I think a good book like the park tools book for repairs helps. Of course it lists their bloody tools by name when something goes wrong which can be expensive.
I’d vote lifeline as easily the best “value” tool maker out there…nothing of theirs has ever let me down and their torque wrench is still my go to.
Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
So I buy some tools. I’m trying to change this freehub. You need two cone spanners the same size to get the axle out. 
I search and search. Nothing.
20 mins to screwfix closing. Order an adjustable spanner. Bomb over and grab it. Sweet.
Get the axle off. Bearing out. Being careful. Keep track of the parts. Give it a clean.
Right, freehub. Drop a big Allen key in, and twist. Normally a 10. Cool I have a 10.
Allen key slips right through. So this bike is 11, 12 more. Who f**king knows. Now I can’t complete. And I have to buy more tools. But I don’t know what size, so I’ll have to buy a set of larger ones.
So now I have to build it back again so I don’t lose stuff. And I’m nervous of doing it wrong. Guess it’s practice.
Ah the bike maintenance rabbit hole, where every job seems to lead to another bloody tool order…
And give it a few years and you will end up with as many as FP!
Keep going, you’ll learn loads. And save nothing compared to having taken it to a bike shop:joy:
!
But where’s the fun in that. Probably all be shut after tomorrow anyway. Self-sufficiency is the real reward.
Well i put it all back together with relative ease. Sat on the kitchen floor with fading light isn’t ideal. But you’ve got to work with what you’ve got right?!
I slipped in an 8 and a 3 and that seemed loose. And 8 and a 4 seemed to grip but I didn’t want to go ripping the threads trying to hokey it.
Really chuffed I built it back up OK, and would actually be confident to try it on my bike (this is Mrs GB’s! ) to give stuff a clean and regrease. I know that sounds pathetic to most of you guys, but I’m genuinely really chuffed I managed that. And looking forward to finishing this job this week.
Well done mate. Everyone has to start somewhere!
Seems about the most logical thread to post - the govt £50 vouchers are available - I’ve just signed up and got one - be quick
Ordered a small bearing press yesterday which be good for mtb pivot bearing duties as well.
I think if I was starting now, I’d pick up a took kit but after 20 years I’ve accumulated a range of both appropriate and unused maintenance kit.
I mend punctures about once a year. Carry patches in case I get 3 punctures on a ride or one of the two inner tubes I carry fails (about once a year I get a valve problem which I think is based on using Continental tubes). Everyone should be able to mend a puncture and change an inner tube, no excuses.
Changing cassette / chain is really straightforward. The new tools look interesting but I have a chain whip so no need. Cassette removal tool, adjustable spanner and quick link tool are all you need apart from that and investment of 1 hour to learn what to do.
I carry some spare links and a chain removal tool (still using my 10 speed one which works fine on 11 speed despite dire warnings on some videos).
Next for me would be rim brakes for those still using them. 2mm allen key is all you need to get the old block out and 4 or 5mm to adjust the shoe. Again, watch a video and an hours practice and you know what you’re doing.
Pads on disc brakes I can do, everything else is a complete mystery.
Bottom bracket, you need the specific tool (I carry one) and a 4mm (I think) allen key. A tube of grease and that’s it. I remember being really surprised just how simple it was to cure a squeaky BB.
Adjusting front and rear mech - only need allen keys. I’m still a bit hit and miss but always get there after a bit of effort.
Pedals - Speedplay are still 15mm spanner so I have one of these and the Speedplay grease gun. All very easy.
Where have I failed?
Most important decision … get some proper long allen keys. The short ones on a multitool are rubbish if any bolt is stiff. I carry 2 - 5mm.
I think the big difference is whether you maintain bikes or build them from scratch. I’ve always built mine with the exception of two.
Isn’t that like saying Dyson hoover? 
Pipe down at the back and get back to your Shark
Suck it up.
Damn it. That’s too funny 
I bet you have a collection of plugs 
I’ve got a shark. It’s ace!
Revolutionised vacuuming the house. As in we actually do it.
We got the Bosch Ultimate 
Two batteries and charges in 60 minutes, so can vacuum FOREVER with it.
Good for the car, too.
@jorgan - I have many many wall plugs. But never the one I want 
Good for a cleaning Mako-ver
Basking in a clean house too!
Decided to bite the bullet and replace the stem on my “winter” bike for a shorter one.
If you’ve read my previous comments you’ll know that changing the brake pads is a major achievement.
Bought a stem from Planet X and a Lifeline torque wrench from Wiggle.
Pleasantly surprised at how simple it actually was. Wish me luck for tomorrow’s first ride!
Just checking that you tightened down the top cap bolt (for the headset) before you did the stem bolts up?
