not becoming one of those annoying zealots

[lph]

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! 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.

[Biciclista]

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.

[madscot13]

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!