It's that time again. It's Threaded time.
In the previous edition, I covered 12 foundational tools that anyone repairing or just maintaining modern bicycles should own. Now, taking things up a notch, here’s a list of 12 more tools for accomplishing many intermediate maintenance and service tasks on the majority of modern road, gravel, mountain bikes, and more.
With these tools, you can get deeper and more detailed in what you can achieve, but equally, there’s an increased risk of getting it wrong. If you’re looking to do repairs yourself, please keep in mind that even a component as unassuming as a chain can risk the safety of you and others if installed wrong. Always consult a professional if you’re not confident in a repair.
The case for better tools
One goal for Threaded is to spread the joy in using better tools. Not only will they last (often a lifetime), but they can reduce the risk of damaging the component or yourself. Equally, a great tool will make the task smoother, faster, and easier.
Sometimes, it pays to spend more (buy once, cry once), but equally, some cheap tools are great. As noted in this article, some things are worth spending more on, but there are places where it’s fine to save some money.
So, with that, these next 12 tools will turn that foundational tool kit into an intermediate one. These are tools that if you’re a pro mechanic you’ll be reaching for multiple times a day, or if you’re just really into bikes, you’ll still get plenty of value from.
And to repeat from the previous article, I’m firmly of the belief that the big industry tool brands do general-purpose tools best, while cycling tool brands are obviously best for bicycle-specific things. By this stage you should own a decent workstand for holding the bike, and if setting up in a semi-permanent spot, you'll benefit greatly from a workbench (or similar flat surface), and a bench vise (commonly used in more intermediate to advanced repairs).
OK, on with the tools.
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