The tools needed for bike maintenance and repair vary somewhat depending on the make and model of your bike. The number of tools you have will depend on how much work you want to do yourself. While all cyclists should know how to fix a flat tire and have the materials to do so, not everyone will want to undertake routine maintenance and more complex repairs. That's what bike shop mechanics are for. However, if you are interested in bike maintenance and repair and willing to do a good job, by all means stock up on the whole spectrum of available materials.

Make sure you have all of the tools needed to do all the bike work you want to handle yourself. Don't try to squeeze by with a minimum of tools—you'll only make your job a lot harder. Most bike tools can be found in any hardware store, while some are designed especially for use with bicycles and may be more difficult to find. A well-stocked bike shop should have all the tools you need. Buy only quality tools from reputable manufacturers, and make sure the tools fit your bike (most bikes use European components that are sized according to the metric system).

Bike Tool Set and Materials

Bike stand

Screwdrivers: Phillips, flathead, and miniature

Adjustable wrench and/or socket wrench

Wrench set with sizes ranging from 8 to 17 millimeters and/or three-way wrench with sizes ranging from 8 to 10 millimeters

Allen wrench set (also called allen keys or allen bolts) with sizes ranging from 4 to 7 millimeters

Spoke wrench (to fit spoke-nipple size)

Pedal wrench or flat wrench, sized 13 to 16 millimeters

Replacement bolts of various sizes

Headset wrench

Lubricant

Chain remover

Needlenose pliers

Cable cutters

Spare cable

Crank and crankarm bolt remover

Freewheel remover

Tire patch kit

Tire irons

Spare inner tubes

Replacement spokes

Air pump and tire gauge