Robert A

Looking to setup my garage for basic bike repair, cleaning and adjustment. I need a stand and various tools for the brakes and drivetrain components.

The only name I know is Park Tool. Are these the go-to guys for building the tool set?

jackb

Park is well-known, but you can pick up cheaper tools online. For example, I just bought a set of three allen keys with the plastic T handle that all the bike mechanics use. I got them for $2.89 for the three. I think Park wanted $8.99 each. For a specialized bike tool I buy Park, but for general tools, cheaper is just as good.

eduskator

As far as I know, they are well known in the industry & appreciated by all users.

terrymorse 

Park Tool make fine tools and work stands, you'll see them in a lot of shops.

But for specific tools that get a lot of use--or require a lot of muscle--I prefer Pedros. Easier on the hands.



Pedros 8mm hex driver with ergonomic handle

CarloM

I have appreciated the craftsmanship of every ParkTool that I own. I also can't afford to own all PT products. So I buy when I can, and when I can't I consider other products. If money were no object, I'd have the whole suite of PT tools.

JLTD

I've bought plenty of other brands, hit and miss for quality. Park always seems solid.

Robert A

Thank you, all. I appreciate the comments.

mstateglfr 

With regard to cycling specific brands- Park Tool, Pedros, Feedback, Spin Doctor, Topeak, and more- all are brands that I own in some capacity and find value in, based on each tool's intended use.
My wrenches, hex tools, torx tool, torque wrench, and screw drivers are all from hardware stores. I havent come up with a reason so far to have purchased any of those from a cycling brand.


What I wouldnt do is buy one of those preselected kits. A lot of money for stuff you may never need. I prefer to buy tools as I need them though.

Robert A

Any recommendations on a bike stand? Would like to strike the right balance between quality and price.

CarloM

I have and enjoy the Park Tool 10.2. not sure if it's "too much stand" for your use, but I find it great. Holds the bike firmly and is super stable. Seems to be very well made and I expect it to last many, many years.

Robert A

This is about the amount I was planning to spend.

CarloM

I think the main reason I went with the 10.2 over the 9.2 was the superior clamp. Since I am primarily working on carbon fiber bikes, with carbon fiber seatposts (including one super narrow aero post) I wanted the best clamp mechanism with good stability and clamp pressure control so that I don't have to overtighten and risk cracking the seatposts. It only MSRPs fo $40 more than the 9.2, but if you look online I'm sure you can get it for cheaper than MSRP. Also the build quality seemed to be a little more robust. Not to say that the 9.2 is bad, but the 10.2 seems near bulletproof. When people see the 10.2 in the house, they immediately go "oh okay, you're serious about your bikes".

mstateglfr 

I have a parktool 10 stand and like it for the sale price i bought it for...$130 i think. It's been 5 years probably. Its sturdy and holds easily.

Feedback has a nicer quick release clamp to hold the bike. It was $210 or so for that model though.



Either will work great and expected to last for years under normal use.

Kimmo 

I never liked those; too bulky to twirl, and they'd often foul on another part of the bike. By sticking with standard L-shaped keys, you can develop a better feel for torque too, and if you need more leverage you can just slip a spanner over the end.

blakcloud

I like Park tools a lot and own lots of their product. I haven't been disappointed in anything I have purchased but I also own other brands. Silca for hex wrenches, Pedros for their small torque wrench and Feedback Sports for their repair stands.

Kabuki12

I use all different types of bicycle specific tools from Campagnolo to Park Tools and others. My standard wrenches are Craftsman(older ones). Screwdrivers Wida . My bike stand was given to me by a neighbor , it is a Spin Doctor , not sure of the model. Just a collection of stuff I have picked up over 40+ years of cycling. If I need something special for my bikes , I usually buy Park Tools. Joe joesvintageroadbikes.wordpress

Robert A

Where do you get discounts on a Park stand? I've looked around and everything is pretty much MSRP.

billnuke1 

Check eBay for used Park Tool Stands...stick with the newer stands for the clamps...check bench clamps, too...some attach to vertical surfaces, too...if you have a good relationship with a bike shop, they may be able to get you a good price for your tools...eBay gives you a trending price, too...half the fun can be buying the tools, too!

CarloM

I don't remember which store, but I think I used one of the "buy from us and get 15% off first normal priced item" promo that some of the big online cycling shops have if you're a first time customer, and then coupled that with free shipping over $50.

Bassmanbob

Go ask your LBS owner. Mine gets me anything bike related I want with a nice discount, usually less money than what I can get on line.

dan911

Take a look at UNIOR. I have a few tools from them and the quality is A1.

Unior
Unior USA

bruce19

Park is my go to. I bought a Park digital scale. Had it for a year and it malfunctioned. Called them and they just sent me a replacement. Didn't want the old one back. all my Park tools have worked perfectly and some of it is 25 yrs. old.

billnuke1 

My bike shops don’t charge me retail on tools, just on everything else with a healthy discount...I send a lot of customers their way...”Tell’um Bill says, Hi”...

rm -rf

Repair stand
I have the old version of the Feedback Sports Ultralight. Recommended. (Back then, around 1990?, it was an Ultimate stand, since renamed.)

So it's probably at least 25 years old. The clutch mechanism failed a few years ago, after a lot of use. Feedback has the same component part for about $12. Works like new again.

Mine is similar to this. via google image search.


~~~

Hex wrenches.
Multiple sets:
I have a set of L wrenches,
a Park Tool "Y' 4-5-6,
Unior screwdriver handled 3, 4, 5 -- these are great for spinning on a bolt.
I use all these different kinds, depending on the usage.

I don't buy very cheap screwdrivers or hex wrenches. They get rounded off too easily.

billnuke1 

I love my Ys and I have them all over the place...bike bags, benches, work stands, and work boxes...