Adventure Cycling Association

Basic bike repair skills are indeed very useful, especially in remote places where bike shops are few and far between, but you don’t have to know everything before you start.

Eventually though, especially if you want to ride solo, you’ll need to learn the basics. Plus, it’s kind of fun! You’ll find many excellent how-to videos online — the ones by Park Tool are especially good — and some bike shops and outdoor retailers like REI offer in-person classes. You can learn the most important basics with a spare afternoon and a few tools.

It’s important to get your hands dirty and practice with your own bike. Just watching videos and reading articles won’t cut it when you’re attempting a repair beside the trail in the pouring rain as the sun is setting. So don’t be afraid to roll up your sleeves and spend some quality time with your bike!

In rough order of priority (start at the top and work down), here are the skills to focus on:

• Adjust seat post height, saddle tilt, and saddle forward/back position so that you’re the most comfortable on your bike and know how to tweak the saddle position when you’re on the road
• Clean and lube the chain to keep it rust-free and running smoothly
• Fix a dropped chain (one that has slipped off the chainrings or cogs)
• Remove and reinstall both wheels, which might be different with different types of bikes
• Patch and replace a punctured tube
• Set up, seal, and repair tubeless tires, if applicable
• Adjust derailleurs, both front and back
• Adjust and align brake pads, and eventually replace them
• Repair a broken or damaged chain

For basic maintenance, you’ll need a basic set of tools.

• Metric hex wrenches, particularly sizes 4mm, 5mm, and 6mm
• Masterlink tool and chain breaker for repairing a broken or damaged chain
• A floor pump
• Tube patches and an extra tube
• Tubeless puncture repair kit
• Chain tube and rags
• Tire levers

Ten Must-Have Bike Tools for the Home Mechanic

Once you’ve mastered those, move on to replacing brake and gear cables, repairing or replacing a broken spoke, and doing an emergency single-speed conversion in case of a damaged rear derailleur. You’ll be prepared for nearly anything!

For tools you might need on the road, check out our post on Bikepacking Gear: What to Take & How to Pack It.