Top 10 Essential Bicycle Tools!

All mountain Bikes need a bit of TLC every now and then so there's no better way to progress your MTB skills than learning how to tune up & repair your bike yourself, but to do that you're going to need some Bicycle repair tools to help you out! Neil Donoghue runs you through the essentials you'll need to get your bike in great working order and shows you some nifty tricks along the way!
⏱ Timestamps ⏱
0:00 - Intro
0:36 - MTB work stand
0:19 - Bicycle track pump
2:10 - Allen keys
3:03 - MTB tools
3:59 - Bicycle Torx keys
4:32 - Bicycle tyre levers
5:24 - Chain Breaker
5:55 - Cable cutter
6:57 - MTB lubes & cleaners
7:57 - MTB Tools
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[@Jakawuuuuuh]

If you ask Sam Pilgrim its a Pipe Cutter and a Stone.

[@ytbikermarc2139]

And dont forget the Paint Brush to cover up the Foxforks

[@chrisivie3725]

Based comment

[@charlie9ine]

The pandemic forced me to think about doing more of my own bike maintenance. The initial cost of accumulating the necessary tools along with at times a pretty steep learning curve was a bit overwhelming at first but the reward of being able to work on your own bike outweighs any of the negatives. It also allows you to be a lot clearer and knowledgeable when you do need the bike shop.

[@jeanmarc_in_Hudson]

Adjustable torque wrench 👍

[@chrisridesbicycles]

I‘d add a spoke wrench in the right size for your wheels. Costs almost nothing and can save the day. Waiting for my wheels to be fixed by the busy bike shop is what got me into bike maintenance in the 90s.

[@gmbn]

That's also a great tool to have!

[@woduk]

Usually come on a decent multi tool as well

[@Seppster58]

Great video Neil. I used to offroad in a Jeep and learned my mechanics skills and accumulated some tools. Now that I have transitioned to the MTB world, I will be doing the same with collecting the specific tools for my adventures. This is a video helps me start my collection.

[@j.albertogratacos2076]

Agree 100% with using your money to buy the tool instead of on the shop when possible. I've slowly built a respectable toolbox over the years this way.

[@BrianRPaterson]

Spot on, Neil. The only thing I'd add is that Park makes an adjustable torque key that covers you from 4nm to 6nm in 0.5nm increments. I'd recommend that over the individual, non-adjustable keys. I don't know if it ends up cheaper than buying all three, but it takes up less room in my tool box. BTW: I prefer these keys over a traditional torque wrench because you cannot over torque a bolt. When you get to the right tightness, the key just spins. Cheers

[@visjenl]

Workstands can be cheap, i bought mine from Lidl for €25. A chain cleanern and cleaning brushes is also a must have for me.

[@gmbn]

That's a great bargain!

[@charlie9ine]

I know we’re looking at Park Tools in this segment but I highly recommend the Topeak mini ratchet. It’s so nice to use and it’s small enough to carry on a ride.

[@M3PH11]

0:50 I spent years working on my bike on my parents driveway as a kid. It was such a pain in the ass. So the moment i could afford my own workstand i got one. Working on my bike while watching GMBN on the TV in the living room is the best 😁😁 1:52 I've had the same Topeak Joe blow pump for 20 years. Only had to replace the rubber air pipe once but Topeak had spares and they were really cheap too. 2:57 I agree with this but i upgraded to a 1/4" ratchet with some high quality hex bits and that works for me just as well

[@andy5786]

Thanks for super info of what bike tools you need to look after your bike 🤟👍

[@gmbn]

No problem Andrew! We're glad you enjoyed it!

[@rudynorvelle2870]

Maybe a chain cleaner. One that holds the cleaning liquid. They work great for me.

[@yesyoucanTellme]

a pump is the most essential tool for me

[@donchristie420]

Fork or tire?

[@Jacob99174]

Totally, Bruh

[@asdasdasdasd-si2gw]

cordless sprayer is my new toy, bring on the mud this year spring!

[@tornagawn]

Excluding hydraulic disc brakes, I’d rate my maintenance ability as ‘high’ as I once had to rebuild an old style freewheel at the side of a trail: the lock ring loosened and it spewed tiny bearings everywhere. Old style Shimano 6 speed, twin pawl. For touring I’ve got a neat little device that fits the freehub lockring and uses the chain and chain stay to loosen the lockring if necessary. Most tools can be varied: pocket Allen keys or shop style, but decent cable cutters are a must, particularly for us old school types I’d always go thumbs over levers, but sometimes…..esp. tubeless beads. And for the workshop: 💯 torque wrench.

[@andrewkb5211]

As a beginner with bike maintenance I find a torque wrench essential and reassuring.

[@jramirezar]

Torque wrench is necessary for most parts of your bike, I use a bar bend wrench from Venzo, very compact, and accurate, also very cheap and I can even take it with me for a ride if I need to, like when I'm setting a new bike or fitting some new parts for geometry

[@bobothericefarmer1878]

Agreed

[@wingnut5737]

Just today I picked up a modular tool box. I just grab that and my stand and can literally take everything wherever I need it. Being mostly capable fixing a bike saves loads of money for when you break it instead.....

