I need to VENT!!!
12-23-05, 02:37 AM
#26
DEADBEEF
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I do all adjustments and medium-sized repairs and installations myself. For certain things, I still take it back to the shop. Some of those includes things like BB facing (not that I have a need for that regularly) or major wheel truing (I think I had the shop do a wheel truing twice between two bikes in the past 5 years) simply because I still suck at truing really out of spec rims so the rim may end up being more out of true after I'm done with it... especially after I've thrown the wheel at a wall in frustration. 
Another thing I take my bike to the shop for is shock-service. I can deal with coil parts of my shocks okay but if something involves the oil chambers or it's an air shock then off to the shop it goes.
Last year, I built my own bikestand and that makes at-home wrenching so much easier.
Another thing I take my bike to the shop for is shock-service. I can deal with coil parts of my shocks okay but if something involves the oil chambers or it's an air shock then off to the shop it goes.Last year, I built my own bikestand and that makes at-home wrenching so much easier.
__________________
1999 K2 OzM
2001 Aegis Aro Svelte
"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
1999 K2 OzM
2001 Aegis Aro Svelte"Be liberal in what you accept, and conservative in what you send." -- Jon Postel, RFC1122
12-23-05, 02:43 AM
#27
Senior Member
Originally Posted by formulaben
Patriot, I'm right there with ya...I couldn't help but notice the "14 flats" or whatever it was, so I chimed in with some friendly advice. Obviously the dude needs some help, and I think we're just the ones to do it. I've certainly received my fair share here. A BF clinic, perhaps? You gonna do the STP again next year? I still want to finish our conversation we had somewhere around Yelm. Or was it Tenino?
Anyway, I like Patriot's assertion, that one should re-examine how you look at things. The glass isn't always half-empty! Then again, I never go camping somewhere that doesn't have an outlet so that I can plug in my hair-dryer and espresso machine in the morning...
(and if you use acrylic nails, it's no big deal if you break them, just put a new one on!)
12-23-05, 05:07 AM
#28
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Originally Posted by Patriot
...
1. Ladies, you're alot tougher than you think, and you'd be surprised how a little grease on the fingers can really make your day...
1. Ladies, you're alot tougher than you think, and you'd be surprised how a little grease on the fingers can really make your day...
that was a fun post to read, Patriot
Last edited by peregrine; 12-23-05 at 11:29 AM.
12-23-05, 06:05 AM
#29
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Thank you Patriot! There is so much information around on how to repair a bike that there is no excuse not to be able to fix most parts one's self. At least punctures & tube patching, adjustments to bar and seat, gear and brake cables. With most bikes today, a 5mm Allen key will take care of a lot of service jobs. After that, some extra, bike specific tools (crank puller, cassette lockring tool, chainwhip, BB tools, cone spanner etc.) and you are pretty much set for a full strip down and rebuild whenever it takes your fancy.
Work carefully and methodically with reference material (a good bike book) and there is not much to go wrong. I can't estimate the time and money saved by home repair, made possible by the acquisition of a few relatively inexpensive additions to the toolbox. I also prefer to be in control of the bike's health, after one or two unsatisfactory bike shop experiences - Take a pride in home maintenance and the confidence one can have in the equipment is unparalleled.
Let's face it, if you were able to find this forum, you obviously have the means to find all the stuff that is available on the internet regarding bike repair, and there's a lot. Start at the excellent parktool site and go from there - see how easy it is.
Cheers and Happy christmas to everyone - treat yourself to some bike tools
!
Ed
Work carefully and methodically with reference material (a good bike book) and there is not much to go wrong. I can't estimate the time and money saved by home repair, made possible by the acquisition of a few relatively inexpensive additions to the toolbox. I also prefer to be in control of the bike's health, after one or two unsatisfactory bike shop experiences - Take a pride in home maintenance and the confidence one can have in the equipment is unparalleled.
Let's face it, if you were able to find this forum, you obviously have the means to find all the stuff that is available on the internet regarding bike repair, and there's a lot. Start at the excellent parktool site and go from there - see how easy it is.
