So proud of myself

[Veronica]

I've always felt that I was not very mechanically inclined - due in part to my childhood. I've always done my work on my bike with Thom's help. Some things I've totally mastered - okay really one thing - changing tires. And I'm pretty good at retaping my handlebars and finishing them off with twine.

Today I had to adjust the fenders on my rear tire. Not a big deal except that the fenders attach where the brakes are, which means loosening my brakes, fixing the fender, reattaching the brakes. I HATE brake work. Mostly because if I get it wrong, bad things can happen.

But I actually knew what I was doing. I'm really glad that Thom has had the patience to work with me on this stuff, so that I can do it on my own. I didn't get to ride, because it took me so long. But that's okay. There's always tomorrow. And hopefully that stupid squeaky noise and fender rub is gone for good.


V.

[bikerz]

That's great V!

I've got a creaky squeak somewhere on my bike that's making me INSANE! I just don't even know where to begin tracking it down - It must be nice to have a live-in tutor!

[Trekhawk]

I've always felt that I was not very mechanically inclined - due in part to my childhood. I've always done my work on my bike with Thom's help. Some things I've totally mastered - okay really one thing - changing tires. And I'm pretty good at retaping my handlebars and finishing them off with twine.

Today I had to adjust the fenders on my rear tire. Not a big deal except that the fenders attach where the brakes are, which means loosening my brakes, fixing the fender, reattaching the brakes. I HATE brake work. Mostly because if I get it wrong, bad things can happen.

V.

Hey Veronica - well done. Im not in the least mechanically minded but I have been forced to fix stuff when my husbands been away and it makes me feel very proud of myself. Not talking bike stuff though still learning my way thru that.

Way to go.

[Veronica]

That's great V!

I've got a creaky squeak somewhere on my bike that's making me INSANE! I just don't even know where to begin tracking it down - It must be nice to have a live-in tutor!

I put my bike in the stand and just slowly pedaled by hand and listened. I knew it had to be in the drive train, since I only hear when I pedal. The squeakiness was back by the pulleys. I think my drive train just gets really dirty. I gave the whole thing a cleaning and lubed it again.

V.

[wabisabi]

Isn't it great to figure those things out, and feel pretty confident? when I first started, I would be worried that my wheels would fly off because maybe I hand't put them back on right. Now, this weekend, like V. (and it being officially the rainy season) I put the fenders on, adjusted them, took off the brakes and put them back on, and it all seems to work fine. I got completely engaged in it,and it was fun; I was thinking, hmmm, maybe when I retire I can be a Bike Mechanic, it would be such a nice change from working with people (oops, did I say that?)

[CorsairMac]

congrats to one and all! it is such a feeling of accomplishment when you've done it on your own!! I feel that way every time I work on my bike or do eletrical wiring (ex once told me electrical wiring was "professional work only" pffft - prlly another reason he's an ex! )

Nicely done ladies!

[Yasmin]

Yes, isn't it a thrill when we can do it by ourselves. I've really started getting into working on my own bikes. In fact, I've just started a bicycle maintenance course. Soon I'll know more than the 42 guys & 1 other woman I cycle with. Better watch that my ego doesn't get out of control!