[@patherman6309]

Check the Super T Handle Metric set, a compact new design that solves the rotational problem when torque is not needed (at Amazon).

[@CiderPang27]

Snapped my chain whip........barsteward!!!!!

[@kleyoka]

I found side cutters are good if you first wrap the cable with some electrical tape

[@ZillaYT]

Scanner = adjustable wrench 👍

[@TheButlerNZ]

As a maintenance engineer for 13 yr and ridden bikes for 40+... never had an "essential' stand.... flipped on its head or other tricks have sufficed. A track pump... Well I was given one at the local tip shop as someone was going to drop it off, and fixed another that cost $2, both only a couple of years ago, otherwise I would still be using the ol hand pump and even the old steel foot pump... and a guage that I can use no matter who's pump I used so the pressure measure is the same.. even if my gauge is wrong, it's consistent. (course I'm not beading tubeless)... Allen keys.. If your worried about weight, check your bike over.. you may only need 3-4, On my Foes I really only needed 2 with me, and one was for the seat. Chain whip and cassette tool... Hmmm not essential if you would prefer a bike shop to do it... not an easy task for a noob, and the shop can make sure they sold you something that fits if they are fitting it. Adjustable spanner... We in the trade call them "Nut F*^kers" because... well it's in the name... OK for BIG nuts... but don't 'Fudge' your smaller ones with one. (Excuse profanity.. but that IS the name we use) Chain breaker.. You can get great tiny ones about 60mm long, and light weight.. and take some 'Power links" (First time I've heard that term... I just called them joining links... the box in front of me says Quick-link)... Cable cutting... Tip... Heat Shrink can be as good and look better than cable end nipples... Disk Break Cleaner ... Now here is a MUST... Look at the local vehicle/hardware store for Brake Cleaner.. only a few dollars a can... - I run a 2nd hand bike that came with oil soaked pads. Brake clean (and a bit of meths) and 3 years later, 1 finger braking on the same pads, haven't even needed a disassembly clean since... - I use brake clean for EVERYTHING at work.. in most cases it is BETTER than degreaser, tho a little more expensive the result way surpasses the extra dollar. - Fairly safe on factory paint... be cautious on home paint jobs... perhaps research carbon but I'm betting still fine.. You can spray calipers and rotors straight on the bike... I do. Grease... research a spray can grease (I use HSS2000 on everything but there are plenty of similar products). When was the last time you greased your lever pivots! Bleed kit... Actually you probably need this far more than a Chain Whip etc. Torque wrench... well I use them on my motorbike head bolts.... um yeah thats about it... Head bolts... 40 years of fixing things... of course that's 40 years of learning the feel of a bolt about to break, de-thread, just right etc. Nothing worse than undoing a rusty bolt and knowing that feeling that the bolt is twisting apart... sometimes changing direction to loosen a rusty bolt will actually break it... other times back n forth works.... If only we knew in advance.... Then again I fix other peoples gear but let mine near fail before fixing it.. so why listen to me... q8)

[@MulettoMotorsports]

Like Doddy has said in the past, the metal tire levers should be avoided like the plague, you might as well have a flathead screwdriver in your hand. They both can damage your beads, rim wall and for the people who still use them, inner tubes.

[@nelsondog100]

Can you tell me a bout the grease applicator at the end of the tube shown in the video? Thanks in advance

[@matt_m126]

Probably need a presta valve core tool too. 🙂

[@charlie9ine]

Work stand is the really tough one. It’s one of the most important pieces of equipment but it’s also really expensive. Cheap ones aren’t worth the money. Any Park Tool stand is good but even the cheapest isn’t cheap.

[@frankthetankricard]

If you're going to recommend adjustable pliers you should mention Knipex 86 01 wrenches as a superior alternative. They are kind of pricy but if anyone is looking to replace multiple tools with a more versatile one these are absolutely fantastic.

[@jcvd1826]

I own adjustable wrenches as well as the Knipex pliers-wrench. The Knipex is better at certain things but then the reverse is also true, depends on the job at hand. I don't think the Knipex is automatically the "superior alternative."

[@Esbbbb]

Do you have a "pack these for your daily rides" kit video? E.g. all the absolutely necessary tools and bonus points would be if there are some specific tools if you could hook up with ParkTools to create a bundle that us starting riders could buy directly. :D

[@adamputu5448]

Am Not Yet Have My New Bike But Now I Have A Some Plan For Buying Pump For My Bike

[@666HellsAngels]

Can you help. I have a single speed bike and want to replace the crank and take links out of my chan. What tools do I need exactly? Ebay. - Bike Repair Kit Bicycle Removal Tool For Chain/Crank/Cassette/Freewheel/Puller. Is this fine or need more tools? Thank 🤘🏻

[@davetbassbos]

Rubber Mallet!!!!!!!!!!!

