Three Essential Tools Every Bike Owner Should Have

Tyred WheelPhoto by engin akyurt on Unsplash

Intoduction

Owning a bike is one of life’s simple pleasures, offering a cost-effective, eco-friendly, and healthy means of transport. Whether you use your bike for commuting, fitness, or weekend adventures, keeping it in tip-top shape is essential.

With a few basic tools at your disposal, you can perform regular maintenance and handle minor adjustments yourself.

I believe every bike owner should be able to do the basic maintenace tasks on their bikes, inflate tyres, lube the chain and keep it clean. These basics tasks will maintain the performance of your bike.

Here are the essential tools every bike owner should have:

1. Track Pump

A track pump, or floor pump, is indispensable for keeping your tyres inflated to the correct pressure. The main adavantage of a track pump is that they can inflate a tyre with relatively few strokes. Mini pumps take a lot more effort in comaprison and you might not have inflated the tyre to the correct pressure because the usally don't come with a gauge.

Properly inflated tyres reduce the risk of punctures, improve your ride quality, and increase efficiency. Most track pumps come with a pressure gauge, allowing you to check and maintain the optimal PSI for your bike’s tyres. When purchasing a track pump, look for one that is compatible with both Presta and Schrader valves, as these are the two most common types of bike valves. Some popular brands to consider include Topeak, Lezyne, and Specialized, which offer reliable models at various price points.

Electric pumps are good for inflating tyres with minimal effort. However they might run out of charge if you have several tyres to inflate.

2. Multi-Tool

A good multi-tool is like the Swiss Army knife of the cycling world. It’s compact, portable, and equipped with several essential tools to handle minor adjustments and repairs.

If you own a bike and you ride it regularly you should have a basic maintenace routine.

Part of that routine should include checking for the tightness of the nuts and bolts on your bike. Bolts can loosen over time and you dont want parts falling off.

Most multi-tools include Allen keys (hex wrenches), screwdrivers, and sometimes Torx keys. Some also feature a chain tool, tyre levers, and spoke wrenches for added versatility. A multi-tool can help you tighten bolts, adjust your saddle or handlebars, and address other minor issues while you’re out on the road or trail. They a small and compact and easy store in a saddle bag or backpack.

3. Chain Wear Gauge

The chain is one of the most important components of your bike, and keeping it in good condition is key to ensuring a smooth ride and prolonging the life of your drivetrain. A chain wear gauge is a simple but effective tool that measures how much your chain has stretched over time. No matter how meticulous you are with cleaning your chain it will eventually wear beyond the maufacturers recommened limit.

Replacing a chain before it becomes too worn can prevent damage to your cassette and chainrings, saving you money in the long run. Use the gauge regularly, especially if you ride frequently or in harsh conditions, to stay ahead of any potential issues.

By keeping on top chainwear you will prolong the life of the cassette and the chainring.

If you are aware of your chain's wear it is not always the case that you have to change the cassette and chain at the same time. Some bikeshops insist that you have to change a cassette and chain at the same time. This not always the case and if you know about your chain you can avoid this.

In my experience you will get through 3-4 chains before you have to change the cassette.

Chain wear gauges are cheap and they can save you a great deal of money.

Final Thoughts

The above tools do not require you to have any mechanical skills to use them.

I intentially avoided talking about puncture repair kits because that requires some kind of mechanical know-how and can be quite daunting for some.

Investing in these three essential tools will enable you to take better care of your bike and enjoy a more reliable cycling experience. While professional servicing is sometimes necessary, many routine tasks can be handled at home with these basic items. Maintaining your bike doesn’t just save you money; it also ensures you can hit the road with confidence, knowing your trusty steed is ready for the journey ahead.

Happy cycling!