Cheers and Happy christmas to everyone - treat yourself to some bike tools
!Ed
__________________
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
Get a bicycle. You will certainly not regret it, if you live.
12-23-05, 07:02 AM
#30
Peloton Shelter Dog
>>Now, this is a tough thing to grasp, but fixing bikes is not really all that hard. It's actually quite fun and satisfying once you get the hang of it.<<
I don't know where this guy's coming from but my bicycle repair mojo is restricted to the following:
• changing tires/tubes
• taping handlebars
• adjusting saddles/handlebars
• installing pedals
Everything else? LBS for sure. Why would I want to wrench on bikes? I got into this 16+ years back after blowing my knee out in a motorcycle crash. I was a RUNNER. You know, the sport where you lace up your friggin Nike's and go for a jog? Now I'm into cycling with all the mind-blowing complexity and crap: bicycles, special shoes, clothing, tires, stuff to carry when you ride so you can fix a flat, God what a pain in the ass it all was/still is sometimes.
I got into this to RIDE not to WRENCH. Fixing mechanical stuff isn't FUN. It SUCKS.
When I was 19 and I had no dough I changed the oil on my cars, did my own tune-ups and clutch replacements and hated it. Now I pay a pro mechanic to do anything that's not 'duh' simple. Ditto for my $4K racing bike. Complicated? I drop the bike at my LBS and pick it up later. Man, that's easy.
I don't know where this guy's coming from but my bicycle repair mojo is restricted to the following:
• changing tires/tubes
• taping handlebars
• adjusting saddles/handlebars
• installing pedals
Everything else? LBS for sure. Why would I want to wrench on bikes? I got into this 16+ years back after blowing my knee out in a motorcycle crash. I was a RUNNER. You know, the sport where you lace up your friggin Nike's and go for a jog? Now I'm into cycling with all the mind-blowing complexity and crap: bicycles, special shoes, clothing, tires, stuff to carry when you ride so you can fix a flat, God what a pain in the ass it all was/still is sometimes.
I got into this to RIDE not to WRENCH. Fixing mechanical stuff isn't FUN. It SUCKS.
When I was 19 and I had no dough I changed the oil on my cars, did my own tune-ups and clutch replacements and hated it. Now I pay a pro mechanic to do anything that's not 'duh' simple. Ditto for my $4K racing bike. Complicated? I drop the bike at my LBS and pick it up later. Man, that's easy.
12-23-05, 07:37 AM
#31
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I agree... and disagree.
I agree b/c it is gratifying to do the work yourself - for some people. This same concept applies to your home. Do you call the cable co to install your cable modem? Or a plumber for every little faucet problem? Or an electrician to do some electrical work? I know I used to be scared to do certain things around the house but that was just b/c I didn't know any better. But now, I do all of those things. Once you get over the initial fear factor and realize anything you might mess up can be fixed (probably by you), you'd be amazed at what you can do.
However, for some, they're time is worth much more to them than learning to do these things. They'd rather pay a "professional" to do it so they don't have to take the time to learn it, make 20 tirps to the hardware store/bike shop to get a different part or tool or whatever else comes with the learning experience. We've worked hard to get where we are in life so why not enjoy it and spend the cash to let someone else deal w/ some of the headaches? This is how I am w/ the brakes on our cars. Yeah sure, I could probably change them myself - a lot of my friends do it - but why not just have a pro do it. I'd really hate to miss a little step on that process and go screaming down a hill Fred Flintsoning it.
I agree b/c it is gratifying to do the work yourself - for some people. This same concept applies to your home. Do you call the cable co to install your cable modem? Or a plumber for every little faucet problem? Or an electrician to do some electrical work? I know I used to be scared to do certain things around the house but that was just b/c I didn't know any better. But now, I do all of those things. Once you get over the initial fear factor and realize anything you might mess up can be fixed (probably by you), you'd be amazed at what you can do.
