Working on your bike is great for many reasons. You’ll learn more about what components work for you, and what ones don’t. You’ll save money compared to taking your bike to the bike shop. Working on your bike is also a great excuse for some alone time, sneaking in some music, podcasts, and a maybe a cheeky drink.
Whilst fixing your own bike has lots of benefits, there are some tools you’re going to need to get the job done. Here’s a look at the essentials, as well as some luxury items that make working on your bike that much nicer.
~THE ESSENTIALS~
1. WORKSTAND
A good workstand is critical. There are lots of designs out there across all price points. I’d avoid going for the cheapest options, as the workstand is the element of your workshop you’ll use the most. A good stand will be adjustable, so it can hold your bike in the right position for you to work without hunching your back too much. A good stand will also hold the bike steady and allow for you to spin the cranks freely. Another consideration in the modern world is the stand’s ability to hold an eBike.
I’m currently using an eBike rated stand from Super B, which does the job nicely but isn’t as nice as something like Feedback Sports’ Pro Elite Workstand (although it comes in at under half the price at $219.99 as opposed to $500).
2. WORK BENCH/TOOL KIT
So, you’ve got your bike in the stand, and now it’s time to get fixing! A work bench or a tool kit that hangs off your stand is going to save your back, and you’ll spend less time on the floor looking for that rotor bolt you put down 10 seconds ago. Purchasing a tool kit
