Bike Tools & Maintenance

Multitools offer the most options in the most compact tool. Most multitools have all the hex / allen keys you might need as well as flat & cross screwdrivers as a minimum. Also remember tools for punctures such as tyre levers, tubes and inflation device.

If you need to get all the essential tools, a full tool kit such as the Merlin 20 or 31 piece kit will have the main tools you will need to keep your bike on the road.

Firstly, think about where you inflate your tyres. Do you need to inflate in the garage before your ride? Or out on the roads / trails, for emergency punctures? Floor pumps are best for keeping at home and offer the quickest and easiest way to inflate tyres to the right pressure. Mini pumps are best for taking on your ride, to use in the event of a puncture.

Tubeless pumps have an extra capacity tank which can release a large volume of air in one go. This helps seat tubeless tyres onto the rim.

Check which type of valve your pump needs to fit. Presta valves are thinner and have a screw closure at the end of the valve. Schrader valves are like car valves, fatter with a metal pin closure system. There are lots of pumps that can do both valves, if you need both types for different bikes.

No. There are several different fitting alternatives, depending on the frame and fork. If you are replacing a headset, you need to find an exact match for the existing headset. For a new frame & fork, you will need to get the manufacturer recommended headset. If you have any doubt, Park Tools have a very informative Standardized Headset Identification System (SHIS) guide, put 'Park Tools SHIS' into your online search.

Yes and no. Because the hydraulic brake is a closed system, once they are set up, they should not require much servicing at all. If you regularly use the brakes in filthy weather or in deep mud, braking could wear rotors prematurely because of the mud and grit on the pads grinding into the rotor.