Just do it
#1
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Saratoga calif.
Posts: 1,049
Bikes: Miyata 610(66cm), GT Vantara Hybrid (64cm), Nishiki International (64cm), Peugeot rat rod (62 cm), Trek 800 Burning Man helicopter bike, Bob Jackson frame (to be restored?) plus a never ending stream of neglected waifs from the Bike exchange.
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 339 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 631 Times
in
229 Posts
Just do it
I am constantly reading posts where the person wants to do something to his / her bike but is unwilling or feels unable to do it themselves.
A few years ago I was in somewhat the same position, having never done anything more than change a tire on my bike
( full disclosure here - I was a carpenter,cabinet maker for 40 years who restored cars and sailboats for a hobby so I have lots of mechanical experience.)
When I started volunteering at the Bike Exchange I quickly learned by doing and now 3 years later I can do most repairs.
One thing most neophytes don't realize is how easy it is to disassemble and re assemble a bike.
My point and advice is , if you don't get your hands dirty you will never really get to know your bike. If you have some $5000. piece of jewelry you should probably just have a display case made for it so you don't get it dirty and hang it in your living room. For the rest of you, take that sucker apart and put it back together a few times just for fun.
Alternatively go out and by a $50. Craigslist bike in decent condition and take it apart.
Buy a few tools, all of which you can by cheaply at Harbor Freight and Amazon.
At harbour freight
8" crescent wrench
Box end wrench set 7-16 mm
Metric Allan wrench set
4 in one screw driver
can of WD40
tube of lithium grease
At Amazon
set of cheap cone wrenches 13,14,15,16 mm park tool
cheap plastic tire levers
and just do it. If you have any questions look on you tube or ask here but JUST DO IT!!!
I can disassemble a bike in about 1/2 hour and clean and re assemble everything in about 4-8 hours and I am no pro.
You should be able to do the same. The first time will be slower as you find out which wrench fits what part and probably have difficulty with the seat post or the stem or the bottom bracket or some thing else but if it is a $50 craigslist bike so what. Just make sure to tag and bag everything as you go so you don't loose anything (taking pictures with your smart phone as you go is also a must. )
The second time you will do it in half the time and after the third time you will be a semi pro.
So, go ahead,
DO IT !
A few years ago I was in somewhat the same position, having never done anything more than change a tire on my bike
( full disclosure here - I was a carpenter,cabinet maker for 40 years who restored cars and sailboats for a hobby so I have lots of mechanical experience.)
When I started volunteering at the Bike Exchange I quickly learned by doing and now 3 years later I can do most repairs.
One thing most neophytes don't realize is how easy it is to disassemble and re assemble a bike.
My point and advice is , if you don't get your hands dirty you will never really get to know your bike. If you have some $5000. piece of jewelry you should probably just have a display case made for it so you don't get it dirty and hang it in your living room. For the rest of you, take that sucker apart and put it back together a few times just for fun.
Alternatively go out and by a $50. Craigslist bike in decent condition and take it apart.
Buy a few tools, all of which you can by cheaply at Harbor Freight and Amazon.
At harbour freight
8" crescent wrench
Box end wrench set 7-16 mm
Metric Allan wrench set
4 in one screw driver
can of WD40
tube of lithium grease
At Amazon
set of cheap cone wrenches 13,14,15,16 mm park tool
cheap plastic tire levers
and just do it. If you have any questions look on you tube or ask here but JUST DO IT!!!
I can disassemble a bike in about 1/2 hour and clean and re assemble everything in about 4-8 hours and I am no pro.
You should be able to do the same. The first time will be slower as you find out which wrench fits what part and probably have difficulty with the seat post or the stem or the bottom bracket or some thing else but if it is a $50 craigslist bike so what. Just make sure to tag and bag everything as you go so you don't loose anything (taking pictures with your smart phone as you go is also a must. )
The second time you will do it in half the time and after the third time you will be a semi pro.
So, go ahead,
DO IT !
#2
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Traveling through time, will return last week.
