Mountain Bike Maintenance

Here, we will cover all the tools you will need to maintain your bicycle.

Allen Keys - These are the most commonly used tools, and it is handy to have a range of sizes. Most bike multi-tools have the right sizes you need.

Bottom Bracket tool - A tool used to remove the bottom bracket. Make sure you buy one that suits your bikes bottom bracket, as they are not all the same.

Brush kit - Specially designed brushes which allow you to clean various parts of your bike easily.

Chain cleaner - A device which when filled with solvent, allows you to clean your chain quickly, easily, and with minimal mess.
Chain Tools - These are used for disconnecting a link from the chain.

Chain whip - A tool that wraps around the teeth of the gears, used to remove the freewheel from the rear wheel.

Crank Extractor - Used for maintenance on the crank. There are two types, square and splined. Make sure you have one that matches your bike.

Cutters - These are used for cutting bike cables to length.

Grease - For lubricating bearings and such.
Lockring tool - A tool used with the chainwhip to remove the lockring.
Lubricants - Lubrication is essential for keeping your bike smoothly, and there are different sorts depending on which component you are lubricating. Lighter oils are used for lubricating brake levers and small moving parts. Thicker oil, such as chainsaw oil, can be used on the chain.
Puncture Repair Kit - Repairs punctured tires.
Screwdrivers - Mainly used for fine tuning adjustments, and are usually included in most multi-tools.
Spanners - These are useful in the workshop, enabling you to adjust nuts and bolts. The common sizes are 8,9 and 10mm.

Spoke wrench - Used for adjusting the tension of the spokes. It is essential if you want to true your wheels.

Wheel truing stand - A stand which assists you in truing your wheels. It is not necessary unless you plan on truing your wheels alot.

Workstand - A stand which holds your bike up to make servicing easier. It is not necessary, but it allows you to service your bike more comfortably.

If you plan on doing most of the bike maintenance, it is a good idea to invest in a bike tool kit, which will include most of the above.