When it comes to repairing my bicycle, I am what is called "mechanically challenged." I have tried to become a "bike wrench," (the nickname for bicycle mechanics), but I usually spend more time and money fixing the problem and replacing parts I screw up, than if I had gone to a good bicycle repair shop.

Long story, short version: My bookshelves have several bicycle repair and maintenance manuals, but my bicycle toolbox is small.

If the tools in my toolbox won't repair the problem, I head to my favorite "bike wrench" to get my bike worked on.

The essential tools that I keep in my minimalist toolbox allow me to keep the nuts and bolts tight, do simple tasks like replacing the chain, changing and repairing tires, adjusting brake and shifting cables, changing the rear cassette, and keeping parts clean and well-lubricated. This maintenance normally keeps my bike in good running condition.

Here are a few tools that I recommend that a bicyclist have on hand to avoid running to the bike shop with each rattle, squeak or flat tire on the bike:

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• An up-to-date bicycle repair manual is essential. Before purchasing one, make sure it has good step-by-step instructions accompanied by drawings or photographs of the various repair or maintenance steps. Also make sure it covers your style of bicycle and the brand of components on your bike.
• For a toolbox, I use a small fishing tackle box. Remember my philosophy; if the necessary tool doesn't fit in the tackle box, I take the bike in to a mechanic.
• For tightening most bike parts you need 4, 5, and 6 mm hex wrenches. A Y-hex wrench tool will work on most bicycles. This tool can also be carried in the small bag behind the bike seat. These are useful for tightening a water bottle cage, shoe cleats, or other bolts while out riding. You may want to purchase a complete set of hex wrench tools to cover the entire range from 2 to 8 mm.
• Chain breakers help remove and install chains, by precisely driving out the chain pin and then driving in the replacement pin. You probably won't use this tool frequently as most chains last more than 1,000 miles if they are cleaned regularly. However, it's indispensable when the chain needs to be changed.
• Spoke wrenches cannot be replaced by another gadget. They are used to true wheels and replace broken spokes. Spoke wrenches are sold in a variety of sizes so make sure you get the one that fits the spoke nipples on your wheels. Some folks have a knack for truing wheels, but it is tedious, exacting work. When my wheels get out of round, I take them to a shop mechanic.
• Tire levers are a must, especially when you install new tires that fit tightly around the rim. Plastic tire levers gently lift the tire's bead into place without marring the rim. They usually come in sets of three, but typically you only need one or two at a time. Stash the spare in your bike bag to use on the road.
• A chainwhip and cassette lockring are essential when removing and installing the rear cog with all the sprockets, located at the rear of the bike. The teeth in cassettes wear out over time and it's a quick, easy replacement job with these tools, nearly impossible without them. The chainwhip holds the cassette in place while the lockring is loosened. Make sure the lockring fits the brand of cassette on your bike.
• Changing brake and shifting cables is a pretty easy task. If you plan to do this, I recommend purchasing a quality set of cable cutters to obtain clean-cut, unfrayed cables.
• Other items I keep in my tool box are small screwdrivers for making cable and derailleur adjustments, a small crescent wrench for tightening nuts, a chain wear indicator tool, and a tube repair kit. You might want to consider a bicycle multi-purpose tool. They are not made for regular shop work but I usually carry one of these on all my bike rides for simple, emergency repair or maintenance tasks.

Maintaining your bike is easy with the right tools. But if you feel mechanically challenged (as I often do) there are many bike "wrenches" in this valley that are willing to keep your bicycle in top running condition.

A once-a-year tune up is all most bicycles need. You can get one for well under $75. Have a safe ride.

Bicycling enthusiast Bob Korfhage of Phoenix is a former president of Siskiyou Velo bicycle club.