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07-14-02, 04:16 PM
Hi guys,
I've read that it's a good idea to keep a few spare items on hand in case they're needed for an emergency do-it-yourself repair someday, so I thought I'd pick up some spare cable(s), a spoke, and some chain links. However, upon further reading, this sounds more complicated than I thought! :eek: It seems that there are different types of brake and gear cables for different types of bikes, especially ones with "indexed" shifting (I have a hybrid bike like this), and now I realize that there are different spoke lengths and chain types, too (the book said to get links of the EXACT make and model of the current chain) -- things that never occurred to a newbie like me. Is there any easy way to determine the "specifications" for certain items of the bike, like cables, spoke length, etc.? Should I just call the bike manufacturer? (The bike shop where I purchased the bike is now closed or I'd just go there.) I don't want to waste money and get the wrong things (from mail order); I read something about "universal" cables, but I don't know if that would work. And how the heck do you buy one or two chain links from a specific MAKE of bike chain?? :p Should I just get a whole new chain as a spare?
I wonder what most of you guys keep on hand for unexpected minor repairs so the bike will never be "down" for a day - small, inexpensive stuff (like I just mentioned) that you might keep at home and not necessarily in a tool kit on the bike. Any additional suggestions?
Thanks a lot,
Jeff
I've read that it's a good idea to keep a few spare items on hand in case they're needed for an emergency do-it-yourself repair someday, so I thought I'd pick up some spare cable(s), a spoke, and some chain links. However, upon further reading, this sounds more complicated than I thought! :eek: It seems that there are different types of brake and gear cables for different types of bikes, especially ones with "indexed" shifting (I have a hybrid bike like this), and now I realize that there are different spoke lengths and chain types, too (the book said to get links of the EXACT make and model of the current chain) -- things that never occurred to a newbie like me. Is there any easy way to determine the "specifications" for certain items of the bike, like cables, spoke length, etc.? Should I just call the bike manufacturer? (The bike shop where I purchased the bike is now closed or I'd just go there.) I don't want to waste money and get the wrong things (from mail order); I read something about "universal" cables, but I don't know if that would work. And how the heck do you buy one or two chain links from a specific MAKE of bike chain?? :p Should I just get a whole new chain as a spare?
I wonder what most of you guys keep on hand for unexpected minor repairs so the bike will never be "down" for a day - small, inexpensive stuff (like I just mentioned) that you might keep at home and not necessarily in a tool kit on the bike. Any additional suggestions?
Thanks a lot,
Jeff