Bike Tools & Maintenance

Bike Tools & Maintenance: frequently asked questions

Do I need a bike repair stand?

If you do more than fix punctures, yes. A stand holds the bike at working height with the wheels off the ground, so you can spin the cranks to index gears, adjust brakes and clean the chain. Look for a 360-degree rotating clamp, a stable tripod base and a load rating above your bike's weight.

Which brake bleed kit do I need?

It depends on your brake fluid. Shimano and several other brands use mineral oil, so a mineral-oil kit such as the Park Tool BKM-1.2 is the right match. SRAM brakes that run DOT 5.1 need a DOT kit such as the SRAM Pro DOT V2 kit. Never mix the two fluids, as it damages the seals.

Wet or dry chain lube for UK riding?

Wet lube resists being washed off, so it suits winter, rain and muddy trails, though it attracts more dirt. Dry lube and wax suit dry weather and leave a cleaner chain. Whichever you choose, degrease and dry the chain first, apply sparingly to the rollers and wipe off the excess.

What tools should a basic home kit include?

Start with hex keys from 2 to 8 mm, a Torx T25, tyre levers, a chain tool, a track pump with a gauge and a torque wrench or torque-setting multi-tool. Boxed kits bundle most of these. Add cassette and bottom-bracket tools later, matched to the standards on your bike.