LexRides

[mickster]

Hi lexbikers:

I've been so inspired by my time spent with Wildcat Wheels (though not recently I confess) that I occasionally dream of having a bike repair stand for working in my very own back yard.

If anybody has an extr-y, I might be interested in acquiring from you!

thanks,

Mick

PS: similarly, any leads on a super-basic beginner's set of tools is welcome!
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mick jeffries
graphic designer == deejay == photographer == writer
mick +a t+ mick jeffries +dot+ com

[brokebike]

Ideally, if someone had a used repair stand that they could part with that would be the best option. Failing that, I'd recommend the most basic repair stand from Park Tool , the PCS-9. You can usually find them online new for anywhere from $80-$100. I've had one for about 6 years now and it has served me well. Nothing fancy, but it folds up and fits into a corner pretty well.

As for tools, you can purchase basic bike mechanics kits, or you can just go to a hardware store and buy some very basic tools.

Depending on what kind of maintenance you feel comfortable getting into yourself, you could get by with just a few combo wrenches and some allen wrench (hex) sets.

Here's what I would recommend for anyone as a basic kit (other folks should feel free to add to this as well)

metric allen wrench set (2.5mm - 8mm)
metric combo wrench set (8mm - 15mm or higher)
standard combo wrench set (for older American-made bikes)
a couple of crescent wrenches (one small, one large)
rubber mallet
set of tire levers
tube of waterproof grease
chain tool
spoke wrench set [.127 inch (3.23mm), .130 inch (3.30mm), and .136 inch (3.45mm)]
Floor pump
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[elzie5000]

I think a repair stand is the single most important thing you can have if you want to do your own work.

As for tools, start with Brian's suggestions and then pick up individual specialized tools as you find you need them. Most pre-packaged tool kits will have lots of things you probably won't ever use and others you'll use all the time and wish were of higher quality.

My version of a beginner tool kit would omit the rubber mallet and add: a pedal wrench, degreaser and zip ties.

[brokebike]

that's funny that you commented on the rubber mallet. I never would've thought much about it myself, but I've had to use it a surprising number of times for stubborn, stuck parts - especially forks / headsets, seatposts, etc. Sometimes a good 'ol rubber mallet + a length of 2x4 or PVC pipe will solve any number of problems.
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[elzie5000]

I've never had to use a rubber mallet on a bike. But it does point out how tool kits end up very personalized.

One thing I couldn't live without, that other people might never need, is a small squirt bottle of rubbing alcohol. I use it to slide grips on and off, since I end up swapping bars between quill stem cruisers and mutt bikes all the time.

edit: now that I think about it, I really should have used a rubber mallet that time I threw my back out trying to get a stuck stem out of the flag pole bike.

[mickster]

Love the toolkit recommendations, guys! thanks!
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mick jeffries
graphic designer == deejay == photographer == writer
mick +a t+ mick jeffries +dot+ com

[alex]

mick-
after building many many bikes i still don't have a stand. if i had to do it over again i would have just bought one of the cheaper ones new, like brian said, as they're basically impossible to find used. I wish i had bitten the bullet early, instead of fuckign around with upside down bikes, bikes leaned against walls, bikes knocking shit over etc. my 2c
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How about, "Can you NOT rip a giant hole in our downtown and erect a big goddamn penis full of crappy chain businesses?"
-F.L.

[mickster]

the wisdom of years, brooks! i completely appreciate such perspectives!
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mick jeffries
graphic designer == deejay == photographer == writer
mick +a t+ mick jeffries +dot+ com

[brokebike]

Mick, Alex's response just reminded me of another alternative option for steadying your bike instead of shelling out for a real bike stand...

For years before I had an actual bike work stand, I used one of those bike display stands, like you would see on a bike shop showroom floor. This is the very same one I purchased years ago from Scheller's:
RAKK bicycle display stand

I still use it for quick repairs that don't require me to have to lift the bike off the floor, or spin the cranks or anything. Plus, it helps keep your bike stable instead of having to lean it against other stuff. You can usually find these for $30 or less.
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[brokebike]

Actually, what I mentioned above, combined with the Park Tool HBH2 handlebar holder gives you a pretty flexible setup for working on your bike anywhere you need to:

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[sailorjames]

A bottle of chain lube is good to have, something all purpose like chainj from pedros, i'll throw in a reccomendation for bike aid, a graphite lube that is the best for cables, both lubes are about $8 a pop, and will last forever.

A good middle of the road lube is tri-flow, but i feel it's too thin for chains and too thick for cables, i more often use it for pivot points on derailleurs and the like.

[metro biking]

Mickster and All -
John Forester in Effective Cycling suggests a couple of lengths of rope for a hanging rig. I have one in my basement and one under my patio.
Take a length of 1/3" diameter rope and tie a 1/2" diameter 4" length of wooden dowel into it about four feet above a 6" loop tied into the business end of the rope. Tie the other end so the loop is about three feet off the floor.
Loop one length around the seat post and under the nose of the seat and back up to loop the loop onto the dowel.
Loop the second length from the front under the handlebar, over the stem and back under the handlebar and loop the loop on the dowel. Walaa. An extra cheap but stable, hanging work stand work.
I have cadged a toolset together over the years that includes all types of stuff. My favorite solution is mineral spirits for grime clean up. Oh yeah and bunches of old rags that I leave piled in a corner.
Mike G.
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Metro Biking

[brokebike]

[politicalhero]

[mofokuban]

As far as tools go, I have a small rescue kit I keep in my bag at all times and it's come in very handy as a general purpose tool.

All of these suggestions seem really good, though.