February is just around the corner, the winter solstice is well and truly behind us and the thought of daffodils, Welsh cakes, traditional Welsh dress and a glimpse of post work sunlight, is just over a month away. However, no amount of wishful thinking is going to be enough to circumnavigate the fact that we are still in the midst of winter. And for anyone who rides bikes, more mud, means more maintenance. And for those of you lucky enough to have summer bikes, now is the time to get them ready for the drier weather. In this article, we check out twelve tools to help keep your bikes in tip-top shape.
Cleaning kit
While it may be a bit of a faff, at the very least you need to be maintaining your drivetrain after every wet ride. So a bucket, microfibre mitt and chain brush will be a good place to start (avoid using sponges on paintwork as they cause marring and swirl marks over time). If you’re short on time, a thorough cleaning with a quality degreaser and ensuring all road grit is washed away can make a significant difference to the longevity of your drivetrain. Winter rides might not be the most enjoyable, but a well-maintained drivetrain can certainly enhance the experience. Washing your bike can be done in minutes:
- Blast off the worst crud with a hose (avoid pressure washing bearings or e bike motors)
- Degrease chain-old kitchen brushes work well here
- wash using a microfibre or wool wash mitt with hot water bike solution
- Rinse with hose
- Dry with towel
- Lubricate
- Bike spray
- Done
Tubeless valve core tool
Over time, tubeless sealant can dry out, or if you’re a mountain biker, it may be burped out while you’re tearing through berms. To keep your setup running smoothly, regular top-ups of fresh sealant are essential. The simplest way to do this is by removing the Presta valve core rather than unseating the tyre bead from the rim. A good valve core tool makes the job much easier.
Hex & Torx set
A high-quality set of Hex and Torx keys is essential for installing and removing almost all your components. It’s worth investing in good ones—there’s nothing worse than struggling with a stubborn bolt using a tool that feels as soft as marshmallow. ‘T-bar’ style tools are our top choice, offering the perfect balance of leverage, speed and reach for both comfort and practicality.
Bike stand
A bike stand makes maintenance and cleaning far easier, keeping your bike stable and upright while you work. No more awkward manoeuvres, leaning it against a wall, or flipping it upside down. With affordable options available, it’s a worthwhile investment for any cyclist.
Hydraulic bleed kit
Regular bleeding is necessary for hydraulic brakes to maintain optimal performance, enhance their reliability during continuous usage, and prolong their lifespan to prevent failures. Your brakes should be bled at a minimum of 12 month intervals. If you don’t know how to bleed brakes, we recommend leaving it to the professionals at your local bike shop.
Track Pump
Hand pumps are fine for emergencies, but for regular maintenance, a track pump is a game-changer. Designed for efficiency and accuracy, it makes inflating your tyres to the correct pressure effortless.
If you’re running a tubeless setup, 9 times out of 10, you’ll need a pump with an air chamber/ booster. If you already have a good pump, get yourself an Airshot. This lets you compress a large volume of air into the tyre, making seating a tubeless tyre a breeze. Without one, the process can be a real headache. Trust me, I’ve been there!
Chain wear tool
Like tyres and brake pads, chains are subject to a significant amount of stress over time. As they wear, drivetrain friction increases, leading to less precise shifting and faster wear on other components. Replacing your chain before it becomes too stretched will help extend the life of your expensive cassette—not to mention the watts you’ll save. Check out our guide on when to replace a bicycle chain here.
Chain breaker
A reliable chain breaker, also known as a chain splitter or chain tool, is a toolkit must have. It allows you to easily remove worn chains, adjust the length of new ones, and connect those that use pins instead of quick-links.
While many multi-tools include a chain breaker, these are often small and lack the necessary leverage, making them best suited for roadside emergencies. For regular maintenance, investing in a high-quality, workshop-grade chain breaker is well worth it.
A well-made chain breaker will last for years, handling hundreds, if not thousands of chains. The best models even come with a replaceable driving pin, so if it bends, you can swap it out rather than replacing the entire tool.
Cassette tool and chain whip
The days of frequently swapping cassettes to match the terrain are long gone. With modern road and mountain bikes boasting 12-speed cassettes and some brands even pushing 13-speed, you might assume a cassette is a fit-and-forget component. While that’s mostly true, periodic removal is still necessary for thorough cleaning and freehub servicing. However, this job is impossible without the right tools. A proper cassette tool and a chain whip are essential.
Chain pliers
With the convenience of a Master Link Remover/Connector tool, the tedious task of removing and replacing SRAM & KMC chain links becomes effortless. Say goodbye to the frustration of manually squeezing tight links together by hand.
BB tool
Love it or loath it, bottom bracket (BB) technology has evolved immeasurably since the mid-2000s, and with that, a hoard of new sizes and standards has flooded the market. The chances are that if you have a collection of bikes, all of their BB standards will differ. In order to fit or remove a BB correctly, you’ll need the correct tool, as BB’s are always in the firing line of road grime, moisture and mud, they tend to wear out fairly quickly.
Torque wrench
A torque wrench is an essential tool when assembling modern bikes as they stop over-tightening which can lead to component damage, stress, or even failure. A torque wrench allows you to apply the correct amount of torque specified by the manufacturer, ensuring that bolts are tightened to the appropriate level without causing unnecessary strain. Additionally, many bicycle manufacturers have specific torque requirements for their products. By using a torque wrench, you ensure that your bike remains within these specifications, helping you maintain warranty coverage and receive support from the manufacturer if any issues arise. Don’t forget, Pedal Cover do not cover damage caused by over torqued bolts!
BONUS: Exclusive Offers for Beicio Cymru Members
Pedal Cover is offering a 15% discount on home and bike, bike-only and travel insurance to Beicio Cymru members. This offer extends to both new business customers and existing customers upon renewal.
To take advantage of this exclusive offer, Beicio Cymru members are invited to log in to their membership portal.