However, for some, they're time is worth much more to them than learning to do these things. They'd rather pay a "professional" to do it so they don't have to take the time to learn it, make 20 tirps to the hardware store/bike shop to get a different part or tool or whatever else comes with the learning experience. We've worked hard to get where we are in life so why not enjoy it and spend the cash to let someone else deal w/ some of the headaches? This is how I am w/ the brakes on our cars. Yeah sure, I could probably change them myself - a lot of my friends do it - but why not just have a pro do it. I'd really hate to miss a little step on that process and go screaming down a hill Fred Flintsoning it.
Last edited by spackler; 12-23-05 at 08:25 AM.
12-23-05, 07:51 AM
#32
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Originally Posted by Patriot
A few threads have come up recently that kind of get my breifs in a bunch. Specifically an older one where a fella was having a bad time with a Felt he had purchased, and was totally unsatisfied with the quality of the bike. BB's went bad, spokes were broken, lots of blown tires, etc.
As I read through the trouble people have, I get a bit dismayed when I see the sense of helplessness so openly displayed by cyclists who really have no reason to be. Now this may rub a few feathers the wrong way, but please hang with me here as I try to explain.
Women (and Men). Listen carefully. One of the first things every cyclist should purchase with their new bike, is a basic 19 piece tool kit. These cheap $50 kits will literally save you massive amounts of money and gas alone making trips to and from the LBS for basic repairs.
Now granted, women generally (not always), tend to have a tougher time turning wrenches than men. Call it upbringing, call it genetics, call it whatever you want. I don't give a cr@p!!! There's no reason for you gals to feel so helpless. There's no reason why you can't empower yourself a bit, kick a little rearend, and take the initiative to get things done without putting yourself at the mercy of some kid who wants two things from you.
1. Money, for fixing your machine.
2. Sex, after his pubescent eyeballs gawk at you. (Unless of course you like that?)
Believe me, nothing is more satisfying than fixing your own bike, and knowing you just paid for your tool kit twice over.
Now, this is a tough thing to grasp, but fixing bikes is not really all that hard. It's actually quite fun and satisfying once you get the hang of it. If you notice your bars out of alignment, break out the allen wrench to adjust it. If you get alot of flats, get some better tires and tubes, and change them. Don't be so dependent on someone who spends a good portion of his day picking his nose, popping zitts, and trying to figure out why women get a little cranky every 4 weeks. You've got better things to do with your time.
In about 99% of the cases, bicycle repair can be done with one of those basic tool kits. As I said, it takes time to practice, a little patience, and meticulous care not to damgage your bike while working on it. I've made lots of mistakes over my days while fixing my bikes, some even cost me a few dollars. But overall, I am better off than if I had not taken the time to learn to begin with. About the only thing I don't do is build wheels.
Now, in the case of the 195# fella who had a Felt F-60 that he was having trouble with. Well frankly, you get what you pay for.
1. He had alot of spokes breaking.
-Well, the answer is simple, fix the wheels, sell them off, and get some stonger wheels that can handle your weight. DUH!!!
2. He had a bad BB.
-Ok, get a better BB, or maybe a better crank with an integrated BB that will last.
3. His bars were misaligned.
-Get out the freakin' allen wrench and adjust them!!!
Now, there's nothing wrong with coming on here and asking all of us what we think is a better product, or how to replace the BB with your own tools. I do it everyday. I often wonder what spacers I need, or what products perform better than others. That's what sharing all this info is about. Especially when you come on here and ask about how to fix your bike. The worst answer to get, is to get the generally assumed answer because you are a woman, ie "Take it to the LBS." What a load of cr@p!!! I for one, am going to try to stop doing this myself, and start giving the best advice I can on how to DIY.
However, to come on here, especially if you're a MAN, and complain about your bars being slightly misaligned, just flat out boils my blood. What's worse, is saying you spent a good portion of your day, and gas for your car, to take the thing all the way back to the LBS to have them fix it. What the...?
So, with all of my disgruntled whining, and venting, and complaining, and moaning, and groaning, I will finish my rant with this...
1. Ladies, you're alot tougher than you think, and you'd be surprised how a little grease on the fingers can really make your day.
2. Men, get off your freaking ARSE and fix your own dang bike, you whimped out, deballed, metro-sexual, good for nothing, dirt free, grease free, callus free yuppies!!! And I don't give a ***** if you broke a nail.
