The Bicycle (Specialty) Tools Thread

[Odd-job]

Who is moving bikes in a 5.5' truck bed? Currently, I have L and XL hardtail 27.5 and XXL hardball 29 (3 total) I would like to move more elegantly. I gave a 4x receiver carrier to a friend and was pulling front and laying them in the bed. I was thinking continue pulling the front but bolt in something they can attach to in the bed.

I thought the "cool" thing was to hang them over the tail gate? - Please note this is coming from a mainly minivan guy who occasionally hauls bikes in a 6.5 bed. Usually I hide them under a tonneau cover due to sucky people and risk of theft. Moving blankets to minimize the bikes rubbing each other.

As I get older I must be getting lazier and lazier. I truly hate pulling the front wheel. Between unbolting the thru axle and not trying to lose something it just adds another step to the process of trying to not to lose $hit. Heaven forbid I accidentally touch the lever and have to reset the pads.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I have definitely eyed some minivans as a do-most-everything vehicle. After all, I broke my no-transverse engines rule in 2018. I was all car(s) until 2019, so I probably will stick to my Avalanche a while. Stay tuned for the F AFM threadpost.

Discs make me not mind pulling wheels too much. I kinda think alternating up/down might help in addition to the obvious fore/aft.

Maybe I am trying too hard to not just go Linus style.

 

[Odd-job]

Just remember you get bonus points on this thread if your bike is worth more than your vehicle which most ordinary people would disagree with.

 

[wgp]

My bike workshop … pleased with how it came out. Outside shed, so no A/C in the summer months makes it tough; but a space heater for the winter should make it tolerable. It’s small enough space that I have to put the repair stand outside of the shed when working on a bike (so it’s a strictly fair weather operation). The tool cart/workbench was a 60th bday present from my wife.

I decided to add the vintage Campagnolo tools onto the board. Although it’s not often I use the old Campagnolo tools (bought them in my mid teens 45 years ago!), I felt they deserved a place of prominence/honor on the tool wall rather than in the tool chest!

Speaking of vintage, note too the large tub of Campy grease, which is probably from that same era; it’s almost 3/4 full still.

 

[Pexto]

Still running rim brakes, I see.

Love the VAR 3rd-hand tool. I have the same one; it's the best!

 

[nadogail]

Phil Wood also made at least 1 tool, a Free Wheel remover to fit his fat rear wheel spindle shafts,

 

[Odd-job]

@wgp . Nice setup. Are these cassette pliers?



What's the brand? How do you like them?

Noticing a trend here between Knipex, PB Swiss, and some Park tools sprinkled in everyone's tool inventory.

 

[wgp]

@wgp . Nice setup. Are these cassette pliers?



What's the brand? How do you like them?

Noticing a trend here between Knipex, PB Swiss, and some Park tools sprinkled in everyone's tool inventory.

These are Pedro’s 2nd generation pliers - really like them a lot. Added bonus with v2 is that the notches at the ends serve as lockring pliers as well!

What’s not to like with Knipex, PB Swiss - but you left off Abbey! A beautifully crafted bike-specific tool line.

 

[Grant Gunderson]

Nice setup. Are these cassette pliers?



What's the brand? How do you like them?

Noticing a trend here between Knipex, PB Swiss, and some Park tools sprinkled in everyone's tool inventory.

I also have the Pedro cassette pliers. They work well, especially if you always work on the same size cassettes. However if you have multiple bikes running different gearing, they can be a pain to re-set to each size cassette, so personally I always seem to grab my Abbey chain whip over the Pedro's these days. The chain whip also has an advantage of allowing you to grip the front sprocket on an e-bike to remove the lock nut, if you forget and remove the rear wheel / chain first.

 

[wgp]

As Grant noted, resetting them takes a little bit, but only a few twist rotations on the end. Because all of my bikes have 12 tooth cassettes as their highest, it’s no big deal for me. It sounds like Grant works on a ton of different bikes – me, I only work on Campagnolo-equipped (mostly 11sp but a few 10sp and one “old” late70s with Campy NR/SR mix) road bikes, so I have a very limited tool need per se (vs those working on a variety of different bikes).

 

[wgp]

Still running rim brakes, I see.

Love the VAR 3rd-hand tool. I have the same one; it's the best!

Rim brakes only AND tubulars most of the time … I’m sure that last bit doesn’t surprise you given the rim brakes ;-)

 

[honcho]

How about software for e-bikes, particularly Shimano and Bosch? I'm not an e-bike guy--trying to hold off until it's essential--but I'm interested in what the state of individuals being able to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with them. From what I can discern, looks like just about all the major e-bike motor system players have their systems locked-down and limiting diagnostic tools to authorized dealers.

