We polled our mechanics and asked them which tools are essential for your at-home workshop. Here are their top picks!
Tool Kit or Mix and Match?
When it comes to putting together a bike toolkit, you can make it easy with something premade like this one from Park Tool. It will come with a variety of tools to get you started like a pedal wrench, hex keys, and a chain breaker. You can also piece together a tool kit over time if you’re not trying to break the bank. If that sounds like you, our mechanics have curated a list of our most used tools at Peak Cycles.
Hex and Torx Wrenches
The most used tool our shop has to be hex wrenches. Some of the most common sizes you’ll find on a bike are 4,5, and 6mm. We really like using the Park Tool AWS-1 Three-Way 4,5,6mm Hex. It’s easy to use, feels good in your hand, and has the most common sizes all in one tool. Park Tool also makes a Torx version that is a must-have in your home tool kit. This comes in handy for cockpit related items that use a Torx bolt!
Cassette and Bottom Bracket
Want to take your cassette or bottom bracket off? You’ll need a few specialty tools to pull off these jobs. They don’t take up to much space and don’t break the bank either. The Park Tool BBT-9 and BBT-22 are two of the most common bottom bracket tools we use in the shop. In addition to these BB tools, you’ll need a chain whip. We really like the SR-12.2 because it can be used on a wide variety of cassettes including 12 speed. You will also need a cassette lockring tool. When shopping for a bottom bracket tool, it’s important to verify that the tool will work with your bottom bracket.
Other Tools
Many pedals today can be installed or removed with a hex wrench. Despite this, we recommend having a good pedal wrench on hand. We’ve even used them to press pistons back into a hydraulic caliper. Another great tool to eventually add to your tool kit is cable cutters? These are essential for cutting down brake or derailleur cables and housing. Check out the CN-10 from Park Tool. While messing around with spokes takes attention and a bit of know-how, a spoke wrench is a great tool worth having in the kit. Last but not least, a chain tool! Having a tool like this will allow you to remove, replace, or install a new chain on your bike.
Working on Your Bike
Working on your bike is fun and rewarding to learn. There are great resources out there on YouTube from Park Tool, GMBN Tech, GCN Tech, and Berm Peak. Just to name a few. But if you aren’t the fix it yourself type or you’re in over your head, we are here for you. If you would like to service your bike at Peak Cycle, give us a call at (303) 216-1616.
The Full List
- Park Tool PW-5 Pedal Wrench – Buy Now
- Park Tool AWS-1 Three-Way 4,5,6mm Hex – Buy Now
- Park Tool TWS-3 Three-Way 10,25,30 Torx – Buy Now
- Park Tool CT-5 Chain Tool – Buy Now
- Park Tool BBT-9 Bottom Bracket Tool – Buy Now
- Park Tool BBT-22 Bottom Bracket Tool – Buy Now
- Park Tool FR-5.2 Cassette Lockring Tool – Buy Now
- Park Tool CN-10 Cable Cutter – Buy Now
- Park Tool SW-0 Spoke Wrench – Buy Now
- Park Tool SR-12.2 Chain Whip – Buy Now
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