Bicycle Mechanics - New Brake Pads

I just dropped my bike off at the shop to have my disc brake bads replaced. I left my bike in my garage for a couple days and apparently someone got oil on them. So now they just groan at me. I dont know anything about fixing my bike myself, so I have to pay more for these little repairs. They are gonna call me tomorrow to tell me how much it will cost. Does anyone know what I should be charged? I don't wanna get ripped off, and I don't feel so confident that I won't cause Ive never been to this place for repairs before.
Also I ordered a new topeak tool kit so I can start to learn how to maintain and repair my bike. Does anyone know where I could find a good beginners guide for bike repairs on the internet? I just want to be able to make emergency repairs and be able to adjust my derailleurs and brakes and the like.

to tell you the truth i was a bit scared to take off my disc pads in the first place because they came on my bike, so when i asked how to take them off the person at avid was a bit.. lets say *surprised*..BAck to the point.. it only involved taking the wheel off the fork or fram or both.. and pulling the pads out and putting in new ones. Disc brake pads are not cheap, most ar 20+ for a pair of 2 for one brake so you need a total of 4. expect around $40 for the pads alone.. take the front wheel off one day and see if you can take them out yourself, its not as hard as it seems.. unlike me ;)

best of luck,
Kevin

www.parktool.com is good for some of the basics.

dont be scared to do anything with your bike, the last thing you can do is buy a replacement part for the one you broke. I take everything apart, and if i cant get it back together, then i go to a shop and have them do it. Be confident!

Originally posted by Diligum
Does anyone know where I could find a good beginners guide for bike repairs on the internet?

This site has the basics-

http://members.aol.com/biketune/

now they just groan at me

you ride a Trek Fuel by any chance?

Read and jump in and start working.

Remember to learn from the mistakes.

Be independent.

Originally posted by Diligum
I dont know anything about fixing my bike myself, so I have to pay more for these little repairs. They are gonna call me tomorrow to tell me how much it will cost.

If there is any one maintananc/repair that EVERY bicycle owner/rider must be able to do it is work on brakes.

The brakes are simply too important to be ignorant about. If you can't fix your own brakes, then you probably don't know when they need maintanance until it is virtually too late.

Learn how to maintain, repair, and replace your brakes and brake cables.

Diligum, u said u had a tektro disk brake, first of all, what model is your bike and what model is the brake, thanx:beer: :D :D

When replacing brake pads, pay attention to the brand and material of the new ones. I'm a hard-core KoolStop fan; there are a few other good brands, but lots of inferior ones which ruin your rims and reduce your braking effectiveness.