The Chainlink

Best place to buy bike tools?

Hi knowledgeable ones:

 

I need to clean up my bike and need to pick up a new chain and chain clamp thingamajig. I am interested in doing most work myself.  Where would you tell me to go for the best selection/price? My bike isn't high end, so am looking for reasonable prices.  Are there some favorite places out there?

 

Thanks for your input.

Cheers

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Permalink Reply by Bernard Joseph Hannigan on April 2, 2010 at 9:07pm
My guy in Berwyn has several tools for sale...
Mike 708-289-3986 His ads are on CL
Permalink Reply by mfa cycle factory on April 2, 2010 at 9:54pm
You should buy them off of ebay. I've purchased most of my tools off of there, and you will pay less than what you would normally pay at your LBS. Their prices are high because they have to make a profit.

example: I just recently purchased the fr-6 single speed freewheel tool. It was going for 21.00 dollars
at a certain LBS up north. I purchased it off of ebay for 10.00 ...that's a huge difference, my friend. Also , pricepoint.com's house brand is pretty decent.


Also, go to ParkTools' website to get an understanding on how each tool works,and to acquire the name of each tool.

You don't need a chain cleaner to clean your chain. You can get a steel wire brush to clean your chain or a copper one ( 1 dollar at the dollar store, or 4 dollars at ACE Hardware) and a good degreaser......Some people use Simple Green, dishwashing liquid, mineral spirits, simply awesome, greased
lightening or some type of brand citrus degreaser

I prefer Gojo creme hand cleanser ( auto mechanics use it to degrease engines and other metal). equipment). It's not water-based. It's environmentally safe and its bio-degradable. I use it on all of my bike fames and components, and a big container of that stuff will last you a year. You can even clean polymer, fabric and texture-based material with it ( like handle bar ribbon and saddles). It has multiple uses.

I do not use water-based solvents to clean metal.


Also, you're gone to need a chain tool in order disconnect your chain. This will allow you to thoroughly clean your chain.


How I do it:

disconnect chain from bike

scoop up gojo cream with brush

Scrub chain, making sure you get in between plates and rollers.

wipe off grime and dirt with a dry cotton towel as you clean.

make sure chain is dry and clean and then apply lube.

reconnect chain to bike.
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on April 2, 2010 at 10:39pm
ReNae, what function does the thingamajig serve? People can point you in the right direction if we know what it does.

Kudos on using thingamajig in a post. You forgot the silent q though. :)
Permalink Reply by ReNae on April 2, 2010 at 11:29pm
Oh you know, it takes the thing off the other thing. The tool that helps to break the chain so I can replace it. Basically its pretty rusted and I've been told its best not to trust a rusty chain, and that I should just replace it. I want to learn how to maintain my bike on my own...so I figured I'd ask around as to where the best places to obtain said tools.

And thanks for the spelling correction. :>

Tank-Ridin' Ryan said:
ReNae, what function does the thingamajig serve? People can point you in the right direction if we know what it does.

Kudos on using thingamajig in a post. You forgot the silent q though. :)
Permalink Reply by mfa cycle factory on April 2, 2010 at 11:55pm
It's called a chain tool. ..when you said thingamajig, I thought you were referring to a chain cleaning device

West Town Bikes and Rapid Transit give free classes on how to maintain a bike. Take a gander at the calender section to see when the next class is going to take place.
Permalink Reply by ReNae on April 2, 2010 at 11:57pm
No worries, thanks for the info - there's other parts of the bike that needs cleaning.
Cheers

mfa cycle factory said:
It's called a chain tool. ..when you said thingamajig, I thought you were referring to a chain cleaning device

West Town Bikes and Rapid Transit give free classes on how to maintain a bike. Take a gander at the calender section to see when the next class is going to take place.
Permalink Reply by buddaa38 on April 3, 2010 at 1:53am
Hey RaNae,
Albany Park Bikes (A.P.B) N.F.P. is having that kind of class today. It's Eugene Field Park. I have it on this Calender. Also There's the group. Here please check out the web-site: http://AlbanyParkBikes.org
I do hope to see you there. Here I go by buddaa38. My name's Tony. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at: (847)902-5668.
Thanks & Good Luck

ReNae said:
No worries, thanks for the info - there's other parts of the bike that needs cleaning.
Cheers mfa cycle factory said:
It's called a chain tool. ..when you said thingamajig, I thought you were referring to a chain cleaning device

West Town Bikes and Rapid Transit give free classes on how to maintain a bike. Take a gander at the calender section to see when the next class is going to take place.
Permalink Reply by Brendan Kevenides on April 4, 2010 at 9:43am
Performance on Halstead will likely have whatever you need at a reasonable price. Yojimbo's is also very good with the added bonus that Marcus will offer you free helpful advice on how to use it. He is at 1310 N. Clybourne (knock loudly!).
Permalink Reply by Spencer "Thunderball" Thayer! on April 4, 2010 at 7:43pm
I hate to say it, But MFA is right. Don't bother trying to buy tools from shops. I have a thing where I really really try to only buy from my LBS. However, I am myself in the process of accumulating a full tool set and have been finding the shop overhead on tools intolerable! In addition most shops don't carry the shit you need at the moment you need them like a truing stand, third hands and what not. Sure they'll order it for you but with that mark up what's the point. For tools just buy them online. Ebay is good and Amazon frequently has sales. I'm almost done. Just trying to find this legendary $30 portable Chinese truing stand. This Pyramid Stand is the cheapest stand I know of. Seriously thinking about getting it but I want to hold out for the legend.
Permalink Reply by Smokin Bakin on April 4, 2010 at 9:26pm
I'll show You how to do simple maint. if You like got plenty of time live near Montrose and Hamilin so just let Me know or don't, be well...
Permalink Reply by mattbikes1 on April 5, 2010 at 7:45am
While I think that both Spencer and MFA are right about getting your tools online for cheaper, I think it is worth calling around to bike shops and asking if they have any used tools they want to sell. I have gotten several tools this way and the shop can replace their old ones with tools bought at cost. I would just find out the exact tools that you are looking for and ask the shops if they are planning on buying new ones anytime soon. You might find some great bargains.
Permalink Reply by Matt AKA Jimbo/BMXican on April 6, 2010 at 12:29am
I'll have to agree, Performance has the spin doctor line which is pretty cheap and they have free ship to store. Just don't get the chain breaker tool, the other tools in the line are ok for the home tech.

Chicago Bicycle Advocate said:
Performance on Halstead will likely have whatever you need at a reasonable price. Yojimbo's is also very good with the added bonus that Marcus will offer you free helpful advice on how to use it. He is at 1310 N. Clybourne (knock loudly!).

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