Self maintenance?

[madscot13]

Do you gals do your own bike maintenace? Like adjusting cables and replacing headsets? I am too scared to mess with it...

[KnottedYet]

If I have the tools already, and have good pictures to follow, I do it.

If I don't have the tools, and kinda don't know how it's supposed to go, nope.

I replaced my bars, but let the LBS replace my headset.

I'm happy to play with my brake tension with the barrel adjuster, but let the LBS do the cable-length stuff.

I replaced my own pedals after the gurus at the LBS showed me the basic idea and sold me a long-handled pedal wrench (cuz I'm a wimp and know it).

etc.

[enzed]

I'm not that good with mechanical things.

Things I can do for myself - Cleaning and lubing the drivetrain, changing a tube & tyre (although not very quickly), tightening anything that's loose, lubing the cables & applying grease on seatposts and the headset.

Everything else is done at my LBS - gear & brake adjustment, wheel building & part replacement.
I know when something is not quite right with the bike when it doesn't feel/sound right, but I don't always know the exact termonology.

Luckily I have a got LBS (which is only 1Km away from my place) who doesn't mind me asking questions & who looks after my bike well.

[margo49]

Used to do everything (incl bottom bracket bearings) when I was an Intense Young Thing. Had a thing called Richard's Bicycle Book (you know it DebW?)
Then one day I realised there were people I could pay to do it (and no swearing involved either!). Not only that, the people around me didn't have any expectation that I (or anyone else) would fix their own bike. In the meantime had a couple of Health Issues (One started with "c").
Now we have a nice LBS with nice people so I take it there. I may get back to it once I am out of Mother Mode. I enjoy looking back on all that self-sufficiency, tho' I don't need it now and I'm happy with that too. I love DebW's thread on the Old Boy she is restoring.

[Thorn]

Used to do everything (incl bottom bracket bearings) when I was an Intense Young Thing...Then one day I realised there were people I could pay to do it (and no swearing involved either!). Not only that, the people around me didn't have any expectation that I (or anyone else) would fix their own bike

Yep...about sums it up. Seems I had more time then....now, I barely have time to get out and ride, so I pay the LBS to do it. Of course, eons ago I didn't have a close, reliable shop so my repairs were just as good as the local shop could do. Now, I have a friendly, reliable, and really good LBS, not enough time, and can afford the repairs.

I suspect when I retire I'll do my own repairs again. It was fun and I miss the grease.

[DebW]

Used to do everything (incl bottom bracket bearings) when I was an Intense Young Thing. Had a thing called Richard's Bicycle Book (you know it DebW?)
Then one day I realised there were people I could pay to do it (and no swearing involved either!).

Actually, I never had Richard's Bicycle Book or any other because I learned straight from the horse's mouth, ie the owner of the bike shop I worked at. I did buy the Park book a couple years ago when I realized there was alot of new stuff (indexed shifting, sealed bearings) that I wasn't familiar with. And given that I CAN repair or replace any part on the bike, I've upgraded only twice in 30 years (the 2nd is my custom Peter Mooney frame which just went off to the paint shop). Maybe the other reason I keep working on bikes is so I have an excuse to buy TOOLS. Now I need a 2nd tool box.

[SadieKate]

Yeah, I've learned straight from the horse mouth also. Though we don't have the tools for pressing headsets or chacing bottom brackets so those definitely go off to the bike shop. We do have a homemade dowel system for headsets but I'm too lazy and will pay for some stuff to be done. I mean with 17+ bikes in the house you can't do it all and still have time to ride.

[roguedog]

17+ ????!!!!

(said in awe with strong tints of jealousy) What are they and how do they differ for you?

oh... you just made me feel better ...:D

[SJCzar]

I would love to learn how to do more myself. I plan on taking some classes at REI one of these days. Beyond keeping it cleaned and lubed the rest gets done at the LBS.

I'm spoiled because the mechanic is also a friend of mine so he always offers to do anything that's needed. I went in to buy some new bar tape and I wasn't even allowed to try and put it on myself. When I said I could, I was told that "No, you really can't" ..... he has no confidence in my technical abilities. And unfortunately at this point he's completely right.

[Kitsune06]

With Mz Cakes, I could do most of the basics myself. i.e. derailleur adjustment, brake adjustment, indexing, cable threading etc...

Merqueri is very different... but I want to try.
Last night I seasoned the chain with Prolink lube (clean with degreaser, then dish soap, then dry, lube liberally, throw in the oven at 300* stick a fork in it- it's done!) and cleaned the rest of the drive train... replaced the pedals (with my smartys!)

