May 16, 2024
Found in “Activities, Gear, Skills and tips”
Investing in bike maintenance tools and learning basic bike repairs is a must for every type of bike owner. They’ll extend the lifetime of your chain and cassette, prevent major mechanical issues, save you time and money, and help you become more self reliant on the road.
Depending on the type of cycling you do, your needs will vary. That's why I've outlined my top picks for a tool kit based on your cycling activity:
- Tool kit for the commuter
- Road cycling tool kit
- Off-road cycling tool kit
- Tool kit for the aspiring pro bike mechanic
Tool kit for the commuter
Skill level: beginner
Tools & repair kit
Park Tool WTK-2 Essential Tool Kit
For the commuter or bicycle owner who wants the biggest bang for their buck, this kit includes tire levers, patches and tire boots to repair a flat tire. This kit includes a multi-tool as well with a 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm hex wrenches, a T25 Torx® and a flat blade screwdriver. This multi-tool is all you need for adjusting seat position, handlebar and most accessories such as fenders and bike racks.
Pro tip: Learn how to repair a flat tire with the help of this article.
MEC CO2 Inflator
Add to your kit this universal CO2 Inflator along with a CO2 cartridge. A CO2 inflator is the fastest way to inflate a tube in case of a flat tire. Simply screw your cartridge on the threaded side, then press the inflator head on the valve like a regular pump.
Once the air starts releasing into the tire, hold the inflator firmly while it inflates, with another hand on the tire to feel the pressure. Watch out for your fingers as the cartridge will become very cold when the air is released.
Pro tip: Before installing the new tube onto the rim, blow in the tube with your mouth to give it a round shape (or with a hand pump if you have one). This will help you place the tube properly inside the tire before adding pressure.
MEC Hand Pump
If CO2 cartridges are fast, they are not always reliable and certainly not forgiving if not used properly. I strongly recommend that you always carry a hand pump (a mini pump that fits in your bag). It’s easier to use and it will help you make sure the tube is placed correctly inside the tire as you add pressure.
This mini pump has a reversible valve head to fit any valve type, Presta or Schrader.
Pro tip: If you need to choose between the inflator and the pump, pick the hand pump.
Chain lubricants and cleaners
MEC Bio-Cycle 1L Chain Cleaner
If you use your bicycle for commuting, chances are that you are riding in all sorts of conditions. For dirty bikes that don’t get washed often, this Bio-Cleaner will make the job much easier than using dish soap. Use it in a bucket of warm water with a microfiber rag, or use it with a Park Tool Chain Scrubber for a deeper clean.
A clean chain will last much longer, will run smoother and will prevent damaging the rest of your drivetrain, increasing the longevity of your chain, chainrings and cassette.
Pro tip: Choose a chain cleaner that is biodegradable for the love of our planet. This gentle cleaner by MEC is also suited to clean the rest of your bike. It is a great does-it-all bike cleaner.
Park Tool GSC-1 Gearclean Brush
This sturdy brush is the only one that you need to keep your drivetrain clean. Use it to remove debris between the gears and brush your chain and cassette. Use it after applying the cleaner, either with a bucket of water or by spraying directly on the drivetrain.
Chain Lube – Squirt Long Lasting Dry Lube
This wax-based chain lube will last longer than most high-performance lube, while still preventing dirt from sticking to your chain. If you care more about mileage than speed, this is the lube for you.
Pro tip: Always clean your chain first, then apply chain lube.
Floor pump
MEC Digital Floor Pump
This is an affordable pump that will do it all, no matter how your cycling evolves in the future. Inflate high-pressure tires up to 160 psi, or inflate your beach accessories, you won’t regret your purchase with this Presta and Schrader compatible bicycle floor pump.
Road cycling tool kit
Skill level: Beginner
Tools
MEC 7 pieces Allen Key Set
If cycling has become your hobby, I highly recommend that you get a set of Allen Key Hex wrenches. A multi-tool would do the job in most cases but the L-shape and the rounded ball at the end are just so much more handy in some cases. I love how easy it is to just spin the wrench between my fingers rather than fiddling for minutes with a bulky multi-tool. Adjusting handlebars (with cables) and installing bottle cages are particularly easier to do with a rounded ball head L-shape wrench because of the limited space.
Use this Allen key 7-piece set at home to adjust a derailer, adjust your bike fit position, install accessories, etc.
This set includes an 8mm hex to remove your pedals (most modern pedals use an 8mm hex wrench) in case you want to travel with your bike.
Pro tip: Not all Allen Key set includes the 8mm hex wrench. It’s great to have, but you could also purchase a pedal wrench (8mm hex) later when you need it.
