Tools for the job...

This bike mechanics kit sits somewhere between basic/intermediate and can do most jobs outside of fork/shock servicing. We tend to use Shimano components whenever possible as they are cheap, readily available internationally and easy to work with. Many of the tools listed aren't bike specific and can be purchased cheaply at Halfords, online or even at a recycling centre!

There are tons of YouTube resources showing you how to do most maintenence, component replacement tasks.

• Track Pump - Makes life so much easier when you are swapping tyres and wheels out of the bike.
• Shock Pump - Vital to keep your fork/shock dialled in at the right pressure.
• Bike Stand - You can get by without one, but after a while you will get bored of a sore back and having to constantly flip the bike on the floor.

• Allen Key & Hex Key Set - Cheap and make home maintenance, repair and adjustment alot easier. Halfords do cheap sets with lifetime guarantee!
• Chain Breaker - Replace, clean, shorten or lengthening a chain requires one!
• Chain Master Link Pliers - You can live without it but it makes life alot easier when you are working on the chain.
• Chain Whip / Cassette Lock Ring - If you want to clean, replace your rear cassette you'll need one of these to do the job.
• Chain Wear Tool - If you want to lengthen the life of your cassette and chainrings, this is a good aide to understand when to swap out the chain for a new one.

• Adjustable Spanner - Get a spanner with a narrow profile and it will be able to support a multitude of jobs.
• Cable Cutter - If you want to get a neat cut on your cables and avoid the cable starting to unwind this is a must. It will also help when cutting cable housing to length.
• Stanley Knife - You never know what job you need it for until you dont have it!
• Pipe Cutter - The amount of horrible handlebar cuts I made before I found out that this existed and only cost a couple of quid! Alternatively use a hacksaw.
• Metal File(s) - Flat and rounded will assist in deburring handlebar, seatpost cuts and take out any nasty bashes on chainring, cassette teeth bashes.
• Torque Wrench - These are quite cheap now and will ensure that you dont over/under tighten components. Especially important when you are fitting expensive carbon fibre components. You can get by without one if you aren't heavy handed with your kit.
• Pliers - Like a stanley knife, you dont need it until things get fiddly!
• Screwdrivers - Flathead and Phillips.
• Bottom Bracket Removal Tool - I am a Shimano components fan, they are the bike equivalent of Ford parts. Cheap, readily available, reliable, simple and easy to work with. So mine is a Hollowtech external bb removal tool.

• Assorted Brushes - Old toothbrushes, dustpan brushes etc are perfect for cleaning jobs and cheaper than buying bike specific brushes.
• Chain Cleaning Tool - Quick, easy and a great way of reviving a chain that has been neglected!
• Citus Degreaser - Buy automotive of standard cleaning product as its much cheaper and the same thing!
• Spray Bottle - I fill an old spray bottle (kitchen/bathroom cleaning product) and fill it with a 50/50 water and degreasing solution as a pre-spray for cleaning the bike. Works really well and has the muck dropping off before you even start.
• Wet & Dry Lube - Keeps your chain nice and healthy. Remember to wipe the excess off before you ride and be more generous in wet conditions.
• GT85 - A great multi use lube. Great for identifying the origin of squeak and creaks that can drive you insane!
• Grease - Most metal on metal clamp areas, bolts love a little grease to avoid creaks, corrosion and easy future removal.
• Carbon Fibre Assembly Paste - If you are putting expensive carbon fibre components on your bike, this will assist in component secure fit, avoid overtightening and damage!
• Self Adhesive Inner Tube Patches - I use Park Tools as they come in a neat little box and havent failed me yet.
• Electricians Tape - All sorts of uses.... one of the most useful things you can own!
• Assorted Bits/Bobs - Never ever throw away small bike parts including screws, washers, grommets, valve caps, spd bits and anything else that comes off a bike or looks like it would work on one. The amount of cash I have saved from my pot of random bits and bobs!
• Big Plastic Box - Marked with a big 'BEWARE OF ANGRY BIKER' sign to avoid members of your household misappropriating and damaging your cherished bike life support kit!