...tonight I venture into the scary world of replacing handlebars and stem... and wrapping! :eek:

any suggestions?
Should I "just not try?"
Then again,
I could wrap a damm mean bat back in the day... (and wooden katanas/wakizashis etc....) :D

[madscot13]

...tonight I venture into the scary world of replacing handlebars and stem... and wrapping! :eek:

I could wrap a damm mean bat back in the day... (and wooden katanas/wakizashis etc....) :D



Kitsune- I am scared- but slightly intrigued. On the other hand how haerd is it to wrap? My bike has gnarly tape and I want to redo it- unless I would be making it even more gnarly.

[DebW]

Merqueri is very different... but I want to try.

...tonight I venture into the scary world of replacing handlebars and stem... and wrapping! :eek:

any suggestions?
Should I "just not try?"
Then again,
I could wrap a damm mean bat back in the day... (and wooden katanas/wakizashis etc....) :D

Sure. Go for it. If you remove the stem on a threadless fork, you have to readjust the headset - just a matter of getting the correct tension on the allen bolt on top before you clamp down the stem. Wrapping bars in not much harder than wrapping a bat, except for the BENDS and the BRAKE LEVERS. Overlap turns by 1/3 and try to stretch the tape as you round a bend. And try not to run out of tape before the end of the bar.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

...tonight I venture into the scary world of replacing handlebars and stem... and wrapping! :eek:

any suggestions?

Are you replacing the drop bars with something else? Are you putting a shorter stem on?
My suggestion is to do the replacing stem and bars thing first- but don't wrap the bars yet. Ride it for a couple of weeks, because you may well want to make adjustments in where the hoods sit, or the hood angles. It is also quite possible that you will want a different size stem than what you are putting on. These things are hard to judge after one or two rides- especially if you are new to the dropped down road posture. Once you wrap, you can't make these changes anymore until you strip the tape and buy new tape again.

If you put too short a stem, your steering will become wobbly and annoying. Your body will slowly adapt to the new position to a certain extent, and the reach will seem less long and way more comfortable after a couple of months riding.

[Kitsune06]

Deb- I knew you'd have some wisdom for me :) Thank you. Regarding the proper tension on the allen bolt, is that something with an inherent trick to it, or should it feel self-explanatory?

any suggestions for wrapping around the brake levers?


Are you replacing the drop bars with something else? Are you putting a shorter stem on?
My suggestion is to do the replacing stem and bars thing first- but don't wrap the bars yet. Ride it for a couple of weeks, because you may well want to make adjustments in where the hoods sit, or the hood angles. It is also quite possible that you will want a different size stem than what you are putting on. These things are hard to judge after one or two rides- especially if you are new to the dropped down road posture. Once you wrap, you can't make these changes anymore until you strip the tape and buy new tape again.

If you put too short a stem, your steering will become wobbly and annoying. Your body will slowly adapt to the new position to a certain extent, and the reach will seem less long and way more comfortable after a couple of months riding.

You suggest I ride unwrapped?
I'm switching the drops that came on it with a slightly different bar. Like the Salsa Short 'n Shallow... and narrower, too. 36cm, fitted to my shoulder width, which fit *inside* the bars the former owner had.
The stem on it currently is pretty long for me. With the seat moved to a place where I get the proper KOP, my torso is stretched way out, with straight elbows to even reach the hoods, so there's a lot of weight on my hands, rather uncomfortably.
But yes, I feel like I'm venturing into very foreign territory. I believe in going what 'feels right'... but the whole concept of riding in that road position, with drop handlebars, is still strange, to the point that I don't know what 'right' is yet.

[margo49]

Sure. . And try not to run out of tape before the end of the bar.

Ouch, that hit a nerve!
There are some things you do *once* so you can say you have done them. Taping falls into this category for me.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

any suggestions for wrapping around the brake levers?

You suggest I ride unwrapped?
I'm switching the drops that came on it with a slightly different bar. Like the Salsa Short 'n Shallow... and narrower, too. 36cm, fitted to my shoulder width, which fit *inside* the bars the former owner had.
The stem on it currently is pretty long for me. With the seat moved to a place where I get the proper KOP, my torso is stretched way out, with straight elbows to even reach the hoods, so there's a lot of weight on my hands, rather uncomfortably.
But yes, I feel like I'm venturing into very foreign territory. I believe in going what 'feels right'... but the whole concept of riding in that road position, with drop handlebars, is still strange, to the point that I don't know what 'right' is yet.

That's how I felt at first too when I switched from hybrid to road bike. I went through the whole weight on hands thing too, and I didn't really know how it all was "supposed" to feel. It's all new stuff and doesn't always feel right at first. It'll all work well in the end for you. It takes time to recognize what feels right and what works for you. Those sound like a very good choice of bars you are putting on, and good to put a slightly shorter stem. Keep in mind that your body and muscles will also be adjusting with time to the new position, making it slowly become more comfortable as well.
I only meant that before putting your tape on you should ride and make adjustments for a while. Some adjustments, like where the hoods go or how they are slanted, can't be changed after taping up. It won't hurt anything to ride without bar tape for a week or two- just put some electrical tape here and there to hold the cables in place until you tape.