 

[f121]

How about software for e-bikes, particularly Shimano and Bosch? I'm not an e-bike guy--trying to hold off until it's essential--but I'm interested in what the state of individuals being able to diagnose and troubleshoot problems with them. From what I can discern, looks like just about all the major e-bike motor system players have their systems locked-down and limiting diagnostic tools to authorized dealers.

There are aftermarket apps available for some motor systems, e.g. blevo, stunlocker, but in general you are correct, the diagnostics are limited to dealers that have licensed the manufacturers software (apparently at high cost). The availability/effectiveness/coverage of the apps that are available is decreasing, as motor manufacturers get smarter at locking down their systems to prevent speed limit tampering. The exception being the Chinese motors, like bafang.

In general, motors, wiring looms etc are treated as modules and replaced on failure, just like a mech or shifter.

The good news is that aftermarket motor service centers are springing up: https://ebikemotorrepair.com/?v=5b61a1b298a0

 

[honcho]

The good news is that aftermarket motor service centers are springing up: https://ebikemotorrepair.com/?v=5b61a1b298a0

I've watched a GCN (?) video of the e-bike motor repair center. Looks like many failures caused by water ingress. If I were an electronics engineer and more entrepreneurial, I think I'd look into the possibility of designing and marketing replacement circuit boards with open software for for the the big brands' motors. Alas, as it is, between proprietary batteries and restricted software, I'm really reluctant to join the e-bike world. I've long viewed cycling as an enjoyable activity with the mechanical bits accessible to the normal person and e-bikes seem to take the accessibility out of that equation.

 

[fishwatcher]

I recently got an Abbey Bike Tools Lever Setter. It’s a beautiful tool, like most from Abbey.

It screws into the top of your headset. Then you attach a derailleur hanger alignment tool to the top of it,

and use the level indicator rod to adjust and match the position of your shift levers.


It’s not a necessary tool for home use.

You can eyeball it, use a tape measure or rulers and levels to do this instead. But I thought it’d be a neat tool to try (and spend my bike commuter benefits on this year from work).

 

[honcho]

I recently got an Abbey Bike Tools Lever Setter. It’s a beautiful tool, like most from Abbey.

It screws into the top of your headset. Then you attach a derailleur hanger alignment tool to the top of it,

and use the level indicator rod to adjust and match the position of your shift levers.


It’s not a necessary tool for home use.

You can eyeball it, use a tape measure or rulers and levels to do this instead. But I thought it’d be a neat tool to try (and spend my bike commuter benefits on this year from work).

Nice looking tool but since most human body are a bit asymmetrical, other than bragging rights, what's wrong with eyeballing it or maybe a dial caliper if you want precision? /S

 

[Meursault74]

I recently got an Abbey Bike Tools Lever Setter. It’s a beautiful tool, like most from Abbey.

It screws into the top of your headset. Then you attach a derailleur hanger alignment tool to the top of it,

and use the level indicator rod to adjust and match the position of your shift levers.


It’s not a necessary tool for home use.

You can eyeball it, use a tape measure or rulers and levels to do this instead. But I thought it’d be a neat tool to try (and spend my bike commuter benefits on this year from work).

A neighbor of mine asked me to give his bike a "tune up" during the pandemic. I noticed the levers were not in equivalent positions. He had some arm length/injury deal going so they levers couldn't be symmetric.

You need to remove the top cap on the steer and thus change/adjust the headset setting as well?

 

[Odd-job]

^
^

Thanks for posting the lever setter. That's something that I don't have and might finally convince me to buy some Abbey. Is there any other tools that they do particularly well that would blow the Park tools equivalent out of the water? I do wish I could justify the titanium chain whip.

 

[f121]

I've watched a GCN (?) video of the e-bike motor repair center. Looks like many failures caused by water ingress. If I were an electronics engineer and more entrepreneurial, I think I'd look into the possibility of designing and marketing replacement circuit boards with open software for for the the big brands' motors. Alas, as it is, between proprietary batteries and restricted software, I'm really reluctant to join the e-bike world. I've long viewed cycling as an enjoyable activity with the mechanical bits accessible to the normal person and e-bikes seem to take the accessibility out of that equation.

Yes/no. There will definitely get to a point where e-bikes are junk, sooner than regular bikes, because of lack of the e-bits availability. However that day is probably far enough into the future not to worry about, so if you want an e-bike, buy one.

 

[ericm]

Abbey makes really nice tools. They don't usually make the same tools as Park but if they did they'd probably be better. Not that Park *****, their stuff is good.

I'm picky about my lever position but eyeball or measuring has always been fine for me. If I can't see or feel that they're off, they're not off.

 

[FigN⋅m]

You need to remove the top cap on the steer and thus change/adjust the headset setting as well?

Nope! The stem is still clamped to the steerer tube, so removing the top cap has no effect on the headset.