Posts: 730
Bikes: Bare Rum Sword Knuckle Runner
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 122 Times
in
64 Posts
Most jobs on a bike are fairly simple but they sometimes require purchasing specific tools which can be off putting. When I replaced my crank set and bottom bracket I had to purchase the Park CWP-7 crank puller and Park BBT-22 bottom bracket tool. Same for the simple job of changing the rear cog, had to purchase the Park chain whip and lock ring wrench. None of the tools I had from working on cars or motorcycles would properly do the job.
These tools weren't particularly expensive so it wasn't a big deal, but now I want to change my headset, which looks super simple but with all the tools required to pop out the old head set, remove and reinstall the crown race and press to push in the headset cups it gets quite pricey. I've seen people jerry-rig things to do the job but I hate not having the right tool.
I really prefer doing things myself as I know it will be done right but for the price of the tools for this job I may just let my LBS do it for $45.
These tools weren't particularly expensive so it wasn't a big deal, but now I want to change my headset, which looks super simple but with all the tools required to pop out the old head set, remove and reinstall the crown race and press to push in the headset cups it gets quite pricey. I've seen people jerry-rig things to do the job but I hate not having the right tool.
I really prefer doing things myself as I know it will be done right but for the price of the tools for this job I may just let my LBS do it for $45.
#4
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
The problem is when people with little or no experience get in over their head.
It is one thing to follow a youtube video and another to realize when there is a larger problem which requires further work, like a crankset which won't go in because the bottom bracket shell needs to be faced.
There are video on youtube of guys hammering bearings and such things.
-Tim-
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: Columbia, MO
Posts: 80
Bikes: 1966 Schwinn Super Sport, 1978 Motobecane Grand Jubile, 1991/92 Fuji Sundance, 1985 Razesa Ritter SL, 1984 Raleigh Grand Mesa, 2019 Surly Pack Rat, 2021 All City Super Professional
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 0 Times
in
0 Posts
This is all great advice. Having recently started tinkering with bicycles, I've found the largest obstacle is the unknown. I did exactly as the OP suggested and bought a cheap bike, some proper tools and tore it all the way down and put it back together. Great way to get experience and get past the "daunting" bits. Mine was bottom brackets. For some reason they terrified me. Not anymore. I've since torn apart and rebuilt three bikes. Then again, I'm very mechanically inclined and tearing apart things and rebuilding them is something I've always done. Anyone with mechanical experience shouldn't be afraid to tear into a bike, just do some reading about torque specs and repair you're good. Anyone without mechanical experience/knowledge shouldn't be afraid either bikes are simple, wonderful creatures and with some reading, visits to co-ops and hands-on you'll gain the knowledge.
#8
Calamari Marionette Ph.D
Also, IMO, $45.00 seems outrageous to install two cups and a race. Combined it's under five minutes, even with home made tools.
#9
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Traveling through time, will return last week.
Posts: 730
Bikes: Bare Rum Sword Knuckle Runner
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 122 Times
in
64 Posts
Home made headset tools provide the exact same results with no increased risk of damage. Do thy look fancy? No. Does it take a minute or two longer? Yes. Do they do what they need to do? Perfectly. Just my two cents.
Also, IMO, $45.00 seems outrageous to install two cups and a race. Combined it's under five minutes, even with home made tools.
Also, IMO, $45.00 seems outrageous to install two cups and a race. Combined it's under five minutes, even with home made tools.
#10
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Central Virginia
Posts: 4,777
Bikes: Numerous
Mentioned: 150 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1676 Post(s)
Liked 3,084 Times
in
911 Posts
Many years ago I was much more adventurous with life in general, including wrenching. I bought a used BMW when I graduated college, subsequently found that maintenance on the thing was a little above my pay scale. I bought a Chiltons manual (pre interwebs days) and did all kinds of stuff on that car, replaced the slave cyclinder, brake pads, belts. All from the granny black and white pics in the manual. No way I would attempt that kind of stuff now but after that wrenching on a bike was a piece of cake.
There is quite a bit of fear mongering (maybe too strong a term) in bike mechanics, do something wrong and you ruin the bike, but it is harder to trash a frame than people think.
