So whats the minimum you need to build your bike?

[kitcarguy]

I work on my 150cc scooter and feel I have a pretty good selection of tools. But all of you exp builders out there here is a question...

Looking back what was that one tool you though "Oh Dammit" I didnt think I would need that, while building your bike?

Is there a list of must have tools on this forum anywhere that I did not see?

[bluegoatwoods]

These don't require much in the way of specialty tools.

One should have a torque wrench. I imagine many people don't.

The only tool that I wished I had had when doing my builds would be a chain breaker that is up to the task of breaking these chains. Those ones for bike chains aren't stout enough.
But even that wasn't a really big problem; a grinder and a punch will break a chain.

[kitcarguy]

Thats what I though. But hey it never hearts to ask

[bluegoatwoods]

Nope, no harm in asking. In fact, it's a very good idea.

You mention that you work on your scooter. If that's the case, then I'll bet you already have everything you need. You'll do fine.

have fun.

[Mountainman]

are you truing wheels -- nice spoke wrench

MM

[bamabikeguy]

If you are a "local pioneer", haven't seen MB's in your area and think you might build them for family and friends, there are two things that pay off quick.

The cheapest personal bike stand that flips around 360 degrees is the PSC-9, out of the J&B catalog at your local bike shop. I got mine in 2005 for $109, I think they are $120 now.

The second item (??? where the picture is) was a $50 electric air compressor, not heavy duty, but more than enough to blow up bike tubes. I started with a hand pump, but trying to get the tire bead seated would take way too much energy. Now it's a breeze.

I made this "wheel/tire checker", you can see how simple it is, a box that holds all my ring snapping stuff, a 2 x 4 legs in the air, with holes drilled in it. So I can check the ring centering, the spokes trueness, and make sure that the tire is not bulging out anywhere. I also put the wheels in the slots to put my 4-6 layers of electrical tape over the spoke-ends.

[kitcarguy]

Do not think I want to be the local pioneer. Who knows. I like the idea of the bike stand. I was going to build one for my own use, but they are cheap enough to just buy.

I have a compressor already that would be fine. Its an old craftsman but works well.

Thanks for all of the pointers

If you are a "local pioneer", haven't seen MB's in your area and think you might build them for family and friends, there are two things that pay off quick.

The cheapest personal bike stand that flips around 360 degrees is the PSC-9, out of the J&B catalog at your local bike shop. I got mine in 2005 for $109, I think they are $120 now.

The second item (??? where the picture is) was a $50 electric air compressor, not heavy duty, but more than enough to blow up bike tubes. I started with a hand pump, but trying to get the tire bead seated would take way too much energy. Now it's a breeze.

I made this "wheel/tire checker", you can see how simple it is, a box that holds all my ring snapping stuff, a 2 x 4 legs in the air, with holes drilled in it. So I can check the ring centering, the spokes trueness, and make sure that the tire is not bulging out anywhere. I also put the wheels in the slots to put my 4-6 layers of electrical tape over the spoke-ends.

[lordoflightaz]

If it is a two stroke, a glass measuring cup with ounces marked . So much easier to do fuel ratios.

I think you need more stuff for the bike then for the motorization. It seems that the bike world just make up tools that only work on bikes. Crank removal tools, freewheel removal tools, spoke adjusters, chain breaks, cable "luber". to make it worse differnt bikes use different versions of those removal tools.

[kitcarguy]

Thanks a bunch,

This is exactly the info I was hoping to get from everyone.

If it is a two stroke, a glass measuring cup with ounces marked . So much easier to do fuel ratios.

I think you need more stuff for the bike then for the motorization. It seems that the bike world just make up tools that only work on bikes. Crank removal tools, freewheel removal tools, spoke adjusters, chain breaks, cable "luber". to make it worse differnt bikes use different versions of those removal tools.

[loquin]

If it is a two stroke, a glass measuring cup with ounces marked . So much easier to do fuel ratios.

I think you need more stuff for the bike then for the motorization. It seems that the bike world just make up tools that only work on bikes. Crank removal tools, freewheel removal tools, spoke adjusters, chain breaks, cable "luber". to make it worse differnt bikes use different versions of those removal tools.

I think that one of the reasons for all the special tools for bikes is that bike design has been pushed to the limit in a search for ultra-light bikes.

Also, the over-sized vet's syringes is great for measuring out oil for pre-mixing.