 

[fishwatcher]

Thanks for posting the lever setter. That's something that I don't have and might finally convince me to buy some Abbey. Is there any other tools that they do particularly well that would blow the Park tools equivalent out of the water? I do wish I could justify the titanium chain whip.

Nope! The stem is still clamped to the steerer tube, so removing the top cap has no effect on the headset.

Correct.

The headset setting is not impacted. I kept the top cap on so the Abby tool had something flat to sit on, but Abbey’s web site says it temporarily replaces the top cap while you’re using it.

That’s probably better since I tightened it a little too much and rubbed the painted design on my top cap.

The Abby Tool bolt is tightened to the star nut or compression plug with a M6x1 thread.

 

[wgp]

Here’s the BSC version, as an alternative … I own the Abbey, but this is a nice option too:

BSCTools Lever Height Adapter | Bicycle Service Centre

Set your shifter and brake levers to the same height using our Lever Height Adapter tool in conjunction with your derailleur hanger alignment tool.Mount your hanger tool into the lever adapter - suggest you have a headset spacer sitting above the top of the fork steerer as your fork steerer may...

www.bicycleservicecentre.co.uk

 

[BWWgarage]

Who is moving bikes in a 5.5' truck bed? Currently, I have L and XL hardtail 27.5 and XXL hardball 29 (3 total) I would like to move more elegantly. I gave a 4x receiver carrier to a friend and was pulling front and laying them in the bed. I was thinking continue pulling the front but bolt in something they can attach to in the bed.

How many bikes? Just your 3?

Rack: pipeline or ride88 ... both $$$$$
Diy ... just dirtbag and make your own cross bar / attach to front of bed
Some people make wood / pvc racks
Tailgate pad?

 

[BWWgarage]

Not what you asked for, but I attach my son’s bmx bike to ford box link with a diy and the inno “rack”

 

[BWWgarage]

$10 and 0.5% accurate tire gauge from amazon. Presto attachment in battery compartment. I haven’t compared accuracy to my sons KTM dirt bike digital for pump yet. No bleeder so I’m not sure it’s worth it?

ETENWOLF Digital Tire Pressure Gauge 3-200 PSI, Industrial Tire Gauge Calibrated to ANSI B40.7 Grade 2A(±0.5%), Replaceable AAA Batteries with Presta Valve Adaptor (Vivid Orange)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0BY2GD9VC?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bherren]

The wheel stand is desktop monitor clamp with (2) 12mm bolts welded to it and spray painted black!

The wheel stand is desktop monitor clamp with (2) 12mm bolts welded to it and spray painted black!

Thank you so much for the details! Incredibly simple. Good job!

 

[shibertus]

Since the mid 90’s I have a basic Park Tool stand.
Excuse the mess and it looks better right now.

Is that a Votec fork? Used to have one of those on my hardtail before I changed it out for something newer. Kind of wish I had kept it and rebuilt it.

 

[BWWgarage]

Just saw this … https://www.tekton.com/1-4-inch-bicycle-bit-set-9-piece-dzz93003

 

[acer66]

Is that a Votec fork? Used to have one of those on my hardtail before I changed it out for something newer. Kind of wish I had kept it and rebuilt it.

Yes, good eye, I bought it new when it came out.

Took me awhile to find the proper elastomers which turned to crumple but now it is in good working order again.

Frame is a stripped Hot chili x rage.

Gave it to a buddy who is enjoying his new to him ride and is asked on almost every ride what kind of frame/fork that is.

Always liked the look of the fork.

 

[Odd-job]

While I am still waiting for a Hazet Assistent to fall out of the sky, I accidentally bought a Beta C27S tool trolley in the mean time to tide me over.

I could use some inspiration though as I feel as though I might be a couple of shallow drawers short and am really trying to keep this thing mobile and not have items hanging off the side ala my Harbor Freight 5 drawer rolling disaster.

Need to figure out how to use the deep draw more efficiently IMHO. It's too deep, but not deep enough if you get what I mean. The tire sealant and Squirt bottle can't stand upright (ok maybe the shop size bottles just aren't going to work). At the same time, it can more than hold some of funky items such as the derailleur hanger alignment gauge and cassette pliers.

Am thinking of moving the three bay Lisle trays to the bottom and stacking them, but they aren't quite long enough to handle the pedal wrench, etc... should I make some custom trays? Can you guys post your setups?

Thanks in advance.

 

[HannibalLecter]

How exactly did you buy accidentally a tool cart?

 

[Odd-job]

How exactly did you buy accidentally a tool cart?

accidents and winning auctions sometimes happen

Hmmmm I am thinking of shoehorning one of these cantilever style tool boxes in the bottom for lesser used tools, but I know its going to painful to pull out of the bottom.