As to tips for taping around the brake levers- you can cut a 3" piece of tape before you start, and wrap it around the bar right at the hood area, with the ends pointing up where they will be covered by the hood gums when you fold it back down. This will cover the little triangular bar "gap" for you and make it easier to just skip and angle around the gap under hoods as you tape along with the long piece. The long tape will cover the edges of the 3" piece as you go.

[Kitsune06]

I'm wondering if it'd be possible or advisable to wrap temporarily using the wrap that's currently on the older bars; something that, while not great looking, would still provide some 'grip' just in case it rains. (I intend to use Merqueri to commute for awhile to get the feel for her new positioning) hanging on to bare metal bar, using a semi-broken-in brooks (with a plastic bag on it if it rains...) sounds like a slippery affair, but I agree that making the leap to final taping so quickly may be hasty moving on my part.

[DebW]

Ouch, that hit a nerve!
There are some things you do *once* so you can say you have done them. Taping falls into this category for me.

When I wrapped my bars with cloth tape last year, it took 3 tries on one side before I reached the end. Double ouch. I like to put a fancy figure-8 around the levers, and that's an extra 2 wraps. I think that was the last time I'll go for cloth tape. Besides being short, the stuff doesn't stretch and makes it tough to go around bends without leaving wrinkles. Wise choice of tape will make the job easier.

For the allen bolt above the stem, see http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=65#adjust. Leave the stem loose, take out the play in the fork with the allen bolt in the top cap, then tighten the stem bolts. You can play with it by moving the allen bolt
in 1/8 turn increments and checking it out. Should feel smooth but with no play in the fork and no binding. Try riding it a tad loose and a tad tight to get the feel for it. It will be obvious when you do.

[DebW]

I'm wondering if it'd be possible or advisable to wrap temporarily using the wrap that's currently on the older bars; something that, while not great looking, would still provide some 'grip' just in case it rains.

If the old tape is usable, go ahead and use it. But if it was well stuck to the bars you'll probably rip it getting it off. If necessary, buy some cheap not-very-sticky tape that you can undo and rewap a few times. You indeed may want to reposition the brake levers a few times until they feel perfect.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I'm wondering if it'd be possible or advisable to wrap temporarily using the wrap that's currently on the older bars; something that, while not great looking, would still provide some 'grip' just in case it rains. (I intend to use Merqueri to commute for awhile to get the feel for her new positioning) hanging on to bare metal bar, using a semi-broken-in brooks (with a plastic bag on it if it rains...) sounds like a slippery affair, but I agree that making the leap to final taping so quickly may be hasty moving on my part.

Like Deb says, when you take off the old tape it may rip or be stretched and lumpy. But if you can re-use it why not? Electrical tape may be ok for temporary tape- but I think it's way more hassle than it's worth. If you wear biking gloves (with leather palms) it won't really be like gripping bare metal anyway, and I doubt it would be slippery with the padded leather palms. When we change stems and stuff, taping comes later on when we are all settled in and happy with all the changes. Heck, you have plenty to keep you busy for now anyway! ;)

When you do tape, you'll need to overlap more on the curves, ...but on the straight parts, try to stretch the tape and only overlap a bare 1/8" to conserve tape til the end, or you may run out 2" from the end. (and why the heck don't they just give us the lousy extra 3" leeway to begin with??? God knows they get enough money for the stuff!) :mad: :mad:

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Do you gals do your own bike maintenace? Like adjusting cables and replacing headsets? I am too scared to mess with it...

Some stuff is way easier than other stuff.
I suggest you get Park's Blue book of bicycle repair & maintenance. You can get used cheaper copies on Amazon.com. Read about the procedure you are thinking of doing, look at the diagrams, and if you think you understand what they are saying then try it. :)

[KnottedYet]

I really like taping bars. It's kinda like knitting. Quiet and contemplative.

Samson and Cinelli tapes are nice to work with.

[Kitsune06]

Update:
So last night I put Merq up on the trainer and phutzed and farted around until I had the old stem annd handlebars off, brake/shifters off, etc. You're right, Deb, I could tell right away when the 'cap' was on right. The new stem, along with a slight upward tilt on the brooks and slightly different posturing solved some other problems I was having, as well.

The Salsa short'n shallow is proving very comfortable, too.

I'd gotten Specialized bar phat tape, but decided to re-use the old tape as it still looked like new and had come off well (and in one piece)

I did use the the gel pads, though.

