Yes please to more tool recommendation videos, trying to do more of my own maintenance. So this type of content is very useful. Really enjoyed watching this when stuck at home on a wet miserable weather day. Thanks
As a general rule, blind bearing pullers should NOT be used. And I’m not the one saying it. All the big, well respected bearing companies, like SKF, say it. Here’s what they say. The puller expands and grabs the bearing from behind (on the «blind» side). More often than not, there is a sleeve or similar housing behind the bearing. By design, the sleeve touches the bearing and functions as a preload, keeping the bearing in the correct position. The puller necessarily has to push the sleeve away by force to grab the inner bearing race. In other words, the sleeve gets damaged and the preload is gone. The «expensive wheel with 1/10mm tolerance», as you mention, has suddenly become a wheel with a full millimeter gap between bearing and preload. As a result, the wheel’s (or bottom bracket’s) bearing system is basically destroyed.
And thats why I said "Most". You're quoting is outdated. Most bearings nowadays have a chamfered edge, as do most modern through-axle pre-load tubes. Therefore, you can extract the bearing perfectly safely without damage (To the hub/tube). The vast majority of modern thru-axle hubs now use a fixes preload tube, that cannot be moved, and therefore has the required chamfer to accommodate the bearing extraction. You can see me demonstrate this common practice in the below video. In this example that features a very common wheel, there is no choice but to pull the bearing, and the hub is designed to do exactly that. You will see the puller collet sits between the bearing and pre-load tube, wobbles freely, yet extracts the bearing. Additionally, in the notes of that video is a conversation between myself and a well recognised bearing expert, where we discuss this exact point: ua-cam.com/video/by4o0ozSh_M/v-deo.html
I messed about trying to align my brakes for about an hour the other night and completely forgot about my shim. They're still not right so definitely going to use that now! Absolutely interested in the extended list and the list of worst tools!
To quote a good friend of mine, "It's a bicycle, not the Space Shuttle" 🤣. I think sometimes, people like to overcomplicate the bicycle, to some way justify to themselves the stupid amount they spend on it.
@ribblevalleycyclist Exactly, the current bike industry explained. I spent £1300 on a Ribble 2 years ago and I love it. Think it's now £1600. People pay 3 times that for the same spec because it has Trek or Specialized on the frame.
Another great video, and yes please more tool recommendations would be great. I maybe looking at changing to tubeless on my next bike purchase, what are your thoughts and experiences with it ?
MTB - 100% Yes Gravel - 80% Yes Road........... I'm 50/50. Don't get me wrong, tubeless on road is affective at stopping normal punctures. But it comes with a new set of problems that you don't get with tubes. The argument is, are those new problems more or less hassle than just using tubes. Running TPU at the moment, and am impressed so far. My advice, get a bike with tubeless ready wheels, then you have a choice.
Some nice gear. I am a real tight wad. I had a loose axle and didn't have a thin cone spanner. I attacked a spare 17 mm spanner with an angle grinder, did the job nicely .
i remember i got the bearing press and bearing puller bcs of your videos some long time ago. they cool and for the right money. aliexpress has my respect, same as you kind sir.
This was a very good video. I have a similar ¼" drive 35 piece set made by Icon. I need to get the blind puller & press set for the future. My bike is 5 years old & has over 10k miles.
The blind bearing puller gets my vote I have the same one. Funny story, I nearly broke it the first time I used it. It came supplied with two threaded nuts, one above and below the frame. I failed to remove the lower one during the first use and cranked hard on the puller until I realized the problem - the nut had bottomed out on the frame. It had partially stripped the threads on the shaft but I got away with it.
I've been working on my & my friends & family's bikes for 30 years. Can't argue with your choices. Cable cutters, proper chain splitter, brake rotor straightener, TyreGlider next...?
The idea behind this video was to highlight some of the lesser known tools that people may not know about. Excluding the irrelevant TyreGlider, most cyclists already have the tools you mention.
