Stuff you learn(t) the hard way by being your own mechanic

[Icepick]

I once stripped a Sturmey Archer rear hub. That was 6 hours of my life I will never get back.

[Bos]

Some good ones here! Nice topic. 

 

The "getting a proper bike stand" one, just really help with the frustration levels and it keeps me feeling like a pro mech.

 

One or two of my own, although maybe more personal they have worked for me. 

 

1. Don't wash your bike too often. rather use a wet cloth and hand broom to dust it off and wipe where necessary. 

 

2. Don't check tire pressures by hand the morning before the race. I find because its usually cold early on, we do the "thumb test" harder, then over inflate the tire causing no.3

 

3. If your suspension feels too firm after the day before stuffing around, DONT try let just enough air out trail side. You are guaranteed to let to much air out, which will spoil your ride even more. 

 

will try think of more

[Wayne pudding Mol]

I just packed up a bike I sold. Wrapped it up whilst on my stand. At the end I loosened the seat post bolt. I forgot to hold the frame. Soft landing in bubble wrap this time

[Danger Dassie]

When washing hands after a job, add a teaspoon of sugar. Makes for a good scrub to break up grime/dirt and isn't caustic on the skin. 

[RocknRolla]

When washing hands after a job, add a teaspoon of sugar. Makes for a good scrub to break up grime/dirt and isn't caustic on the skin. 

 

 

Sweet tip, man

[RiverInTheRoad]

why is the arrow often just rubber imprint and not in text  - makes it so hard to see

same thing with inflation settings.

 

wth mtb disk brakes, they are always on the left/non drive side. why can't tyres just have a piksha of a disc and then you line it up there?!

 

In the case of Maxxis (probably other brands as well, but seriously why use another brand?)  tires all the info (width, casing, compound etc.) is written on the drive (gear) side . The disc side just has the brand and tyre model.

[madmarc]

Don't grab your new Kicker at the bottom of the flywheel pully to pick it up, It will spin round and seriously F&^$up your fingers

[cfcjim]

Where in Cape Town can one get Nitrile gloves? I'm going scatty looking

If you're near Paarden Eiland at any point, North Safety Products are excellent. They have all types of gloves.

 

I think we used to get a box of Nitrile (100 pairs) for apbout R40.

 

They also stock Uvex kit which is very good.

[MrJacques]

Learnt the hard way to remove brake pads from calipers when doing bleeding. Also. Wear gloves or super clean you hands when installing discs/new pads. Some drive train nastiness can contaminate the scene.

Sometimes sanding/burning/isopropyl simply won't do.

 

Yup! Currently have a set of contaminated pads

 

Also, put in a spacer / block, it's really easy to pop out the pistons by accident! Did that the night before a race.

 

Check often for loose bolts and use Loctite where applicable, you don't want your rear brake caliper falling off mid-ride.

Edited August 16, 2019 by Jacquers

[Dadbod Racing]

Do you steal said gloves from work?.......

 

Nope, I actually bought these from the company I used to work for years ago. 

[Dadbod Racing]

Sweet tip, man

 

I see what you did there.... lol Stevie Wonder can even see that! 

[Jehosefat]

Check often for loose bolts and use Loctite where applicable, you don't want your rear brake caliper falling off mid-ride.

 

Yeah, almost had my front derailleur fall off during a race... Loctited that bad boy on now (until I get my 1x upgrade)

[Hairy]

Tyre sealant needs to be reguilarly topped up, not only after a puncture on the trail that doesnt seal resulting in hike-a-bike or phoning "support vehicle" to assist in getting home.

I have been telling myself that exact same fact, with the promise to sort it out when I get home ............... well ........

[Grebel]

Find a cleaning supplies company.  You will be surprised how cheap 4l of isopropyl alcohol is.  

 

I was suitably surprised. It cost me R128 for 5lt a while back. At that price I use it for cleaning a lot of stuff.

[lenzman]

Don’t put the wrong pedal in the drive side crank and then try and force it to screw in at an angle thinking that any pedal can fit in any hole.

 

[MTBeer]

I have been telling myself that exact same fact, with the promise to sort it out when I get home ............... well ........

Me too. I hate that farking job. Along with fitting new tyres.