this post was submitted on 23 Aug 2023
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Technology
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Bikes are mostly easy to maintain but there are some things like adjusting the spokes or the derailleur that a shop will get done much faster.
I don't agree that much about the tools, unless you consider Allen keys to be a normal tool and you exclude the drivetrain or the headset, which need all kinds of specialized ones. Brakes can also need some less common stuff.
I absolutely consider Allen keys a normal tool. One of the absolute must haves for any household.
What do you guys use them for? I have never seen hex screws on anything other than Ikea furniture and bicycles.
3D printers, furniture, sim racing setup, camera gear, electronics.
Seriously, a set of allan keys and some torx bits are basic tools.
Allan keys (hex wrenches) are absolutely a normal tool, heck, if you've bought IKEA furniture, you may even have one already!
One won't cut it, you need one of every size.
Not really. About 3 sizes are enough for maintenance and most basic repairs.
I'm seeing 4-5 different sizes at a glance on my bike.
Even if there were only 3, my point was that you can't rely on a random key you got from Ikea, and you're not always going to run into the same 3 sizes on every bike. Sooner or later you'll have to buy a full set with 6 or 7 sizes, plus a large key for the stand screw (if you have a stand).
I looked on Amazon and you can get a set of 14 for £4. There's no need to act like this is unobtainably complex.
Well yeah, that Ikea suggestion is kind of ridiculous. But you don't really need a full set either. Not every one of those 4-5 different types are used for just doing brakes and removing the wheel for cleaning or replacing the chain (basic maintenance and repairs). If you want to fully rebuild your bike, then you'll need more than 3 types, yeah.
Yeah so you get one of these thingies that has like 20 in different sizes. Costs like €5.
Setting your derailleur is incredibly easy actually and a matter of a few minutes of work even if you have never done it before. You can check the Park Tools video about it if you want to see for yourself. And yes, I consider allen keys to be a normal tool. A lot of derailleurs don't even use them though.