BummBull

I'm thinking of doing my own bike repair and maintenance. Mainly b/c I hate taking my bike to the LBS and then not being able to ride for couple of days, and I don't like the cost. Also, I do like to shop around for new components and accessories, but I hesitate to get it b/c I would have to take the bike in to the LBS to have it placed.

But in order for me to start doing my own repair, I have to buy my own tools and a bike stand. Tools will probably cost me around $200 and a bike stand would be around $100 and $20 bike mechanic book. Is it worth it to do my own repair? Or is it difficult and frustrating? Besides getting a book, is there a good website with bike mechanic videos?

LowCel 

It is definitely worth it. Good websites are park tool's site and Sheldon Brown's site as well as youtube. The only downsides I have found so far is having to work on and build my friends bikes for them.

pdedes

do it. but be prepared with the appropriate response when family, friends and neighbours ask you to fix theirs.

bovee2383

tools are expensive. especially the part specific tools. be prepared to fix everyone else bike too!

Smart2k

I've just decided to do all my own work. Took my bike to the LBS a couple of weeks ago, and was relying on them to check it out during their 'Service'. Fitting new chain and cassette tomorrow that they failed to spot.
Agreed, need to invest in tools, but hopefully will save in the long run!
First investment : Zinn and the art of road cycle maintenance

vladvm

a bicycle is a very simple machine. buy the tools and learn. have fun!

Carbon Unit

I plan on replacing my group maybe in the next year and I want to do the work myself. I think changing out the brakes, crank and running would be fairly straight forward but I heard that adjusting the front dr is more difficult. My only concern would be putting everything back together and it doesn't shift right. I guess at that point I could always take to a shop to get things adjusted.

caloso

Yes, I find it very satisfying to ride a perfectly tuned and silent bike that I have wrenched myself.

davidad

A am the wrench for myself and my group of old f...olks. One retired teacher asked me to help her learn to work on her own bikes. She has rebuilt a rear wheel on one of my bikes and did a credible job.

crazy canuck's

i agree ...

Jaye

I never really fancied myself much of a wrench but I not too long ago had to adjust my FD due to the LBS not getting it done the first time. And last night I needed new brake pads but also had a rear brake that was sticking due to old cables. Replaced the pads on both wheels with Kool Stop Salmons, and recabled the rear brake in an hour. Total cost was $4 for housing, $3 for the inner cable, and $10 x 2 for pads, so $27. Labor from the shop would have been another $39. Definatly worth it in my eyes, and that took no special tools so just doing a few of the more simple things for yourself will easily pay for the stand and tools. That is my plan going forward anyhow.

rishardh

I'll do it my self and then let the LBS re-do whatever I messed up. I cut my own hair too and then run to the barber when I make a mess of my hair. The only difference is I tell the barber that my wife tried to cut my hair.

mmmdonuts

Yes. I am also my only and best customer unless I screw something up.

BummBull

I just ordered Park Tool Advanced mechanic tool kit, bike stand, and their bike mechanic book. I may need to order few more specific tools like bottom bracket remover, but I'll do that later.

hodie21

Yes,

I do everything myself. Haven't built wheels yet. Though I plan to.

UCIMBZ

We broke them down and put them back up all the time as kids. Just stayed with it as they got more complicated. Not much to it. One word of advice, try to get a used cheap one and start taking it apart and puting it back together. Saves a lot of heart ache.

hairnet

You can also try to find out if there is a co-op in the area so that way you can work on your bike without having to buy a load of bike specific tools

pbd

Word. My co-op also has a series of classes that are reportedly quite good. Bad night of the week for me last time around, I'm hoping they do the classes a different night next time.

Carbon Unit

How do I find a co-op?

johnny99

You can do most bicycle maintenance with about $35 worth of tools (a few hex wrenches, cable cutter, chain tool, spoke wrench, cassette lockring + whip). I lean my bike against a tree when I'm working on it.

Lots of good instruction manuals on line, including the Park and Shimano web sites.

Expensive tools are rarely needed. If you ever find that you need one, think about buying it then (perhaps years from now) or pay the shop to do that repair.

unixd0od

I really enjoy doing my own mechanic work and try to do as much of it myself as I can. Pretty much the only thing I rely on the LBS mechanics for is wheel truing. My bike just feels so much more personal to me when I've greased and tightened every thread on it with my own hands.

pbd

Google.

A quick search turned this up: https://www.thebicycletree.org/

There might be more out there. Also try local bike shops or asking people on group rides.

rdtompki

Also, find an LBS that can provide better turnaround and purchase there when it makes sense. There is always something in the beginning that you can't quite get right and it never hurts to spend a few bucks to have it done right.

mazdaspeed

Just buy basic tools, then specific ones when the need arises, instead of spending a bunch of $ up front on stuff you might not need for several months.

Carbon Unit

Wow, this place is 10 minutes from my house. Thanks, I had no idea these places existed.