Tool (MLP 1.2) quick link tool will both remove and install a quick link. When you remove them you obviously squeeze the tool but to install them you separate the tool (opposite direction). You have the two prongs in the exact same locations on the chain like you're removing but reverse the action to install. As for a crimping tool to close the cable ends, my Park Tool (CN 10) cable and housing cutter also has a crimping feature just above the spring.

[@ianfurqueron5850]

A good work stand will last for years. I have a Park PRS-5 that I've had since the late 90's. It folds nicely into a compact bag and almost always goes with me on biking trips. I'm planning to set up a dedicated "bike space" in my house and at that time I'll splurge on a fixed, heavy base work stand. Also - cassette tools; bottom bracket tools.

[@johnnyvdf]

Absolutely the best maintenance videos out there. Don’t stop.

[@samgooding-matthews3175]

Ahhh the old smush and pinch ...got it Also a bike stand is like hot water you don’t need it for a shower but just makes it better 😂 great content keep it up 🤙🏻

[@myassitsbeentaken]

I love your videos! I love that we're all just learning as we go so thanks for sharing your journey as well. Also- I have a pair of those Park Tool quicklink pliers and I've used them to both take off and put on a quicklink. All you have to do when putting a quicklink on is insert the tool into the chain links and pull the pliers apart to tighten the link. Works like a charm.

[@tjbarke6086]

A great place to start is a good comprehensive ratchet set, that includes a screw driver that has interchangeable bits. Obviously you're probably gonna want it in metric, if it's mostly for a modern bike, or both metric and imperial. Also, the park tool quick link remover can also reattach links...

[@dwightmcclain482]

I have major floor pump envy😁.

[@MasteringGrappling]

Good video. Chain whips, dummy hubs, chain cleaner.

[@sagehiker]

Tape measure in both metric and inch (imperial) is really essential. And know your measurements for a good fit, or always you to tweak but go back if needed. I have been a lot of cockpit changes on very different bikes, with different chain stay lengths, trail etc but keep coming to my basic numbers for best fit, even though visually it does look “right” at first glance. And a good portable bike repair stand is a game changer. Old eyes, try a headlamp stolen from my hiking pack when I upgraded.

[@mauriciorosales1259]

The park tool quick link tool I’ve have for a while also removes - and yes, It’s a must have - everything else is a hack.

[@jcam783]

Great Video ! Just bought my first bike in over 20 years . Gonna have to throw together a little tool kit .

[@devinbyrnes8058]

Just what I have been looking for. I was googling home mechanics kits just yesterday. Found a deal on al all bike stand this weekend. Getting my act together to save those trips into town and long waits.

[@jonathanvasquez9604]

The summary of each topic videos u make is always great. God job guys!

[@richardhaselwood9478]

Good list. My 2c.... Some of these things, getting a cheaper version is a good place to save money, e.g. cable cutters and needle nose pliers (you can upgrade later). You can find cheaper work stands too. They aren't the best but will do nicely until you do score a nice Park Tool stand on the Black Friday sales..... BUT, don't skimp on allen tools. You use cheap allen wrenches, and you'll regret it, almost immediately when you round that nut off, have to pay to get it removed and replaced, and then go and buy a decent set. You will also likely end up buying a couple of different sets, e.g. a "normal" set, a multi tool set, some nice T-handle wrenches, and so on...... Same likely goes for Torx wrenches. I would say that, a decent torque wrench is super important though, almost from the start of learning to do this stuff.

[@TheMNBlackBear]

If you like a wax based chain lube, you can make your own for pennies on the dollar and much better than the commercial stuff. Three parts each of paraffin wax, paraffin oil and xylene (Home Depot or Lowe's usually has it). Melt wax at low heat, stir in paraffin oil, stir in xylene. Nothing to it. The only downside to this mixture is that it solidifies when the weather is cool, so you will have to warm it up before use. I've found a very cool lube that works on any bike part, including the chain: "Super Slick Slick Stuff" works on just about anything you can think of and works better than any type of lube I have EVER used. I don't bother with anything else anymore.

[@tl2913]

Syd, great video! You may want to add a segment on protective gear... gloves, Carhartts, etc. :) Also might be a good beginner tip to buy a basic Park bike toolkit with an assortment of tools.

[@kiochannel018]

Present here. From Philippines

[@cnapoli]

Not a tool per se, but a shop apron is nearly essential to keep your clothes from getting dirty or permanently stained by grease. Plus, the extra pockets are handy for holding tools and other bits. I also recommend using a three sided dog toothbrush for cleaning chains.

[@fergalomahony7716]

Great videos! To this list I would add spray degreaser and spray lube. Good combo for getting dirty derailleurs moving freely again.

[@chiccorocker]

I use exactly the same Wax lube. I hate the black muck that every other lube makes over time, it takes ages to clean. With wax it's not even a problem any longer, as long as you don't use the bike in super muddy conditions you are good to go.

