Essential Mountain Bike Tools Every Rider Should Own: Mountain biking is thrilling, but it also puts your bike through the wringer. To keep your bike in top shape, having the right tools is essential for both routine maintenance and trail-side repairs. Here’s a list of must-have tools every mountain biker should own, whether you’re at home or out on the trail.
1. Multi-Tool
Why It’s Essential:
A good multi-tool is your best friend on the trail. It typically includes a range of Allen keys, a Phillips screwdriver, and sometimes even a chain tool, allowing you to make quick adjustments or repairs while riding.
Recommended Features:
- Allen keys (hex wrenches) ranging from 2mm to 8mm
- T25 Torx wrench for brake rotors and some bolts
- Phillips and flathead screwdrivers
- Compact and lightweight design for easy carrying
2. Tire Levers
Why It’s Essential:
If you get a flat on the trail, tire levers will help you quickly remove the tire to replace or patch the tube. They’re also useful at home when switching tires or performing routine tire maintenance.
Recommended Features:
- Strong and durable plastic to avoid damaging rims
- A set of two or three for better leverage
- Compact for easy storage in your pack
PARK TOOL TIRE LEVERS – BUY NOW
CRANKBROTHERS TIRE LEVERS – BUY NOW
CUSHCORE TIRE LEVERS – BUY NOW
3. Mini Pump or CO2 Inflator
Why It’s Essential:
Having a reliable way to inflate your tires after a flat is critical. A mini pump is dependable and works for both high-pressure and high-volume tires. Alternatively, a CO2 inflator offers a quicker solution for emergency situations.
Recommended Features:
- A mini pump with a secure attachment for both Presta and Schrader valves
- CO2 inflator for fast inflation (carry extra cartridges for long rides)
- Portable and easy to attach to your frame or store in a pack
CRANKBROTHERS MINI PUMP – BUY NOW
4. Chain Tool
Why It’s Essential:
A broken chain can end your ride fast. A portable chain tool allows you to remove broken links and reconnect your chain so you can finish your ride.
Recommended Features:
- Compact enough for trail-side use
- Integrated into a multi-tool for convenience
- Compatible with your specific chain type (e.g., 9-speed, 11-speed, etc.)
PARK TOOL CHAIN TOOL – BUY NOW
5. Patch Kit or Spare Tubes
Why It’s Essential:
Flat tires happen. A patch kit allows you to repair small punctures in your tube, while a spare tube ensures you can continue riding even if the damage is too severe to patch.
Recommended Features:
- A basic patch kit with patches, glue, and sandpaper
- Carry at least one spare tube that matches your tire size (for tubed setups)
- Tubeless riders should carry tubeless tire plugs or bacon strips
MAXXIS WELTER WEIGHT 29″ TUBE – BUY NOW
49N ENDURO/STANDARD TUBES – BUY NOW
6. Chain Lubricant
Why It’s Essential:
Keeping your chain well-lubricated is crucial for smooth shifting and long chain life. Whether you’re riding in dusty or muddy conditions, chain lube prevents excess wear and tear.
Recommended Features:
- Wet lube for muddy or wet conditions
- Dry lube for dusty and dry trails
- A small bottle for portability on longer rides
7. Torque Wrench
Why It’s Essential:
Over-tightening bolts can damage expensive components, while under-tightening can lead to dangerous malfunctions. A torque wrench ensures you apply the correct amount of force when tightening critical components like the stem, handlebars, and suspension bolts.
Recommended Features:
- Adjustable torque settings for different components
- Comes with a range of hex and Torx bits
- Digital or click-type for precise readings
8. Shock Pump
Why It’s Essential:
A shock pump allows you to fine-tune your suspension settings, which is key to maintaining optimal performance and ride quality. Regularly checking and adjusting the air pressure in your fork and rear shock will keep your suspension dialed.
Recommended Features:
- Accurate pressure gauge (measuring up to 300 psi)
- Fine-tune bleed valve for precise adjustments
- Compact enough to store in your home tool kit
9. Cassette Lockring Tool and Chain Whip
Why It’s Essential:
If you need to replace or service your cassette or chain, you’ll need a cassette lockring tool and a chain whip to remove the cassette. These tools allow you to handle drivetrain maintenance with ease.
Recommended Features:
- A lockring tool that fits your specific cassette
- A chain whip that provides solid grip and leverage
- Durable construction for long-term use
PARK TOOL SPROCKET REMOVER – BUY NOW
10. Bottom Bracket Tool
Why It’s Essential:
The bottom bracket is a critical part of your drivetrain, and over time, it can develop wear or creaks. A bottom bracket tool allows you to remove or tighten it for maintenance or replacement.
Recommended Features:
- Specific to your bottom bracket type (Hollowtech, BB30, etc.)
- Sturdy construction for adequate leverage
PARK TOOL BOTTOM BRACKET TOOL – BUY NOW
11. Pedal Wrench
Why It’s Essential:
Swapping pedals for different riding conditions, or removing pedals for travel or maintenance, requires a specific pedal wrench. This tool gives you the leverage needed to safely remove and install pedals without damaging the threads.
Recommended Features:
- Long handle for increased leverage
- Thin head to fit between the pedal and crank arm
- 15mm size, standard for most pedal types
PARK TOOL PEDAL WRENCH – BUY NOW
12. Hex (Allen) Wrench Set
Why It’s Essential:
Most components on a mountain bike are held together with hex bolts, making a good set of hex wrenches essential for home maintenance.
Recommended Features:
- A range of sizes (2mm to 10mm) to cover different components
- Long handles for better torque and reach
- Ball-end wrenches for angled access in tight spots
PARK TOOL AWS-10 FOLDING TOOL – BUY NOW
13. Spoke Wrench
Why It’s Essential:
Loose or damaged spokes can affect your wheel’s alignment and strength. A spoke wrench allows you to tighten or true your wheels when necessary.
Recommended Features:
- Fits multiple spoke nipple sizes
- Compact and easy to carry
- Durable and ergonomic for better handling
PARK TOOL TRIPLE SPOKE WRENCH – BUY NOW
14. Bike Stand
Why It’s Essential:
A bike stand makes home repairs and maintenance much easier by holding the bike steady and at a convenient height. Whether you’re tuning gears or cleaning your bike, a stand is a worthwhile investment.
Recommended Features:
- Adjustable height and clamp for different bike sizes
- Stable and durable for long-term use
- Easy to fold for storage
Conclusion
Having the right tools can make a world of difference in maintaining your mountain bike and dealing with trail-side issues. Whether it’s a multi-tool for quick fixes or a torque wrench for precise adjustments, investing in these essential tools ensures that you’ll be ready for anything, both on and off the trail.
Remember that we offer free shipping on all orders over $149CAD. Orders are all processed and shipped within 24 business hours as well. Looking for mountain bike parts? We stock hundreds of parts from multiple brands and you can shop our entire selection here.
Spend less and ride the best with TBS Bike Parts.
Related Articles
WET CHAIN LUBE VS. DRY CHAIN LUBE – WHEN TO USE EACH
COMMON MTB PART FAILURES AND HOW TO PREVENT THEM
MAINTENANCE 101: KEEPING YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE IN TOP SHAPE
15 MOUNTAIN BIKE ACCESSORIES YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU NEEDED
WHY YOU SHOULD MAINTAIN YOUR MOUNTAIN BIKE
THE IMPORTANCE OF MTB SUSPENSION AND HOW TO MAINTAIN IT