I'd recommend all of these except for the grease gun, functionally It's identical to a £10 one (sold under many brands and probably made by Dualco) but for some reason they omit the bottom cap meaning the grease that seeps past the plunger (which is normal) has little to stop it escaping from the bottom and making a right old mess when you refill it.
I've always wondered if the grease would work it's way past the plunger. It has to a small degree, but the thick Park stuff I use in it, hasn't dripped on me. Agree though, a bung on the bottom may be a good idea.
I'll add as well that it's been pretty much known for a while now that PT Polylube 1000 is just upsold blue marine grease, and there are better options, especially if you are using it as a general purpose grease for everything, such as Silkolene Pro RG2 or if you ride in absolute filth Mobil XHP 220 special (anyone who tells you lithium COMPLEX grease is "bad for bearing seals" is 100% wrong, they are thinking of the white lithium BASED stuff and even then, mostly still wrong, It's just too thin and leaks out).
Even a trivial task like removing a bottle cage becomes a nuisance if you don’t have an Allen key that’s long enough to reach those bolts. A tool’s *reach* is crucial.
Great Video. Thanks a lot for your recommendations. Presta cycle tools seams really well thought out. I will definitely purchase both of them and make myself a nice christmas gift. :)
More tool recs please. Also, went to order pressure gauge from your link but, as I should have guessed, it’s a UK link wiith UK shipping costs. Do you have a US affiliate link?
@MikeNorthrup Thanks for your support and also letting me know, Mike. I’d set up a US affiliate program and linked them, seems there is more work to do 😬
I know, sorry..... Took a little time out. This whole UA-cam thing can get a little heavy at times. It's supposed to just be a bit of fun and knowledge sharing. Thanks for your feedback. Got a few ideas...... and tools in the pipeline. And yes, a few disappointing ones to name & shame too 🤣
Good suggestions but the tools you sown went over 50 notes I say pay the extra and buy good kit. Yes I buy park tools. Ut iv had them years and still going strong don't. Buy cheap tat it will bend and distort all this temp e t Chinese rubbish not a bargi n as you will ha e to replace in a short space of time
Yes to all the suggested tool vids!
Thanks for your feedback. Got a few ideas...... and tools in the pipeline.
@@ribblevalleycyclist keep them coming. The only reason i bleed my brakes properly is because of you. Big fan!
Yes please to more tool recommendation videos, trying to do more of my own maintenance. So this type of content is very useful. Really enjoyed watching this when stuck at home on a wet miserable weather day. Thanks
And I enjoy making them on wet miserable days 🤣
Great vid. Didnt realise that fixed chain checker not so accurate with 11-12 speed. Thanks
The smaller cheap pressed out ones are questionable, but the CC-4 is pretty good, and a nice quick/easy check.
I love all of your tech and how-to videos....definitely some of the best cycling content on YT! Thank you!
Wow, thanks!
Brilliant mate, appreciate your videos and support you have given me over the years 😊
Always my pleasure Dave 👍
As a general rule, blind bearing pullers should NOT be used. And I’m not the one saying it. All the big, well respected bearing companies, like SKF, say it. Here’s what they say.
The puller expands and grabs the bearing from behind (on the «blind» side). More often than not, there is a sleeve or similar housing behind the bearing. By design, the sleeve touches the bearing and functions as a preload, keeping the bearing in the correct position.
The puller necessarily has to push the sleeve away by force to grab the inner bearing race. In other words, the sleeve gets damaged and the preload is gone. The «expensive wheel with 1/10mm tolerance», as you mention, has suddenly become a wheel with a full millimeter gap between bearing and preload. As a result, the wheel’s (or bottom bracket’s) bearing system is basically destroyed.
And thats why I said "Most".
