• Keep up to date with Ausbb via Twitter and Facebook. Please add us!
  • Join the Ausbb - Australian BodyBuilding forum

    If you have any problems with the registration process or your account login, please contact contact us.

    The Ausbb - Australian BodyBuilding forum is dedicated to no nonsense muscle and strength building. If you need advice that works, you have come to the right place. This forum focuses on building strength and muscle using the basics. You will also find that the Ausbb- Australian Bodybuilding Forum stresses encouragement and respect. Trolls and name calling are not allowed here. No matter what your personal goals are, you will be given effective advice that produces results.

    Please consider registering. It takes 30 seconds, and will allow you to get the most out of the forum.

[Cycling] What's In Your Toolbox?

J

jabiru

Guest
If you have to run to the shop every time your bike rattles or squeals, you won't have much time to actually ride it. With the right tools and a how-to manual, you can fix or maintain just about anything at home, saving you precious time and hard-earned cash.

SPOKE WRENCH No common household tool can replace a spoke wrench, used to true wheels and replace broken spokes. Spoke nipples come in a variety of sizes, so make sure to get the correct-size wrench, or you'll round off the nipple. Steer clear of multi-size spoke wrenches, which tend to have a sloppy fit.

CHAINWHIP/CASSETTE LOCKRING Removing and installing a rear cog is a two-minute job with these tools, and nearly impossible without them. The chainwhip holds the cassette in place while the lockring is loosened. Shimano lockrings are the same for road and mountain bikes, so its tool works on both (and on Shimano's Centerlock disc rotors, too). Campagnolo uses a different size lockring and tool.

CHAIN BREAKER This allows the removal and installation of a chain. It precisely drives out the chain's pin, and then drives in a replacement-connecting pin. It's a tool you won't use often, but if you damage a chain or wear one out and want to replace it yourself, you'll be glad you have it.

LUBE AND GREASE Chain lube is essential to keep your drivetrain running smoothly. Some lubes also work well on cables. Use quality grease,on bearings and bolt threads to prevent water contamination and corrosion.

TIRE LEVERS Don't even think of going near your wheel with a screwdriver; you'll get the tire on or off but you're likely to damage the tire, tube and rim in the process. Plastic tire levers gently lift the tire's bead into place without marring the rim. They usually come in sets of three and cost less than five bucks, so throw a second set into your seatbag while you're at it.

HEX TOOLS Once you own a Y hex wrench, you'll never want to be without one. It's made up of 4-, 5- and 6mm hex wrenches (the sizes needed for most bike repairs), and the convenient shape provides ample leverage on most bicycle fasteners. In addition, be sure you have a basic set of hex tools, from 2mm to 8mm, to cover what the Y tool doesn't. Installing bottle cages and adjusting front derailleurs usually requires an individual hex wrench, due to space constraints. Make life easier by getting a set with ball ends, which allow for angled usage in tight spots.

HOW-TO MANUAL Of course, all these tools won't do you much good if you don't know how to use them. Or you could always ask on this forum (ausbb) for help
 
Top