Top up the wiper fluid and check the oil level. These are probably almost the only things you can still do yourself on modern cars without having completed a master's degree in automotive mechatronics. Even the latest bikes look like bullock carts from the century before last. Simple mechanics, easy to understand. With a little skill and the right tools, you can service almost the entire bike yourself. Feelings of happiness afterwards are guaranteed. The basic equipment for your workshop doesn't have to be expensive. We have tested six toolboxes with the most important tools, with prices starting at just under 50 euros. If you want to take a closer look at bike maintenance, Park Tool and Topeak offer two sets of professional-quality tools.
Special tools required for mountain bikes
Many jobs on the bike are no problem even for beginners. In addition, adjusting the gears or brake levers usually requires nothing more than a screwdriver and Allen or Torx spanners in various sizes. However, if you want to clean and maintain your bike from the ground up, you will quickly reach the limits of a normal workshop. Specialised tools are required even for dismantling the cranks or bottom bracket. These tools are often only available individually in professional quality. The case sets in our test are a favourable alternative. Even if you have to compromise on the quality of the tools in some cases, the most important tools are included in most cases - and for just under 50 euros. The table on page 55 shows the parts of the basic equipment and what is actually included in the cases. The test quickly shows that even the inexpensive models offer a decent selection of tools. The Xtreme is only missing two Allen keys and the cable cutter. So for a small investment, you get a fully-fledged basic set of tools. Pro and XLC also pack almost all the important tools into their boxes. Birzman and Super B offer the most comprehensive additional equipment. The generous Birzman box contains a complete set of screwdrivers and a high-quality set of spanners. Super B packs a really practical set of chain lock pliers and a wear gauge for determining chain elongation into its admittedly somewhat windy little case. Beyond that, however, both manufacturers forget important basic tools. Torx screws in various sizes can now be found on many bikes. And Shimano cranks can only be loosened with a special crank cap tool. You won't find either here. Pedro's also forgets this detail. Ultimately, the plastic part costs less than two euros, but it's always annoying. Especially as the Pedro's case otherwise shines with its superior workmanship and great tool quality. However, two other points stand out: The short lever of the bottom bracket tool makes it difficult to remove the bearing. The special American cassette remover is difficult to attach and use. The classic chain whip, which is included in the other sets, works more reliably here.
High-quality tools pay off
In general, the differences in handling are clear. The tools from Pro and Pedro's are comfortable to hold with their rubberised handles, and the high-quality Birzman tool is also easy to work with. A handle extension allows the lever on the pedal spanner, for example, to be extended enormously. The Super B handles look comfortable, but in practice it quickly becomes clear that they are too large and too angular. The tools in the Xtreme case don't exactly flatter the hands either. Although they have a good grip, they are also quite angular, and the Allen keys in both sets are simply too small and cut into the palms of the hands. Frequent screwdrivers should therefore assemble their own workshop with high-quality tools. The most important parts are shown on the right. They cost around 300 euros. An investment for the rest of your biking life.
You can find these tool cases in the test:
Birzman Tool Box
299,00 Euro/8,16 Kilo/40 Tools
In addition to the three tool rollers, there is plenty of space for additional tools in the sturdy Birzman box. This is also needed, as essential tools such as Torx and spoke spanners are missing. The quality of the available tools is impressive and they fit very well in the hand. Great: In addition to a rubber mallet, there is also an extension for pedal spanners and the like.
BIKE judgement*: VERY GOOD
Pedro's Apprentice Tool Kit
259.00 Euro/3.71 Kilo/22 Tools
The high-quality Pedro's case is meticulously tidy, making it look a little empty. Nevertheless, it contains almost all the important tools in the usual convincing quality and great feel. The lever of the bottom bracket spanner is a little short. The special Pedro's cassette remover is extremely awkward to use.
BIKE judgement*: VERY GOOD
PRO Tool Box
189.95 euros/4.13 kilos/26 tools
The sturdy Pro case contains an almost complete set of basic tools, with only the screwdrivers missing from the range. The tool quality is impressive, even with frequent use. The rubberised handles sit comfortably in the hand and offer sufficiently large levers. The star Torx and the cassette puller with chain whip work particularly well.
BIKE judgement*: VERY GOOD (BIKE test winner)
Super B TB-98052
169.90 euros/3.31 kilos/23 tools
The tools are somewhat careless and unsorted in the cheap-looking case. Some important tools for modern bikes are missing. However, the equipment is supplemented by practical tools such as the chain lock pliers. Long handles provide good leverage, but the handles are thick and angular, especially for small hands.
BIKE judgement*: GOOD
Xtreme All2gether II
49.95 euros/2.4 kilos/25 tools
The cheapest case in the test has almost all the basic tools. The quality is not always convincing, especially with screwdrivers and Allen keys. The Xtreme case definitely fulfils its purpose for occasional screwdrivers or when travelling. Some of the tools are quite angular, but the coating provides a good grip.
BIKE judgement*: VERY GOOD (BIKE tip "Price-performance")
XLC Bicycle Tool Box
89,95 Euro/2,93 Kilo/32 Tools
XLC offers an inexpensive case for occasional wrenchers with good basic equipment and tool quality to match the price. The additional tools are more likely to be needed for older bikes. The short lever of the bottom bracket tool, the slippery handle of the chain whip and the loose attachment of the cassette puller make work more difficult.
BIKE judgement*: GOOD
*The BIKE judgement is independent of price. BIKE judgements: super, very good, good, satisfactory, with weaknesses, unsatisfactory.
More tool cases and torque spanners for professional screwdrivers
Topeak Prep Station
The practical trolley with six extendable shelves contains 40 professional-grade tools. In addition to the standard equipment, there is a hammer, pliers set and high-quality T Allen key on board as well as a hammering tool for steerer tube claws. Small parts are well organised in the lid. The large bottom compartment swallows additional tubes or pedals. So much equipment has its price. 699.95 euros are due for the mobile professional workshop. www.topeak.de
Park Tool AK-38 Tool Kit
Ambitious hobby screwdrivers will find an extensive range of high-quality tools in the high-quality Park Tool case. The equipment can be completed with a few additional tools, such as a hammer and pliers assortment. Two points of criticism: the short lever of the bottom bracket tool and the missing handle for the cassette puller. Otherwise, the spacious box for 399.95 euros leaves hardly anything to be desired and guarantees relaxed hours of tinkering. www.grofa.com
BBB BTL-73
Carbon is a sensitive material. The tightening torques should therefore always be observed when fitting add-on parts such as handlebars, stems or seat posts. The TorquSet BTL-73 from BBB includes a ratchet with adjustable torque from 2 to 14 Newton metres as well as Allen and Torx keys in the most important sizes for 79.95 euros. www.bbbcycling.com
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Stefan Frey
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