Just go slowly and be careful not to skip links, or squeeze out too much at once and make a mess.
BIKE WORKSHOP BASICS SERIES
While this is tidy and precise, it’s also acceptable to hold the lube bottle stationary, squeeze out a small but steady series of drops, and rotate the pedals backwards to move the chain past the tip of the lube bottle. In the video he carefully dabs a drop of lube on each chain roller. But especially if you’re new to bike repair and not riding a super-duper high end bike, it’s a great easy place to start. I’ve seen conflicting information on this, so to be on the safe side, rinse and wipe off the extra when done. Some folks caution that Simple Green, if left on too long, can damage the chain or bike frame. An old toothbrush and Simple Green citrus cleaner, diluted with water, will work fine. When you do get around to scrubbing and degreasing, don’t worry if you don’t have the chain scrubber tool or special degreaser mentioned in the video. Don’t let the perfect be the enemy of the good, or whatever that quote is.
BIKE WORKSHOP BASICS FULL
In my opinion, it’s better to do this regularly than to wait too long because I don’t have time or supplies to do the full process.
Then I squirt on new lube while rotating the chain backwards, wipe off the extra, and ride. I use a rag or baby wipe to wipe down the chain whenever it looks dirty, feels stiff, sounds noisy, or if I’ve just remembered and it’s been awhile. This video is great and very thorough, but here’s my dirty little secret: When I’m on a long multi-day bike trip, I sometimes skip the degreasing step (gasp!). Having this kit has definitely accelerated my learning, because I rarely need to worry about finding the right tools before I can take on a new repair task.
BIKE WORKSHOP BASICS PLUS
I use this set by Bikehand – an awesome gift from my husband – and find that pretty much any tool I’ve ever needed is already in there somewhere, plus a few I still haven’t found a need for yet. If you’re committed to maintaining your bike at home, a dedicated bike repair tool kit is worth the investment. They’re easier to work with and fit better into tight spaces than a multitool. These compact, multi-function tools are easy to carry on your bike for adjustments and repairs on the road, and you can use them for maintenance at home too.įor working on your bike at home, it’s nice (though not required) to have a set of separate metric allen keys, also called hex wrenches, and some standalone screwdrivers. Tools and materials for each task are listed in each section below, but here are a few general-purpose supplies to consider.Īt a bare minimum, I suggest a multitool, like this sturdy one from Park Tool or this other popular one from Crankbrothers. You’ll need a few things to get started, but not as much as you might think. Repacking hubs on the kitchen counter – totally normal right? Related: 11 Mechanical Mishaps from My Bike Trips My own journey to DIY bicycle repair has been via bicycle travel and bikepacking, but if you’re strictly a single-day rider, this is for you too! Miles are miles (or km are km, if that’s your style) and sooner or later we all face the same issues. My learning has been as hands-on as it gets. Since then I’ve pedaled over 10,000 miles in 9 different countries, many not exactly places with bike shops on every corner. How do I know? A few years ago, with almost zero bike repair knowledge, I rode my bicycle through Southeast Asia. Tasks that seem impossibly complicated the first time will feel routine by the second or third.
Bikes are actually pretty simple machines once you get to know them. Really! The key is to tackle one task at a time so it’s not overwhelming, and then to just practice, practice, practice on your own bike. I’m here to tell you that basic DIY bicycle repair and maintenance is not that hard. Plus, it’s actually a pretty fun way to spend a Saturday afternoon. Learning to care for your bike will help you feel more connected to your trusty steed. These skills will unlock new freedom, save you money, and potentially get you out of a sticky situation on the road or trail someday.
Whatever two-wheeled species you are, learning to maintain and repair your own bicycle just makes sense. Maybe you, like me, enjoy getting lost in the middle of nowhere with nothing but a bicycle and some camping gear. Perhaps you’re a bike commuter, weekend road warrior, or mountain bike enthusiast.
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