If you own a bike that you use often to get around or just for fun, it is also important that you understand how your bike works. Having this knowledge, along with the proper tools on hand at home to fix any problems as they occur, can save you a lot of time and money because you will not need to bring your bike to a professional repair shop.

Below is a list of the common maintenance tools that are necessary for keeping your bike in tip-top shape. Do you have these tools already or do you need to go out and purchase them?

A Set of Wrenches

You should have a set of wrenches on hand at all times. Look for 8mm, 9mm, and 10mm wrenches that work perfectly with all types of bikes. These are basic tools you can find at any hardware store, but purchase a high quality line so they will last a long time.

Chain Tool

For those times when you need to change out your chains, you will need a specific tool, aptly named a chain tool, that you can find at any bike supply and repair shop. The more you ride, the more likely it will be that you will need to change out your bike chains more than once, so having this tool will allow you to get the job done as soon as you need to, without needing to spend money letting someone else do the job.

Chain Checker

In order to check how your bike chain is doing, you need a simple tool that is appropriately called a chain checker. You can find these in bike shops easily, and they allow you to gauge how many more kilometers you can travel on your bike before you need to replace your chain, thereby reducing the costs involved with prematurely changing your chains. It also alerts you to a chain that needs changing right away to prevent further damage to other parts of your bike.

Air Pump

Get yourself a floor pump to keep at home and a mini pump to take with you on long rides. Having these pumps is absolutely essential for maintaining the right amount of tire pressure and ensuring a safe, smooth ride every single time that you head out.

Tyre Lever

To get your tires off your bike for any reason, you will need a tire lever, so be sure to have this simple, small tool on hand at all times, especially if you are planning on replacing your tires or removing them for repair.

Don’t Forget a Good Insurance Plan

In addition to the tools that are listed above, you should also make sure that you add a good insurance policy to your toolkit. This will ensure that if anything were to happen to your bike, your costs for repairing or replacing the bike would be covered. With so many cases of theft and even vandalism, a policy like Protect Your Bubble road bike insurance has become a necessity.

Laura Ginn is a sports blogger who enjoys riding her bike every chance that she gets. To make sure that her bike is always in the best condition possible, she has an arsenal of tools at home, as well as a travel pack that she brings with her on long rides.