Learning to service your bike

[TopFuel]

Hi hubbers,

 

I am aiming to start servicing my own bikes from now on. I currently have 3 bikes which are costing me and arm and leg to take to the LBS on a student budget.

 

I am practicing on my old Silverback Reno (+-8 years old), and have currently completely disassembled the bike, barring headset and bottom bracket.

 

I read about too many chaps on here servicing their own bikes, and wish to join that club. Not only to save a bit of cash, but also for the enjoyment of it.

 

Disassembling the bike seemed pretty chilled. I plan to clean everything, reassemble (+replace cables) and setup everything to get back to normal (worst case), or better (optimum).

 

Ideally, I want to gain the skills to be able to completely look after my own bikes, including being able to service the fork and rear shock, as well as true wheels.

 

In your opinion(s), what are essential skills to master?

[Joeboy69]

Wish I could bleed the brakes ... Watched some YouTube / Googled but it seems tricky without the right, albeit limited, tools etc ... Actually need "bike maintenance and repair" morning somewhere !

[Vetseun]

Wish I could bleed the brakes ... Watched some YouTube / Googled but it seems tricky without the right, albeit limited, tools etc ... Actually need "bike maintenance and repair" morning somewhere !

I must admit, there are few things as satisfying as bleeding your bikes brakes and getting it right. Perseverance is the secret. Dont give up. Thereafter it is a breeze Edited July 5, 2013 by Turtle Man

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I must admit, there are few things as satisfying as bleeding your bikes brakes and getting it right. Perseverance is the secret. Dont give up. Thereafter it is a breeze

 

I'm learning how to do that today. Managed to slice through my rear brake hose while removing a cable tie last night. So it's a hose replacement and full rebleed for me.

[Cav']

Youtube..

[Thomo]

It's a bike, not rocket science.

Most jobs are reasonably easy and most become easier with practice.

Keeping a bike, and particularly the drivetrain, clean and lubed is possibly the most important thing.

This will eliminate the need for frequent LBS visits ... perhaps just take it their for the specialist type work.

[Meezo]

Thehubsa is a cycling forum. There is enough "knowledge" and threads going around for you to read as a start.

 

I believe any job is possible if you have the right tools, and patience. I don't drink but most hubbers would replace patience with beer

Edited July 5, 2013 by Meezo

[dillon]

best skill to master? Logical thinking

[Thomo]

I don't drink but most hubbers would replace patience with beer

 

First chapter in most diy bike books.

Master this first as it is a vital aspect of bike maintenance.

Do not proceed to chapter 2 before mastering. LOL

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

I can do most of the stuff myself. Haven't bled brakes before cos I haven't needed to, but I've built multiple bikes (road, MTB, DH and so on) so I like to think I have the expertise.

 

Even rebuilt my forks a couple of times, and built my current wheelset (got complimented on the workmanship by a very experienced wheel builder on that, so I'm chuffed)

 

Next thing is my brakes. But as with most things, it's out of necessity.

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

 

 

First chapter in most diy bike books.

Master this first as it is a vital aspect of bike maintenance.

Do not proceed to chapter 2 before mastering. LOL

 

Lol. Liquid courage.

[RichieT]

go here for brake bleeding

https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/127707-diy-bike-tools/page__st__96

and other stuff

[MeridaHFS]

There's a group that hosts a basic mechanic course in cape town. Not 100% sure but think they are link to TMBC or knows someone there... Not a lot of help I know but if I find the info I'll send it. Otherwise just read up a bit, watch youtube clips and like the others said, use logic(otherwise use the beer courage!)

[RocknRolla]

http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help

 

and youtube.

 

 

[djr50]

Wish I could bleed the brakes ... Watched some YouTube / Googled but it seems tricky without the right, albeit limited, tools etc ... Actually need "bike maintenance and repair" morning somewhere !

Why don't you contact me - perhaps we can make a plan

[Captain Fastbastard Mayhem]

There's a group that hosts a basic mechanic course in cape town. Not 100% sure but think they are link to TMBC or knows someone there... Not a lot of help I know but if I find the info I'll send it. Otherwise just read up a bit, watch youtube clips and like the others said, use logic(otherwise use the beer courage!)

 

That would be Dan Dobinson at iride Africa Afaik.