Tools to replace groupset

Orion

I just upgraded my good bike with new wheels and a new 105 11-speed groupset. So I plan on putting the old 10 speed 105 and wheels on my older bike which currently has a Sora groupset. I want to try it myself following youtube and other online resources for instructions. But the one thing that confuses me is what tools I need. I have some hex keys and a cable cutters but think that getting a proper bike maintenance kit is the way to go. Can't afford a 300 quid + Parktool set so what are my options?

Would something like this be enough?
Or something like this? I don't think either of them have a torque wrench so I might pick one of them up too.
I could make it Halfords tomorrow to get started on it over the long weekend so if they have anything suitable that would be great.

I might pick up a book on bike maintenance as I'd like to be able to look after the bikes long term. I do my own basic maintenance like cleaning, lubing, brakes etc myself anyway but long term if I could completely maintain the bikes I'd be happy. Any book suggestions?

cython

I've the lower tier version of the x-tools kit you linked, and that along with a decent cable cutters has been enough to do a replacement of all the parts of my bike requiring specific tools (i.e. not just allen keys, etc.) so the one you linked along with a cable cutters would be plenty. I don't have a torque wrench yet, but do plan on picking one up since I now have a carbon framed bike, but you'll get away with a lot of torquing by feel with alloy components.

As far as books go, Park Tool blue book is good but it's really their blog put on paper. Zinn and the art of bike maintenance seems to get a good few shouts around here too, so might be worth a look.

Orion

Thanks cython. The Bikehut one in Halfords seems to have all the same parts and a couple more so I might head up to Lucan in the morning and grab it so I can get started on it. I'm carbon myself but this work is taking place on an alu frame so maybe I'll be ok. When I'm done I'll probably drop it in to my LBS to make sure it's safe for the road anyway

sullzz

I built a bike using a lidl tool kit , the only extra tool I needed was a cable snips but already had one .

sullzz

A bike work stand like the lidl / Aldi ones are also a great help when working on bikes

Orion

I have a workstand already - got one the last time Lidl had them. Should have picked up the toolkit then too.

sullzz

If clamping your carbon bike in the work stand be very careful , I usually clamp on the seatpost rather than the top tube

TheBlaaMan

Planet X have suitable toolkits for reasonable money. This one should have most of what you need but there is a couple (also under €50) if not

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJW13PC/Jobsworth-13pc-essential-tool-kit

http://www.planetx.co.uk/i/q/TOJWTK/jobsworth-shimano-specific-18-piece-cycle-tool-kit
This last one is available in a promotion at present

Orion

sullzz wrote: »

If clamping your carbon bike in the work stand be very careful , I usually clamp on the seatpost rather than the top tube

I think you told me that over pints one time. I've been doing it since.

MugMugs

I built my road bike up using Lidl tool kit, halfords cutters Aldi key set and a mates torque wrench. Wouldn't be dropping big money on a tool kit.

Orion

This is good news - I'll pick up one of the cheap ones so and get to work. Thanks guys.

Juan More Time

Orion wrote: »

I just upgraded my good bike with new wheels and a new 105 11-speed groupset. So I plan on putting the old 10 speed 105 and wheels on my older bike which currently has a Sora groupset. I want to try it myself following youtube and other online resources for instructions. But the one thing that confuses me is what tools I need. I have some hex keys and a cable cutters but think that getting a proper bike maintenance kit is the way to go. Can't afford a 300 quid + Parktool set so what are my options?

Would something like this be enough?
Or something like this? I don't think either of them have a torque wrench so I might pick one of them up too.
I could make it Halfords tomorrow to get started on it over the long weekend so if they have anything suitable that would be great.

I might pick up a book on bike maintenance as I'd like to be able to look after the bikes long term. I do my own basic maintenance like cleaning, lubing, brakes etc myself anyway but long term if I could completely maintain the bikes I'd be happy. Any book suggestions?

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

jamesd

Juan More Time wrote: »

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

Are you saying that the cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years are down to people repairing / upgrading their own bikes?

jon1981

Juan More Time wrote: »

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

What a garbage comment. The reason this forum exists is for people to inform themselves and seek advice. And unless you have data points that directly infers deaths/injuries being as a result of DIY jobs I think you should probably keep quiet on that subject.

Orion

Juan More Time wrote: »

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

If you read it again I wasn't asking what tools - I was asking which toolkit. But thanks for your valuable input anyway. I'll try not to get killed because of not having the skillset to use an allan key correctly. I'll make sure to restrict that to being caused by some asshat driver instead.

cython

Juan More Time wrote: »

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

This might have some relevance if you could point to the statistics of cycling related deaths which have been attributed to under-skilled home mechanics? :rolleyes: I don't think you'll find too many where that was the cause, to be blunt.