Ok, rant complete. Phew, I haven't had a good whine like that in a long time. That felt good.
As I read through the trouble people have, I get a bit dismayed when I see the sense of helplessness so openly displayed by cyclists who really have no reason to be. Now this may rub a few feathers the wrong way, but please hang with me here as I try to explain.
Women (and Men). Listen carefully. One of the first things every cyclist should purchase with their new bike, is a basic 19 piece tool kit. These cheap $50 kits will literally save you massive amounts of money and gas alone making trips to and from the LBS for basic repairs.
Now granted, women generally (not always), tend to have a tougher time turning wrenches than men. Call it upbringing, call it genetics, call it whatever you want. I don't give a cr@p!!! There's no reason for you gals to feel so helpless. There's no reason why you can't empower yourself a bit, kick a little rearend, and take the initiative to get things done without putting yourself at the mercy of some kid who wants two things from you.
1. Money, for fixing your machine.
2. Sex, after his pubescent eyeballs gawk at you. (Unless of course you like that?)
Believe me, nothing is more satisfying than fixing your own bike, and knowing you just paid for your tool kit twice over.
Now, this is a tough thing to grasp, but fixing bikes is not really all that hard. It's actually quite fun and satisfying once you get the hang of it. If you notice your bars out of alignment, break out the allen wrench to adjust it. If you get alot of flats, get some better tires and tubes, and change them. Don't be so dependent on someone who spends a good portion of his day picking his nose, popping zitts, and trying to figure out why women get a little cranky every 4 weeks. You've got better things to do with your time.
In about 99% of the cases, bicycle repair can be done with one of those basic tool kits. As I said, it takes time to practice, a little patience, and meticulous care not to damgage your bike while working on it. I've made lots of mistakes over my days while fixing my bikes, some even cost me a few dollars. But overall, I am better off than if I had not taken the time to learn to begin with. About the only thing I don't do is build wheels.
Now, in the case of the 195# fella who had a Felt F-60 that he was having trouble with. Well frankly, you get what you pay for.
1. He had alot of spokes breaking.
-Well, the answer is simple, fix the wheels, sell them off, and get some stonger wheels that can handle your weight. DUH!!!
2. He had a bad BB.
-Ok, get a better BB, or maybe a better crank with an integrated BB that will last.
3. His bars were misaligned.
-Get out the freakin' allen wrench and adjust them!!!
Now, there's nothing wrong with coming on here and asking all of us what we think is a better product, or how to replace the BB with your own tools. I do it everyday. I often wonder what spacers I need, or what products perform better than others. That's what sharing all this info is about. Especially when you come on here and ask about how to fix your bike. The worst answer to get, is to get the generally assumed answer because you are a woman, ie "Take it to the LBS." What a load of cr@p!!! I for one, am going to try to stop doing this myself, and start giving the best advice I can on how to DIY.
However, to come on here, especially if you're a MAN, and complain about your bars being slightly misaligned, just flat out boils my blood. What's worse, is saying you spent a good portion of your day, and gas for your car, to take the thing all the way back to the LBS to have them fix it. What the...?
So, with all of my disgruntled whining, and venting, and complaining, and moaning, and groaning, I will finish my rant with this...
1. Ladies, you're alot tougher than you think, and you'd be surprised how a little grease on the fingers can really make your day.
2. Men, get off your freaking ARSE and fix your own dang bike, you whimped out, deballed, metro-sexual, good for nothing, dirt free, grease free, callus free yuppies!!! And I don't give a ***** if you broke a nail.
Ok, rant complete. Phew, I haven't had a good whine like that in a long time. That felt good.
Great post. My bike has a loose spoke - can I send it to you to fix for me? How much will you charge me? Do I have to pay in cash, or do you only take sex?
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
12-23-05, 07:58 AM
#33
cycle-dog spot
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Pat -
Hey buddy. Ride soon?
I agree on the man part.
However, totally disagree on the women part.
Any ATTRACTIVE women cyclist should have no problem either:
- finding a male cyclist sucker to fix her bike for free.
