not becoming one of those annoying zealots

Ok, so there are lots of things I do not know how to fix on a bike, but winter biking taught me pretty fast which parts usually wear out first, and why. And I have learnt how to fix/lube/replace all the basic stuff.

So within the last month I've heard the following: "oh, my bike is ruined, I had the drivetrain replaced last autumn but I left it outside all winter and now I can't turn the pedals", and "I just put on summer tires and now I can't adjust the brakes and the wheel won't even turn" followed in both cases by ... "I need a new bike!"

Agh! People! :eek: That's like saying "my T-shirt's dirty, I have to get a new one!" Bikes are made up of lots of moving parts that need lubing, and adjusting, and replacing when they wear out. You don't need a new bike, you need to take care of the one you've got!

Phew. Thank you TE. I've been biting my tongue not to say that out loud to them ;) I'm trying hard not to become one of those annoying people that have to fix everything in sight.

haha, LPH I like people like that! they are great to have along side you on a ride. I remember once our rear derailleur broke on our tandem. There were two fix-it people on the ride. They found some wire and fixed it up so that we could still ride the bike. It would have been a long 12 mile walk back to where we started.

I wish I had those powers. ahh to be the McGyver of fix its. I did take a short course on bike fixes and I feel more confident about messing with my bike- although the instructor made it sound like I was doing all of the right things with my bike. I have to thank TE for that!