Self service

[PaulTeague]

Howzit guys,

 

I am a keen road and mtb cyclist and have two bikes. Servicing (and repairing) both bikes at shops every year is putting a little strain on my wallet. Also, at reputable shops, sometimes I find that the bikes haven't been properly serviced...the bike has been washed, and thats all, and I basically end up do the service over myself. I have got a book which has a step-by-step servicing guide, which is quite good. I would just like to ask a few questions...

 

1) All the little bits that often need to be replaced during a service...(e.g. aluminium ends for the gear cables, bearings etc)...where do you guys buy all those little things?

 

2) Servicing shocks...I've got an entry level rockshox dart 2...Is the servicing of shocks still considered a specialist job? I've got my hands on the manual and watched plenty youtube vids...and...apart from being a moerse shlep...it doesn't seem too difficult?? Again...re parts for the shock...where can one buy all the seals/gaskets etc..?

 

3) Finally, what greases should I use for the different bearings, and where would I be able to buy the greases. The bike shops seem to only sell tiny 100-200ml type containers for about R150...and...well...for grease...thats INSANE! Is car bearing grease ok for the hubs...?

 

 

Thanks for all the help guys!

[DJR]

1) All the little bits that often need to be replaced during a service...(e.g. aluminium ends for the gear cables, bearings etc)...where do you guys buy all those little things?

Whenever I buy anything biggish from my lbs, I say "oh yeah, I almost forgot, I also need a few of those little thingamabobs that you put on the end of the cables" and they throw them in for nothing. That's why I go back to buy the big stuff from them, as long as they don't make me look stupid by charging twice what CWC does online.

[walker]

I use a good quality water proof grease from Midas for all my bearings and copper grease on all threads.

 

Forks are easy to service yourself, just make sure that you use the correct oil and grease. I get my oil from the local Yamaha dealer. The grease for the forks is rather expensive but you use very little so it last for long time.

 

The other bits and pieces are available from any bicycle shop.

[reteid]

i have been buying from the same shops for so long (15 years plus) that i ask them and they give me the small things for free.they know i am back the next week for something else which i will have to buy.has been working for me for all the years.

[nickelass]

main thing is to have the correct tools,then get the knowledge whichever way you can,after that just inspect and do preventive mantainence,and keep a record,then you know when to lube wheel bearing bb etc.Will save yoy money,and prevent costly breakdowns.

[David Marshall]

Best grease is the one your neighbour keeps in his garage. Use a plastic syringe to put it where you need it. As Walker said copper compound is great for threads and just about anything that comes into contact with anything else, which you may want to take apart again, and does not move. Cables, housing and the end caps get from your bike shop. The fork seal kits you can order through your lbs or get online. There are generics available.