Tools

• TATI will be offering a wider range of products and services for home mechanics this spring, and I'll be writing a lot more about how you can handle many basic maintenance issues at home. In the meanwhile, here are some simple truths:
  1. Don't buy cheap tools. Eventually, they will break. But more importantly, you risk hurting both you and your bicycle.
  2. Invest in a high quality floor pump. Maintaining proper tire pressure is the most important thing you can do for your own safety and longevity of your bicycle's wheels.
  3. Build your kit one tool at a time. Most all-in-one kits are a ripoff. They often include things you already have (like screwdrivers) and crummy versions of things you need (like chain breakers).
  4. Wear gloves. Steal some latex gloves from work, or better yet: buy some nitriles. You'll look really professional and won't damage your skin.
  5. Buy a really nice multi-tool. If you don't own any tools at all, a high quality multi-tool is an acceptable (and affordable) subtitute. The best one on the market is the Crank Brothers Multi-17. A good multi-tool should feel good in your hand, have well finished edges, and ideally lack plastic bits.
  6. Build or buy a workstand. It needn't be expensive, and there are many DIY kits out there. Even a length of rope suspended from a pipe or rafters will work.
  7. Use the right chemicals. You don't necessarily need to use bicycle-specific lubes and cleaners, but if you're unsure, always ask first. Bicycles are really simply machines, but rely a lot on the regular application of the right stuff in the right places. Chicago's weather also means that you will likely be using different chemicals depending on the season.
  8. Don't skimp on cables or housing. In drier and warmer climates this isn't as much an issue, but here you will need to run stainless "slick" cables, lubed housing, and sealed ferrules where possible. Avoid plastic end caps where possible. Swanky gore-tex and metal articulated housing is probably overkill, but if you really want to maintain the best performance year-round, consider teflon-coated cables.
  If you don't have the right tools, or don't know exactly what you're doing -- ask for advice from a skilled mechanic. Better yet, take some classes. West Town, Blackstone, and TATI all offer free classes year-round. Do make use of loaner tools and workstands. Blackstone has everything most home mechanics need, and several Hyde Park bike nerds are always ready to help. Do use the internet for basic research, but temper what you learn there with some real life advice from someone you trust.