Anyone interested in bike maintenance?

[fast14riot]

So, I maintain a couple bikes for family that are used for daily commute to/from work, including my own, and thougt that while I'm tearing things down, cleaning, adjusting it really wouldn't be much more work to take some pics along the way. Would anyone be interested in thing like this? Would anyone like specific things covered? I can't say how often I would be able to cover topics, but I would be sure to cover most all the basics first.

Right now I'm just trying to guage interest in this.


-Xander

 

[Andy]

Sounds great!

 

[archi77]

Sounds good! I have a Trek road bike that sees scattered use, and a brand new Trek mountain bike that I wasn't able to use before I had my accident (and subsequent knee surgery...) but I plan to do all my own maintenance.

 

[ylekot]

Please do!!!

Always looking to learn something other than my current disassemble, force and break method of repair.....

 

[fast14riot]

Ok, just for a little qualifier, I managed a couple bike shops over the years and was master mechanic and wheel builder as well.

I am also curious as to what types of repairs or maintenance people are looking for help with? Should I do a flat repair thread (very basic)? Wheel truing or building (advanced)? Suspension rebuilds (very advanced)? Or stick to the basic adjustments and new part replacements?

If you guys could give me some ideas of what info specifically in needed I can try to cover those first, then move into the less often needed repairs.


I will be doing a basic cartridge bottom bracket adjustment tonight anyways, so maybe I'll just record it first and do the write up afterwards.

Are diagnostic tips needed as well? I can cover most any topic.


-Xander

 

[hillbilly pick]

I have a specialized hard rock that I have loved for years. I am a fairly advanced auto mechanic when I have to be, stopped working on other peoples vehicles if I can stand it, but would like to hear what you have to say about fork maintenance and general berring upkeep.

Thanks

 

[Wishoot]

I have a specialized hard rock that I have loved for years. I am a fairly advanced auto mechanic when I have to be, stopped working on other peoples vehicles if I can stand it, but would like to hear what you have to say about fork maintenance and general berring upkeep.

Thanks

I have this very same bike and I love it. I'm horrible at bike maintenance and would love to learn more. About the only thing I've learned is that a clean chain, is a happy chain.

 

[Toothpick]

My bike is put up for the winter.

I noticed the front tire was flat before I waved it goodbye.

perhaps a basic tire/tube change tutorial? I still haven't changed a flat tire. I took it to the shop for the last one in the summer.

 

[rahgnar.s]

Def interested... My bike will be up for winter soon.., I love the crisp clear fall mornings

 

[Andy]

Basic "preventative" maintenance schedule would be good, for example, do this every x miles, check this every x miles, etc.

 

[ylekot]

I too have a flat that will need attention.....

I find it amazing that suspension could be more advanced than lacing and truing a wheel....

 

[fast14riot]

Basic "preventative" maintenance schedule would be good, for example, do this every x miles, check this every x miles, etc.

Sounds like a good overview topic. I will be sure to start takin notes so I don't leave anything out. Thanx.

I too have a flat that will need attention.....

I find it amazing that suspension could be more advanced than lacing and truing a wheel....

Suspension is a bit more technical as the exposure to error is higher, much more things to go wrong inside forks/shocks. Also, opening a negatively charged air shock with 350 psi (known an "suck down" due to failed internal seal allowing air bypass) is something than can be dangerous! Wheel building has only four things to watch and with careful attention anyone can do it. Plus tools required for suspension are often very specific, most people can buy spoke wrenches for a few bucks.

I think a flat repair will be a good first topic.

Also, I have road bikes, mtb, hybrid, single speeds (road and mtb), beach cruiser and kids bikes, so feel free to ask any questions about any type of bike, I should be able to cover it!


-Xander

 

[fast14riot]

Oh, and I will try to cover these topics using methods for most average bike owners, using common tools, no big expensive mechanics stand, adjusting things on the bike rather than on the bench, roadside repairs, etc. I'm hoping to make this accessable to all riders.


-Xander

 

[ylekot]

I learned something already!!

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

Great idea. Even just stuff like how to properly clean the chain on a mountain bike would be very useful.

 

[Toothpick]

Great idea. Even just stuff like how to properly clean the chain on a mountain bike would be very useful.

pretty much yup. I realize I know nothing about bike maintenance. I don't even think I could take it off?....

Also maybe cover what tools to use. What bike tools are best - most universal.

 

[73mountaineer]

Great idea, Xander, thanks for offering! It seems like the general consensus is to start with a flat repair/tire and tube replacement, which is a great first subject that everyone can use. I would also like to see basic adjustments & maintenance (brakes, drivetrain, etc) in the future if you wouldn't mind putting that on you list of possible subjects.

 

[whereisandy]

Sounds like a great idea, Xander. I've maintained my own bikes over the past 2 decades and mostly learned the basics from trial and error. I'd love to learn learn the right way of doing things from someone who knows that they're doing.

 

[Lomez]

Absolutely!

I started a 7mi one way commute last month. Local mech tuned my rear deraulier but it still changes on me uphill, making me wish I had a single speed..

 

[fast14riot]

Ok guys, sounds like there is enough interest to get me goin on this! I have a couple days off coming up and will try to get the first one (flat repair) covered. I really should write out a syllabus to keep myself on track an not jump around complexity levels too much. For the universal stuff I will try to include notes in the margin for optional equipment/methods.

I will cover tools as I go along with each one.


-Xander