Questions tagged [maintenance]

Tools, parts, techniques, and procedures to keep your bike in working order. MAINTENANCE is not the same as REPAIR, a separate tag. Maintenance is what one does on a regular basis. Repair is what one does only when something is broken.

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How do I wrap a road bike handlebar?

What is the best way to wrap a handlebar? Specifically: Should I start near the stem or at the bar ends? wrap clockwise or counter-clockwise? How to wrap (e.g. how many times) around where the brake ...
David LeBauer's user avatar
17 votes
2 answers
8k views

Hydraulic Disc Brakes Maintenance

I have Hayes Nine hydraulic disc brakes on my mountain bike. I have recently replaced the brake pads and after that it seems that the pads are almost touching the rotor. How can I adjust it? I have ...
kristof's user avatar
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16 votes
6 answers
43k views

Should I grease a carbon fiber seat post?

I was reading a recent question when I saw this answer: You should absolutely grease your seatpost (unless it is carbon fiber). Why should I NOT grease a carbon fiber seat post?
Anthony K's user avatar
  • 6,233
14 votes
1 answer
6k views

How do I maintain a Brooks leather saddle?

I've got a Brooks leather saddle and i like it a lot, but i am entirely clueless on how to care for it. I know i am supposed to rub some sort of fat on it, but i have no idea what kind of fat, or how ...
Mithaldu's user avatar
  • 375
13 votes
7 answers
17k views

Which way should a seat post clamp be oriented?

I heard somewhere (I don't remember where) once that a seat post clamp should be oriented with the gap at the front of the seat tube, opposite of the gap in the top of the seat tube. The logic behind ...
jimchristie's user avatar
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13 votes
6 answers
4k views

How can I learn to take care of an old (70s era) road bike/get it back to working condition?

I found my mom's old road bike from the 70s tucked away in a corner of our attic. It's not in great condition and is pretty rusty. I don't know a lot about bikes from a mechanical or upkeep point of ...
Elizabeth's user avatar
  • 133
13 votes
10 answers
34k views

How long should a well-maintained chain last on a fixie and what can I do to prolong its life?

I commute on a fixie. I'm using KMC Z410 chains. Every evening if it's wet I wipe and re-lube my chain, using ProLink lube. Every weekend I remove the chain, soak it in kero, brush it with a citrus ...
Mac's user avatar
  • 9,126
13 votes
4 answers
98k views

What cleaner and oil should I use on my bike chain [duplicate]

Hope everyone is well. I need to clean and oil my chain as its getting a little clunky when I’m changing gears. I have no idea what I should be cleaning it with and then what I should oil with. Any ...
Tim Allars's user avatar
13 votes
4 answers
5k views

How to objectively evaluate torque wrenches?

My local bicycle group bought very nice but very expensive torque wrenches (if I can remember right they cost about €300–500). My local discount store markets them for about €50. My local auction site ...
user avatar
12 votes
1 answer
31k views

What maintenance does a front suspension fork need?

I've just bought a used bike on eBay, its a 2002 Marin Bobcat Trail. It has 'In-Sync 266' suspension forks. This is my first suspension bike so I need some guidance in the use and maintenance of these ...
Tim Long's user avatar
  • 275
11 votes
3 answers
6k views

What kind of maintenance does a shimano dynamo hub need?

I have a shimano dynamo hub on the front of my bike. Does it need any special maintenance, or maybe it needs just a little synthetic grease once a year, like a normal front hub?
Tadeusz A. Kadłubowski's user avatar
11 votes
2 answers
4k views

Problem with chain `skipping` (but not trying to shift)

I have two bicycles that suffer this problem, both pretty heavy frames (one a ladies, Hollander bike, and the other a man's commuter) - both have correctly adjusted Derailleurs which don't produce any ...
Lee Hambley's user avatar
11 votes
8 answers
6k views

Can replacing my handlebar tape help reduce finger numbness?

Despite changing hand positions often and switching to more "cushiony" gel gloves, I'm still experiencing intermittent numbness when I ride (sometimes I get tingling and sometimes not). Are certain ...
kmm's user avatar
  • 1,645
11 votes
6 answers
7k views

How can I remove the stripped plastic cups of a bottom bracket?

I have a 2 frames with FAG bottom brackets (can't tell the exact model from the outside, but something like this): (datasheet here) in various states of destruction Bike 1 I didn't have the tool so ...
oarfish's user avatar
  • 415
11 votes
3 answers
24k views

Attaching a stem to a carbon steerer: how much torque?

So I decided to travel with my bike this week and to my surprise discovered that the steerer is carbon fiber. I had removed the stem from the steerer for packing but naively assumed it was aluminum ...
darkcanuck's user avatar
  • 10.9k
10 votes
3 answers
12k views

Brake callipers not long enough to allow adjustment of pads

I upgraded the standard Tektro brakes on my SE Lager to Shimano 105s. The braking performance is vastly improved. I also have Charge Plug wheels, rather than the stock wheels. However I've noticed ...
Mac's user avatar
  • 9,126
10 votes
2 answers
4k views

Why don't frame manufacturers ream/face their frames?