Re-wrapping was amazingly easy. I only backed off a couple times in a couple places. There are two small 'burps' in the tape, where the foamy material of the tape had been stretched in the previous wrapping. I ended up doing a figure-8 as well, as that was what had been done previously.

so.... I think I'm going for my first ride after work tonight, if the weather allows....

*hope! hope! hope!*

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

so.... I think I'm going for my first ride after work tonight, if the weather allows....

*hope! hope! hope!*

GREAT! Keep in mind that your body and your muscles will also do some adjusting over time, and things that seem a bit weird and uncomfortable now may not seem so in a month- at least that's what happended to me. I think my core muscles strengthened over the weeks after switching from a hybrid to a road bike posture.

[Kitsune06]

Yeah, I'm told that as I go on the trainer, my body moves back and forth a bit which will make me go ~~~~~~~~~ on the road (not used to something so weight and balance sensitive!) but X says I'll get used to that and get used to being 'very still'. I'm still anxious about clipping/unclipping on a tippy road bike. It's like bass boat vs. canoe... :eek: but I'm excited!!!! :D :D :D :p :cool:

[DebW]

Yeah, I'm told that as I go on the trainer, my body moves back and forth a bit which will make me go ~~~~~~~~~ on the road (not used to something so weight and balance sensitive!) but X says I'll get used to that and get used to being 'very still'. I'm still anxious about clipping/unclipping on a tippy road bike. It's like bass boat vs. canoe... :eek: but I'm excited!!!! :D :D :D :p :cool:

And like a boat, the lower you put your center of gravity, the more stable you are. On a bike, that mean weight on your feet for stability.

[madscot13]

I was thinking that if I was too scared to mess with my trek 520 that I could take an old internal three speed that has been rusting away and try and fix that up. Nothing to the extent that you have been doing Deb, but it would get my hands wet, I mean greasy. What do you think Deb?

[DebW]

I was thinking that if I was too scared to mess with my trek 520 that I could take an old internal three speed that has been rusting away and try and fix that up. Nothing to the extent that you have been doing Deb, but it would get my hands wet, I mean greasy. What do you think Deb?

The advantage of the Trek 520 is that your LBS has parts and can give you advice and it's NOT rusty. How rusty is the 3-speed? How many parts need to be replaced? Chances are you could clean the chain, oil the hubs, headset, and bb and be able to ride it. And you could learn by dismantling hubs, bb, etc if you want. It would be a fun project.

[madscot13]

Yeah that sounds good, I am not into replacing parts hardcore. But I think it wuld be fun to replace the brakes and all of the cables of the bike, change the tires, and that easy stuff that I should learn how to do. I don't know how I feel about replacing bearings and taking apart the hub and oiling it however.


yeah the more I think about it, the more fun it sounds.

I actually get the trek 520 back from rei tomorrow. woot! woot!

[madscot13]

I am not so sure what to do about the rust. Right now it just seems cosmetic.

replacing super worn out parts may be a job for next next summer.

[smilingcat]

But brake cables, brake pad should not be so old... Last thing you want to happen is brake cable snapping at the brake handle side or the rubber on the pad so old that it just slide on the wheel (no stopping power).

If the brake cable has any sign of rust, REPLACE it!! or if it seems not very pliable replace it.

[DebW]

Yeah that sounds good, I am not into replacing parts hardcore. But I think it wuld be fun to replace the brakes and all of the cables of the bike, change the tires, and that easy stuff that I should learn how to do. I don't know how I feel about replacing bearings and taking apart the hub and oiling it however.


If the hubs are designed for oil, there will be an oil port and you won't have to take them apart. But it's still worth doing sometime just to learn and to get the cones adjusted properly.

[madscot13]

I got my bike back from the REI bike shop yesterday. I got some new cables and a new headset, cleaned out pedals, my drive train was scrubbed and shiny ( I didn;t know that it was silver, honestly), and most importantly my brakes work! It was a great job better than I could do on my own.

That said cleaning and lubing should be up to me from now on. I will work on it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Kit,
So how are the new stem and handlebars working out for you? Is it solving the reach issue? Are you getting used to having a "tall & tippy" bike yet?

[Kitsune06]

:D :D :D

I'm finally feeling like I can really stretch out (but not too much!) still working on placement a little, might tip things up or down a little, but not too much. Spent this morning's ride in on my little hill and racing cars on the little straightaway (woulda caught the one SUV, but the road took a little uphill there for awhile...)

:D :D :D

I'm loving it! :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

Great!

Isn't it wonderful to be up high and cruising down the road? I love it...I love the feeling of "floating" on my bike. It's like my bike is just holding me up in the air while I fly... (...and it took 8 months of adjustments to both my bike and my body to finally feel that way. :rolleyes:)