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Servicing your MTB - Yourself


BarryHeyns

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Posted

Good day

 

I am completely new to MTB, I would like to learn more and I am sure by learning how to service my own MTB I would learn a lot more about the bike itself and also help if someone happens on a trail etc.

 

Can anyone recommend some classes where I can go? Or know someone who offers such workshops?

 

I live in Cape Town

 

Ps: I have watched youtube, a lot of videos about it but would like to take my bike to someone that can show me exactly what tools I need and also what I need to do.

 

Regards

Barry

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Posted

Thanks for the help.

 

Looked at their website, they offer basic training, I think I know most of that stuff.

 

I would like to dissassemble and assemble my entire MTB, add lube and grease where I need to. I realize I will have to buy multiple tools probably but thats ok.

 

I have emails them anyway, maybe they have a secret advanced MTB servicing class haha

Posted

You have the right approach.

 

If you're generally mechanically competent, google and youtube are the sharpest tools in your workshop for the "how to" stuff.

 

If you work carefully and pay attention to detail, you will have the satisfaction of knowing the job is done properly.

 

Good luck.

Posted

Youtube is a great a great place for info. 

Tools come down  to how much of the servicing you want to do yourself. 

No high pressure hose when you wash your bike.

You can pretty much take apart your bike with a good set of allen and torx keys. Torque wench is a good investment. 

Cassette removal tool. (2 items)

Chain breaker and quick link chain removal tools.

BB tool (Presfit or GXP) Presfit tool is expensive or you can make your own.

Work stand for your bike is a must.

Gear Cable/Hosing Cutter.

Brake bleed kit specific to your brand.

Brake hose cutter.

Brake rotor truing tool.

Wheel truing stand and nipple wrench.

There are other tools that are more specific to the task and product. 

It will seem like an expensive affair but well worth the investment in the long run. 

You still in the crap if you ride propriety fork and shock (specialized) like myself :(. So no saving there. If you ride fox or Rockshox then it is just a matter of visiting the respective website for info on how to service their products.

There is no shortage of people in this industry who would like you to believe it is rocket science to service your own bicycle.  

Youtube and rather invest the few hundred you going to spend on lessons on your new tool collection (BONUS!). 

 

Look at Ice tools and BBB for specific bike tools as they tend to be cheaper than park tools. 

/www.superstarcomponents.com/ did tools at fairly reasonable pricing. Not sure with the exchange rate as it is now but worth a look even if just for the porn. 

 

Hope this helps

Posted

All you need is good quality tools, a mechanical aptitude, some patience and Google. I also found it difficult to get a hold of some of the lubes for a fork service.

 

A second set of hands also comes in handy sometimes.

Posted

Welcome...

 

As far as I know these are the only official guys doing training, but they are unfortunately in PTA...

 

http://www.torqzoneacademy.co.za/

 

I think otherwise, as you have stated, Youtube is your friend.  Thats were I learned everything I know. Hasn't let me down yet.

I agree.

Using the internet and a repair manual with patience you are able to service your own bike.

I have even serviced my suspension forks, bled brakes....etc with info of the internet.

Had no problems as yet. 

Its the only way to keep your bike in tip top condition at a fraction of the cost.

Posted

Thanks a lot that list of tools will help for a start!

 

Sent some emails to shops and asked if they would teach me, I would pay for the service and also buy the tools from them... let me not repost the responds here...

 

Anyway, I will be trying to do this during the month, lets hope I am able to assemble the bike again afterwards haha

Posted

Thanks a lot that list of tools will help for a start!

 

Sent some emails to shops and asked if they would teach me, I would pay for the service and also buy the tools from them... let me not repost the responds here...

 

Anyway, I will be trying to do this during the month, lets hope I am able to assemble the bike again afterwards haha

 

Contact Marc Rich at Attitude Cycles, Brackenfell. 021 825 7770.

 

Talk to him, maybe you can work something out, like you work / help in the Shop on Saturdays in exchange for tutoring.

That way you get training from a top notch guy, you work under supervision and can learn the tricks of the trade.

Posted

I only started cycling this year and at the time I knew nothing. I'm now at the point of happily servicing things which are supposedly technical like my fork (it's really not, except maybe if you have a brain fork). I'd do my rear suspension too, but I unfortunately don't have the tools.

 

Youtube, product & service manuals are your friend.

 

The main issue really is the tools. The prices on some of these things like bearing/headset cup presses will give you a heart attack.

Posted

I only started cycling this year and at the time I knew nothing. I'm now at the point of happily servicing things which are supposedly technical like my fork (it's really not, except maybe if you have a brain fork). I'd do my rear suspension too, but I unfortunately don't have the tools.

 

Youtube, product & service manuals are your friend.

 

The main issue really is the tools. The prices on some of these things like bearing/headset cup presses will give you a heart attack.

A trip to the DIY/builders warehouse etc and a little ingenuity can save you a fortune on those expensive one off tools you do not use on a regular basis https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/127707-diy-bike-tools/page-1?hl=diy

Posted

A trip to the DIY/builders warehouse etc and a little ingenuity can save you a fortune on those expensive one off tools you do not use on a regular basis https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/127707-diy-bike-tools/page-1?hl=diy

I've definitely considered making some of these tools.

But I'm a bit leery of pressing bearings/cups/bb into a carbon frame with threaded rod and washers. A little bit skew, and your shiny R20k frame is going to need some love.

Posted

I've definitely considered making some of these tools.

But I'm a bit leery of pressing bearings/cups/bb into a carbon frame with threaded rod and washers. A little bit skew, and your shiny R20k frame is going to need some love.

Is all about technique and if you have concerns, you use wood blocks bigger than the washers to even the load to ensure it goes in straight.  You are also winding the thread slowly so will know instantly if is not lining up... is fairly easy to do

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