Special Bike Tools

Think Metric, first of all. Almost without exception any bike you buy today will have metric fasteners.
As for bike specific tools, cone wrenches come to mind. These are flat, thin open end wrenches designed to fit the bearing adjustment, cone, nuts on bike wheels. Another one will be the proper size crank nut wrench. This is used to disassemble or tighten the bearing nuts on the crank, (pedals) Many use a spanner nut in addition to a hex nut acting as a lock or jam nut.

The rest is pretty standard, screwdrivers, Allen wrench set, again in metric size.

That should get you started as far as tools needed for maintenance. When you start building custom bikes the requirements go up.
Good luck. Hope this helps.

Tom

Otto,

Most any bicycle shop will be able to provide you with the tools I mentioned above. As for brand names or quality, that's always a gamble but they aren't high tech stuff. Just steel and in some cases aluminum that will probably suffice unless you plan to make a living rebuilding bikes.

As for custom fabrication tools; the list is endless. Metal working requires saws, grinders, welders and in some cases lathes and milling machines. It all depends on how involved you want to get and what you're willing to spend on tools. Generally speaking I'd want a 4.5" side grinder, a metal cutting saw, a Dremel or the equilavent, grinding wheels, drill press and a bench grinder with a stone and a wire brush plus a buffing wheel if you're into making pretty stuff. You could buy tools until you're dead and still need more when it comes to custom metal work. English Wheeling machines, TIG and MIG welders, Crimping and shrinking tools....it's never ending.

I'm sure others will chime in with their recommendations so watch for them here.

Good luck.

Tom