1. Again in my earlier post I questioned your readiness ("You need to study a lot more about each step in the process.") and used the terminology as merely one indicator.

2. I did not imply anything - I do not beat around the bush - nor do I use manipulation of other people's words or intuit their intent. I quoted and questioned your own rather sarcastic words that did indeed imply that I or others were overtly discouraging you.

3. Yet another example of hyperbolic distortion. I already pointed out that all of us here make mistakes - and I make a point to acknowledge mine and to thank the person who corrects it. I spent over 10 years at a bike co-op, where I both trained mechanics and ran repair clinics for bicyclists. I taught people from as young as 12 years old up to well into their 60's how to work on bikes. We had no Internet, few references or fancy tools. I enjoyed teaching others and seeing them able to be more independent about maintaining their own or other people's bikes, no matter what their starting point.

The one biggest variable in how and what people could learn was the willingness and the ability to approach a task in a thoughtful, logical manner, followed closely by openness to feedback.

I'll say it outright - you absolutely can learn to work on your own bike, and I would never advise you to give up. But I'll also say that my gut tells me there is a piece you are missing in your approach.

I managed to take some pictures of the bike, but they haven't come out that well. I have some problems with the camera. I've posted them just in case they are of any help, and at least you can see the bike.

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=291036

http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=291037

I don't want to argue.
I just want to fix my bike.

Well, cool. You got your Park TM-1 at least ordered? You got your freewheel tool or at least ordered? You've googled "bicycle wheel building"? Printed out the first two articles? You'll need some wheel bearing grease. Cone wrenches. I use mineral spirits for a cleaning solvent, works and not too stinky. An Allen wrench set. Set of metric ignition wrenches.

Might need: Crank puller. Pedal wrench or might get by with a Crescent wrench. Probably some Aero-Kroil (google).

Get after it! Yes, you'll spend some money on tools, but if you want to monkey around with bikes, it's an investment in lowered future costs. Besides, it's fun to work on bikes.

:thumb:

:thumb:

Just ignore the anal's.. the keyboard queens. Just.. don't bother.

DO enjoy this learning experience. ;)

Thanks guys.

I found a pretty good video here too:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp1u5YKMRFQ

How do I identify the best removal tool to use? Are there some that work on multiple different freewheels types, like a multi-freewheel remover?

Also, The "dork-disc" is quite smashed up, can I just put a new replacement on if I was able to rebuild the wheel?

Freewheel removers are specific to the brand (and model) of the freewheel. If you're not sure bring the wheel to the shop and let them sell you the right one.

And you can buy a new spoke protector disc, though the term dork disc is usually used only by those who don't use one.

Yes, absolutely necessary to secure the pronged tools with skewer or nut until it breaks free. Depending on hand pressure to keep the tool engaged is pretty much futile.

Quote of the day.

http://www.bikeforums.net/images/misc/quote_icon.png Originally Posted by davidad http://www.bikeforums.net/images/but...post-right.png
Alot of folks here will pee on your feet.

But... how many of those can get the pressure high enough NOT to completely soak themselves......