Comments on: The 2009 Christmas Wishlist

By: SLC Bike

SLC Bike — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 14:35:40 +0000

I’ve always wanted to work on my own bikes, but never ponied up the cash for the tools. Having a good mechanic tune your bike is great piece of mind as well.

By: Smellvin

Smellvin — Sun, 21 Dec 2008 02:00:52 +0000

I was pleased to read that you dont work on your bike(s). For me, beside being lazy and mechanically inept, having someone else work on my bike(s) makes me feel like a real pro. PRO IS PROGRAM GO to the bike shop for a tune up. (Thanks BKW).

My girlfriends sister passed away in August after a brief battle with cancer. E left this world with grace and dignity and on her own terms. So I wish all the best for Susan, you and the kids.

By: Tinker

Tinker — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 06:49:57 +0000

To add to my comment about needing an assortment of basic tools, go to this website and look at the basic tool kit they suggest, and when you wish to add more tools, they give the names and models that they suggest. They even have a list of advanced tools (including Headset tools).

Https://www.rideyourbike.com/toolkit.html

The include links to the toolmakers sites, too.

For those too lazy to go to the site, the basic Kit:
Bondhus Ball Hex Key set 1.5mm-10mm
8mm thru 17mm combination wrenches (I prefer 6 sided in small wrenches.)
#2 phillips, 1/8 and 1/4 slotted drivers (or bits).
12″ adjustable wrench (make sure it opens to 36mm)
Needle nose pliers
Channel locks
Awl (?? Scratch awl? Executive autopunch awl? Leather awl, machinist’s awl? Come one, come awl?)
Diagonal cutters.

This list is through the courtesy of Aaron’s Bicycle Repair.

By: cheapie

cheapie — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 18:12:45 +0000

the only reason fatty said he wanted a stand and to learn how to work on his bike was because it led to some humorous writing.

famous biking people like fatty neither pay for nor work on their own bikes. ;-)

By: Dan O

Dan O — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:02:25 +0000

If we ever meet I’ll give you a few tips on No. 1, in a past life I was a bike mechanic. For No 2. I’m with you all the way, look for my participation on team fatty in one of the livestrong rides next year, probably Austin. I’ll be the big guy in the FC jersey riding the steel Ibis!

By: cyclingeurope

cyclingeurope — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 16:01:22 +0000

All you guys who gave maintenance tips (Al, etc) thank you so much! Now I don’t have to read the manuals. I’ll just cut and paste your replies into a word doc and I’m set!

We have both a repair stand fixed to the workbench in the garage as well as a sturdy portable one (my DH is a tool geek), and I always prefer to work on my bike in the sun instead of in the garage (if, in fact it is sunny). So that’s why I would recommend the portable one. Plus if you’re washing your bike, you don’t get a bunch of water in the garage.

I also have a simple stand like Blu posted a picture of, which I take in my bike boxes on bike tours to Europe and it works out fine. Lightweight and portable.

Thanks for the letter – I’m going to post something very similar on my blog and send to my family and friends!

WIN!

By: Rob

Rob — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 15:53:11 +0000

First…great letter and a great idea. Thanks for all you do to fight cancer. WIN Susan!!

Now for bike maintenance….

– don’t get a wall mounted stand. In the summer when it’s nice, you’ll want to do you maintenance out in the sunshine. I have the basic Park Stand, and love it. And like Al said….the “clamp” on mine screws, so not risk of damage.

– Kanyon Kris is correct. The Nashbar kit is great…has nearly all the basic tools, and you can’t beat the price. You just don’t need Park for that once in a while repair.

– I have both Zinn and the Art, as well as the Bicycle Magazine book. I find the Bicycling one far more informative, with instructions I understand better. You mileage may differ.

– I hate to disagree with the esteemed Al Miviva, but an apron is a must. I have an old one from the pizza joint my wife worked at for about 15 minutes, 20 years ago. And it Park blue, so I look like I know what I’m doing. When I don’t use it, I spend all my time wandering around wondering where I put the wrench/lube/screwdriver I now need. When I do use it, that item in right in one of the pockets.

Merry Christmas, Nelson family!

By: Clydesteve

Clydesteve — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:23:13 +0000

Oh, I forgat – You want the upright folding style of stand so you can set up in the kitchen, Or the hotel room at the race or Livestrong ride.

I mostly use mine to hold my bike when I am not riding it, and to lube the chain, but I also actually do more involved maintenance & parts upgrades – including forks.

Do not clean the chain on the LR carpet. It is a temptation, but trust me it is so not worth it.

By: Clydesteve

Clydesteve — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 14:19:45 +0000

Go with the upright portable folding toolstand and the $50 Nasbar kit plus a Park pedal wrench and a good chainbreaker. Actually the allen set in the $50 kit will work fine for you.

Good letter. I will use it on Valentines Day. That’s when I generally send out my Christmas letters.

By: Tinker

Tinker — Wed, 17 Dec 2008 13:42:37 +0000

Amazon has the basic Park Tool Kit, ~$75. I’d order a larger toolbox if you want to have in all in one place (hammers, adjustable wrenches in three sizes, etc) and be able to take it to the bike. I use a battleship grey ammo box (grenades) of about 14″ x 8″ x 8″. Keep small tools in zip lock bags. Metric sockets/ratchets, Lee Valley/Veritas screwdriver set, Bondhaus Ball-end Allen wrenches, and about 2 kilo chinese (soft) hammer make a good start. Its the nature of things that you need two identical sockets/ratchets or combination wrenches for most general mechanical work, one for each side of the bolt, or very strong finger tips. Get 1/4 “, 6-sided sockets, they fit more precisely than 12 point, better for amateurs (You wouldn’t want to take it back to the shop with rounded fasteners, would you?)