- having her husband fix her bike for free.
- marrying a man who has enough money whereby she can afford to pay someone else to do it.
The way of the world...
-Z
Hey buddy. Ride soon?
I agree on the man part.
However, totally disagree on the women part.
Any ATTRACTIVE women cyclist should have no problem either:
- finding a male cyclist sucker to fix her bike for free.
- having her husband fix her bike for free.
- marrying a man who has enough money whereby she can afford to pay someone else to do it.
The way of the world...
-Z
12-23-05, 07:59 AM
#34
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Holy Smokes!
What got into your Christmas cookies Patriot?
....and I couldn't disagree more.
I have not a clue on a single way to fix anything on my bike, nor do I care.
That's why I always try to look my best when on a ride. If I have a problem I simply pose on the side of the road and women stop to help me. They love that whole 'sensitive, vunerable man' thing. Really, try it some time. As president of the OCP you can certainly pull off the 'looking good' part ma man!
What got into your Christmas cookies Patriot?
....and I couldn't disagree more.
I have not a clue on a single way to fix anything on my bike, nor do I care.
That's why I always try to look my best when on a ride. If I have a problem I simply pose on the side of the road and women stop to help me. They love that whole 'sensitive, vunerable man' thing. Really, try it some time. As president of the OCP you can certainly pull off the 'looking good' part ma man!
12-23-05, 08:16 AM
#35
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One trick to help avoid this type of frustration is point people down the right road in the first place.
For whatever reason, I have enjoyed introducing people (mostly women) to this sport, and enjoy introducing them to my friends. Maybe it's some sort of Julie McCoy fetish...but I digress.
Before any ride with a real "2nd or third time on the bike" newbie, I make them change a tire before we even leave the parking lot. Even though the tube is fine, I want them to know how to use the wrenches, and how cold a cylinder gets when you put air back in.
In most cases, I get a follow up e-mail asking how to clean a chain. I tell them to buy a cleaner. Send them a link for BF. Little by little they learn how to do the stuff by themselves.
Eventually the day comes when they say my wheel lost a spoke, or something that is probabaly worth a trip to the LBS. End result: self sufficient cyclist!
I honestly got mad at a friend of mine who took his bike to the LBS to get a flat fixed (we had never ridden in a group together hence no lesson). That Pis%$#(*@*@$^%@*!!ed me off! It's embarrassing people!
For whatever reason, I have enjoyed introducing people (mostly women) to this sport, and enjoy introducing them to my friends. Maybe it's some sort of Julie McCoy fetish...but I digress.
Before any ride with a real "2nd or third time on the bike" newbie, I make them change a tire before we even leave the parking lot. Even though the tube is fine, I want them to know how to use the wrenches, and how cold a cylinder gets when you put air back in.
In most cases, I get a follow up e-mail asking how to clean a chain. I tell them to buy a cleaner. Send them a link for BF. Little by little they learn how to do the stuff by themselves.
Eventually the day comes when they say my wheel lost a spoke, or something that is probabaly worth a trip to the LBS. End result: self sufficient cyclist!
I honestly got mad at a friend of mine who took his bike to the LBS to get a flat fixed (we had never ridden in a group together hence no lesson). That Pis%$#(*@*@$^%@*!!ed me off! It's embarrassing people!
12-23-05, 08:38 AM
#36
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If your bike is properly set up to begin with and properly maintained, you should get thousand of miles with having to do much of anything exept top off the tires and lube the chain.
If you own a bike and ride alone, you should be able to fix a flat out on the road without any help. Same with a car. If you can't change a flat tire, you are gonna find yourself sitting on the shoulder of the road for 3 hours waiting for assistance one of these days...
The most common reason for frequent flat tires on a bike is insufficient air pressure. I did not read the 'Felt' thread, but if it is a large guy getting a lot of flats than his tires are under inflated. I guess some folks have yet to figure out that high-pressure tires need to be topped off just about every ride.
