Chinertown
Other Resources => Maintenance, Mechanics, & Tools => Topic started by: cvrle1 on November 20, 2025, 01:02:47 PM
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Hello everyone, total noob to bike building, trying to get as much info as possible. Did search, but answers are kinda all over the place.
What are absolute must have tools that one needs to have when they start building up a road bike from scratch? I know that it also depends on parts that will be used, so lets say full carbon, integrated aero bars, electronic groupset (not sure if this makes a difference), disc brakes. Any other components that may make a difference in needed tools?
I have the following on the list so far, but wanted to get as close to definitive list if possible. And yeah I know that 100 people will have 100 different answers as well, but it's worth a shot.
Allen keys
Wrenches
BB Tool
Pedal Wrench
Chain Whip
Cassette lockring tool
Small bike specific torque wrench
Hacksaw and fine blade
Hacksaw guide
Bike stand
Carbon paste
Grease
Brake bleeding kit
Thanks!
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Internal cable routing guide.
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Looks good to me. The only thing I'd note is that a BB tool, for one build is generally not worth it. You'll end up using it once and then never again - I paid my LBS $30 CAD in labour and provided them the BB for my bike build.
I'd also recommend picking up some shop rags. My hands get dirty whenever I maintain my bike from road crap or working with grease, so I like to have them on hand for quickly scrubbing something off or wiping my hands with. And another tip (from a broke student myself) is getting a bottle of Simple Green. Dilute it with water as accordingly and that's your chain degreaser or bike wash on the cheap. Dawn dish soap also works in a pinch too.
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Looks good to me. The only thing I'd note is that a BB tool, for one build is generally not worth it. You'll end up using it once and then never again - I paid my LBS $30 CAD in labour and provided them the BB for my bike build.
I'd also recommend picking up some shop rags. My hands get dirty whenever I maintain my bike from road crap or working with grease, so I like to have them on hand for quickly scrubbing something off or wiping my hands with. And another tip (from a broke student myself) is getting a bottle of Simple Green. Dilute it with water as accordingly and that's your chain degreaser or bike wash on the cheap. Dawn dish soap also works in a pinch too.
Good to know on BB tool. I do have good LBS close by, so will keep that in mind. I have plenty of rags and degreaser as I use them for cleaning and maintenance of my motorcycle chain (along with other parts).
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Good to know on BB tool. I do have good LBS close by, so will keep that in mind. I have plenty of rags and degreaser as I use them for cleaning and maintenance of my motorcycle chain (along with other parts).
Get a load of rags from amazon or Ali.
Get a BB tool, the wrench type is fine, with multiple sizes. I have amazon.ca/dp/B0C1S34PDQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title (http://amazon.ca/dp/B0C1S34PDQ?ref=ppx_yo2ov_dt_b_fed_asin_title)
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Chain braker
Chain lock pliers
Booster/air compressor
Tyre levers (Pedros)
Spoke wrench
Rotor truing tool
Degreaser
Track pump
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Maybe these fall outside the 'absolute must have' category but worth considering:
- hydraulic hose cutter (could instead use a sharp utility knife if you trust your ability to cut perfectly straight)
- needle driver (could use pliers and hammer instead if you're really careful)
- laser guide or plumb line - useful for measuring distances with respect to the bottom bracket, mostly saddle and handlebars
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As for the BB tool... really depends on what kind of BB. I picked up a T47 tool for $4.5 sounds reasonable enough to me. Press fit will be rather more expensive.