Bicycles on the whole are reasonably simple mechanical systems, especially when using derailleur gears and caliper brakes as on a normal road bike, so it's not a particularly steep learning curve, and there is no shortage of resources out there in the form of books blogs and youtube where things are spelled out pretty clearly, so you're quite frankly scare mongering with the above.

07Lapierre

Juan More Time wrote: »

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

WOW! :eek:

Juan More Time

I've

cython wrote: »

This might have some relevance if you could point to the statistics of cycling related deaths which have been attributed to under-skilled home mechanics? :rolleyes: I don't think you'll find too many where that was the cause, to be blunt.

Bicycles on the whole are reasonably simple mechanical systems, especially when using derailleur gears and caliper brakes as on a normal road bike, so it's not a particularly steep learning curve, and there is no shortage of resources out there in the form of books blogs and youtube where things are spelled out pretty clearly, so you're quite frankly scare mongering with the above.

I don't believe I am scare mongering...Yes bikes used to be simple machines, but not any longer. Turn up to any charity ride or humble C4 road race nowadays and most people will be riding carbon frame sets with 11 speed drive trains, press fit bottom brackets, light weight factory wheels, disc brakes. Components nowadays are becoming lighter, so it's not only advisable but imperative to follow manufacturers torque specs during installation.. Not many home mechanics would have a half decent 1/4" torque wrench that costs in the region of €80 Let alone a chain hanger alignment tool costing another €80 Let alone a steerer tube cutting guide, a headset cup press, crown race removal and installation tools,

I've seen for myself the quality of information on a lots of You tube channels can vary from really bad to excellent.. So how would yer average amateur home mechanic be able to differentiate?

There are You tube channels with tutorials on flying aircraft, lol..

cython

Juan More Time wrote: »

I've

I don't believe I am scare mongering...Yes bikes used to be simple machines, but not any longer. Turn up to any charity ride or humble C4 road race nowadays and most people will be riding carbon frame sets with 11 speed drive trains, press fit bottom brackets, light weight factory wheels, disc brakes. Components nowadays are becoming lighter, so it's not only advisable but imperative to follow manufacturers torque specs during installation.. Not many home mechanics would have a half decent 1/4" torque wrench that costs in the region of €80 Let alone a chain hanger alignment tool costing another €80 Let alone a steerer tube cutting guide, a headset cup press, crown race removal and installation tools,

I've seen for myself the quality of information on a lots of You tube channels can vary from really bad to excellent.. So how would yer average amateur home mechanic be able to differentiate?

There are You tube channels with tutorials on flying aircraft, lol..

With all due respect, and as I already suggested, until you can point to evidence of home mechanics' levels of expertise being responsible for deaths or serious injuries, to make the statement of "Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years..." is unconstructive, and I'll say again, scare mongering. The general reaction on this thread to your post would seem to bear that out also.

07Lapierre

Juan More Time wrote: »

I've

I don't believe I am scare mongering...Yes bikes used to be simple machines, but not any longer. Turn up to any charity ride or humble C4 road race nowadays and most people will be riding carbon frame sets with 11 speed drive trains, press fit bottom brackets, light weight factory wheels, disc brakes. Components nowadays are becoming lighter, so it's not only advisable but imperative to follow manufacturers torque specs during installation.. Not many home mechanics would have a half decent 1/4" torque wrench that costs in the region of €80 Let alone a chain hanger alignment tool costing another €80 Let alone a steerer tube cutting guide, a headset cup press, crown race removal and installation tools,

I've seen for myself the quality of information on a lots of You tube channels can vary from really bad to excellent.. So how would yer average amateur home mechanic be able to differentiate?

There are You tube channels with tutorials on flying aircraft, lol..

Scaremongering at its best! complete rubbish! if you don't use a torque wrench, your bike is a deathtrap? Complete rubbish Here's one for €32.
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/x-tools-torque-wrench-2-24n-m/rp-prod11142
(P.s. I have one...never use it, just tighten things "By Feel" and i'm still alive)

Juan More Time

cython wrote: »

With all due respect, and as I already suggested, until you can point to evidence of home mechanics' levels of expertise being responsible for deaths or serious injuries, to make the statement of "Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years..." is unconstructive, and I'll say again, scare mongering. The general reaction on this thread to your post would seem to bear that out also.

