Bike maintenance: Can't figure out where to start

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Every time I try to do something with a bike, online research or looking at a book makes me feel like I'm drinking from a fire house. I usually give up. I have successfully replaced my chain; that's about it.

I'd like to start with some super-basic general maintenance BEFORE the next thing goes wrong. Can anyone suggest a starting place?

[curly1973]

I know the feeling - I've been slowly developing my bike maintenance skills over the last few years (mostly because I loathe paying bike shops $75 to $100 to do, what seems to be, super easy maintenance). 

To be honest, the first couple of adjustments were frustrating, but after some practice and really getting to understand the components on my bikes, I've become pretty handy.

The one thing that has helped tremendously was a bike stand - it allowed me to work with both hands on a stable bike.  I have the first of the following two types of stands (because I'm afraid of clamping my carbon fibre frame into the second type).  You can likely find this kind of item used with a little patience:

http://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Sports-Sprint-Work-Stand/dp/B009W68UAU/ref=sr_1_4?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1461328673&sr=1-4&keywords=feedback+sports+bike+stand

http://www.amazon.com/Feedback-Sports-Elite-Repair-Stand/dp/B001CSPTSC/ref=sr_1_3?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1461328673&sr=1-3&keywords=feedback+sports+bike+stand

The second thing that has really helped is the book "Zinn and the Art of Bike Maintenance" - I have found it comprehensive, and is organized by the ease of each task (levels 1 through 3 in increasing difficulty).  I usually pick one adjustment, read the book, watch a couple of YouTube videos, then go to it (often with the video loaded up beside me so that I can re-watch as I work).

Start with some regular level 1 work to build your confidence and proficiency - knowing that it will take some practice.  The first time I adjusted my derailleur, it was a slow and error prone process.  Now I can get things running butter smooth in a matter of minutes.

Long story short, between the stand, book, YouTube, some minor tools and some practice, I am now comfortable doing a lot of maintenance work.  Good luck, and have fun!

[EXLIer]

I'll second the Feedback Elite stand as well as the book Zinn and the Art of Bike Maintenance.

2 excellent suggestions for making your life a bit easier with working on a bike.

[gmp029]

Is there a bike co-op in your area? Example: www.gobikebuffalo.org/programs/community-workshop     $30/yr gets you access to any bike tool imaginable, plus people who will teach you how to do any minor or major repair.

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[lthenderson]

I'll second the Feedback Elite stand as well as the book Zinn and the Art of Bike Maintenance.

2 excellent suggestions for making your life a bit easier with working on a bike.

You will also need a basic set of tools as bike tools are different from the rest you might have in your toolbox. You can get a starter set for less than $50 and a decent set for $100 more.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Oooh, good tips all. There IS a bike repair co-op very near my house! The hours are awkward but I could probably figure out some child care. And I can stalk CL for a repair stand. (We might be moving out of state--I'll know in a few days.)

I saw the Zinn books at the library but didn't grab either one because I have a hybrid bike. I never know if I should be looking at mountain bikes or road bikes.

[attackgnome]

Is there a bike co-op in your area? Example: www.gobikebuffalo.org/programs/community-workshop     $30/yr gets you access to any bike tool imaginable, plus people who will teach you how to do any minor or major repair.

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Definitely recommend co-ops, cheap parts and many of them might even let you use their tools and stands on certain days for free as part of community outreach.

[miked]

I would suggest making friends with the local bike shop owners. My wife's bike was having a lot of flats and when she went in to buy some new tubes, she told the owner about the problem. He let her ask questions and watch as he inspected the tire, removed the tube, and put it back on. She (and later I) learned a lot about changing tires (which was surprising as we'd been doing it for 15+ years). He charged her for a bit of labor, but it was totally worth it.