There is quite a bit of fear mongering (maybe too strong a term) in bike mechanics, do something wrong and you ruin the bike, but it is harder to trash a frame than people think.
__________________
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
N = '96 Colnago C40, '04 Wilier Alpe D'Huez, '10 Colnago EPS, '85 Merckx Pro, '89 Merckx Century, '86 Tommasini Professional, '04 Teschner Aero FX Pro, '05 Alan Carbon Cross, '86 De Rosa Professional, '82 Colnago Super, '95 Gios Compact Pro, '95 Carrera Zeus, '84 Basso Gap, ‘89 Cinelli Supercorsa, ‘83 Bianchi Specialissima, ‘VO Randonneur, Ritchey Breakaway Steel, '84 Paletti Super Prestige, Heron Randonneur
#12
Bikes are okay, I guess.
Join Date: Jan 2015
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Posts: 6,938
Bikes: Waterford Paramount Touring, Giant CFM-2, Raleigh Sports 3-speeds in M23 & L23, Schwinn Cimarron oddball build, Marin Palisades Trail dropbar conversion, Nishiki Cresta GT
Mentioned: 69 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2647 Post(s)
Liked 2,446 Times
in
1,557 Posts
Even with the deposit you mentioned, it would have been more trouble for the shop than your patronage was worth.
That is what co-ops are for. You get the use of their tools and some coaching, but I suspect even they charge you for "real work."
#13
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: Traveling through time, will return last week.
Posts: 730
Bikes: Bare Rum Sword Knuckle Runner
Mentioned: 7 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 278 Post(s)
Liked 122 Times
in
64 Posts
It's been a few decades since I worked in shops, but those places had a lot invested in tools. If you had come in to borrow some of those specialty tools (that you might not have known how to use) for free so that you could then install parts you'd bought elsewhere (Nashbar or Performance catalogs at the time, but from anywhere in the whole wide world today), you would deservedly have been laughed out of the place. Businesses are in business to make money, and for bike shops that means selling their products and their services. Sorry.
Even with the deposit you mentioned, it would have been more trouble for the shop than your patronage was worth.
That is what co-ops are for. You get the use of their tools and some coaching, but I suspect even they charge you for "real work."
Even with the deposit you mentioned, it would have been more trouble for the shop than your patronage was worth.
That is what co-ops are for. You get the use of their tools and some coaching, but I suspect even they charge you for "real work."
Last edited by REDMASTA; 03-13-17 at 06:40 PM.
#14
Senior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Saratoga calif.
Posts: 1,049
Bikes: Miyata 610(66cm), GT Vantara Hybrid (64cm), Nishiki International (64cm), Peugeot rat rod (62 cm), Trek 800 Burning Man helicopter bike, Bob Jackson frame (to be restored?) plus a never ending stream of neglected waifs from the Bike exchange.
Mentioned: 28 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 339 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 631 Times
in
229 Posts
The whole point of my post was to encourage people to learn about bicycles. I am not suggesting someone without any experience should start wrenching on a new $5000 carbon fiber bike. Finding an old Schwinn rigid frame mountain bike and taking it apart is not taking much of a risk. There is really not much in the way of special tools needed.
A crank puller, a freewheel tool, a spoke wrench and a chain breaker can be had from Amazon for about $20. Add these and a large set of vice grips to the tools I mentioned previously and you can do almost anything.
These days few kids get any hands on experience with tools in school. They are so addicted to their smart phones the are likely to fall in a hole just walking down the street. Cars are so complicated and expensive almost no one does more than change their oil any more( the other day while subing at the trade school I watched a student spend at least an hour under a Saab Aero trying to remove the spark plugs) I have owned over 20 cars in my life , and restored a few of them. When I bought my first new truck , a 1977 Datsun, and realized I would need a couple hundred dollars in special tools to do a tune up I decided to have a mechanic do all the work on it. Compared to new cars that one was simple. Now days when you open the hood you can't even see the engine.
Working on bicycles is something anybody can do. It gives a person great satisfaction and saves them money.
