XaviG

When I get a used or new bike, what parts should I always keep an eye on (before during and after riding)? When doing check-ups, is there a particular area I should concentrate on?
This coincides with what I should look out for when getting a used bike. And a new one I guess.

Carson Dyle

I went to college on a very hilly campus and honestly don't think that a bike would have made things any easier. Actually, the opposite. Unless you have more than, say two miles (about a 30 minute walk) to get to campus, or your campus is unusually spread out, I'd say stick to walking. If you want to make walking up those hills about 100 times easier than it is now, drop about 80 lbs.

XaviG

what I mean to say is that my commutes are not on flat roads. This semester at least doesn't require me going on the steepest road on campus, but there are still some light slopes here and there. I'm still gonna get a bike I think. There is one supper steep road (maybe not up to San Francisco standards) that might require me to just walk up it like I've seen others do, but I think its doable as I've observed. Dropping 80 lbs is certainly something I need to do regardless.

XaviG

Another reason I want a bike (I should have mentioned in the original post) is there is a lot more leeway on the times you need to get to classes. I've woken up from naps a few minutes before class started and either got there in the nick of time or a few minutes late. I'm the type of guy that attends all my classes and does not like to be late.

XaviG

Does anyone have opinions on Post #26

MRT2

Once you get a bike set up correctly, not much. Tire pressure for sure, as bike tires lose pressure very quickly, so check tire pressure every couple of days at least and get a pump to top off pressure. I always check brakes and wheels before every ride. Nothing fancy. Just spin the wheels to see that they are true. Then check the brakes to make sure they are working. Then ride.

Clean and lube the chain every couple of weeks, maybe more often if you ride in wet or dirty conditions.

XaviG

Does chain regreasing require degreasing it first or is a quick wipe enough?

XaviG

what should my pressure gauge read? is it like 35 for a car? I don't drive very often.
or can I just eyeball it.

bmthom.gis

Your tires will say what the recommended pressure is, and 35 is too low for a bike. A mountain bike used on trails, sure, but on teh road, there is no reason to not pump them up to at east 45-50. A road bike around 100, and hybrids, 60-80 usually, though YMMV based on tire widths.

As for other stuff....nah you don't really need to degrease your chain, dry lube works better and you will want to clean things off every now and again. My opinion is that since chains will need to be changed around every 1000 miles, no need to take a bunch of time and really clean what is on it. You can use a hose and spray down your drive train, just be careful around your bottom bracket and hubs, spray some lube on the chain and you are good to go.

If you get a new bike, just be aware that there is a break in period and after 100 miles or so the cables connected to stuff will stretch and will need to be adjusted. Very easy to do.

Also, check out this for absolute basics
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_bGcuezsIo

if you end up with a used bike, it is never a bad idea to take it to a bike shop and have them give it a once over.

XaviG

Thanks everyone for your advice and recommendations. I've still got a bit more research to do on my own. If i narrow down my choices or purchase a bike I may post a new thread about what you guys think.

If anyone still has any advice of any kind, I will still be on the look-out.

Plus, I might come back here if/when I think of new questions.

Darth Lefty 

For a college almost any decent old bike will do. When you get to school you will probably see a huge variety of fixies, old ten speeds, mountain bikes, and BMX. You shouldn't spend too much thought on trying to get the perfect thing for a ten minute ride. If any good old bike has survived to the present day it's probably servicable. I'm presently bike-commuting about twice a week on a 42 year old Schwinn.

dynaryder

If you buy from a co-op,they should go over all this with you. You can find maintenance books at any bookstore,or read ParkTool's on-line help. For your tires,I don't bother using a gauge since that usually lets enough air out that you wind up pumping them up anyway. Check them at least once a week,they will bleed down that quickly. The tire will have the pressure range on the sidewall. Use a proper bike pump(most shops have them in front,would be surprised if the college didn't have one somewhere),many gas stations have regulators that limit their air. Cars usually only go to 30-40psi,bikes usually take 50+.

MRT2

1,000 miles? IMO, that sounds pretty low. It isn't all that hard to clean a chain with degreaser, then re lube. This is pretty much what my LBS told me to do.Bike Repair: How to Clean & Lube Chain | Bicycling Magazine

dedhed

Salsa Casseroll 56cm (gearing 3x10)

"Novara Forza" ** HYBRID / COMMUTER ** ( Size = 22" / XL )

Trek 7500 (Rare Made in USA!) Like New/Hybrid/Loaded! 24Spd! 20"L

Diamonback Sorrento/21Spd/NewCond/21"Lg.Tall/26"Tires

XaviG

Thank you for this.

XaviG

I'm currently inquiring about the Diamondback, anyone have thoughts on it?

Fixie_noob

Hey fellas
I'm also kind of new to the fixed gear scene.. I really love these bikes and find them convenient to commute long distances... I was thinking of selling my old one and buying one from a reputable bike shop near by.. I've been looking at leader bikes and crew but mostly leaning on to crew because I can buy a complete nice looking bike for the same price I would get a leader frame set and slowly building it myself but end up spending a grip load more.. So I'm wondering if you guys could help me expand my choices... And I would use it for school and work mostly. Thanks!

gsa103

Quick wipe to remove surface grit, then apply a drop of oil to each link. You can certainly get fancier, but little maintenance done regularly goes a very very long way.

fietsbob

Bear in Mind, College campuses are a place to steal bikes .. I would recommend seeking out a Bike CoOp , often student union runs one.
for in person bike maintenance training and tool use.

a rebuilt used bike will get you around Fine. And get some Serious Locks to keep what you Bought.

XaviG

So I bought the Diamondback (linked above). it is now in my possession. Feel free to tell me all the pros and cons of the bike.
A couple cons I found when he was showing it off is both tires have a quick release mechanism.
I have 2 chains and 3 locks. I'll have to do some experimentation, but do you think I can secure both tires and the bike with 2 chains?
It didn't come with a kickstand but he went ahead and gave me one.
Thanks

bmthom.gis

congrats! There is nothing wrong with it...just get out and ride! If you look around other topics, you will see tips on how to lock it up

Carson Dyle

Yes, you can. Always make sure you secure both wheels as well as the frame.

Seldom necessary, and just more weight to drag around with you. 99% of the time that you lock your bike, it will be propped up against something - a bike rack, a railing, a lamp post, a tree. When you're not locking it up because you're nearby, lay it on the ground.

XaviG

The seller told me something similar. The excuse I used was I didn't want my bike leaning against any walls in my apartment (which is VERY small). plus the stand is aluminum and extremely light. I'm sure I'll discover soon enough if I want to keep it on.