ESSENTIAL TOOLS £13.99

You can easily cover all the Allen key, Torx wrench, screwdriver and chain splitter essentials on a single multi tool. But short-arm/low-leverage models can be awkward and uncomfortable to use so are no substitute for the proper full-size tools. If your bike has any nuts and bolts, then get a quality spanner for them. Avoid using adjustable spanners wherever possible as the jaws can widen while you’re using them and damage the bolt. As for bike-specific tools, a chain splitter and cable cutters are likely to be the first things you’ll need. Magic links may have removed most of the hassle of splitting and joining chains, but if you’re removing links to get a new chain down to the desired length, you’ll still need a splitter.

RECOMMENDED UNIOR SCREW TYPE CHAIN TOOL

With its chunky, rubbercoated handles, this Unior chain tool is wonderfully easy to use even on the most stubborn links. Tempered steel means it can endure years of use and the fine pitch thread makes for extra accuracy when it comes to driving pins in and out.

BUDGET OPTION SUPERSTAR COMPONENTS CHAIN BREAKER £5.49

For £15.99, you can get Superstar Components’ Pro Chain Breaker with its ergonomically shaped, rubber-wrapped handles. But for a little over five quid you can get the company’s basic, ‘no frills’ model that does everything you need it to.