At the Bike Exchange we encourage people to bring their kids. Seeing the smile on a moms face when she and junior or princess change their first tire or adjust a wheel bearing is just great.
So, no excuses. Go out and get dirty.
A crank puller, a freewheel tool, a spoke wrench and a chain breaker can be had from Amazon for about $20. Add these and a large set of vice grips to the tools I mentioned previously and you can do almost anything.
These days few kids get any hands on experience with tools in school. They are so addicted to their smart phones the are likely to fall in a hole just walking down the street. Cars are so complicated and expensive almost no one does more than change their oil any more( the other day while subing at the trade school I watched a student spend at least an hour under a Saab Aero trying to remove the spark plugs) I have owned over 20 cars in my life , and restored a few of them. When I bought my first new truck , a 1977 Datsun, and realized I would need a couple hundred dollars in special tools to do a tune up I decided to have a mechanic do all the work on it. Compared to new cars that one was simple. Now days when you open the hood you can't even see the engine.
Working on bicycles is something anybody can do. It gives a person great satisfaction and saves them money.
At the Bike Exchange we encourage people to bring their kids. Seeing the smile on a moms face when she and junior or princess change their first tire or adjust a wheel bearing is just great.
So, no excuses. Go out and get dirty.
#15
Senior Member
Agree completely.
Particularly these days, resources are so easy to access (Park Tools, RJ the Bike Guy, Sheldon Brown, GCN--and even forums like this one).
Specialized tools can make it easier, but no reason that homemade jigs can't work as well.
Main advice for first-timers is just to take it slow and don't force anything. Most stuff that's properly cleaned and lubed will fit right in until the last bit of tightening.
Particularly these days, resources are so easy to access (Park Tools, RJ the Bike Guy, Sheldon Brown, GCN--and even forums like this one).
Specialized tools can make it easier, but no reason that homemade jigs can't work as well.
Main advice for first-timers is just to take it slow and don't force anything. Most stuff that's properly cleaned and lubed will fit right in until the last bit of tightening.
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1363 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
1,182 Posts
I throw my bike in the back of my car and go to the LBS and do the work in the parking lot....no big deal and if I need something else, I am there.
I also have made an effort to get to know the folks there and they know that I know my way around bikes etc.
Best, Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
Last edited by xiaoman1; 03-14-17 at 09:41 AM. Reason: had to make a home made headset tool
#17
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2016
Location: Woodbury, MN
Posts: 429
Bikes: 2006 Trek Pilot 1.2, 1972 Schwinn SS
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 156 Post(s)
Likes: 0
Liked 1 Time
in
1 Post
This is all great advice and a wonderful way to learn about basic mechanics until one day you come face to face with a 50 year old Raleigh cottered crank where the pin has melded into the crank
Like REDMASTA I am rapidly acquiring more tools, although this last go around I've had everything I needed on hand. On to the headset.
For whatever reason I still have more trouble with derailers than most anything else.
Like REDMASTA I am rapidly acquiring more tools, although this last go around I've had everything I needed on hand. On to the headset.
For whatever reason I still have more trouble with derailers than most anything else.
#18
Senior Member
Agree with the OP.
It really isn't that hard...I have zero mechanical experience, and frankly not a whole lot of aptitude. But the internet is a wonderful thing. I bought some old tools my LBS had no use for when they consolidated from 2 stores to 1. I built a small workshop in my garage..now I've taken apart and put back together a handful of bikes I bought off craigslist as guinea pigs, rebuilt wheels, and can do any repair that I might have to do on my bikes.
It really isn't that hard...I have zero mechanical experience, and frankly not a whole lot of aptitude. But the internet is a wonderful thing. I bought some old tools my LBS had no use for when they consolidated from 2 stores to 1. I built a small workshop in my garage..now I've taken apart and put back together a handful of bikes I bought off craigslist as guinea pigs, rebuilt wheels, and can do any repair that I might have to do on my bikes.
