There are tools every cyclist should own, whether you want to be a bike mechanic or not.

There will be a few occasions when you will need to repair your bike. Bike mechanics are usually not going to rush to your aid while on a ride when things go wrong.

Having the right essential tools will ensure your safety, convenience, and help you avoid becoming stranded when your bike breaks down.

So, in this guide, I’m listing 7 essential tools every cyclist should own for those just-in-case moments that are typically always going to happen at some point.

1: Multi-Tool Made for Cycling

One of the most basic tools every cyclist should own is a bike-specific multi-tool.

These multi-tools will feature basic tools commonly used in bike repair. You can expect to find items such as a 2mm to 8mm hex key, screwdriver, torque driver, and other necessary tools. These tools can be used to make quick adjustments and fine-tune your bike.

You want to ensure you’re getting a multi-tool specifically designed for cycling, as these tools are now made for a wide range of activities, including non-cycling ones, where many of the tools on them have no benefit for bike repair.

You’ll find yourself using your multi-tool to tighten up bolts on your bike from time to time and doing minor repairs.

2: Tire Levers

Tire levers are definitely tools that every cyclist should own because they’re commonly use.

You use these levers to help remove tires from your rim in the event of getting a flat tire. They help you get under the rim to pop the tire out, allowing you to remove the tire to change or patch your tube. Without them, you’ll have a significantly difficult time trying to get the tire off.

Consider getting plastic tire levers instead of the metal ones to prevent any damage that could occur to your rim.

Using these is pretty simple. Deflate your innertube first. Then, take one and place it under the tire in the rim, sliding it down until the tire comes out of and over the rim. You may need to use a few levers to completely remove the tire.

3: Portable Bike Pump

Every cyclist should have a portable bike pump with them before starting a ride.

Flat tires are likely the most common repair for cyclists. You need a portable air pump to inflate your tire after it’s been fixed. Without it, after you get a flat, you might be stranded until you can get help to you.

There are several types of portable pumps available, including traditional hand pumps (mini), CO2 pumps, and battery-operated mini-pumps.

You should carry the pump that best fits your needs. Try different ones out and see which one works best for you. Just make sure you carry at least some kind of pump so that you don’t get stranded out there.

4: Spare Inner Tube and Patch Kit

Always bring a spare inner tube and patch kit with you on every ride, even if you ride tubeless.

Flat tires are the most common issue that cyclists face while riding. An emergency tube is often required to get out of this situation, or at least a patch kit if the old tube can be fixed. And if there is a big enough hole, tubeless setups will require a tube in order to keep going.

If the hole is large enough, you should replace the tube altogether; however, if the hole is small, you usually just need to patch it.

Get a small saddle bag to store your tube and other bike tools in. Most cyclists use these bags for this purpose, allowing you to pack your tools efficiently. Many saddle bags also come with an area where you can attach your back light as a bonus feature.

5: Chain Tool and Quick Link

A few tools that every cyclist should own but often overlook are chain-breaking tools and quick links.

Chains can come loose and get tangled up, or even break, during your ride. They create special tools to help you break your chain without damaging it. Quick links allow you to reassemble your chain enough to ride it back home.

Make sure you watch a couple of videos on YouTube on how to break a chain with a chain tool and use a quick link, just to get an idea of how it’s done, because it’s really easy.

On the subject of chains, understand that they don’t last forever. You can clean and keep your chain lubricated after a few rides to prolong its life. However, most chains need to be replaced after traveling the number of miles for which the chain is rated, as a faulty chain can damage other components on your bike.

6: Torque Wrench

Torque wrenches are tools every cyclist should own that are kept at home, as they’re too big to take with you on the bike.

These wrenches can be used at home to tighten things up on the frame and components of your bike, especially if you’re making repairs and replacing parts. Torque wrenches prevent over-tightening and damage to the frame and components.

It’s a good idea to get a few different torque wrenches that match the sizing range of your bikes and their components.

7: Bike Repair Stand

A good bike stand is another great home-based bike tool to have.

A bike stand makes it easier to repair your bike and replace components, versus trying to do it without one. You hang your bike on the stand, and then you can work on it freely without having to hold it or maneuver it around.

Look for bike repair stands that can hold your bike’s weight, have any features you want, such as a tool tray, and are safe to use for holding a bike.

You can also use a bike repair stand to clean your bike. Attach your bike to the stand and disassemble it to clean each component. You’ll be a bike mechanic before you know it after using one of these.

Additional Bike Tools Every Cyclist Should Own

A spoke wrench and truing stand are great tools that every cyclist should own if they want to improve at changing spokes and truing the wheel to eliminate uneven and unbalanced wheel movement.

A good set of bicycle-specific cleaning brushes and a bottle of degreaser are essential to keep around, allowing you to maintain the cleanliness of your bike, chain, and components. Be sure to purchase some chain lubricant to keep your chain well-maintained.

Lastly, you need a suitable space to work on and clean your bike. It should be a clean space where dirt won’t get into your components. Maybe a shed or spare bedroom if you have the space available.

Final Thoughts

Getting the 7 bike tools every cyclist should own is a great start to being a more prepared cyclist.

Be sure that after you invest in these tools that you actually learn how to use them. You don’t have to go to bike mechanic school, either. You can learn how to use any bike tool for free using YouTube.

I would like to emphasize the importance of using your local bike shop for repairs that you can do on your own. It is always a good thing to support your local bike shop, especially if you bought your bike from them.

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