Servicing your MTB - Yourself

[NotSoBigBen]

Agree nsbb, nothing as lekker as making something work properly again.

 

Case in point, these damn 'foam' grips with only one 'lock on' maak my so kwaad    the foam always moves away from the lock on ring ....... and I have 3 sets!

 

Tonight decided enough is enough, put them in some hot water and moved the foam back to the right place then used some strategically placed superglue to hopefully keep them in place now!

 

Sorry if I have hi-jacked your thread OP 

 

[hayleyearth]

You know what is the absolute BEST way to learn? Order a new frame (frame alone), one your really really have your heart on and then start research, like what components will go with it (seat post sizes, types of cranks/BB's, fork steerer sizes, etc etc...I can send you a list if you really want) and then you order those parts and start the build in your lounge...BLISS!  

 

Back to reality....My 1st thought is...do you have the correct 'on the bike tools'? Which of course you can also use to strip most of your bike...

 

I have a super nice multi tool and use it when I travel to pack/build bike (like remove pedals, handle bars, rear derailer etc etc), it also has that start allen key one needs on the brake lever mounts and disk bolts:

 

Then never even consider other tyre levers than these (usually found in green in south african shops), comes in a set of 2:

 

Then something very useful for weekly/bi-weekly/monthly maintenance (depending how much you ride):

chain/link pliers...makes removing your chain a bliss

 

Then a set I use for if a need more leverage (when pedals are too tight..which means I have not removed them recently or I was too strong on the day I tighten them) or to remove my casette (which I do everytime I do a proper bike wash), depending on what components your bike has, thise set can be used for more than what I use it currently:

 

Then with the above to remove the cassette I have this chain whip:

 

and also with the wrench above I also use this BB tool to remove my BB's (depending on what components your bike has of course):

 

I need one of these too for one of my bikes cranks (Shimano Crank Installation Tool for HollowTech II):

 

Then for some chain rings you need this little one:

To remove these little buggers (trust me, these okes are one of the worst things I have had to look for during a bike build, they just get lost and I usually dont have extra...Note to self - buy extra):

 

Grease and lubes and copper slip....you can search the hub for most recommended products

 

Then the following that can make life a bit easier:

A decent cable cutter

A hammer (soft/rubber side)...I sometimes need one to just give a gentle tap to move the cranks out.

 

 

With the above tools (I think I mentioned them all...well at least for my bikes) you can do what most bicycle shops call "a mayor service".

 

Yes a torque wrench is a good thing to have if you dont really 'have a hand for detail' and I would suggest it actually because most people will tighten something WAY past what's required usually...pay attention to the torque specs though on a wrench, the most common ones one find (the cheaper ones) are 5Nm+, but most bolts on a bike I think is 4Nm, so maybe the 2Nm+ ones will be a great buy. (I dont own one yet, but it is on my Christmas list with bearing tools for this year).

 

When it comes to brake bleeding or fork/shock services thats alother long post, for another day (tired now).

 

Luckily bearings (the pressed in frame ones) aint something I have had to replace a lot, but thus far I have just taken them to a shop (Mikes Bikes) to put in for me, usually I stand there and wait for it, but like I said, Christmas is coming   Have not decided which one for sure, but something here most likely: http://www.rushsports.co.za/collections/bearing-tools

 

Wheel builds I know nothing of!

 

Use the above tools and just strip your bike, take photos before you take something off just to you know for later how it goes back..haha...I have done this Enjoy, it is lekker!

 

 

 

[Plentipotential]

Youtube

Good book. Zinn and the art of Mountain Bike Maintenance is what I use.

Good quality set of tools, not that you need many.

Quality torque wrench, BBB make a nice one.

Tub of Motorex grease.

 

Common sense.

[DoubleJ]

It's always good to have a decent amount of cycle repair knowledge. One day is one day you're going to get stuck somewhere and the bike mechanic is not going to be there to help you. This is what helped me A LOT:

 

1: Youtube - just check basics, don't try and over complicate it.

2: This app on your phone - http://www.bikerepairapp.com/

3: This boer-maak-n-plan thread - https://community.bikehub.co.za/topic/143944-therei-fixed-it/?hl=fixed+it

 

Always have cable ties and duct tape on you...cause if you can't fix it with those....you're not using enough.

[Dan Dob]

Hayley, that's a really good summary! Though, cable cutters are an absolute must IMO-nothing else can do the job when replacing cables and outers! And fiddling with a multitool is just not a good way to set your mood.A good set of dedicated hex keys is pretty cheap and easy to source

[deanbean]

Hayley, that's a really good summary! Though, cable cutters are an absolute must IMO-nothing else can do the job when replacing cables and outers! And fiddling with a multitool is just not a good way to set your mood.A good set of dedicated hex keys is pretty cheap and easy to source

Absolutely, and don't buy the cheap chromed ones, they are nasty

[rouxtjie]

Dont know if it has been mentioned but a workstand is worth its weight in gold.

 

No more upside down crap or balancing back wheel where you can wedge it between things.

 

Get one asap

[dirtrider]

Agree about the workstand , but holly @##@ all this other stuff .    . 

[hayleyearth]

Hayley, that's a really good summary! Though, cable cutters are an absolute must IMO-nothing else can do the job when replacing cables and outers! And fiddling with a multitool is just not a good way to set your mood.A good set of dedicated hex keys is pretty cheap and easy to source

 

Yeah, I have 3 different sets of normal allen keys and those aswell, I just tried to keep the list to a minimum

[igg]

Does anyone know offhand what specialised tools I require to service Giant Maestro suspension (2013 anthem)? i.e. puller/press.

 

Also, does anyone know where I can source these tools and bushings/bearings/kits in JHB?

[HDW]

Read the title, thought it was a thread about draadtrek

[DoubleJ]

Does anyone know offhand what specialised tools I require to service Giant Maestro suspension (2013 anthem)? i.e. puller/press.

 

Also, does anyone know where I can source these tools and bushings/bearings/kits in JHB?

 

I normally use a moerse hammer.....you can get one at Builders.

[igg]

I normally use a moerse hammer.....you can get one at Builders.

I have a moerse hammer... doesn't work so hot when everything is recessed into funny shaped holes. Unless of course your goal it to ensure the bearings never come out again.

[mailie]

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

Hi Barry

 

Im also new to MTB and would also like to do this.

 

There is a gent advertising on gumtree that he will service your bike whilst you assist in order to learn. I dont have his number but I know he is in the Vredehoek area.

 

Regards

Ismail