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li10up posted this on another "bike maintenance" thread, so I guess there's good bike stuff on youtube:
http://youtube.com/watch?v=D0Xt_QCHD1U
I often look back to old threads when I have a question. There's lots of good info there. I also have a great LBS, so I don't feel stupid asking questions there. I did at first, but after struggling to change my first flat, I made them show me how they do it, and we've been friends ever since. You might want to ask them if it's okay for you to watch them work on your bike the next time you bring her in. If it's not that kind of place, then maybe you can find a TE buddy in your area who can help you learn what you want to know.
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Tires: I had been getting a fair amount of flats in the dirty winter/spring season, and switched to Specialized Armadillos. They are heavy and stiff to change, and I found I was getting just as many flats as with the regular tires. Now I ride Specialized All Condition Pro folding tires. I'm having great luck with them, and they are SO much easier to change that I am in love. I think the higher thread count helps, too.
Chain: Some of it depends on how you ride. This year, I wore out a chain a lot faster, and turns out I wrecked my cassette, too. I was on a climbing quest and did a lot of low gear mashing in trying to build my climbing stamina and strength. I'm sure that put a lot more wear on the chain.
