There are skilled craftsmen who only need a pocket knife to centre a wheel or change a chain. For everyone else who hasn't learnt from MacGyver and doesn't want to make things unnecessarily difficult for themselves, we recommend basic workshop equipment.
1. chain whip and sprocket puller: Needed to remove a worn sprocket set and fit a new one, from 5 and 8 euros respectively.
2nd + 3rd bottom bracket tools for Shimano "Hollowtech II" and Octalink bottom brackets, around 10 euros each.
4th chain tool - indispensable, from 10 euros.
5. allen keys: certainly the most used tool on the bike, should be in the toolbox in sizes 2 to 8 millimetres. Frequent tightening is easier with T-handle spanners. A second set of Allen keys is worthwhile if you need to hold the shock bolts.
6. side cutters for shortening cables and cable housings. A model with a "parrot's beak" does not crush sleeves and cables as much.
7. open-end spanner: still a common tool on the bike. You should have at least sizes 8, 10, 13 and 15 millimetres in your toolbox.
8. torx spanner: particularly important for owners of disc brakes. The discs are usually fastened with 25 mm Torx screws. However, some disc brake manufacturers also use Torx keys of other sizes. Buy extra as required, from 2 euros per spanner.
9. use a damper pump to adjust the air fork and damper precisely to your weight. From approx. 10 euros.
10. crank puller: You will often not need to remove the crank. But the crank puller is not expensive either. You are guaranteed not to get the crank off without it, about 10 euros (Shimano's "Hollow Tech II" cranks no longer need a puller).
11. nipple tensioner for centring the spoke nipples, from approx. 3 euros.
12. screwdrivers are a must in every home workshop. For the bike you will need a slotted and a Phillips screwdriver of medium size
13. tyre levers: available in a powerful workshop version, but conventional tyre levers are also sufficient for home use.
14. pedal tool: for inexpensive Shimano pedals. This is the only way to open the pedal axle, from 1 euro.
Bike care and lubrication
There are lots of moving parts and connections on your mountain bike that need to be regularly maintained and lubricated. We show you which care and lubrication products you need in your workshop at home. From left to right:
Bearing grease for everything that rotates or requires permanent lubrication.
Chain oil: There are oils for all conditions, but universal oil is sufficient for the chain.
Silicone spray: Protects surfaces and adheres well, e.g. for lubricating pedals.
Polish: preserves your washing success and protects against new dirt adhesion. A set of coarse and fine, soft and hard brushes is also very helpful.
By the way: A garden hose is sufficient for basic cleaning - high-pressure cleaners can damage the bearings. Use normal washing-up liquid to remove dirt.