Another time (in a different city) her bike needed derailleur adjustments and she called another shop about watching them do it. They said no, so we took our business elsewhere. Which turned out to be the local bike co-op where we learned a huge amount about the process! (Hint: start with cleaning the grim off of everything)

[Duchess of Stratosphear]

This was not very mustachian of me, but I signed up for a weekend bike repair course (a bit pricey). It helped me develop some confidence and get over some of the fear of messing things up that I had, but I have yet to really start wrenching on my own bikes. I don't really have all the tools yet, but I am planning to pick a friend's brain as I try to fix up an old bike (and use his tools!). At some point I'll also buy this book as a reference: http://www.amazon.com/Big-Blue-Book-Bicycle-Repair/dp/097655304X?ie=UTF8&psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=ox_sc_act_title_2&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

I think one of the hardest parts of bike repair is probably loosening bolts and other fasteners!

[Jack]

And I can stalk CL for a repair stand. (We might be moving out of state--I'll know in a few days.)

I scored a Pedro's repair stand off Craigslist. Even used it cost as much as a cheap repair stand does new, but it was totally worth it. It's well-built enough that I could even clamp my heavy commuter (with racks and fenders) or tandem rotated vertically if I wanted!

I saw the Zinn books at the library but didn't grab either one because I have a hybrid bike. I never know if I should be looking at mountain bikes or road bikes.

Probably mountain, but skip the parts about suspension. The main thing is the handlebars: if you have drop bars, then most of the other bits will be road-bike-like; if you have flat bars, then most of the other bits will be mountain-bike-like. This is because derailleurs and brakes are matched to the shifters and levers, and shifters and levers come in different styles for different handlebar types.

I haven't bothered to read the Zinn books -- sheldonbrown.com, Youtube, and asking for help at the co-op are good enough for me -- but I don't entirely understand why there are separate ones for road and mountain. Bikes are bikes; they really aren't all that different.

[GuitarStv]

Every time I try to do something with a bike, online research or looking at a book makes me feel like I'm drinking from a fire house. I usually give up. I have successfully replaced my chain; that's about it.

I'd like to start with some super-basic general maintenance BEFORE the next thing goes wrong. Can anyone suggest a starting place?

Stuff to do, in rough order of how often it seems to come up for me:

- ride bike
- clean bike
- lube chain and brake pivots
- adjust derailleur
- adjust brake pads
- true wheels
- change tube
- grease seat post
- grease pivot points of derailleurs
- grease hubs
- grease pedal axles
- grease headset
- replace brake pads
- replace cables
- replace chain
- replace broken spokes
- replace cable housings
- replace bar tape
- replace cassette
- replace tire
- replace derailleur


The most important thing to do regularly is ride and clean your bike.  Cleaning your bike and listening to how it sounds while riding is how you notice things before they become major problems.  Keeping stuff aligned properly (true wheels, derailleurs working with no noise) and keeping stuff greased and lubed will get you the most life from your components.

[gardenarian]

Thank you GuitarStv, that is a really helpful list!
Start small and work my way up...

[FrugalShrew]

Posting to follow.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

And I can stalk CL for a repair stand. (We might be moving out of state--I'll know in a few days.)

I scored a Pedro's repair stand off Craigslist. Even used it cost as much as a cheap repair stand does new, but it was totally worth it. It's well-built enough that I could even clamp my heavy commuter (with racks and fenders) or tandem rotated vertically if I wanted!

I saw the Zinn books at the library but didn't grab either one because I have a hybrid bike. I never know if I should be looking at mountain bikes or road bikes.

Probably mountain, but skip the parts about suspension. The main thing is the handlebars: if you have drop bars, then most of the other bits will be road-bike-like; if you have flat bars, then most of the other bits will be mountain-bike-like. This is because derailleurs and brakes are matched to the shifters and levers, and shifters and levers come in different styles for different handlebar types.

I haven't bothered to read the Zinn books -- sheldonbrown.com, Youtube, and asking for help at the co-op are good enough for me -- but I don't entirely understand why there are separate ones for road and mountain. Bikes are bikes; they really aren't all that different.

LOL, Sheldon Brown is exactly what I was thinking of when I said it was like drinking from a fire house. That site does NOT make sense to me. I am willing to concede this is a personal issue.