So why is the cycle industry in Ireland booming, when most folks can buy their equipment far cheaper online? The answer is, the vast majority of the cycling population wouldn't have the knowledge, tools or dare I say it the experience to work on their own bikes in a safe manner, so they wisely leave it to the professionals...

stecleary

Juan More Time wrote: »

So why is the cycle industry in Ireland booming, when most folks can buy their equipment far cheaper online? The answer is, the vast majority of the cycling population wouldn't have the knowledge, tools or dare I say it the experience to work on their own bikes in a safe manner, so they wisely leave it to the professionals...

ted1

Juan More Time wrote: »

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

That's some conclusion to jump too. Unless you do it you don't know what tools you need.

A basic kit should do the job, about 50 euro should suffice. http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/mobile/ie/en/x-tools-bike-tool-kit-27-piece/rp-prod55964

You'll need some grease etc as well

mirrormatrix

Juan More Time wrote: »

So why is the cycle industry in Ireland booming, when most folks can buy their equipment far cheaper online? The answer is, the vast majority of the cycling population wouldn't have the knowledge, tools or dare I say it the experience to work on their own bikes in a safe manner, so they wisely leave it to the professionals...

Absolute nonsense. Anyone with an inclination can learn how to work on their bike in a safe manner.

On your question as to why is the cycle industry booming in Ireland - bike to work perhaps? Or maybe people just want to support a local brick and mortar store rather than buying everything online.

Wisely leave it to the professionals - jesus you'd think working on your bike was rocket science or something!

jon1981

Juan More Time wrote: »

So why is the cycle industry in Ireland booming, when most folks can buy their equipment far cheaper online? The answer is, the vast majority of the cycling population wouldn't have the knowledge, tools or dare I say it the experience to work on their own bikes in a safe manner, so they wisely leave it to the professionals...

Hmmm are you lobbying for any particular bike shop?


I might cook dinner tonight, oh actually I think I'll go to a restaurant and leave it to the pros, I might accidentally cut myself and bleed to death using the new potato peeler i just bought....

07Lapierre

jon1981 wrote: »

Hmmm are you lobbying for any particular bike shop?


I might cook dinner tonight, oh actually I think I'll go to a restaurant and leave it to the pros, I might accidentally cut myself and bleed to death using the new potato peeler i just bought....

Youtube is your friend..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfYRSRDqrI0

jon1981

07Lapierre wrote: »

Youtube is your friend..

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KfYRSRDqrI0

If only youtube had bicycle maintenance videos...

07Lapierre

jon1981 wrote: »

If only youtube had bicycle maintenance videos...

Yeay they could call it the "Global Cycling Network"!...maybe have a complete "How to" section, you know...fix punctures, index your gears etc. would be cool so it would!

jon1981

07Lapierre wrote: »

Yeay they could call it the "Global Cycling Network"!...maybe have a complete "How to" section, you know...fix punctures, index your gears etc. would be cool so it would!

I hope they have liability insurance ... you know just in case someone foolishly attempts to tighten a gear cable and accidentally strangles themselves...

Sheldon Brown will be turning in his grave at the suggestion of using pro mechanics for everything

Orion

Ahh I love Fridays

Orion

Juan More Time wrote: »

So why is the cycle industry in Ireland booming, when most folks can buy their equipment far cheaper online? The answer is, the vast majority of the cycling population wouldn't have the knowledge, tools or dare I say it the experience to work on their own bikes in a safe manner, so they wisely leave it to the professionals...

The computer industry isn't doing to bad either considering you can build any pc by buying parts separately and assembling yourself a hell of a lot cheaper than buying one pre-built.

Maybe it's just that most people have neither the desire to do so or willingness to learn how. I'm not one of these people.

NeedMoreGears

Juan More Time wrote: »

If you are unsure what tools are required to remove and replace your bikes groupset are, then it's unlikely you have the skill to use these tools properly anyway.. Tis no wonder there has been so many cycling related deaths and serious injuries in the last few years...

The good thing about bike maintenance is that there are a range of tasks that span the simple to the complex. My experience suggests you can become quite proficient by starting out with simpler tasks and progressing on from there. Most tools, even the more specialized ones, are essentially variations on a screw driver or wrench. The only semi-sophisticated ones are bearing pullers or presses. Wheel building is more easily done with the correct jigs etc but I've done it without and am still here to tell the tale.

The key here is to be aware there may be particular tools or fittings required if the basic tools won't obviously and easily do the job. Most decent guides on the internet will describe any particular tool you'll need anyway.

I have to say I am unaware of poorly performed maintenance being cited as a contributory factor in deaths/serious injuries to cyclists in the past few years ; as I understand it collisions with motor vehicles is the major factor.

All in all I find the post a bit silly - April Fools maybe?