Biking is a leisure activity that’s loved by most people. It’s also used as a means of transportation. According to statistics from a survey done in 2016, almost 12.4% of Americans ride bikes regularly.

The number of cyclists has been on the increase, more so in America where the figure rose over the past three years preceding 2017, from about 43 million to 47 million. Most people who bike regularly are young adults.

However, a bicycle, like any other moving machine, needs maintenance. To keep your bike running optimally, you should be keen to repair it when necessary and keep it in the right conditions.

Proper bike maintenance requires that you possess appropriate tools. This is especially true if you prefer working on your bike instead of hiring a professional mechanic.

What’s more, a well-maintained bike is safe, rides smooth and saves on costly repairs. Here’re some tools you need to keep your bicycle running:

• Pump
• TIG Welders
• Tire Levers
• Safety gear
• Multi-Tool
• Bike Stand
• Torque Wrench

7 Tools Every Cyclist Needs to Fix Common Issues with their Bikes

Pump

Bicycles use air in the tires.

Without air in the tires, you won’t be able to cycle far. It would help if you carry your cycling pump to air up your tires correctly whenever need arises. Be keen to add enough air to your tires without over-inflating it, or underinflating it.

You can use any pump that is efficient and easy to carry when you’re out cycling. Choose the right type of bike pump for you.

TIG Welders

TIG welders are Tungsten Inert Gas welders that entail the process of joining metals using heat. It involves heating the metals with an arc between the piece you’re working on and a tungsten electrode.

Most bicycles are made of metal. Some parts can easily break, or you may need to rejoin and strengthen some parts showing signs of weakness. To do this, you will have to weld the parts together using a welder of great value.

It’s important that you use a TIG welder because it is preferred for thinner metals. TIG welders are precise, and produce cleaner welds.

You’ll also need safety gear when working with welders. For instance, you’ll need boots with reinforced Steel Toe to protect your feet and toes from power shocks and electrocution.

Tire Levers

As a cyclist, you need to learn how to remove and install the inner tubes and tires of your bicycle. You must know how to repair flat tires before setting off for a riding experience where there are no skilled bike repairers.

You might need tire levers to fit your tires on your rims if you are not experienced. Choose between metal and plastic levers as you deem fit.

Safety gear

Cycling could be dangerous if you get involved in an accident. Therefore, you need to put on safety gear before you go for cycling.

Wear cycling boots that hold the pedals properly and make sure they’re perfect for a comfortable cycling experience. This ensures you’re safe on the go.

Cycling boots come in different designs, and this depends on the intensity of your cycling activity. Most cycling boots are adjustable, giving you a perfect bike riding experience.

Other safety gear you may need include:

• A helmet
• Gloves
• Pants

Multi-Tool

A multi-tool is of great importance to cyclists. A perfect multi-tool features several tools, such as a chain tool, screwdrivers, and many more. Multi-tools can be used to repair bicycles both at home and on the road when cycling.

Compact variations are easier to carry, and you can use them to adjust the different parts of your bicycle.

Bike Stand

It’s possible to operate your bicycle without a bike stand, but it’s a necessity for hassle-free parking. With a bike stand available, you can easily clean your drivetrain with minimal effort unlike when dealing with bikes with no stands.

Torque Wrench

Some bikes are made of fibers. Therefore, it would be necessary if you had a torque wrench that you can use to tighten loose bolts in your bicycle. A torque wrench ensures that you don’t over-tighten the bolts as can cause the bicycle parts to crack, making it expensive to repair.

Conclusion

Bicycles are machines that operate well, but only with proper maintenance. Make sure you regularly clean and service your bike as necessary. Just like any other machine, a bicycle can be used for many years if proper maintenance is done.

Remember to oil the necessary parts and make sure that your braking systems are functioning well before going out for a ride. There are many tools that you can use to repair your bicycle to keep it running. The tools mentioned above are just some of the essential ones you need as a cyclist.