Personally, I have never found inexpensive tires to be more flat-prone than expensive tires. For the most part, the expensive tires cost more because they have a more supple casing and they are lighter. I train on $14 Kenda tires and they last a long time and don't flat any more than any other tire. If you ride over something sharp like glass or wire or something you are gonna get a flat.
If you own a bike and ride alone, you should be able to fix a flat out on the road without any help. Same with a car. If you can't change a flat tire, you are gonna find yourself sitting on the shoulder of the road for 3 hours waiting for assistance one of these days...
The most common reason for frequent flat tires on a bike is insufficient air pressure. I did not read the 'Felt' thread, but if it is a large guy getting a lot of flats than his tires are under inflated. I guess some folks have yet to figure out that high-pressure tires need to be topped off just about every ride.
Personally, I have never found inexpensive tires to be more flat-prone than expensive tires. For the most part, the expensive tires cost more because they have a more supple casing and they are lighter. I train on $14 Kenda tires and they last a long time and don't flat any more than any other tire. If you ride over something sharp like glass or wire or something you are gonna get a flat.
12-23-05, 08:46 AM
#37
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I don't know about your LBS, but mine runs a free clinic every couple of months on basic maintenance and repairs. Covers cleaning, preventative maintenance, and tire changing. Everyone who attends gets to change a tire, and they do requests if someone wants to find out how to do something that isn't on the 'syllabus'. I went to one a couple of weeks before I bought my first bike (though I did a good deer-in-the-headlights impression when they went around the room asking, 'And what kind of bike do you have?' ). Another LBS will schedule a private six-hour in-depth session on how to fix just about anything on your own bike, though that one you have to pay for.
I've heard a saying that anything you get free is worth exactly what you pay for it, but I'd have to say that free clinic has been worth infinitely more than I paid.
Dagna
). Another LBS will schedule a private six-hour in-depth session on how to fix just about anything on your own bike, though that one you have to pay for.I've heard a saying that anything you get free is worth exactly what you pay for it, but I'd have to say that free clinic has been worth infinitely more than I paid
.Dagna
12-23-05, 08:57 AM
#38
Senior Member
I have to agree to Patriot. I am the least technically-inclined person that I know, but I am cheap too, so I am loathe to pay someone to do something I can do myself. But I can do some very very basic things, and have a good book to help me out in a pinch.
Whenever I bring the bike to the LBS, I make the mechanic teach me what he is doing so I can give it a try next time. It helps me to have someone teach me and walk me through it rather than just reading it in a book. That doesn't mean I don't screw it up, though. I'm a pro at screwing things up. But then I just bring it back and look sad. That usually works.
Sometimes I have to resort to cleavage. That always works.
Whenever I bring the bike to the LBS, I make the mechanic teach me what he is doing so I can give it a try next time. It helps me to have someone teach me and walk me through it rather than just reading it in a book. That doesn't mean I don't screw it up, though. I'm a pro at screwing things up. But then I just bring it back and look sad. That usually works.
Sometimes I have to resort to cleavage. That always works.
12-23-05, 08:59 AM
#39
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Sometimes I have to resort to cleavage. That always works.
...See, that's what I'm talking about!
Although I have to work on my man boobs.
...See, that's what I'm talking about!
Although I have to work on my man boobs.
12-23-05, 09:00 AM
#40
Cat None
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Location: San Diego
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I can see not wanting to mess with a BB or headset or adjust derailluers (those things are kind of a mystery to me at this point in time-I know how they work but adjusting them is a bit daunting...I'm just afraid I'll make it worse if I try that) but I agree with you on your other points. Everyone (well, almost everyone) should be able to change a tire, adjust handlebars, seat height etc. I've changed cassettes, brakes, seats, flipped my stem around and flipped it back again but that's about the extent of my wrenching on my bike although I have performed far more complex repairs on various cars I've owned over the years.
That said, my wife (who happens to be a woman) couldn't change a tire on her car let alone do anything at all to her bike. Some women just aren't born to fix things or take things apart...I suspect some men are like this also though. What are you gonna do? 
BTW-I think the Felt bike is a great value but there are definitely some areas they cheaped out on. Namely the wheels, the crankset and the brakes.
