Review on 🔧 Optimized Park AK-5 Mechanics Kit for Advanced Bicycle Maintenance by David Thomley

I bought this set in the summer of 2020 after a gear cable broke and rummaged through my tool box looking for the right Allen wrench. Frustrated with highlighting household bike repair tools, I decided to buy easily recognizable bike repair tools. This set met most of my needs, and while I didn't use all the tools to make it at a very good price (27% off buying individual parts, not counting the cost of the tool set), it saved me money. the timing of purchase of each individual part, if required. ADVANTAGES: - Most parts are easily identified either by the blue surface of the Park Tool or by their label. - The kit includes the most commonly used parts for most common bikes. Lightweight, Convenient - Park Tool provides many YouTube repair videos and the companion book provides additional technical details. CONS: - Small samples of consumables (e.g. chain cleaner, lube, grease and anti-seize compound) could complete this kit. - Key tools such as PP-1.2 Hydraulic Piston Press and DAG-2.2 Bike Derailleur Hanger Alignment Gauge (or smaller alternative) are not included. Since purchasing the kit I have experienced chain slippage on my regular bike as well as on a brand new bike with a clearly misaligned rear derailleur. I chose a DAG 2.2 tool and within minutes I was able to fix an issue on a new bike that the local bike shop couldn't fix after two visits. On my old bike I also adjusted the derailleur hanger with a gauge but then found that the chain was worn (using the CC-4 tool). After changing the chain, slip was limited to three gears and I found the necessary tools in the kit to swap out the rear cassette. Ball-tipped hex wrenches (HXS-1.2) made it easier to access hard-to-reach places thanks to various adjustments. Overall I am very happy with this kit. Users who have bikes with components other than Shimano/SRAM/Diore parts should watch the Park Tool videos to see if they need to purchase additional tools to assemble their bikes, specifically the chain tool and chain tool Cassette holder ring. Also consider purchasing a derailleur hanger leveler if your bike occasionally falls on its right side, and a hydraulic piston press if you need to replace disc brake pads.