Removing front wheel

[tulip]

When you bring your bike in, ask them to give you a quick lesson on taking both wheels off. I assume you don't yet know how to change a flat. Ask the bike shop if they offer newbie bike maintenance lessons so you can practice these things. REI offers such classes.

[indysteel]

When you bring your bike in, ask them to give you a quick lesson on taking both wheels off. I assume you don't yet know how to change a flat. Ask the bike shop if they offer newbie bike maintenance lessons so you can practice these things. REI offers such classes.

I second this. Quick Release skewers are really handy--unless you don't really understsand how to use them correctly. If you don't tighten them enough when putting your front wheel back on your bike, they can come open on their own and lead to a serious accident. Once you have it figured out, it's really easy though!

[Pedal Wench]

One more bit of advice. Well, two. Some tires will come out without anything being done to the brakes. The wheel just comes out.

When re-tightening the quick release, I've heard two things. One is that you should need to use the fork for leverage to close it. If you don't, it's not tight enough. The other along the same line is that it should be tight enough to leave an imprint in your hand to close it.

And, if you're doing any riding at all, learn how to do front and rear wheels, and learn how to change a flat so you never have to let a flat ruin a ride.

[RoadBunner]

I looked up the REI classes and am planning on going to the next one. I bought all the stuff I need to change a tire, but that's pretty useless if you don't learn how to use it .

[tulip]

Good job, Bunner! You are sure to inspire a whole slew of newbies (and maybe even some not-so-newbies!)

[SouthernBelle]

I don't have the urls at hand, but there are several excellent videos on YouTube on changing flats. A simple search should pull them up.

BTW, think of the skewer ar your wheel's little removable axle. The first time I pulled it out to put in the one for the trainer, it kinda freaked me.

[tulip]

don't lose the little springs when you take the skewer out.