 

[BWWgarage]

While I am still waiting for a Hazet Assistent to fall out of the sky, I accidentally bought a Beta C27S tool trolley in the mean time to tide me over.

I could use some inspiration though as I feel as though I might be a couple of shallow drawers short and am really trying to keep this thing mobile and not have items hanging off the side ala my Harbor Freight 5 drawer rolling disaster.

Need to figure out how to use the deep draw more efficiently IMHO. It's too deep, but not deep enough if you get what I mean. The tire sealant and Squirt bottle can't stand upright (ok maybe the shop size bottles just aren't going to work). At the same time, it can more than hold some of funky items such as the derailleur hanger alignment gauge and cassette pliers.

Am thinking of moving the three bay Lisle trays to the bottom and stacking them, but they aren't quite long enough to handle the pedal wrench, etc... should I make some custom trays? Can you guys post your setups?

Thanks in advance.

Put foam shadow trays that stack with least used on bottom?

 

[Odd-job]

Foam is on the list, although I was a never a big foam guy due to the lack of flexibility of switching out tools. For example I'm not yet settled on the cassette pliers vs the traditional chain whip earning its place in the trolley. Cable cutters might eventually get phased out with di2 and hydraulic brakes. Maybe with the SRAM universal derailleur hanger one day the derailleur alignment tool can get phased out too.

I'm also on the hunt for a larger tool roll ideally 16 inches wide (most seem to be 14.5inches wide). This might be ideal to unroll and hang off one of the ends.

For now I found a Milwaukee bag that I stuffed the lower priority stuff into. Am pretty sure this isn't a long term solution.

 

[bonneyman]

Thanks for the Abbey Tool reference. Just checked out their site - dang they have alot of nice stuff!

 

[Meursault74]

cross post from new tools thread, figured you guys would appreciate this tool more over here.

Park Tools end cap crimping pliers for bike cables. Didn't really need them, but hopefully they'll do a better job than the crimper on the cable cutters (which can't always be used with clearance) or whatever pliers or diagonal cutters I happen to grab. I've also used electrical crimpers that I have in the past.

The pliers feel and looks well made. Machining lines up nicely. I was ordering other parts for some upcoming maintenance and was able to get this for 20% off so I got them.

 

[JMP]

A few of my primary go-to bike tools. The larger tools, presses, alignment, gauge, torque wrenches, etc. are in another box.

 

[Straightgrain]

I don't know if a cone wrench would qualify as a "specialty tool", but I think anyone who works on bikes might find this interesting.

I recently picked up a set of standard (not metric) cone wrenches, which seem to be getting harder and harder to find. I posted on The Classic and Antique Bicycle Exchange site looking to find out if anyone knew what company made them as there were no maker's mark. The wrenches looked like the one's Schwinn made years ago but the handles were green (or blue) instead of red, which is what Schwinn used.

The replies I received were as follows:

Both Park Tool, AND Snap-on made the cone wrenches for Schwinn's Sales Promotion Dept. The early wrenches were all Black Dipped, and in time Park Tool started selling through different distributors and the Park Tool all had the Blue Dip handles. After the Chicago factory closed (Sales Promotion Dept) Park sold the Blue dipped tools through the four Schwinn Sales Distribution Centers.

Actually they started out with the Schwinn Approved stamped into the metal including the 74,000 parts number and the wrench size. To make this even more confusing they came with RED dipped handles. It also proudly stated USA. My guess is the red handles were made by Snap-on, and the original Black handles were made by Park. It would be interesting to know if Park actually made the Black and Blue handled ones, or if they all came from an "off site" vendor.

Any way you slice it, it was Schwinn Bicycle Company that stepped up and funded the original order for Park to design and place the order, or build "in house" the extensive line of bicycle specific tools that have repaired all kinds of bicycles for the past 50-60 years. Their tools really held up well to their commercial usage. Where would this industry be without the Park Repair Stand, or Truing Stand?

 

[JMP]

My bike workshop … pleased with how it came out. Outside shed, so no A/C in the summer months makes it tough; but a space heater for the winter should make it tolerable. It’s small enough space that I have to put the repair stand outside of the shed when working on a bike (so it’s a strictly fair weather operation). The tool cart/workbench was a 60th bday present from my wife.

I decided to add the vintage Campagnolo tools onto the board. Although it’s not often I use the old Campagnolo tools (bought them in my mid teens 45 years ago!), I felt they deserved a place of prominence/honor on the tool wall rather than in the tool chest!

Speaking of vintage, note too the large tub of Campy grease, which is probably from that same era; it’s almost 3/4 full still.

I love the shop. Gives me some future inspiration. I like the stands that you have for your grease guns. I have a couple myself. One of mine is a Lincoln Engineering Lubrigun from I'm guessing from the 1960's? and the other is a new Dualco branded one I bought on Amazon. I was surprised to see that they are essentially identical.