Author Topic: DIY Bicyclists  (Read 1955 times)

StudentEngineer

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DIY Bicyclists
« on: February 23, 2017, 10:20:28 PM »
Hi,
I've got an Iron Horse mountain bike that is probably ~20+ years old and I noticed that both pedals are starting to break and I've been looking to replace them (they are LU-P9 L and R).  Where do you usually go to buy used bike parts? I've found some listings on ebay but are there any back door bike stores I should look into as well?

Whats your typical cutoff level for spending on a bike, instead of purchasing a new one? (Similar bike at Sears retails for $400 new)

What sort of minimalist tools/equipment would you need to do basic repairs on your bike and what about extensive bike repairs?

Lastly if you could point me to any tutorials on bike maintenance, how often to grease the chain, check break pads, clean it etc would be amazing.  Is there a quick few minute check up that you perform every so often?

Thanks!

Dave1442397

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Re: DIY Bicyclists
« Reply #1 on: February 24, 2017, 06:06:38 AM »
For bike maintenance, take a look at Global Cycling Network on youtube - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUdAMlZtaV1333Cy1QnIZwqDXj1q0Ooyy

Park Tool also have good videos on maintenance and repair, and they make great tools - https://www.youtube.com/user/parktoolcompany

As you said, you can find a lot of parts on ebay. I also use a facebook group, https://www.facebook.com/groups/onlineswap/

Apart from that, I tend to buy parts on sale from the UK (my bike is all Shimano, which is generally cheaper there), but I've also found some good deals at US sites like https://www.artscyclery.com/

Those LU-P9 pedal are pretty cheap new, from what I see. http://www.huskybicycles.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=hb&Screen=PROD&Product_Code=366-373

With any bike, you'll have to eventually replace parts, but you can usually keep doing that forever, unless something serious happens to the frame. No reason to buy a new bike unless you really want one :)

SweetTPi

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Re: DIY Bicyclists
« Reply #2 on: February 24, 2017, 09:26:25 AM »
I belong to a bike co-op shop, so I can source my used parts from their 'stock'.  The shop takes in donated bikes, and either fixes them for resale, 'sells' them to members for them to rebuild, or strips off the good parts and scraps the rest.  It can be a hassle to find the right parts, but you can find most if you look hard enough.  Last week I fixed 2 broken spokes and re-trued the wheel for a cost of $0.  (I also needed new rim tape, so I got out with a 'bill' of $1.)

If you have a co-op nearby, I would highly recommend checking it out.  I not only get access to used parts but all the tools I could need, and there are people there who can  teach me how to do anything I might not already know.

If you don't have a co-op, you might be able to ask around the local shops what they do with unwanted parts.  Things like platform pedals are often switched out for clipless, and they might be willing to sell you their extras cheap.

 

Wow, a phone plan for fifteen bucks!