General MTB maintenance

[Hazza]

I would like to do a general maintenance and setup course. It is a pain in the arse running to the bike shop anytime there is squeek or sound coming from my bike. Also, I would like to be able to setup my bike for the various rides/terrains that I do. I am fairly handy, but a bike is an expensive thing to test your skills as mechanic. Any help/guidance would be greatly appreciated!

 

Cheers to all!

[rouxtjie]

Google...everything is out there. Build up your collection of tools as and when you require

 

Get cassette lockring remover, chain whip, hex and torx key set to start with.

[nonky]

http://fitshop.co.za/product-category/bicycling/ - bicycling mag's maintenance book (CHEAP!)

 

Generally accepted that the Park Tool Big Blue Book is the best maintenance book around -

 

http://www.capemulti.co.za/CATEGORIES/tabid/5071/CategoryID/64/List/0/Level/1/productid/546/Default.aspx?SortField=ProductName%2CProductName

[fanievb]

first things first, get decent tools or at least get a torque wrench

 

then visit your component manufacturer website for service instruction and technical drawings e.g. http://techdocs.shimano.com/techdocs/index.jsp

 

then visit http://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help and https://www.youtube.com/ for detailed instructions.

 

if all else fails https://www.bikehub.co.za/f/12-tech-qa/ (but only after doing a search on the topic to make sure its not covered already )

[Mojoman]

Keep your maintenance regular and check things when you do other things (i.e if you take your chain off to clean, check how the crank is spinning, are the jockey wheels moving freely and is the rear wheel running smooth and true, clean and check pedals...etc) and when you service wheel bearings, pivot bearings etc just make a note of when you did them.

 

If you take something apart and its the first time, make some notes or take some pictures. Make sure you have your greases and oils available before you start something. And a load of old rags is never a waste!

When you have done something remember to have another good look at what you have done afterwards (or sometimes during) a ride, best to find out early if the wheel bearings have come loose after a service or you havent tightened up that bolt holding the suspension!

 

Its actually pretty easy to look after a bike, if you have the time and dont mind a bit of grime under your nails!

But if in any doubt with something then rather let a pro take a look.

 

A well looked after bike should never let you down on the trail (nor squeek and creak and drive you nuts!).

[PeterF]

"A well looked after bike should never let you down on the trail (nor squeek and creak and drive you nuts!)."

 

Unless it's a Cannondale. They are supposed to.

[Simonpurdon]

"A well looked after bike should never let you down on the trail (nor squeek and creak and drive you nuts!)."

 

Unless it's a Cannondale. They are supposed to.

 

Cheers to that. PYGA One Twenty soon to replace my Scalpel 3.

[Simonpurdon]

"A well looked after bike should never let you down on the trail (nor squeek and creak and drive you nuts!)."

 

Unless it's a Cannondale. They are supposed to.

 

Cheers to that. PYGA One Twenty soon to replace my Scalpel 3.