Wrenchwork
The correct length of your chain
Do you know how to determine your bike's correct chain length? Do you know why it's important? It has to do with course topography, and choosing the right freewheel for your race. You don't have multiple freewheels? Baby, we need to talk.
Torque wrenches (and one in particular)
In the old old days of cycling (when I was 25 or so), everything was made of steel and forged aluminum. Back then we needed torque wrenches. In today's age of carbon, you really need a torque wrench.
Working with crown races
Do you want to install (and uninstall) your fork on your bike? If so, you need to get the crown race on and off. There are tools for sale that represent the incorrect way to tackle this job. Here are the correct tools, and how to use them.
The Miter block
Also known as steerer cutting guide, or fork saw guide, I prefer miter block, because I cut a lot more than fork steerers with it. This tool is in almost constant use—frequently seen in the jaws of my bench vise.
The case for wrenching
Two times in 20 years has a bike I've worked on failed during a race: my own, in a race I traveled around the world to get to; and one ridden by Lance Armstrong in a national championship. But, I'm still wrenching, and you can wrench too.
A man-skills workshop
Updated from its original publication in 2004, this article is the answer to a Slowtwitch Forum user who once posted: "[Blank] the car, I'm putting a bike workshop in the garage." His post asked for advice, and this is it.
Tools every bike tinkerer needs
What follows herein is the bike tinkerer's list of essential tools. Any less and you're a caveman. All these specialty tools can be had for quite a small sum compared with the many thousands a pro shop will spend on its tools.