[@mattkavanaugh5623]

Great vid! As to a work stand, a cheaper option are the bike hanging hooks that fold up and down and have two hooking arms that go under the top tube. $10 or less I think. And they can be mounted on a wall, a workbench, or on a piece of 2x4 that can then be clamped into a vice (and easily removed). I do have an old model Park portable bike stand (the cheapest model for home mechs), but I have used the folding bike hooks as an additional stand when I am working on two or more bikes at the same time (e.g., swapping wheels).

[@sydfixesbikes]

Good tip

[@SwissBadass68]

This is so useful. Thank you. I'm just getting into mtb and got frustrated searching Amazon bike tools. 🙋‍♀️🤙🏼

[@joshuapage5689]

Good video..pedros vice whip is my favorite bike tool of all time

[@torreyhiker9137]

Digital air pressure gauge for tires. Topeak SmartGauge D2 is excellent.

[@ernestjohnson4436]

Def need to do a video on cutting handel bars are choosing the right size.

[@michaellangfitt2077]

Again, the information I need, JUST when I need it....AND in time for a Christmas list!

[@aadgbe]

if I may suggest a 'bikehack' - get a broken spoke and bend it 90° on both sides and put it on the chain when removing master link. especially on a Shimano der that don't have fixed extended cage mode. more than once I had my master links flying all over the room. it'll hold the chain for you, and prevent you from losing your mind and nerves, getting the master link on and off.

[@richardhaselwood9478]

A few chain checkers (e.g. Birzman) have one built in. Super handy.

[@satellitehunter7440]

👍

[@Freepowder]

Have you done and/or could you do an episode on home built tools? I notice you have one. . . ;)

[@johnshannon]

search youtube for "Bicycle tools: 10 cheap and easy to make home made tools."

[@blender9010]

Cassette tool comes really in handy when taking off center lock rotors or cleaning/swapping cassettes

[@mattgies]

Gonna need a chain whip too, to remove cassettes.

[@blender9010]

@@mattgies Heck yeah!

[@blender9010]

Rags! They can be dirty or clean but these are great for cleaning things up and if u just finished washing your bike you could dry it off with one!

[@brennen-nwamtb789]

Thanks you! I have been looking forward to this vid!

[@BobInVT]

All the way through the video, I kept thinking 'Workstand! Workstand! Everything is easier with a workstand! Even cleaning.' And then there you go toward the end saying exactly what I'd been thinking.

[@beintesaiz08]

Hi Syd! Do you have any suggestions on removing broken/snapped bolt on the frame of a full sus mtb? 😢

[@nicdelillo]

Hi Syd do you have any sort of problems in clamping a D-Shape seatpost tube with the Elite Pro stabd? I have a Parktool 9.3 and bike keeps rotating in that clamp. Just wont accomodate correctly the D shape

[@mattstanyer]

Awesome video! I love what you guys are doing. Keep it up 🙂

[@luisr.blanco8098]

Always looking up to your videos ! 💪🏼💪🏼💪🏼 keep it up!

[@drengskap]

At 5:45, you're trying to join a chain, and it pings loose on you - get a little hook thingy to hold the chain together while you're joining the ends, and you'll never have this happen again ;-)

[@oldm4259]

Perfect,very positive vibes, keep going

[@djiembefola]

Spot on. I love Syd.

[@jchildress]

Great videos, thank you!

[@tantoelauwjeweet]

For the quick link; as an emergency solution a piece of metal string should easily do the job - it works wonders for me anyway.

[@devinbyrnes8058]

WARNING!!! Do not buy Squirt Chain Lube in the winter if you live where it gets cold. It says on the bottle not to let it freeze, but they do not say that on the outside of the shipping package. Therefore my post lady delivered it to my outdoor mailbox in northern Canada in the middle of winter where it promptly froze. It turned into a paste and will not flow and fill in the cracks (as determined by their tech's). There is a hack where I can try to revive it with small quantities of hot water, but I may get screwed on this.

[@sydfixesbikes]

We've had the same thing happen (regularly because our shed isn't heated). As you found out, it's pretty easy to fix by mixing with a bit of water, and we've had no repercussions from doing so!

[@georgepaz9834]

Don’t forget a TIRE PRESSURE GAUGE...the ones on the floor pumps tend to be inaccurate.

[@bicycledad7660]

There is a tool called the 4th hand to help with cable tension while adjusting the brake cables

[@satellitehunter7440]

This tool has changed my life. So many things outside of bike repair too

[@Lughnerson]

Worn out socks and toothbrushes for cleaning, greasing, and waxing.

[@shanemichael388]

What brand is that Allen Tee set? Liking that all metal finish. I use the Squirt, found it to be a great product 👍 Do you service other bikes than your own, looks like you have a heap of spare parts? Great show , aways entertaining , informative even😀

[@sydfixesbikes]

They're made by Feedback Sports: bit.ly/38qg9th

[@bob-ny6kn]

You didn't mention needing a hot mechanic. Should I get one of those? If so, how?

[@davelloyd8454]

Torque wrench to avoid over tightening expensive things.

[@gabrielmarias972]

Hi guys! Very useful! Please can you said me the brand or model of your stand wheels do you have on the wall? I need for my garage to have them organize! Thx

[@sydfixesbikes]

That's that Feedback Sports Velo Wall Post: bit.ly/3ogjosh

[@satellitehunter7440]

How about a good work bench? My wife is still asking me if I know where our bedroom door went 😆

[@MaksymilianSleziak]

What kind of rear derailleur aligment tool do you use?

[@sydfixesbikes]

We just got the Shimano alignment tool. It's great! amzn.to/3rxozXz

[@dylanbrunette352]

Hello there! Great video love this kind of stuff..just curious if I already own those tools off witch would be your night tool investment?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Probably a BB/cassette tool (bit.ly/2IHEqAN) and chain whip (bit.ly/2ILL2O1) so you can replace cassette and bottom bracket. After that would probably be stuff for bleeding brakes (bit.ly/3ntDKOa) and then working on forks (bit.ly/3kyNTr7, bit.ly/2Uvqvjw, bit.ly/3lDbBU9)

[@dylanbrunette352]

@@sydfixesbikes okay thank you very much for letting me know! I love your guys videos and attitude about mountain biking! Wonderful stuff

[@danielkaz6280]

Great vids :-)

[@jacksonvance5469]

I use Squirt wax lube as well as car soap to wash my bike. Let the dark side flow in those who comment against me, for I won’t change my mind.

[@jrldude8719]

If you get a bike stand, get a decent one. It beats getting a cheapo stand, realizing it sucks, and they having to pony up for a decent one anyways.

[@mattgies]

Yep, "buy once, cry once".

[@MisterSal9895]

Sadly this happened to me. The stand I got broke down and now can fall over easily so I have to let the front tire touch the floor thus I let the stand only lift the back wheel. Also have to position it a certain way that it won't fall over. So you can say I have a ghetto stand at the moment.

[@albright666]

Loctite blue 242. Cant install parts without it

[@runningsig]

In addition, some grease, anti-seize, and retaining compound could be useful. Different parts require different prep not only to install but also for removal later. Additionally, I'd invest in a box of gloves to keep all of these fine substances away from the skin. For all of these, your money might go farther at either the auto parts store or the home improvement store.

[@lyz7714]

Should I start changing pivot bearings my self?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Many people do and it's a great way to save money and fairly easy to do if you have the correct tools. We're planning to do a video on that sometime this winter!

[@lyz7714]

@@sydfixesbikes Awesome, can't wait to see it. Do you guys also post on bilibili?

[@sydfixesbikes]

We work with a company in China that posts this channel's content on BiliBili, so it should end up there.

[@lyz7714]

@@sydfixesbikes Cool. I think people do like your videos there.

[@jacobjames1171]

I'd like to buy a brake cutter tool.

[@sydfixesbikes]

We have this one and love it! bit.ly/3fgn0XQ

[@mechpade]

Would you recommend buying a nice torque wrench to replace screwdrivers and Allen keys for those Nm specific parts?

[@JustAGlitchFL]

It is better to have both, since torque wrenches often don't fit into tight spaces.

[@mechpade]

@@JustAGlitchFL Aren't there long attachments for those tight spaces?

[@sydfixesbikes]

We're planning to go an entire video about whether or not you need a torque wrench. If it's in your budget, definitely get one. But we didn't want people to feel like they couldn't work on their bikes without one.

[@johnnydoe66]

Spoke Wrench to true your wheels

[@woutercoorevits8805]

Hello what is the brand of the allen keys?

[@sydfixesbikes]

Feedback Sports (link in description)

[@woutercoorevits8805]

@@sydfixesbikes thanks

[@philipps258]

For older bikes you need an crankset removal tool. And a bb remover. And tons of wd40. Otherwise you will screw this forever and never work on a bike again. Old bikes are a whole other world

[@Happy_Biker]

Question: In the chain wear indicator section, you said, "...you can do it with a ruler..." How? 🤔

[@mattgies]

Each link of the chain is supposed to be 1/2 inch long. So twenty-four links should be one foot. Measure the distance between the centers of the pins over 24 links. If you measure exactly 12 inches / one foot, then the chain is new. If the measurement is longer, then divide your measurement by 12 inches to find the percentage of elongation (wear). Replace at 0.75% for 10, 11, or 12 speed chains, and at 1.0% for 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 speed chains.

[@sydfixesbikes]

What he said. But we will show it in next week's video, as well 😉

[@Happy_Biker]

@@sydfixesbikes Yeah, I did it and I think I need a new chain!

[@joellim0707]

Do you sell m8120 brakes?

[@sydfixesbikes]

We don't sell anything, but Competitive Cyclist has them: bit.ly/36zKZ0a

[@Crucifiedego]

What about the apron?!!

[@sydfixesbikes]

Definitely a good thing to have, but we worked on bikes for a LONG time before we started wearing aprons, so didn't count it as a "beginner" tool. Our pants suffered though...

[@jacobjames1171]

Why would anyone make a tire lever out of metal?

[@H457ur]

Get a torque wrench!!!!! It’s the most important tool there is.

[@Gkam84]

Don't use diluted dish soap, it contains salt

[@aharongina5226]

torque wrench

[@DanTuber]

torque wrench if you got a carbon bike