For generations of cyclists, the racing bike has always been a technically easy-to-understand vehicle. A few tools and a little skill were enough to adjust the gears and brakes, align the handlebars and saddle, set the bearing play or change a worn bottom bracket. Do-it-yourself, which is so hip these days, has never been a trend among ambitious cyclists - it has always been.
However, technical progress has not stopped at the road bike. And better technology often means more complicated technology. Where Bowden cables used to move the gears and brakes, today electrical impulses triggered by touch buttons in motor-driven rear derailleurs initiate gear changes; in the case of brakes, compressed oil presses brake pads against brake discs. Although this beautiful new technology makes shifting easier and more comfortable and brakes stronger, it is no longer so easy to maintain or repair. Due to a lack of experience or special tools, the only option is often to go to an expensive specialist - just like a car.
Okay, it's not quite that bad. After all, everyone (still) has a choice and can largely do without electronic and hydraulic components - and therefore also without the purchase of expensive special tools. Nevertheless, do-it-yourself mechanics cannot completely avoid having to modernise their own toolbox from time to time: For the cartridge bottom brackets, for example, which were common until the 1990s, a special hook spanner was basically sufficient for assembly - you just had to know the correct direction of rotation. With today's carbon frames, on the other hand, there is a proliferation of versions - you can't even call it standard any more - due to the increasingly widespread system integration, each of which requires a special and expensive tool. The basic rule when buying tools is therefore that the technical characteristics of your own fleet are the most important factor; these can require very different tools for maintenance and repair.
Our check of a total of eleven tool sets from six suppliers shows that some of their equipment does not meet the technical requirements of modern racers; even a starter kit today should not be without Torx spanners. Conversely, the professional sets costing several hundred euros contain some tools that even advanced screwdrivers hardly ever need.
You can find the entire article with these tool sets (eight top cases - and small flops) as a PDF in the download area below:
- STARTER SETS: Park Tool Home Mechanic Starter Kit, BBB Basekit Toolbox BTL-92, Pedro's Starter Tool Kit
- HOBBY SCREWDRIVER: Feedback Sport Toolkit Team Edition, Pedro's Apprentice Tool Kit, Pro Tool Box
- EVERYTHING: Pro Toolbox Large, Park Tool Travel and Event Kit
Buying tool sets for your bike: What you need to consider
- A healthy self-assessment is important; choose your tools according to the assembly work that you are confident with.
- Before buying special tools, check what the wheel manufacturer recommends or prescribes.
- Calculate and compare: Is a complete set worthwhile or is the individually assembled box more sensible?
- Good quality from well-known brand manufacturers is worthwhile because you can usually buy replacement parts.
- Clean your tool train after every use!
- Keep your tools organised. This makes it easier to keep an overview and avoids tedious searching.
- Maintain your racer according to the manufacturer's instructions - this will prevent repairs.
- Many bike shops offer workshops - often in winter - where you can gain experience, ask questions or buy used tools from time to time.
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