I have just started building bikes this year (I almost love it as much as riding-very fun), but I have learned a lot and spent a lot in the process. I would suggest either checking out 'Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance' by Lennard Zinn at the local library or purchasing one if this is going to be something more common. This book will give you a good idea of what you are getting into because he goes into tons of detail.
I found that some of the tools you can get that will come in handy often, and others tools you might want to avoid because they cost so much and you might use them once or twice-price them out and see. It really is a personal thing as you move towards how involved the build will be and if you think you will do this again in the future.
Here are a few things I own:
Bottom bracket tool (cost $12)
Allen wrench set ($10-$15)
Allen wrench socket set ($13)
Chain whip ($16)
Chain tool ($8, unless you use the SRAM chains which I recommend-no tool needed besides your fingers).
Cassette tool ($8)
Crank pullers ($15)
Torque wrench (I borrowed this one from my dad-cost around $80-$90)
Crescent wrench (cost ???)
Phillips & standard screwdrivers
Spoke wrench (set of three $16)
Work Stand (you can spend between $50-$300, but make sure you get a good one so your bike wont fall and scratch-this was my #1 purchase for building bikes because I use it ALL of the time).
Then there are things that you need outside of tools: grease, lube, de-greaser, rags (lots and lots of them), clean work space and a place to place your parts and coffee(in the am) and beer (after your coffee).
The first bike I built is a Jamis Dakar XC. I am currently working on my dream bike-a Santa Cruz Heckler.
Good luck.
DW
I found that some of the tools you can get that will come in handy often, and others tools you might want to avoid because they cost so much and you might use them once or twice-price them out and see. It really is a personal thing as you move towards how involved the build will be and if you think you will do this again in the future.
Here are a few things I own:
Bottom bracket tool (cost $12)
Allen wrench set ($10-$15)
Allen wrench socket set ($13)
Chain whip ($16)
Chain tool ($8, unless you use the SRAM chains which I recommend-no tool needed besides your fingers).
Cassette tool ($8)
Crank pullers ($15)
Torque wrench (I borrowed this one from my dad-cost around $80-$90)
Crescent wrench (cost ???)
Phillips & standard screwdrivers
Spoke wrench (set of three $16)
Work Stand (you can spend between $50-$300, but make sure you get a good one so your bike wont fall and scratch-this was my #1 purchase for building bikes because I use it ALL of the time).
Then there are things that you need outside of tools: grease, lube, de-greaser, rags (lots and lots of them), clean work space and a place to place your parts and coffee(in the am) and beer (after your coffee).
The first bike I built is a Jamis Dakar XC. I am currently working on my dream bike-a Santa Cruz Heckler.
Good luck.
DW
