Chapter 1
Channeling Your Inner Grease Monkey
In This Chapter
Entering the world of bike repair and maintenance
Caring for your bike before, during, and after you ride
Making emergency, basic, and advanced repairs
Performing monthly and annual maintenance
Just as youâd bring along a map if you were heading off for a trip on your bike into an unfamiliar area, you should have a roadmap for your venture into the world of bike repair and maintenance. The journey youâre about to take or have already started can be fulfilling and bring lifelong rewards as long as you have a guide to help you get where youâre going. Weâve written this book to be your guide â to take the mystery out of bike repair and maintenance.
In this chapter, we open up the roadmap and examine all the different routes that are possible when it comes to caring for your bike.
Starting down the Road of Bike Repair and Maintenance
When it comes to bike repair and maintenance, the starting point is knowing the various parts of a bike, their function, and how they work together (see Chapter 2). When you know the various parts of the bike, you know
How bearings reduce friction when you ride
How to tighten threads an appropriate amount
Why cables for brakes are different than shifters
What combination of gears is best for your bike
How springs drive derailleurs
How to make sure a quick release wheel doesnât become dangerous
When youâve figured out all the parts of your bike and how they work together, youâre ready to get started on your journey. But wait! First you need a shop where you can work (see Chapter 3). Working on a bike doesnât require a lot of space, but it helps to have a location where you can operate comfortably. Youâll want enough space for tools, a drop cloth to protect the floor, good ventilation, and lighting.
If youâre serious about bike repair and maintenance think about two major additions to your shop:
A workbench with a flat surface where you can work
A bike stand that will hold your bike off the ground
Good news! You donât have to run out to the store to start your tool set. Many of the tools you need are probably in your house. If you have a variety of wrenches, Allen wrenches (hex keys), screwdrivers, pliers, and a hammer, youâll be able to perform a number of basic procedures on your bike. As you move into more advanced procedures, youâll need some specialized tools.
You may want to wait to buy a specialized tool until you have to actually perform the procedure itâs used for. For example, you may need a crank extractor to remove a crank arm. Instead of running out to the store and buying a crank extractor right now, wait until you do your annual maintenance on your bike and actually need that tool.
When you do decide to purchase tools â such as a chain tool, chain whip, freewheel tool, or spoke wrench â you need to decide whether to buy them on the cheap or invest in a more expensive brand that will likely last longer than your bike. In Chapter 3, we give you some options.
Finally, to keep the moving parts of your bike in good working order, purchase an all-purpose lubricating oil. Focus on lubricating your chain and the pivot points in places like the brakes and derailleurs. Having a cleaner around when youâre working on your bike is just as important. Look for an environmentally friendly product, such as a citrus degreaser.
Before, During, and After Your Ride
Bike repair and maintenance involves more than caring for your bike while you have it stowed away at home. Itâs an ongoing process thatâll involve action before, during, and after your ride.
Before you ride
The before-you-ride part of the trilogy deals mostly with the preventive maintenance steps you should take, which not only help your bike but increase the safety of each ride.
One of the best things you can do to improve your safety is to do a pre-ride inspection and maintenance check:
Using a gauge, check that your tire pressure is equal to the recommended level on the tireâs sidewall. (See Chapter 6 for more information on tires.)
Inspect the brake to make sure the pads are not worn and they tightly grip the wheel when you squeeze the brake levers. (See Chapter 8 for more on brakes.)
Look and listen for looseness in the handlebars, headset, wheels, and other part. (See Chapter 16 for more information on inspecting your bike.)
Whether you have a brand-new bike or a 20-year-old clunker, things go wrong when you ride. Your best bet is to be prepared and bring a toolkit along with you to help you if you get into a jam. Here are some steps you should take to prepare your toolkit (see Chapter 4 for more information):
Have a small tire pump mounted to your frame.
Include everything you need to repair a flat, including a patch, glue, tire levers, and spare inner tube (in case you blow a tube).
Include some hand tools, such as Allen wrenches, screwdrivers, a spoke wrench, and pliers. These will allow you to make adjustments as you ride.
Pack away a rag to wipe the grease off your hands when youâre finished.
If youâre planning an extended trip, youâll want to add some tools to your kit. These include a spare foldable tire, a chain tool, chain links and rivets, extra spokes, spare cables, lube, and the all-purpose MacGyver tool, duct tape. (See Chapter 4 for more information.)
While youâre preparing for a possible roadside emergency, donât forget the following:
Cellphone
Identification
Money
Energy bars
Rain jacket
Sunglasses
While you ride
Although you may not think about riding as a time for bike maintenance, there are things you can do while you ride to care for and maintain your bike. If you get into the habit of doing these things, youâll extend the life of your bike and stay safer:
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