Essential Bike Tools Guide

This guide is dedicated to helping riders find the tools they need to keep their bikes running smoothly. But not every rider needs every tool. How often you ride and how much you like to work on your bike will dictate what tools you should have in your tool kit.

We've broken everything down into:

• 7 essentials bike tools that every rider needs
• 15 bike tools for beginner home mechanics
• 13 bike tools for advanced home mechanics
• Different categories of tools and maintenance equipment
• Best bike tool brands
• Bike tool FAQs

Keep scrolling to get started, or head straight to our catalog to shop all our bike tools.

Whether you just bought your first bike or you ride every day, here are the 7 essential bike tools that every rider should own.

1. Multi tool: A good multi tool can help you perform lots of basic adjustments. They typically have screwdrivers and the most common allen keys you’ll need.
2. Tire levers: You’ll need one or two of these to take off your tire in the event of a flat.
3. Tube: Make sure to have at least one spare tube that fits your tire.
4. Pump: Floor pumps with a gauge are ideal, but it’s also good to have a portable hand pump you can bring with you on a ride.
5. Chain lube: Using chain lube regularly keeps your shifting smooth and makes your chain last longer.
6. Allen key set: Your multi tool may not have all the sizes you need, so pick up a simple allen key set.
7. Combination wrench set: Nuts and bolts for racks and accessories often require combination wrenches.

You don’t have to be a bike expert to do most common repairs and maintenance work. If you want to save yourself a trip to the bike shop you should consider picking up a repair stand and a tool kit. Beginner home mechanics should own all 9 essential tools listed above as well as the following:

1. Bike tool kit: If you really want to start doing repair work, investing in a curated bike tool kit is a great way to get all the tools you need in a convenient and organized package. 
2. Bike stand: Bike stands make doing maintenance so much easier. Trust us, once you have one you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
3. Pedal wrench: So you can take your pedals off.
4. Spoke wrench: Tightens or loosen spokes for a true and tough wheel.
5. Torx wrench: The T25 is the most common and widely used size, and is used by most rotor bolts.
6. Grease: Don’t forget this critical component of good bike maintenance.
7. Chain breaker: So you can shorten a new chain to fit perfectly.
8. Chain checker: Chain checkers tell you if a chain is worn out and needs to be replaced.
9. Chain cleaner tool: This tool thoroughly cleans your chain and improves its lifespan and performance.
10. Cable cutters: Use cable cutters to trim new shifter or brake cables, and housing.
11. Master link pliers: Easily clip and unclip your chain’s master link with these pliers.
12. Needle nose pliers: Every mechanic needs a set of needle nose pliers.
13. Tubeless sealant: If you’re running tubeless tires, having extra sealant is a must.
14. Valve core tool: Take out your valve core to replace it or to add tubeless sealant.
15. Shock pump: Keep your suspension at the appropriate air pressure.

Advanced home mechanics are able to perform almost any service or repair. There are hundred of tools for working on the many different kinds of bikes from different eras, but if you’re looking to really hone your mechanic skills, you’ll want to invest in the following key tools:

1. Advanced bike tool kit: If you’re ready to take the leap towards being an advanced home mechanic, the best way to get everything you need is by investing in a pro tool kit.
2. Professional bike stand: While a simple bike stand may get the job done, pro models are more easily adjustable and come with the capacity to carry additional tools and parts.
3. Truing stand: Whether you’re building a wheel from scratch or you need to fix your rim after a crash, having a truing stand is an important piece in every pro’s shop.
4. Tension meter: Measures spoke tension so you can build and maintain super durable wheels.
5. Brake bleed kit: Bleed your own hydraulic brakes right at home with this kit.
6. Torque wrench: Accurately measure force in Nm for tightening bolts the appropriate amount on sensitive objects like stem bolts.
7. Cone wrench set: Adjust and service your bike’s hubs with these helpful tools.
8. Cassette tool: New cassettes are inevitable and having a cassette tool will save you a trip to the bike shop for a simple task.
9. Chain whip: Hold your cassette steady while you use the cassette tool to loosen the lock ring.
10. Bottom bracket tool: Replace or adjust your bottom bracket with one of the many bottom bracket tools.
11. Headset press: Install a new threadless headset with this helpful tool.
12. Star nut setter: Setting the star nut is a crucial part of any bike build and this tool helps you do it right.
13. Hacksaw: If you need to trim the length of your handlebars or seatpost for the perfect fit.