Chain lubricant & cleaners
Muc-Off Clean and Lube Kit
Just getting into road cycling? Treat your bike nicely with this eco-friendly Muc-Off Clean and Lube kit. It comes with a degreaser for the drivetrain (chain, cassette and chainring), the popular Nano Tech Cleaner to spray on the rest of the bike, and a brush to scrub the drivetrain.
Rinse your bike with water when you’re done, then wipe your chain and gently apply the high-performance Muc-Off Dry Lube included in this kit.
You can also purchase bike cleaners and chain lube separately.
Pro tip: Rotate the pedals backward a few turns to let the lube get inside the chain links, and then wipe your chain with a clean rag to remove any excess. Too much chain lube will only attract more dirt. Keep it light.
Bike floor pump
Lezyne Sport Floor Drive Pump
Not all bike pumps are created equal! High-pressure tires (such as road tires) need to be inflated at least once a week. Many years ago, I invested in a proper road cycling pump and I love it so much, it just works so much better. No more fighting with the pump to get the last bit of pressure!
Get the Lezyne Alloy Floor Pump (made of alloy) for a more robust feel when you pump air into your tire, it may feel a little easier to pump.
Tire repair kit
Park Tool TR-1 Tire/Tube Repair Kit
This kit includes plastic tire levers and pre-glued patches to repair a flat tire.
MEC 10-In-1 Folding Tool
Bring this compact multi-tool in your repair kit or when you travel with your bike. It has all Hex wrenches sizes from 2mm to 8mm, with a screwdriver, a flat wrench for your cleats, and a T25 Torx® bit for brake rotors and chainrings.
Lezyne Road Drive HP Pump (mini hand pump)
Look for the letters “HP,” meaning High-Pressure (as opposed to HV, which refers to High-Volume). Even if you choose to carry a CO2 inflator and a cartridge, I recommend that you carry a hand pump to start inflating the tube and place it correctly inside the tire.
I have used Lezyne hand pumps for many years and they are the most preferred hand pumps by many cyclists. Its unique flexible hose allows for more movement in your hands, making it easy to pump to high pressure. This model can inflate up to 160 psi.
On a budget? Choose this lower-entry Lezyne Sport Drive HP Pump (which also comes with the flexible hose).
Park Tool VP-1 Vulcanizing Patch Kit
From experience, the pre-glued patches that come with repair kits are okay but they often start leaking again, forcing you to ultimately change your tube. This is why I like to keep this repair kit at home for a long-lasting tube repair.
Clean the tube with some alcohol, apply the glue (watch your fingers because this is sticky!), then stick the patch and let it dry. Test your tube before putting it back in your tire. I inflate it and leave it hanging for 48 hours. If it’s still holding air, then you’re good to go.
Skill level: Intermediate
Tools
MEC Torque Wrench – Range 3nm-10nm
If your bike is made of carbon fibers, you want to be very careful when tightening your bolts. This budget-friendly torque wrench will ensure you use just the right amount of strength. 3nm-10nm range is all you need for the seat post and cockpit.
If you are planning on travelling with your bike, you need to carry this with you.
Tire levers
Park Tool TL-6.2 Steel Core Tire Levers - Pair
You should change your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 km, or every year. If you change your tires more than once a year, I recommend getting a set of steel tire levers. It’s so much easier to remove the tires with less strength because steel doesn’t bend like plastic does. Changing tires is a breeze with those tire levers!
Repair stand
Most adjustments don’t require a repair stand but sometimes it’s nice to have one. A bike work stand will be helpful for jobs like derailer tuning, changing cables or removing a bottom bracket.
When choosing the right repair stand, ask yourself how often you think you will use it, and do you have room to leave it (in the garage for example) or would you prefer to store it away when not in use?
The MEC Work Stand is a budget-friendly bike repair stand suited for road bikes, featuring a tray for parts and tools.
If you enjoy bike mechanics, I recommend investing in a higher-end, more stable and easier-to-use bike stand. I have the Feedback Sports Ultralight Work Stand and I love how easy it is to set my bike up and store it away when I’m done.
Off-road cycling tool kit
Skill level: beginner
For off-road riding such as gravel cycling or mountain biking, you will need slightly different tools, depending on if you are using a tubeless system (no tubes), and/or have disc brakes and suspensions.
Repair kit for off-road and tubeless tires
MEC 15-In-1 Folding Tool
When you are riding off-road, first you are more prone to mechanical issues, and second, you may also be further away from getting road assistance. This is why I recommend having a more complete multi-tools when riding off-road.
This MEC bike multi-tool features a chain breaker tool and a spoke wrench. If weight-shaving matters more than budget, this smaller Park Tool IB-3 I-Beam Mini is a great affordable option.
