Eight great tools to gift the cyclist in your life

By Katherine Moore

Published: Monday, 15 November 2021 at 12:00 am

From minor tweaks to a full strip-down and service, being able to repair your bike at home or while you’re travelling is one of life’s great joys.

Most people tend to build up a set of tools over time, acquiring parts bit by bit when they’re needed. Unless they’re lucky enough to inherit a whole workshop, most riders are likely to need new additions to their tool kit every now and then.

There’s no getting away from the fact that you get what you pay for when it comes to tools, with higher-quality options rewarding you in the long run due to their impressive durability and precision.

We’ve rounded up some suggestions of tool gift ideas for different budgets with the help of FACOM, ranging from handy tool kits to some rather tasty home tool storage solutions.

FACOM R1PICO-CYCNOR Limited Edition Bicycle Socket & Bit Set – £123.29 £80.14

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The FACOM R1PICO-CYCNOR special-edition tool kit comes with a free matching bottle.
FACOM

A great addition to any cyclist’s tool kit, this ratchet set will make light work of simple tasks and more awkward jobs alike.

Including Allen, Torx, slotted and Phillips bits, the ratchet is perfect for minor changes such as altering your saddle height or adding bottle cages.

With an adjustable, locking head, it’s also never been easier to use for those awkward to reach bolts, such as on disc brake calipers. The limited-edition set also comes with a matching water bottle.

FACOM 6 Piece Sliding T-Handle Hexagon Power Key Set 2.5-8mm – £165.72 £107.71

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No workshop is complete without a set of T-handle hex keys.
FACOM

Allen keys (also known as hex keys) are possibly the most used tools in a cyclist’s home workshop, so all the more reason to invest in premium quality.

This set includes 2.5, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 8mm T-handled keys – essentially the sizes that are most commonly used on any bike.

The sliding handles allow you to more easily access awkward fixtures, and phosphate tips give higher precision and prevent corrosion: no more rounded bolts!

FACOM Mobile General Hand Tool Kit & Rolling Tool Case – £809.50 £505.93

"Facom
If the cyclist in your life is building up a workshop from scratch, this could be a great shout.
FACOM

If you’re buying for a budding mechanic who’s just starting out and doesn’t have many tools yet, a tool kit is a wise idea.

This FACOM mobile tool kit takes things to the next level, with all the tools you need to get started, including Allen keys, pliers, spanners, screwdrivers and more, all neatly stowed in a robust travel tool case.

There’s also more space in the hard-shelled carry case to add more tools later, as your friend grows their collection.

FACOM Torque Screwdriver with Vernier adjustment 2-10Nm – £267.06 £173.59

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For lightweight components, this adaptable torque screwdriver could be a great shout.
FACOM

For working on a bike, especially if carbon fibre frames or components are involved, a torque wrench or screwdriver is an invaluable piece of kit.

Under-tighten and you could end up with slipping or loosening components. Over-tighten and you risk damaging the fastener or other components. Both scenarios can be really disastrous (not to mention expensive).

This torque screwdriver delivers ultimate precision, covering a range of 2-10Nm in 1Nm increments. Pair with 1/4in hexagonal drive hex or torque bits.

FACOM 8 Piece High Torque Extra Long Combination Spanner Set – £187.61 £83.99

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Spanners have uses across both bike and other workshop tasks.
FACOM

A simple and often overlooked tool, a high-quality spanner is not only a joy to use, but makes rounded nuts and bolts a thing of the past.

This set features eight extra-long spanners, which help you deliver high torque, and range in size from 8-18mm.

FACOM 6 Drawer Mobile Roller Cabinet £755.88 £526.80

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Life is too short to go rooting around looking for your tools in a cardboard box.
FACOM

For the ultimate home workshop setup, nothing beats a roller cabinet. This FACOM lockable model is secure and easy to move around thanks to four wheels and integrated handles.

Each sliding drawer has space for three modules to help you organise your tool collection, and you can add trays from the FACOM modular system later too.

FACOM Pro-Bag Soft Tote Tool Bag 20in – £117.35 £52.79

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If you don’t have space for a tool chest, a tool bag is another great option.
FACOM

This large 47-litre capacity soft tool case is perfect for travelling, fitting handily in the back of your car or van whether that’s for trips to the races or the trailhead.

Don’t get caught short with any last-minute mechanicals, as you can neatly pack all your best tools and spares to take with you for urgent repairs.

If you’re limited on space for your tools at home, this can double-up as slick tool storage.

FACOM Protwist 3-in-1 Ratcheting Screwdriver & Bit Set – £154.75 £81.12

"Facom
A ratcheting screwdriver is really useful for fiddly tasks.
FACOM

Another super-handy tool that’s versatile when it comes to bike mechanics is FACOM’s Protwist screwdriver and bit set.

The 45-tooth ratchet design makes routine adjustments easier than ever, especially when combined with the T-handle option.

The screwdriver comes complete with a set of Allen, Phillips, Torx and Pozidriv bits in their own case, as well as storage inside the screwdriver head for up to six bits.