Old 10-09-15, 08:10 PM
  #87  
RubeRad
Keepin it Wheel
 
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Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: San Diego
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Bikes: Surly CrossCheck, Krampus

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I'm definitely going to have to learn how to do my own overhaul-level maintenance. It'd be therapeutic for me as well, as I love anything mechanical. I'll also have to invest in some essential tools, like drivetrain sockets/wrenches, and a chain whip wrench. In the end, it's hard to know whether or not I'll save any money vs. taking it to a LBS for serious maintenance. Time is also a factor as a grad student. For me, taking my bike to an LBS without a proper car rack (again, $$), and driving to and fro, also takes 1 to 1.5 hours, round trip. What would you do if you were in my shoes?
Does NCSU have a bike co-op? They would definitely have tools to borrow, and either staff to show you how to do stuff, or classes.

djb gives good advice, I would say only that when it comes to cone wrenches, having to be so thin, cheap is probably worthless. You'll get only a few uses out of them before they're mangled.
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