You're quoting is outdated. Most bearings nowadays have a chamfered edge, as do most modern through-axle pre-load tubes. Therefore, you can extract the bearing perfectly safely without damage (To the hub/tube). The vast majority of modern thru-axle hubs now use a fixes preload tube, that cannot be moved, and therefore has the required chamfer to accommodate the bearing extraction. You can see me demonstrate this common practice in the below video. In this example that features a very common wheel, there is no choice but to pull the bearing, and the hub is designed to do exactly that. You will see the puller collet sits between the bearing and pre-load tube, wobbles freely, yet extracts the bearing. Additionally, in the notes of that video is a conversation between myself and a well recognised bearing expert, where we discuss this exact point:
ua-cam.com/video/by4o0ozSh_M/v-deo.html
I messed about trying to align my brakes for about an hour the other night and completely forgot about my shim. They're still not right so definitely going to use that now!
Absolutely interested in the extended list and the list of worst tools!
Calipers that are a constant hassle to align could actually be caused by poorly aligned brake mounts.
Alignment can be a lot of hassle. I did a whole video on the subject, here you go:
ua-cam.com/video/s1PIMdRRM38/v-deo.html
Yes, I agree - please make all of the suggested tool vids !!!
Thanks for your feedback. Got a few ideas...... and tools in the pipeline.
Nice selection of tools. I may add the grease gun to my Xmas list.
Go on…… treat yourself 😉
Great vid Bud, looking after a bike should be a simple task, not necessarily what other channels try to imply. 💯
To quote a good friend of mine, "It's a bicycle, not the Space Shuttle" 🤣. I think sometimes, people like to overcomplicate the bicycle, to some way justify to themselves the stupid amount they spend on it.
@ribblevalleycyclist Exactly, the current bike industry explained. I spent £1300 on a Ribble 2 years ago and I love it. Think it's now £1600. People pay 3 times that for the same spec because it has Trek or Specialized on the frame.
Another great video, and yes please more tool recommendations would be great. I maybe looking at changing to tubeless on my next bike purchase, what are your thoughts and experiences with it ?
MTB - 100% Yes
Gravel - 80% Yes
Road........... I'm 50/50. Don't get me wrong, tubeless on road is affective at stopping normal punctures. But it comes with a new set of problems that you don't get with tubes. The argument is, are those new problems more or less hassle than just using tubes. Running TPU at the moment, and am impressed so far.
My advice, get a bike with tubeless ready wheels, then you have a choice.
Some nice gear.
I am a real tight wad. I had a loose axle and didn't have a thin cone spanner. I attacked a spare 17 mm spanner with an angle grinder, did the job nicely .
There is a fine line between utilisation and bodge..... One you clearly walk well 😉
i remember i got the bearing press and bearing puller bcs of your videos some long time ago.
they cool and for the right money. aliexpress has my respect, same as you kind sir.
It's tools like those that turn a shed into a workshop 🤣
Bought the disc rotor shim on your advice, best £5 ive spend on cycling tools
Yes, I’m thankful for it every time I use it.
This was a very good video. I have a similar ¼" drive 35 piece set made by Icon. I need to get the blind puller & press set for the future. My bike is 5 years old & has over 10k miles.
5 years and over 10k...... That stinks of full service time 🤣. Joking aside, those bearing tools will make light work of that job.
The blind bearing puller gets my vote I have the same one. Funny story, I nearly broke it the first time I used it. It came supplied with two threaded nuts, one above and below the frame. I failed to remove the lower one during the first use and cranked hard on the puller until I realized the problem - the nut had bottomed out on the frame. It had partially stripped the threads on the shaft but I got away with it.
Those things are made of pretty heady duty steel...... You must have given it some welly with the spanners 🤣
@ I did, but it shouldn’t be that easy to misuse the product that you nearly brake it. Better instructions needed I feel.
Love your channel; would love to see a video on the tools that you wish you hadn't purchased.
Glad you're enjoying it. Thinking of doing another one similar to this one, but chucking a few stinkers on at the end.
I've been working on my & my friends & family's bikes for 30 years. Can't argue with your choices.
Cable cutters, proper chain splitter, brake rotor straightener, TyreGlider next...?
The idea behind this video was to highlight some of the lesser known tools that people may not know about. Excluding the irrelevant TyreGlider, most cyclists already have the tools you mention.
