Bicycle Mechanics - Winter strip down and rebuild.

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Bokkie
12-03-03, 03:00 PM
That time of year when riding is limited. Idea I have is to strip my bike right down and give it a thorough clean in all the corners and a service, cable replacements, relube etc.

Only thing I dont feel too sure about is the front shock. There's nothing wrong with it and I guess the old adage "if ain't broke, don't fix it" applies. Is there anything in the headtube I should get to/check/regrease as a matter of course? I'm reluctant to strip that part down as I've never punched a star-fangled nut before and I don't know if I really need a headset press to do reassembly? Maybe that's a job for the lbs?

Everything else I'm happy with?

Any comments?

Arsbars
12-04-03, 07:45 PM
Pull off your fork (take off ur stem, it should slid out) relube/pack headset if its not sealed bearings... put some frame saver in ur headtube, you should be fine...
sch
12-04-03, 08:06 PM
The star fangled nut is dealt with only on initial build up of the bike. If you are
keeping the same fork, just leave the nut alone. Fork is removable without
touching the nut, it just anchors the socket head screw from the top. Forks may need a change of O rings and other rubbery sealants. This is doable by
an individual but not like the rest of the bike, which is just falling off a log by
comparison in complexity. You can look at the Barnett's listing at the top of this sections page or go to Park.com for their hints or go to the manufacturers
website (fork manufacturer) and see if they have instructions in rebuild.
Steve

nabwong
12-05-03, 05:27 AM
Get Zinn's mountain bike maintenance book.
Bokkie
12-05-03, 06:03 AM
Get Zinn's mountain bike maintenance book.

Got it!

Maybe I just need to get round to reading it.
dirtbikedude
12-05-03, 06:33 AM
Hey Bokkie, as for the fork, if it is fairly new and the seals are not leaking the only thing you would need do is change the fluid. Check with the manufacturer to find out what weight fluid you have then go out and get some. Remove the top caps, pour out the old fluid and replace.

If the fluid looks nasty you may want to flush the forks a few times to get the debri(sp?) out then put in the new oil. The manufacturer will also be able to tell you how much fluid to use.

:beer: