| Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption |
| Treacodactyl |
Bike maintenance article requestI'm thinking of dusting off Bugs' and my old bikes off but I don't know much about bike maintenance. It occurred to me that a simple bike servicing article would be a great addition to the site. Something along the lines of what to do to keep the bike on the road, simple repairs and routine maintenance.Does anyone have such knowledge or know anyone who has? It could always be a downsizer joint article. |
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| 2steps |
could ask my OH to do it. He knows tons about bikes | ||||
| dpack |
i know nothing ....teach me | ||||
| dpack |
please | ||||
| trigfa |
Yes please. I'm off to drop my rear wheel in to Mikes Bikes in Upper Bangor tomorrow as the freewheel appears to have seized. Not too good when your trying to freewheel down the mile long hill thats on my way home from work 
Anything that may save me future expense (as well as the satisfaction of doing it myself) is always welcome |
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| Bugs |
That would really be appreciated if you could, 2steps, and if you've got time between you. Mochyn's Old Chap is already down as a contributor so we have a precedent (of course I think they should both join up  )
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| 2steps |
OK, will ask him when he gets home tonight | ||||
| Res |
You are supposed to oil the bike now and then, even more so if it's kept outside. Halfords do a "maintenance oil" in spray can or for downsizer way, oil can. Just drop a bit on the chain, cogs and wheel bearings, every other month should be more than enough. |
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| Northern_Lad |
Or twice daily of you live in Snowdonia. I'll have a word with BIL; he's on a cycling forum somewhere. |
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| Res |
Should'nt that be "de-icer" :icescream: |
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| Northern_Lad |
All BIL could com up with was:
http://www.singletrackworld.com/forum/read.php?f=2&i=1934878&t=1934739 Not so much a guide, more a 'how much do you do, and how often' |
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| trigfa |
Actually oiling is one of the bits of maintainence that I've got my head around. I think the seizure may be due to me buying a cheap bike rather than lack of oil. I certainly agree about the de-icer though. Usually in use from about September til May
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| 2steps |
he said yes, no problem. when do you want it for? |
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| Treacodactyl |
Sorry for not replying sooner, I've been a little busy.
Thanks for the offer and it will be very welcome. There's no rush, Sunday would be fine.  Just joking, we have a steady flow of articles so whenever he could do it. If it's soon or he wishes for some comments from other cyclists then he could post it in the forum. Otherwise just email it to the ed and we can post it up.
If you would like some pictures and can't do them yourself please just post up a request and either I or someone can take them. If there's anything he's not sure of then, again, post up a question and someone should be able to help. Thanks again. 
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| 2steps |
okey doke | ||||
| Sunpuppy |
Bike Maintenance articleAny news on the bike article front yet?I'm desperately in need of some advice for my knackered old Raleigh mountain bike..... |
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| 2steps |
OH says sorry for being so long and he'll finish it up by the weekend | ||||
| Sunpuppy |
Brill - I wait with bated breath......
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| tahir |
This place offer a one day course in bike maintenance:
http://www.letsoffroaduk.com/ |
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| hairyhippy |
www.sheldonbrown.com is a great free resource for all things bicycle.
I used his instructions to make and true my own wheels amongst other things But as a minimum make sure your brakes work, your tyres are pumped and your chain is oiled. |
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| hairyhippy |
Did anyone ever put together a cycle maintenance article? | ||||
| sean |
No. Would you like to? Please.
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| hairyhippy |
I could have a go, are there any guide lines on submitting an article / article content? | ||||
| sean |
http://forum.downsizer.net/viewtopic.php?t=2537
Thanks. If you've got any technical questions it may be quickest to PM Barefoot Andrew. |
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| Barefoot Andrew |
*pricks up ears and awaits any technical questions*
A. |
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| BahamaMama |
Where's Cab? | ||||
| cab |
Sitting pondering his ineptitude at bike maintenance after once again failing to get his gears right. |
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| BahamaMama |
I have heard gears are tricky  but what about the basics? and how to set a bike up so it does not give you bad backs and fizzy fingers? 
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| Gervase |
I don't know if it's still in print, but there used to be an excellent book by a chap called Richard Ballantyne called Richard's Bicycle Book which had just about everything you'd ever need to know about how to look after a bike and written in a very accessible way. My last edition was from 1980, so it might not still be available. The principles, however, remain the same.
ETA: Nearly 40 years on, it's still available, updated, here. It was an inspirational book, and I hope it is still. |
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| Tavascarow |
TBH an article can only touch the basics & there's already a wealth of knowledge on the net.
I like Sheldon Browns site. This one is my favourite though. & this one has some very easy to follow videos. Park tools site is good to but they will try & tell you you need to buy their very expensive (all be it very good) tools. |
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| Barefoot Andrew |
There's also The Bike Book from Haynes. I've got a first edition which has proved useful a time or two
A. |
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| ziggy searchfield |
just need.................... |