Classic & Vintage - "owner's manual" for used bikes

I need to put together a little brochure that would explain the most basic bicycle maintenance for the benefit of the new owner of a used bike.

You know the stuff... never ride without sufficient air in the tires; how to fix a flat tire; periodic maintenance such as drive train lubrication; &c.

So my question is:

Does anyone know of such a brochure, anywhere on the internet for example, that I could use?

If it comes to writing it myself, what information would you suggest I include? I want this thing to fit on one piece of paper, folded in half (that's four small pages). Smaller would be better.

It sounds like a good idea to me, and I'd be surprised if one of the bike brainiacs here hasn't already compiled one.

I'll start it off, if that's what your looking for:

1) Always wear a helmet.

Cue like 6 members plugging their personal websites.

Geez, the legal disclaimers will take up a whole page, Rudi!

Neal

Geez, the legal disclaimers will take up a whole page, Rudi!

Neal

Yes, I know, that's why I want this to be a two-page brochure. I'll put the legal mumbo jumbo on page three.

:lol: I see what you did there.


I'm sure its not an extensive list. Bikes aren't terribly complicated.

#1 - WD-40 is not a substitute for proper lubricant.

Good one. WD 40 is not a proper substitute for anything.

#2 check brakes regularly and adjust if needed.

#1 - WD-40 is not a substitute for proper lubricant.

Yeah, which raises another, potentially more interesting, point. I've been asked to do this for the Bike Exchange where I volunteer; they'd like to be able to give each new bike owner a handout that tells them what they need to know. That's fine, but I don't see how I can give advice that blatantly contradicts what our volunteer mechanics do. I'd like to recommend our customers patch their innertubes, rather than replace them all the time; but we almost always replace them. I'd recommend a real patch kit; but when we do patch, we use pre-glued ones. So I can recommend against WD-40, but... well, that's the only lubricant we use at the Bike Exchange. I bought a bottle of oil once, but I think someone spilled it on the floor and that was the end of it.

This is a great idea for newbies, Rudi.
How about:

"Lube the seat post and stem".
"Toe-in howling brake shoes"
"Chain length = Big ring + big cog +2 links"
"Use new ball bearings"

This is a great idea for newbies, Rudi.
How about:

"Lube the seat post and stem".
"Toe-in howling brake shoes"
"Chain length = Big ring + big cog +2 links"
"Use new ball bearings"

Well, now we're getting into advice for the volunteer mechanics rather than the end user. I've also been thinking of putting up posters in the shop, with information of this kind. I'm sooo tired of explaining that phrases like "twenty six inch tire" don't actually tell anyone anything.

Rudi it sounds like you've got a tough road if you've got to strike a balance between providing correct information and providing information that conforms to how a specific shop does their work.

It sounds to me like perhaps the handout needs to be given to the wrench monkeys as well as the customers. And a Can of Finish Line 1-Step (http://www.finishlineusa.com/products/1-step.htm)

Peugeot Owner's Manual (http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Site%20Contents/Bicycle_Basics/Catalogs_Scans/Doc_Scans_Peugeot_OwnMan_1980_1.htm)

http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/Bicycles_Table/Catalog_Scans/Peogeot_Owners_Manual_1986_1/Man_Scn_Peugeot_1_Done_6.jpg

A - Air pressure in tires / wheels on correctly aligned and in good condition
B - Brakes adjusted properly and working
C - Chain (drivetrain) chain lubed and drivetrain in working order including BB.

You might add headset and when you should adjust it

Problematic conditions such as odd noises (from the bike not the rider) while moving.

I think a small tag that just provides a link to Randy Jawa's web site might be enough. http://www.mytenspeeds.com/My_TenSpeeds_1/FREE_SITE_1/FREE_SITE_1_HOME.htm