[@dand3975]

I have a Park tire pump. Don't use it ever. I use a cordless Ryobi 18volt Inflation tool, fast efficient.

[@pangtundure]

I got a mini pump with me , it's a lil bit annoying to use but it's ok

[@gmbn]

Yeah, small pumps can take a while to pump up your tyres! 😅

[@darrellmayfield4975]

Chain master link tool 🔧. Such a pain to do with needle nose pliers.

[@natas12rm]

I just watched someone use a shoestring

[@MonkeMan324]

Early one

[@gmbn]

What's your essential MTB repair tool? 👀 👇

[@zacharykibblewhite4262]

pump, various keys

[@saddleweary5760]

Smart phone with GMBN tech subscription

[@Jacob99174]

BB sockets

[@CiderPang27]

Oxy acetylene torch, 3/4 drive pneumatic impact wrench, anvil and a 3lb mash hammer. 👍

[@daboo2]

Disc straightening tool for disc brakes. I can barely go two rides before my discs warp and start rubbing on the pads. (I blame the hikers forcing me to drag the brakes downhill, not my squid-ly riding style.)

[@jacklangstaff8901]

Hi

[@gmbn]

👋

[@vaclavrehak9880]

Are you thinking about upgrading cameras to 4K any time soon? It would be very welcomed

[@ewilen]

Why on earth would you need to watch those types of videos in 4k ? Sorry for being a party pooper but the higher the resolution the higher the environnemental impact.

[@vaclavrehak9880]

@@ewilen Well i dont really meant these kind of video. More like overall, mainly videos in nature u will able to see more detail and that think with environnemental impact, i dont have anything against it but this is kinda extreme way of thinking

[@ewilen]

@@vaclavrehak9880 I know it seems extreme but if you watch 1 hour of video in DVD quality every day for a year, it's like driving your car for 1200 km/745miles in Co2 emissions. If you do the same thing in 4K quality it's 6000 km/3728miles !! So there is actually a huge difference.

[@plainuser48596]

@@ewilen Interesting. Care to point to the studies regarding this ?

[@jacquesduplessis6175]

@@ewilen Yeah, Actually I agree... People are pushing for higher resolutions because the salesmen sold them 8k tvs, but I'm a software dev dealing with video streams everyday, and people don't realize the impact it has on electricity/ computing power, all through the internet

[@seanflorian4653]

Don't get a preset torque wrench, get a beam style

[@dand3975]

Micrometer scale click type torque wrench. Armstrong is made by Snap On at fraction of cost

[@brianrivasoconer5543]

My bike has been in the shop 3 weeks ..i dont have tools

[@michelaccialessandro]

Blake van build?????

[@fud1376]

I've managed without a 'stand' for over 25 years now.....Ha !!

[@cindygosa2997]

Psy the full price for the bike might get a couple tools fr

[@jamessampiano7409]

first

[@gmbn]

🥈

[@robertlylebadilla9005]

redunduncy content.

[@amc5926]

you really should show how all these tools work; not just show the tools. and i think you said "something i dont use very often" at least three times. if you dont use it very often, how "essential" can it be.

[@jcvd1826]

That would result in a several-hours long video. There are plenty of other videos on YT that get into the details. Also, once you've wrenched on bikes (or anything mechanical) for a while you'll realize that there are indeed tools you don't use very often, but when you need them you need them because nothing else will do. A good example would be an impact wrench. Something I use far more often on cars than bicycles, but when a bottom bracket bolt or pedal spindle is completely seized, the impact wrench has saved the day. To me, it's essential.

[@davetbassbos]

@@jcvd1826 Yeah, there's probably 10,000 hours on the Park Tool channel.

[@chapowi]

By the looks of 0:42 i do not want you to teach me tips, as you are having the bikestand on your dropper post. What a newbie

[@qbarnes1893]

No need for a work stand....utter bs.... A table does exactly the same... A foot pump is a must, as well as a pressure gauge, Multi tool my butt, get some good normal Allen keys, will be so much better in use... Specific tools are built to make you buy them, adjustable spanner...don’t, ever use one, get parallel pliers, knipex is the best, in two sizes...sold under the name of snap on.... buy the knipex brand, it’s half the price for exactly the same tool. A chain breaker? Angle grinders do a better job, if your dextrous, Cable cutters, hmmm, my angle grinder does a better job. Grease, solvents, cleaners are a cyclists chore and soooooo expensive. A good grease, yes, speciality cleaners...nooooo. Hot water with washing up liquids are fine... just remembered to dry off after cleaning....and regrease those critical components....baby wipes are amazing for regular cleaning and don’t cost a packet.... Prep your bike with silicone based additives, it’s one of the best, apart from brake surfaces🤣🥰🤣😂😂😂😂

[@Lionsraws66]

I'm ten ' this video was useful' not 😁🙄. Come on Gmbn ' leave the tech to Doddy ' please 🙏