Tools Required

Hex Wrench (Allen Key) 4mm, 5mm, 6mm:

The most important set of tools required when working on a bike. These common hex wrenches are used on every bike to disassemble and reassemble a bike. Everything from servicing to installing new parts requires this tool. They are so cheap, it’s always worth having a pair. 

Zip Ties / Cable Guides:

Used for many bike uses including cable management. Either of these options can be used to do this, however, Zip Ties are more universal. If choosing the Zip Tie option though, use ones which are UV rated. This ensures they don’t degrade and eventually break after prolonged sun exposure.

Cable Cutter:

An essential tool if Zip Ties are the option of choice. It is an absolute must when using Zip Ties to cut off the excess flush. Having a good set of cable cutters is a good all round tool for bike maintenance. It is better to spend more upfront on a pair of high quality cable cutters which are universal and able to effortlessly cut brake and shifting cables as well. Cheap cutters will splay the end making the cable unusable and unsightly.

Grease:

This helps you ahead of time and makes it easier to remove that bolt next time you need it off. A primary reason bike parts become seized to the frame whether that be stems, seat posts, cranks etc. it most probably could have been stopped if a thin layer of grease was applied before installation. This comes down to good maintenance and will prolong and increase the longevity of bike part components.

Pedal Wrench:

This tools gives you the ability to remove pedals from the crank-arms, and if your conversion is going to use the same pedals, they shall need removing. A pedal wrench is specifically designed for doing this and nothing else. A spanner may work here also, however, it must be noted that the gap between the crank arm and the pedal is very thin and so the majority of spanners will be too wide to fit in the gap. If the bike has been maintained well, and the pedal thread was greased on installation, the pedal shouldn’t require much force to remove, yet if its frozen to the crank-arm, the pedal wrench will be able to provide a greater mechanical advantage. There are two things to remember when removing pedals. When removing the drive side pedal, turn counter clockwise, towards the rear of the bike. On the non-drive side turn the pedal clockwise, towards the rear of the bike.

Crank Puller:

This tools helps remove the crank arm from the spindle. There are three tool types, two which are not interchangeable and one which is. We recommend purchasing the one which is interchangeable as it will be more compatible. This crank puller type comes with a smaller and larger cap which means it will fit either style of crank arm. Also this tool is more compact than the other tools and uses a wrench for crank arm removal. This is beneficial as more force can be applied to remove the crank arm. The other tools which are not interchangeable have smaller lever arms meaning force multiplication is reduced. 

Chain Tool (If No Quick Link):

If you don’t have a master Quick Link on your chain, you will require a chain splitter to get the chain off. This is a must if your bike has a front derailleur and no Quick Link. A Quick Link is a master link which can be removed and reinstalled by snapping the links on and off. If you are changing the chain you will too require a chain remover to cut the chain to the desired length. Then we recommend adding a quick link for future removal. In the past, few manufacturers would use quick links as it was cheaper to pin the chain permanently, however, nowadays almost all new bikes come standard with a quick link on the chain. They make it easier for bike owners to remove the chain for cleaning. 

Bottom Bracket Tool:

Once you have determined which bottom bracket your bike has, if it is different to the removal tool included in the kit, you shall need to purchase this separately. The bottom bracket removal tool included in our kits cater for the most popular external bearing bottom bracket types. The tool fits bottom brackets with an outer diameter of 44mm and consists of 16 notches that securely engage with the 16 indentations on the perimeter of the bottom bracket cup. There is a great page published by Park Tool® to help identify what removal tool you may require. Please click here to see their bottom bracket tool selection. If you are still unsure about which bottom bracket you have, or cannot remove it, take your bike to your local bike shop and have them remove it for you.