#19
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: City of Angels
Posts: 4,870
Bikes: A few too many
Mentioned: 42 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1363 Post(s)
Liked 2,177 Times
in
1,182 Posts
This is all great advice and a wonderful way to learn about basic mechanics until one day you come face to face with a 50 year old Raleigh cottered crank where the pin has melded into the crank
Like REDMASTA I am rapidly acquiring more tools, although this last go around I've had everything I needed on hand. On to the headset.
For whatever reason I still have more trouble with derailers than most anything else.
Like REDMASTA I am rapidly acquiring more tools, although this last go around I've had everything I needed on hand. On to the headset.
For whatever reason I still have more trouble with derailers than most anything else.
I want to try and understand how some things work....and don't always like having someone else do it for me especially if I can do it myself, even if it takes more effort.
JM2C's, Ben
__________________
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
"EVERY PERSON IS GUILTY OF ALL THE GOOD THEY DID NOT DO"
Voltaire
Voice recognition may sometimes create odd spelling and grammatical errors
#20
Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: Eugene, Oregon, USA
Posts: 27,547
Mentioned: 217 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18349 Post(s)
Liked 4,502 Times
in
3,346 Posts
Aww, heck, I started working on my bike somewhere around age 10, or probably earlier.
I can't completely remember my first wheel build, but I think it must have been done somewhere between ages 12 and 16. I know one wheel died as a Freshman in college, followed by another wheel build, but I'm sure it wasn't the first.
So... yes... Just Do It. And there are very few things that can't be fixed if they go horribly wrong.
I can't completely remember my first wheel build, but I think it must have been done somewhere between ages 12 and 16. I know one wheel died as a Freshman in college, followed by another wheel build, but I'm sure it wasn't the first.
So... yes... Just Do It. And there are very few things that can't be fixed if they go horribly wrong.
#21
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2761 Post(s)
Liked 2,534 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I'd add a few more neccesities to that list:
-cassette lock ring tool
-chain whip
-chain ring bolt tool
-cable/housing cutter
-Bottom bracket tool (for each kind of bb you need to work on)
And also budget for a work stand. Makes every task 10 times easier.
I went the DIY route with a headset press and cup remover.
-cassette lock ring tool
-chain whip
-chain ring bolt tool
-cable/housing cutter
-Bottom bracket tool (for each kind of bb you need to work on)
And also budget for a work stand. Makes every task 10 times easier.
I went the DIY route with a headset press and cup remover.
Last edited by Kapusta; 03-15-17 at 06:05 AM.
#22
Mostly harmless ™
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Novi Sad
Posts: 4,430
Bikes: Heavy, with friction shifters
Mentioned: 22 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1107 Post(s)
Liked 216 Times
in
130 Posts
It depends on the person - situation, priorities, talent.
Some people are bad at mechanics. Clueless. For them, it is probably cheaper to pay a good mechanic. Knowing how to patch a tyre is as far as it's neccessary, some people ride for years even without that skill. The rest is more-less optional.
Having said that, those inclined towards DIY - by all means - do it. One can only get better and more confident with each task completed. But it's not for everyone IMO.
Same goes for cooking, programming etc - there's always a situation when it is best left to proffessionals, or more skillful friends. Especially for tasks that need investment in tools/equipment and are not needed often.
Some people are bad at mechanics. Clueless. For them, it is probably cheaper to pay a good mechanic. Knowing how to patch a tyre is as far as it's neccessary, some people ride for years even without that skill. The rest is more-less optional.
Having said that, those inclined towards DIY - by all means - do it. One can only get better and more confident with each task completed. But it's not for everyone IMO.
Same goes for cooking, programming etc - there's always a situation when it is best left to proffessionals, or more skillful friends. Especially for tasks that need investment in tools/equipment and are not needed often.
#23
- Soli Deo Gloria -
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: Northwest Georgia
Posts: 14,779
Bikes: 2018 Rodriguez Custom Fixed Gear, 2017 Niner RLT 9 RDO, 2015 Bianchi Pista, 2002 Fuji Robaix
Mentioned: 235 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 6844 Post(s)
Liked 736 Times
in
469 Posts
The whole point of my post was to encourage people to learn about bicycles. I am not suggesting someone without any experience should start wrenching on a new $5000 carbon fiber bike. Finding an old Schwinn rigid frame mountain bike and taking it apart is not taking much of a risk. There is really not much in the way of special tools needed.