OneUp EDC 100cc MTB Hand Pump
Because of its large volume barrel, this hand pump by OneUp is my favorite off-road pump. The head flips into a CO2 inflator, and you can use the pump as storage for a 20g CO2 cartridge (high volume) and a tire plug kit. All I need to repair my tubeless tire fits inside this pump!
Chain lubricant & cleaners for off-road conditions
Muc-Off 8-In-1 Bike Cleaning Kit
For dirty riding, you need a complete bike cleaning kit. This one from Muc-Off is their most complete kit featuring more brushes and sponges to wash the entire bike from dirt and grease.
Peaty’s All Weather Link Lube (60 or 120 ml)
This high-performance lube was designed to work in all weather conditions, well-suited for off-road biking.
Floor pump for MTB tires (or larger tires)
Crankbrothers Gem Floor Pump
A high-volume floor pump will inflate large tires quicker than a high-pressure pump. This pump can switch between the 2 modes (high-volume and high-pressure), making it a great option when you have both a road bike and a mountain bike.
Skill level: intermediate
Tubeless tires at-home mounting kit
MEC Tubeless Blaster Floor Pump
Mounting tubeless tires at home without a compressor is now possible with this bike pump by MEC. It features an internal pressure tank to release a single high-pressure blast, which you need to put the tubeless tires in place when mounting it.
Park Tool VC-1 Valve Core Remover Tool
This valve tool lets you remove any valve core to insert sealant when mounting tubeless tires at home.
MEC Tubeless Tire Sealant
Always use a sealant when mounting your tires tubeless. This sealant is available in 250ml to 1L format. Read the description to know how much sealant you need per tire depending on its size.
Pro tip: Change your sealant every 6 months or so to prevent it from drying.
Bike repair stand & tools
Feedback Sports Sport Mechanic Work Stand
This lower-entry bike repair stand from Feedback Sports is robust and stable enough for any mountain bike. If you would like to store it away, you will enjoy their Ultralight version.
Park Tool PP-1.2 Hydraulic Brake Piston Press
Your disc brake is rubbing? Use this piston press to open your brake caliper.
Tool kit for the aspiring pro bike mechanic
Cycling type: all
Skill level: advanced
These are essential bike tools to add to your tool kit if you wish to reach the pro bike mechanic level. Warning: you may end up with many friends at your door in need of your help!
Advanced repair bike tools
Park Tool TW-5.2 Torque Wrench
For a higher-precision ratcheting torque wrench that clicks, this is the one you want in your toolbox. It’s more precise than the lower-entry one and the ratcheting feature makes it more convenient in small space situations. Did I mention how satisfying using this tool is when it clicks?
Park Tool MLP-1.2 Master Link Pliers
Use these pliers to undo a master link (quick-link) on your chain to replace it with a new one. If your chain doesn’t have a master link, remove a pin from any chain link using a chain tool. This tool will enable you to replace your chain at home when it’s due.
MEC Cable Cutter Tool
The name says it, use this tool to cut shifting and braking cables. You will need it for replacing cables or if you are installing a new derailer, building a new bike, etc.
Park Tool HPG-1 High-Performance Grease 4oz
Use grease on any fast-moving parts such as wheel bearings, bottom brackets and pedals. Do NOT use grease instead of chain lube.
RockShox HP Shock/Fork Suspension Pump
Adjust the tension in your suspension with this suspension pump.
Having a suspension pump at home is useful in cases where you want to adjust the pressure of your suspension for different applications. For example, I like to use my mountain bike for both bikepacking and normal riding. Therefore, I need to adjust the pressure according to the weight I’m carrying, whether it’s just me or the weight of my packs as well.
Shimano TL-BR Professional Disc Brakes Bleed Kit or SRAM Standard Bleed Kit
Hydraulic brakes usually don’t require frequent maintenance, but when they do, you will need a bleeding kit to replace the brake fluid.
Pro tip: I recommend that you first learn how to perform a brake bleeding job with someone who has experience doing it before doing it yourself. Making a mistake, such as dropping fluid by accident in your shifter, could damage your shifters.
Feedback Sports Sprint Repair Stand
On the pricier end, this bike stand is my favorite kind for frequent bike wash. This is the repair stand that most pro cycling teams use because of its great stability, ease of rotation and great portability.
Whether you are just starting to cycle as a sporting activity or using your bike to commute to work, these essential bike tools should be in your tool kit at home and during your ride. Keeping good bike maintenance is the key to saving money in the long run, and learning basic bike repair is so empowering. You got this!
Visit an expert bike mechanic at an MEC store for help or questions about these tools.
Happy riding
