Can you maintain/ fix it yourself?

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Permalink Reply by Nolan Van Dine on June 10, 2011 at 8:55am

I do most everything except bottom bracket replacement because I don't have the tools. I am very comfortable working on bikes.

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Permalink Reply by Patrick Shank on June 10, 2011 at 9:08am

absolutely.  while repairs skills and bicycle know-how are good things for cyclists in general, wrenching your own rig makes sense from an economic/opportunity cost perspective too as it saves time, money and the stress of waiting for repair work to be done (and wondering if somebody competent made the repair).  yes, the LBS is a little more flexible in the fall/winter - but still, if something goes wrong on Saturday and you're racing Sunday too (it happens!!), doing your own repairs is invaluable.  knowing how stuff works also helps to develop preferences for components, which can lead to more comfort working on your own bike, which leads to keeping everything dialed-in for race day.

 

 

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Permalink Reply by Leon Droby on June 10, 2011 at 9:33am

Why ride bikes if you don't work on them?  Isn't that why we ride, so we have something to fix?

 

:-)

 

The vast majority of my bikes started as me getting just a frame and transferring parts from older bikes onto the new frame.  My last bike (even though I spec'd the components) was put together by my LBS.  I forgot you could buy a bike that way.

 

In all seriousness, working on your bike is not hard.  And once you grasp a few concepts, everything comes together.  The number one thing that's has helped me over the years is to always get the right tool.  If the mfg says you need a special tool, get the tool.  It'll turn a hard job that you'll probably screw up, into something very easy.  So, if you're going to work on your bike (which I'd highly recommend), get good quality, proper tools from the start.

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Permalink Reply by Nolan Van Dine on June 10, 2011 at 9:53am

l would go with I a Park or Pedros tool KIT:

Here are the park options: http://www.parktool.com/category/tool-kits

the Advanced Mechanic Tool Kit looks good.

But this also looks good: http://www.pedros.com/benchinabox.htm

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Permalink Reply by Mike Wahlin on June 10, 2011 at 10:15am

Thanks all for the encouragement.  I recently switched over my cassette and disc rotors.   Even that was empowering.  I just ordered Gore sealed brake cables and that is my next mini project. 

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Permalink Reply by RUFUS on June 10, 2011 at 5:24pm

I do all maintenance myself on all my bikes.  I wrenched professionally for a few DH race teams, and I have been doing all of my own work for about 9 years now. 

 

It is incredibly easy once you get the correct tools and the correct procedures.  I try and show everyone how to build and true a wheel as this is an invaluable experience and will save you a few bucks in the long run.

 

As for tools, slowly purchase new ones as needed.  A full set of allen wrenches, chain whip and cassette lockring tool are some of your first tools that you will need to do basic cleaning and maintenance. 

 

Enjoy learning more about it and have fun!!!

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Permalink Reply by Moondoggy on June 10, 2011 at 5:30pm

Don't forget cable cutters to add to the starter kit

 

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Permalink Reply by Moondoggy on June 10, 2011 at 5:28pm

Yes, everything but headset installation. I don't have the tool

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Permalink Reply by Todd Shank on June 13, 2011 at 4:24pm

make it for less than 5$

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Permalink Reply by Dan Davis on June 19, 2011 at 9:09am

i do most all of it, but i still don't like cutting stearing tube! but i have done it.

Dan...

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