Thanks for the list, GuitarStv! I'm going to put "clean bike" on list for this weekend :-). It's a start...

[tonysemail]

FWIW, I was having the same trouble and I decided to volunteer as a bicycle mechanic.
This type of organization seems to exist in urban areas to serve the homeless population.
I found the experience to be a good introduction to simple bike repairs.
But it still feels daunting to work on my own bike without an expert looking over my shoulder.

[Miss Tash]

I was in your same situation so I went to the library and checked out Zinn.  Definitely the best resource (I also have the Park Tool big blue book).  Then I got this cheap workstand from Amazon and it's fine for holding both my steel and carbon frame bikes.

http://www.amazon.com/Conquer-Bicycle-Mount-Repair-Stand/dp/B00KXFI1N0/ref=sr_1_1?s=outdoor-recreation&ie=UTF8&qid=1461362420&sr=1-1-spons&keywords=bicycle+repair+stand+wall+mount&psc=1

I built a titanium bike from the frame up, using only Zinn and a few special tools, so it can be done.  Take it slow and if you get stuck go to your LBS and ask questions.  BTW, in our area, local bike shops have free maintenance classes all the time.

[auxym]

Every time I try to do something with a bike, online research or looking at a book makes me feel like I'm drinking from a fire house. I usually give up. I have successfully replaced my chain; that's about it.

I'd like to start with some super-basic general maintenance BEFORE the next thing goes wrong. Can anyone suggest a starting place?

Stuff to do, in rough order of how often it seems to come up for me:

- ride bike
- clean bike
- lube chain and brake pivots
- adjust derailleur
- adjust brake pads
- true wheels
- change tube
- grease seat post
- grease pivot points of derailleurs
- grease hubs
- grease pedal axles
- grease headset
- replace brake pads
- replace cables
- replace chain
- replace broken spokes
- replace cable housings
- replace bar tape
- replace cassette
- replace tire
- replace derailleur


The most important thing to do regularly is ride and clean your bike.  Cleaning your bike and listening to how it sounds while riding is how you notice things before they become major problems.  Keeping stuff aligned properly (true wheels, derailleurs working with no noise) and keeping stuff greased and lubed will get you the most life from your components.

This is a good list. Chain cleaning, lubing and inspecting (measure for wear) is likely the only I do regularly, ie without some noise prompting me to do it.

Derailleur and brake adjustment comes up once in a while, usually it's tool-less 5-minute job involving riding the bike while turning barrel adjusters with my fingers. Check your brake pads once in a while, replace when done.

After many thousand miles is probably the time to be thinking about a bigger overhaul, that is greasing (and possibly replacing) bearings (wheels, headset, BB), and replacing cables. Especially if you ride in wet weather, mud or dirt.

I try to remember to touch up the grease at seizing-prone interfaces once a season, seatpost (I ride steel frames + alu seatposts, good candidate for seizing) and pedal axles (which are steel screwed in aluminium cranks).

EDIT: You might also want to check out this old thread of mine, though it might pertain more to restoring an old bike which had been thoroughly neglected and abused, as opposed to normal & regular maintenance.

[MonkeyJenga]

Is there a bike co-op in your area? Example: www.gobikebuffalo.org/programs/community-workshop     $30/yr gets you access to any bike tool imaginable, plus people who will teach you how to do any minor or major repair.

Thank you for recommending bike coops! I've been having trouble with my gears not shifting properly, and I found a free class being held tomorrow.

If anyone else is in NYC, this is the organization: http://times-up.org

They have workshops in Brooklyn and Manhattan.

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Just wanted to jump back on and give a big shout-out to Zinn. Love it! Have already cleaned my bike (according to GuitarStv's list :-) and following directions in Zinn) and completed Zinn pre-ride checklist, discovering that my tires were way underinflated and my back rim brakes were crooked.

Also successfully adjusted cable so that I am no longer slipping out of middle gears. Last time, I got confused, messed with the brake cable instead of shifter cable, and had to go to bike shop. Which was fine then, because I daily rode my bike right by one and they didn't charge me, but now it's a big hassle to get to one so I gotta get this stuff done myself!

