Become a Home Bike Mechanic
Posted April 22, 2021 in Bike Maintenance, Cycling Gear by eriksbikeshop
Bicycle service departments at our shops, and most other shops, are pretty backed up right now. Maybe you don’t want to wait to get your bike fixed. Maybe you don’t want to pay to get your bike fixed. Or maybe you’ve decided it’s time to better understand your bike and how it works. Regardless of your reason, becoming a home bike mechanic can be fun, rewarding, and you’ll get to know your bike(s) better.
So what tools do you need to fix your bike at home? Below is a list of everything you’ll want to have on hand as you are cranking away on your bike.
Tools to Fix Your Bike At Home
1. REPAIR BIKE STAND
A Repair Bike Stand provides a stable way to hold nearly any bicycle for adjustments, cleaning, and repair. Many stands fold for easy transport and storage and allow the height to be adjusted so you can work comfortably. If you’re getting serious about DIY bike repair and maintenance, a Bike Stand is a perfect way to upgrade your home shop.
2. HEX WRENCH SET OR MULTI-TOOL
A Hex Wrench Set or Multi-Tool gives you all the popular hex wrench sizes you’ll need for bike repairs. The Multi-Tool / fold-up versions provided added convenience by eliminating the need for a mess of loose tools.
Shop Hex Wrench Sets + Multi Tool
3. TIRE LEVERS
You’ll definitely want a pair of strong tire levers to assist with changing flats. These will help you get the tire on and off the wheel.
4. BIKE LUBE / ELECTRIC BIKE LUBE
Bike lube keeps all your bicycle parts lubricated and moving as they should. It’s a good idea to have both wet and dry lube varieties for use. Wet lube goes on wet, stays wet, and stays on longer even in poor weather conditions (rain, snow, etc.). Dry lube goes on wet but dries into a waxy feeling layer. Dry lube doesn’t last as long as wet and is more ideal for riding in dry conditions.
If you ride an electric bike, you’ll want eBike specific lube which is formulated for the higher pressure and torque that’s produced with pedal assist bikes.
5. BIKE CLEANER
Keeping your bike clean will help it ride better and can even extend its shelf life. We’ve got a great selection of Bike Cleaners to use from whole bike cleaners to ones specific for brakes, chains, and gears.
6. PEDAL WRENCH
As the name implies, a Pedal Wrench is a tool used to remove and/or adjust and fit your bike pedals. It will make this common procedure quick and easy.
7. PARK TOOL BIG BLUE BOOK OF BIKE REPAIR
The Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair by Park Tool provides step-by-step instructions on how to perform everything from minor adjustments to complete overhauls on your bike. Guaranteed to be your go-to reference as you learn to wrangle your bike at home!
8. CHAIN CHECKER
A Chain Checker is a simple and effective way to determine if it’s time to replace your bike chain.
9. PHILLIPS SCREW DRIVER
Yup, a good old Phillips Screw Driver will come in handy as you tinker in your at-home bike shop. Pick one up at any hardware store if you don’t have one already.
10. GLOVES
Rubber gloves and some fabric gloves can provide protection from harsh lubricants, chemicals, and solvents you may be using on your bike. Additionally, mechanic gloves can offer added protection against minor cuts and scrapes that sometimes occur when fixing your bike.
11. PAPER TOWELS
Washing bike grease off your fancy cotton towels isn’t the easiest feat. Play it smart and have a stash of paper towels on hand instead. Or when your favorite T-shirt has worn out, tear it up and recycle it into bike rags!
12. CHAIN TOOL
A good chain tool will provide strength and precision when popping chain pins in and out.
13. MASTER LINK PLIERS
Master Link Pliers make removal and replacement of chain master links quick and effortless.
14. Torque Wrench
Torque wrenches offer the delicate precision needed when it comes to tightening all of the hardware on your bike. If you are on a budget check out the pre-set clicker torque wrenches that come with a lower price-point.
15. Waterproof Grease
After you’ve greased up all the necessary parts on your bike you don’t want that hard work to just wash away. Waterproof grease ensures your bike can keep performing no matter the conditions.
16. Carbon Fiber Prep Paste
If you are installing or reinstalling any carbon fiber components, be sure to use Finish Line Fiber Grip. This prep gel allows for enhanced grip with lower torque values.
Time to get cranking!
As you stock your home bike mechanic shop with the items we’ve suggested, you’ll be well on your way to being able to maintain and repair your bike as needed. If you discover you’re missing something, swing into your local ERIK’S to grab what you need. Or, shop our complete inventory of bike repair and maintenance tools and supplies online!