That said, my wife (who happens to be a woman)
couldn't change a tire on her car let alone do anything at all to her bike. Some women just aren't born to fix things or take things apart...I suspect some men are like this also though. What are you gonna do? BTW-I think the Felt bike is a great value but there are definitely some areas they cheaped out on. Namely the wheels, the crankset and the brakes.
12-23-05, 09:05 AM
#41
OCP
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Some women just aren't born to fix things or take things apart...I suspect some men are like this also though.
Yes...I'm living, riding proof.
But like Galen said earlier, you really don't need to do much with your bike.
I pump up the tires pre-ride...
I own a chain cleaner and lube...
That's all I do.
I've gotten a flat while on the road twice.
First time I could not figure it out on the road alone and a nice guy gave me a ride home. No biggie.
Second time I limped it home.
I've worked with my LBS owner on how to change one....did it in his shop with him watching and guiding...but since then have never had a flat out in the real world, so I haven't been put to the test yet really.
Yes...I'm living, riding proof.
But like Galen said earlier, you really don't need to do much with your bike.
I pump up the tires pre-ride...
I own a chain cleaner and lube...
That's all I do.
I've gotten a flat while on the road twice.
First time I could not figure it out on the road alone and a nice guy gave me a ride home. No biggie.
Second time I limped it home.
I've worked with my LBS owner on how to change one....did it in his shop with him watching and guiding...but since then have never had a flat out in the real world, so I haven't been put to the test yet really.
12-23-05, 09:09 AM
#43
OCP
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Originally Posted by pedex
Hee hee, many of us have callouses on our hands FROM riding !!!
12-23-05, 09:11 AM
#44
Banned
Originally Posted by Hipcycler
...try gloves.
12-23-05, 09:13 AM
#45
OCP
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Originally Posted by pedex
happens even with gloves, at least in the summer anyway.........try more mileage
The old '97 Chevy S-10 has got over 120,000 on her and I can't afford a new truck.
12-23-05, 09:48 AM
#46
OMG! i'm a DURT gurl!!!!
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: HOT, sunny socal desert
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Originally Posted by Patriot
1. Ladies, you're alot tougher than you think, and you'd be surprised how a little grease on the fingers can really make your day.
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OCP and PROUD!
"OCP is not just about attitude, it's a way of life!"
life's too short to ride a crummy bike..........
OCP and PROUD!"OCP is not just about attitude, it's a way of life!"
life's too short to ride a crummy bike..........
12-23-05, 09:57 AM
#47
Go Titans!!
Join Date: Mar 2005
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Originally Posted by caligurl
HORRORS! i shudder at the thought of getting dirty!!! mush less having that dirt be grease... on my fingers! EWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW
I totally agree with Patriot. Start working on the simple things like changing tires, changing pedals, realigning your handlebars, etc. -- builds up confidence to do more and harder repairs. Here, here
__________________
One must live the way one thinks or end up thinking the way one has lived.
--Paul Bourget
One must live the way one thinks or end up thinking the way one has lived.
--Paul Bourget
12-23-05, 10:09 AM
#48
Senior Member
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I do most things myself. Sometimes it's an excuse to get out of the house.
My wife HATES the bike store.
My wife HATES the bike store.
12-23-05, 11:05 AM
#49
Infamous Member
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Originally Posted by Nubie
Sometimes I have to resort to cleavage. That always works.
__________________
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
"Let us hope our weapons are never needed --but do not forget what the common people knew when they demanded the Bill of Rights: An armed citizenry is the first defense, the best defense, and the final defense against tyranny. If guns are outlawed, only the government will have guns. Only the police, the secret police, the military, the hired servants of our rulers. Only the government -- and a few outlaws. I intend to be among the outlaws" - Edward Abbey
12-23-05, 11:17 AM
#50
cycle-dog spot
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Originally Posted by chipcom
I'm so weak - for cleavage I'd probably give you a new bike - now c'mere and sit on Santa's lap and tell us what you want for Christmas!
[bad santa] Come here little girl. Come sit on Santa's lap and let me tell you what I want for Christmas.[/bad santa]
-Z