I am trying to get back on my bike after about 6 or so years of neglect in my shed. It’s a Schwinn GTX1. I Am decent with working on things, but I know nothing about tools specific for bikes or things that are recommended to keep with you on longer rides. I have some new tires and tubes to put on due to dry rot on the existing tires. I realized I don’t have any idea how to put a bike tire/tube on either. What is the right process? What tools should be kept in a kit with the bike? What parts? (A tube or patches, etc?) What maintenance should I look into? I also have some degreaser to clean the chain and Muk-off chain lube to go on it. The brakes seem ok and most rubber appears to be in good condition, except the tires. Sorry, I know it’s a lot, but I am wanting to get back onto this bike for weight and health reasons.
I dont have much to add to your reply other than that if you dont have room for a bike stand, you can get tabletop stands that you can either screw into a workbench, or just clamp onto a kitchen table temporarily.
Also, check libraries for tools. Getting a niche tool from Park Tool at the library once every few years is a lot better than buying some unbranded crappy tool that doesn’t quite work right.
Being able to get the bike into a comfortable working position honestly makes such a huge difference. I got mine from lidl but you do need space, that’s a great tip for alternatives!
I didn’t buy one for the longest time cause you never really need one, but if you dont have one, tasks take 3 times as long with a lot of swearing.