[tomita]

I found a post at
http://earlyretirementextreme.com
helpful explaining how to clean the bike chain, but I can 't find the exact link now

[JRA64]

I've signed up for bike repair classes through my local bike shop. Over about six weeks, we'd overhaul the entire bike.

[G42]

I took a free basic maintenance class at REI then the $40 'drive train' hands on class... max four people, you bring your own bike, and one REI mechanic teaches you the tricks of chains, gear cassettes, shifters, and brakes.  I found it very useful.

[RosieTR]

Thanks for starting this thread, frugalparagon, and thanks to others for the great suggestions and links! I bought and old, sad Diamondback for $25 and would like to have it be my "learning" bike, and commuter. So these are super useful tips!

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

Thanks for starting this thread, frugalparagon, and thanks to others for the great suggestions and links! I bought and old, sad Diamondback for $25 and would like to have it be my "learning" bike, and commuter. So these are super useful tips!

You're welcome--I'm so glad people are finding it helpful. Good luck with the learning! It's so satisfying when you figure one thing out.

[GuitarStv]

GuitarStv's hard learned advice - While there are occasions when you need to use a fair amount of force on a bike, they're pretty few and far between.  Any time you feel like you're about to crank down hard on something, stop.  Take a couple steps back.  Re-analyze the problem.  Are you really turning it the right way?  Is it threaded in quite right?  Are you using the right tool for the job?  Are you just getting frustrated?  :P

[La Bibliotecaria Feroz]

GuitarStv's hard learned advice - While there are occasions when you need to use a fair amount of force on a bike, they're pretty few and far between.  Any time you feel like you're about to crank down hard on something, stop.  Take a couple steps back.  Re-analyze the problem.  Are you really turning it the right way?  Is it threaded in quite right?  Are you using the right tool for the job?  Are you just getting frustrated?  :P

Probably better advice for a dude than a lady :-). I couldn't get the bolt out to adjust the seat on Big Brother's bike because my husband had tightened it! Grip strength definitely a limiting factor for me--and I lift weights. But good to be aware of.

[Jack]

GuitarStv's hard learned advice - While there are occasions when you need to use a fair amount of force on a bike, they're pretty few and far between.  Any time you feel like you're about to crank down hard on something, stop.  Take a couple steps back.  Re-analyze the problem.  Are you really turning it the right way?  Is it threaded in quite right?  Are you using the right tool for the job?  Are you just getting frustrated?  :P

Probably better advice for a dude than a lady :-). I couldn't get the bolt out to adjust the seat on Big Brother's bike because my husband had tightened it! Grip strength definitely a limiting factor for me--and I lift weights. But good to be aware of.

Grip strength is mostly irrelevant. You just needed a longer lever arm.

[snogirl]

GuitarStv's hard learned advice - While there are occasions when you need to use a fair amount of force on a bike, they're pretty few and far between.  Any time you feel like you're about to crank down hard on something, stop.  Take a couple steps back.  Re-analyze the problem.  Are you really turning it the right way?  Is it threaded in quite right?  Are you using the right tool for the job?  Are you just getting frustrated?  :P

Probably better advice for a dude than a lady :-). I couldn't get the bolt out to adjust the seat on Big Brother's bike because my husband had tightened it! Grip strength definitely a limiting factor for me--and I lift weights. But good to be aware of.

When I find something that is overtorqued ie not torqued correctly, I have a cheater bar that slips over either my ratchet or wrench to help give me leverage. 
Some call it a breaker bar. 
I use a gorilla bar for breaking over torqued lug nuts on tires.
OT, I bought the Zinn book, thanks for the tip.  I have a Feedback Elite stand that I bought through Art's Cyclery on sale, I think saved like $75 with free shipping.
It was the cheapest and I waited for a good sale with a Memorial Day.
I also own a couple of torque wrenches that prove invaluable for not over tightening anything.  It pays off in the long run.