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Spin Doctor vs Nashbar Tools
#1
Ok, I live in a city that doesn't have a bicycle shop and I only see bicycles around once in a while. I want to start a very small bicycle business out of my home for starters. I don't want to spend a fortune on tools, even though I can write them off as a business expense, I don't have that kind of cash flow for something that I'm not sure will completely take off. It will be more like a part time thing.

Right now I don't have a whole lot of funds to get it going and I don't want to take out a small business loan. I was looking at a couple tool kits for starters, and I'm getting a craftsman automotive tool kit I've wanted for a long time to help out.

I did the search and didn't find what I was looking for on the forum, so here I am.
I'm debating between a spin doctor tool kit, a nashbar tool kit, or super B. I just want to know which one has a better reputation and will hold up better. If you have other suggestions that won't break the bank, let me know!

Spind Doctor:
Option 1)
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1030354_-1_400154__400154

Option 2)
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1122045_-1_400154__400154

Nashbar:
Option1 )
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_524452_-1___204838#ReviewHeader

Option 2)
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_551678_-1___204838

Option 3)
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10052&storeId=10053&productId=551678&langId=-1&parent_category_rn=204676&top_category=

Super B:
http://www.rei.com/product/796354/super-b-deluxe-tool-kit

Torque wrench Kit, Nashbar:
http://www.nashbar.com/bikes/Product_10053_10052_552787_-1___204676

Torque wrench kit, Spin Doctor:
http://www.performancebike.com/bikes/Product_10052_10551_1134890_-1___400625

Super B Torque Wrench sets:
http://www.superbiketool.com/prod3.asp?menu=3&cid=8
  Reply
#2
Ok, let me be perfectly honest. I buy brand new bikes and put engines on them, however, bicycle work is going to be a must to help keep my business running. So the bikes I'll be servicing will be the ones I build. They have the engine work I have tools for and I want to get into working on their bike maintenance as well. These are mainly all beach cruisers, with the occasional mountain bike.
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#3
To be quite honest, I know I'll need a quite a few of the basic tools. Such as removing cranks, pedals, cassettes, and changing axles, possible some trueing of the tires, a chain breaker etc right off the bat, some special kits require changing those parts, and I like getting tires I have as straight as possible. Also, some of the rear coaster breaks require periodic tightening and I'd like to be able to repack bearings and such.
Also, if I buy used bikes, I want to be able to get them in prime condition before adding an engine, maybe upgraded parts like a hardened steel axle and such like that. They won't be used as heavily as a bicycle shop, but more than the average person.
  Reply
#4
Based on what you said, I'd avoid a tool kit & order specifically for your needs.
Mainly cruisers, right? You know you need a few cone wrenches (thin open end). Some headset wrenches wouldn't hurt, they are also thin & flat. The rest of your wrench needs will be in your Craftsman tool kit, along with the 4, 5 & 6mm hex heads (allen wrenches).
You don't need a pedal tool for any cruiser I've ever seen.
You've got to stock up on cassette & freewheel removal tools. You really only need 3 or 4.
I would buy a cable & cable housing cutter, I have a Pedros tool that does both.
I wouldn't invest in a truing stand at first. Just get some good spoke (nipple) wrenches.
Get a bike grease injector.
Get some bike oil. NO WD-40.
You could get some bottom bracket tools, a couple should suffice, but you could put that off for awhile.
A chain tool. Chain oil. A chain cleaning (reservoir) tool. This is controversial, but motorized bikes are gonna eat chains anyway. I'd keep chains in stock along with cassettes & freewheels.
I could go on & on, you might want to look at the Park Tool website. The repair section there shows what tools are needed for a given job.
  Reply
#5
Ok, now with working on mountain bikes, what tools will I need?
  Reply
#6
You would add the common bottom bracket tool for sure. I'd keep some cable/housing (kits or bulk) around. Some spare Kool Stop Salmon brake pads too, Supra 2 and Eagle 2 (for Cantilever brakes).
To get started you don't need much.
If you wanted to be extra fancy you could get a rear derailleur alignment tool, the Park is often online under $100, but you really need a dead on true rear wheel to use as a reference.
Oh yeah, bulk ball bearings, I get them from a BB wholesaler.
I would be surprised if you needed disc brake tools.
  Reply


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