Yes please do make all the tool videos 😊👍
Sounds like a nice idea to me 👍👍
Thanks Jon , really useful, keep making this type of content
Thanks. Glad you found it useful. Will do!
I'd recommend all of these except for the grease gun, functionally It's identical to a £10 one (sold under many brands and probably made by Dualco) but for some reason they omit the bottom cap meaning the grease that seeps past the plunger (which is normal) has little to stop it escaping from the bottom and making a right old mess when you refill it.
I've always wondered if the grease would work it's way past the plunger. It has to a small degree, but the thick Park stuff I use in it, hasn't dripped on me. Agree though, a bung on the bottom may be a good idea.
I'll add as well that it's been pretty much known for a while now that PT Polylube 1000 is just upsold blue marine grease, and there are better options, especially if you are using it as a general purpose grease for everything, such as Silkolene Pro RG2 or if you ride in absolute filth Mobil XHP 220 special (anyone who tells you lithium COMPLEX grease is "bad for bearing seals" is 100% wrong, they are thinking of the white lithium BASED stuff and even then, mostly still wrong, It's just too thin and leaks out).
I keep my grease in a miniature toiletry bottle, lol.
@@josephhaddakin7095 I keep a little chain oil in one of those sushi fish sauce bottles 🤣
@@josephhaddakin7095 it's as good as anything. Animal feeding syringes work well too.
Excellent.
Thanks 👍
Even a trivial task like removing a bottle cage becomes a nuisance if you don’t have an Allen key that’s long enough to reach those bolts. A tool’s *reach* is crucial.
We've all been there..... 2mm of rotation before the allen hits the cage 🤣
Great video. Yes to all your suggestions
Glad you like them!
Great Video. Thanks a lot for your recommendations. Presta cycle tools seams really well thought out. I will definitely purchase both of them and make myself a nice christmas gift. :)
If I'm honest, they're making some of the best tools out there right now..... Just didn't want to bang on about it too much in the video.
More tool vids please!
Seems a fair request 👍
Great video jon
10 tools in under 10 minutes 😂😂
Im waiting for this
More tool recs please. Also, went to order pressure gauge from your link but, as I should have guessed, it’s a UK link wiith UK shipping costs. Do you have a US affiliate link?
Will do, Mike.
Link, thought I'd sorted this international issue..... seems not. Here you go:
amzn.to/49b0dZe
Thanks, Jon
@@ribblevalleycyclist Thanks. That worked and I placed the order.
@MikeNorthrup Thanks for your support and also letting me know, Mike. I’d set up a US affiliate program and linked them, seems there is more work to do 😬
great video!
Thanks!
Where have you been John? We have missed you! Yes please to the video with more tool recommendations and tools you would not recommend 😂
I know, sorry..... Took a little time out. This whole UA-cam thing can get a little heavy at times. It's supposed to just be a bit of fun and knowledge sharing. Thanks for your feedback. Got a few ideas...... and tools in the pipeline. And yes, a few disappointing ones to name & shame too 🤣
My poor man's disc/caliper spacing shim is cutting up my old cereal boxes into small squares and folding them in half.
If it works, go with it 👍
Nice video, top work.
But just talk.a but slower, allow a bit more time.
10 tools in under 10 minutes 😂😂. It may be worth watching some of my maintenance videos, where I go a lot slower, and actually use the tools.
Would take issue with you on the chain checker. A 12 inch steel ruler is more accurate, more useful, and wonderfully old school. 😊
A while back, someone keyed me into using calipers. Just measure when you put on a new chain. Way more accurate.
⚔️💪👌👍👏👏🏴(stroke) ICE
Good suggestions but the tools you sown went over 50 notes
I say pay the extra and buy good kit. Yes I buy park tools. Ut iv had them years and still going strong don't. Buy cheap tat it will bend and distort all this temp e t Chinese rubbish not a bargi n as you will ha e to replace in a short space of time