A crank puller, a freewheel tool, a spoke wrench and a chain breaker can be had from Amazon for about $20. Add these and a large set of vice grips to the tools I mentioned previously and you can do almost anything.
These days few kids get any hands on experience with tools in school. They are so addicted to their smart phones the are likely to fall in a hole just walking down the street. Cars are so complicated and expensive almost no one does more than change their oil any more( the other day while subing at the trade school I watched a student spend at least an hour under a Saab Aero trying to remove the spark plugs) I have owned over 20 cars in my life , and restored a few of them. When I bought my first new truck , a 1977 Datsun, and realized I would need a couple hundred dollars in special tools to do a tune up I decided to have a mechanic do all the work on it. Compared to new cars that one was simple. Now days when you open the hood you can't even see the engine.
Working on bicycles is something anybody can do. It gives a person great satisfaction and saves them money.
At the Bike Exchange we encourage people to bring their kids. Seeing the smile on a moms face when she and junior or princess change their first tire or adjust a wheel bearing is just great.
So, no excuses. Go out and get dirty.
A crank puller, a freewheel tool, a spoke wrench and a chain breaker can be had from Amazon for about $20. Add these and a large set of vice grips to the tools I mentioned previously and you can do almost anything.
These days few kids get any hands on experience with tools in school. They are so addicted to their smart phones the are likely to fall in a hole just walking down the street. Cars are so complicated and expensive almost no one does more than change their oil any more( the other day while subing at the trade school I watched a student spend at least an hour under a Saab Aero trying to remove the spark plugs) I have owned over 20 cars in my life , and restored a few of them. When I bought my first new truck , a 1977 Datsun, and realized I would need a couple hundred dollars in special tools to do a tune up I decided to have a mechanic do all the work on it. Compared to new cars that one was simple. Now days when you open the hood you can't even see the engine.
Working on bicycles is something anybody can do. It gives a person great satisfaction and saves them money.
At the Bike Exchange we encourage people to bring their kids. Seeing the smile on a moms face when she and junior or princess change their first tire or adjust a wheel bearing is just great.
So, no excuses. Go out and get dirty.
I like this attitude and was very lucky as a child to have a great mentor, my friend's older brother.
My friends would be upstairs playing some game while I hung out with the teenagers and older guys in the garage, cleaning spark plugs, asking questions, watching them do burnouts on their motorcycles, sliding under cars on the creeper to watch them set pinion depth, etc.
Spent endless hours rebuilding stuff with my friend's older brother. It helps to have a mentor.
-Tim-
#24
Senior Member
Join Date: Apr 2011
Location: Alpharetta, GA
Posts: 15,280
Bikes: Nashbar Road
Mentioned: 71 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2934 Post(s)
Liked 341 Times
in
228 Posts
That brings back memories - I was 6, my first 3-speed, and I remember my Dad saying kind of off-hand, "A guy who rides bikes should learn how to fix them, and keep them running." I didn't realize until years later that he didn't have much mechanical aptitude, but I took it as a green light to mess with it and my motto was "just do it." Pliers, crescent wrench and screwdrivers, and I taught myself vulcanized patches ... of course I didn't care about shifting back then and not a whole lot about the brakes
But even though no mechanic, he was right. At least take a shot at it, and even if you fail you've learned something and the next time, you can probably do it right.
But even though no mechanic, he was right. At least take a shot at it, and even if you fail you've learned something and the next time, you can probably do it right.
#25
Advanced Slacker
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 6,210
Bikes: Soma Fog Cutter, Surly Wednesday, Canfielld Tilt
Mentioned: 26 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2761 Post(s)
Liked 2,534 Times
in
1,433 Posts
I agree. Heck, I'd even just start on whatever bike you have.
In my experience, newer and/or nicer bikes are generally easier to work on than old really cheap ones (as in department store cheap).
In my experience, newer and/or nicer bikes are generally easier to work on than old really cheap ones (as in department store cheap).