cfforum

Thoughts on this, and what topics you all would like to cover?

-Q

Routine Maintenance - what to do, how often, etc...

Simple adjustments (vs. ones you need special skills/tools to do)

What to clean/what not to clean (what products to use/what to avoid using)

I typically just drop off the bike at a shop every so often and let them sort it out but that is getting expensive the more I am on it. Plus - having it gone for a day or so is a bummer cuz I miss it....

Sounds good to me. I just ordered a new cassette and chain so I will need to take my bike apart...again...but thanks to Steve, who showed my how to do it last time, i think I rmember mostly how to do it...but would love to have extra eyes..and hands...lol

But yes, basic maintenance, tweaks, adjustments etc..

I've watched lots of demos on bike maintenance, but what I need is hands on experience. So, I vote for a clinic that takes place right after one of our Saturday rides where we learn how to inspect our bikes for anything that may have gotten out of whack on the ride, and where we actually clean up the drivetrain, etc. When I try to do this stuff by following written instructions, I end up taking hours to do the simplest things. Oh, one thing I could really use some practice with is switching out the rear tire for use on the trainer - that always takes me WAY to long.

HOW TO USE A MULTI-TOOL.

[quote="michelem"]HOW TO USE A MULTI-TOOL.[/quote]

What part of the multi-tool are you trying to figure out??

The whole thing.

I'm thinking I should invest in one, but figure there is no point unless I know how to use it! For instance, I've had my saddle and brakes get knocked out of whack - even if I had a multi-tool on me I wouldn't know the first thing about how to make the necessary adjustments. It's easy enough to pop into BicyclesPlus after a CF ride, but I'd like to be able to make my own adjustments on those occasions where something happens outside of business hours or way out on a rural road when I'm by myself . . . I just really need to become more self-sufficient when it comes to this bike maintenance stuff.

So we want to have a bike maintenance night?

We can do this, but it will be by RSVP only because we need to plan for the space, tools, parts, grease, LONGHAMMERS, etc.

If you are serious about attending, post up a reply here indiciating what day/time would work best and what maintenance items you are most interested in learning about.

Be specific; take the time to write a meaningful forum post and I'll respond by being fully prepared to deliver a quality maintenance night.

It all begins with you; I need to see a show of committed hands before I start asking to borrow stands, tools and other equipement.

We have done this before in the past and it's been very successful...and a lot of fun!

Steve,

Thanks for putting this together! Let me know if I can do anything to assist.

As far as when, I am available on weekends only. Right after a ride, in the afternoon, evening, whatever. I am not available Monday through Friday.

Here is a summary of topic requests so far:

DaveyD:
- Routine Maintenance - what to do, how often, etc.;
- Simple adjustments (vs. ones you need special skills/tools to do)
- What to clean/what not to clean (what products to use/what to avoid using)

krogers:
- basic maintenance, tweaks, adjustments etc.

michelem:
- hands on experience that takes place right after a Saturday ride where we learn how to inspect our bikes for anything that may have gotten out of whack on the ride, and where we actually clean up the drivetrain, etc.
- switching out the rear tire for use on the trainer (tips & tricks on how to do this in under an hour)
- how to use a multi-tool to make adjustments (i.e., saddle, brakes, etc.)

Michele, excellent post! Well thought out and organized. A great example for other to follow.

Thanks.

My schedule varies so i can do some weeknights, and some weekends..depending on when my kiddo is with his dad - but probably can make adjustments as needed - just name the time and place!! Oh, and I have a workstand that I can bring along!!

I am also interested in:

Some basic info on when to do certain things and how often:
change your brake pads
change your tires and what kind for replacements (so many choices our there)
When to lube/grease certain parts etc.

Now that we are getting close to fall/winter riding what should I do differntly to my bike?

Basic tools must haves for every rider tool box!

thats all for me - for now.

don't forget - i want Steve to show us how he trues his wheels

That's funny! You've been reading my writing; it's true that I true my own wheels, but's that's when true becomes un-true - the truth be known...I kid you not.

My recent off-road adventure somewhere between Yuba City and Biggs knocked my wheels hopelessly out of true.

Took them to Bicycle Planet yesterday and he had them back in true in like 5 minutes per wheel. It's just not a skill I feel the need to learn. I was out of there in 20 minutes and $20.00. That is well worth it.

Having said that, I could not miss the chance to make reference to your "true cycling" piece, which I did enjoy reading....

So... is this something that we are going to plan a date for? Since has been a little over 2 weeks since the original post, wondered if there is enough interest to pick a day and time?

I am happy to help plan...just let me know what I can do to help!!