Before building up a new frame, it's crucially important to ream/face the headtube and crown race seat (and the bottom bracket, if using press-fit cups). You should also ideally chase the threads of ...
Stephen Touset's user avatar
10 votes
4 answers
8k views

Trouble getting the right cup and cone hub adjustment

I have a pair of Shimano XT wheels and recently had issues with the hub on the rear wheel requiring new cones and bearings. These were fitted carefully but I've had issues getting the right adjustment ...
Badger's user avatar
  • 203
10 votes
1 answer
9k views

Where do springs on skewer go?

Where do the springs on a skewer go in relation to dropouts? And which way do they face? My springs are conical but I can't recall which direction the cone pointed or if they were between hub and ...
BlueChippy's user avatar
10 votes
6 answers
9k views

Can I use WD40 and generic bicycle oil to maintain my MTB drivetrain?

For years I've been using WD40, a brass brush, a rag, and some generic bicycle chain oil. My chain has no visible damage, and I have no problems with it. This is for a somewhat cheap MTB that sees ...
AlphaCentauri's user avatar
9 votes
2 answers
2k views

What tool should I be using on this bottom bracket?

Belongs to a fairly basic kids bike. Bought second hand and was able to remove it using almost my fingers alone, with a little assistance from a flat head screwdriver. After replacing the bearings, ...
Chris's user avatar
  • 193
9 votes
5 answers
4k views

Are single-speed bikes better equipped to handle cog/chain wear?

I need to decide between a single-speed and multiple-speed bike. I usually ride multiple-speed mountain/city bikes in the highest gear anyway (around town). They're not intended for that, and doing ...
Baumr's user avatar
  • 1,585
9 votes
4 answers
7k views

How do I remove rust from my seat tube?

I just pulled my seat out as the first step of breaking my bike down for winter storage, and found that rust has formed between my seat tube and my seat post. The rust starts maybe 3" down the tube ...
user229044's user avatar
  • 3,566
9 votes
2 answers
861 views

How do I change my disc brake pads?

How do I change my disc-brake pads? How do I avoid letting the fluid out?
Johan Dahlin's user avatar
  • 2,888
8 votes
5 answers
5k views

Which parts of a bike have reversed (left-handed) threads?

Which parts of a bike have reversed (left-handed) threads? There's 1) the non-drive-side left pedal-to-crank threading and 2) the drive-side right bottom bracket cup (apparently sometimes called the ...
compton's user avatar
  • 2,481
8 votes
2 answers
28k views

Left pedal coming loose

On my bike, which I just built out of spare parts, the left pedal seems to constantly be coming loose. It seems to come out about 5m every time I ride ~10km. It's an old cotter pin crank, and the ...
naught101's user avatar
  • 301
7 votes
3 answers
2k views

What are the most common causes for hysteresis in the rear derailler?

I have often seen derailleurs on cheap MTBs to degrade in performance by showing hysteresis. By that I mean that to switch to a certain cog, one needs to shift one cog further and then immediately one ...
Vorac's user avatar
  • 13.7k
7 votes
1 answer
20k views

How do I know which spokes to get for my wheel?

I have a hybrid bike and under description for Spokes it says "Stainless PG"...but when I look for spokes there are a multitude of sizes, thicknesses, butted, double-butted, etc.! How do I know what ...
BlueChippy's user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
694 views

Tire Repair / Maintenance

This question, What's the cause of the tyre cut, got me wondering if there is anything that can, or should, be done to repair small cuts in the tread of a tire. As I was looking at the damage to the ...
dlu's user avatar
  • 7,046
6 votes
2 answers
5k views

Why is it important to wipe excess lubricant off your chain?

This question about chain maintenance during touring raised this question. This tip sounds unintuitive, of course, I know that the extra lube will attract dust (not good to chain) but I have paid for ...
user avatar
6 votes
4 answers
4k views

Adjust handlebar position/height (damaged screw?)

I was trying to adjust the position of my handle bar...but might have turned the screw too hard in the wrong direction or perhaps it was like this earlier...not sure.... Is there anything that can be ...
Naresh MG's user avatar
  • 195
6 votes
2 answers
419 views

What is this tool? [duplicate]

I found a thin plastic tool, about 5cm long. It is engraved with the number 5. I believe it to be a bike tool. What is it?
Colonel Panic's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
9k views

How can I keep spiders and other bugs off my bicycle?

I am an extreme arachnophobe, to the point that I've left dishes in the sink due to a dead spider the size of an M&M. My bike at work is right in the open, and because of the soft winter, there ...
Nzall's user avatar
  • 437
5 votes
3 answers
21k views

What is the proper way to cut brake cable housing?

Unlike this question, mine is about cutting the housing. All I've used with random success has been a pair of pliers with a good sharp inner cutting tool. Is there a better way, or a proper tool for ...
Fandango68's user avatar
  • 1,282
5 votes
3 answers
19k views

Why did my tire explode?

Been running a set of quite nice slicks at 120-140 PSI for a couple of months. Might have done 400-600 km on the bike in that time. Tonight the rear tire exploded while the bike was sitting in my ...
John Doucette's user avatar
5 votes
3 answers
27k views

What tool is needed to remove a Shimano HG-50 freewheel?

What tool is needed to remove a Shimano HG-50 freewheel from the wheel hub? It looks like a 12mm or 13mm Allen key. Will this do it or is there some detail I have missed?
Greg B's user avatar
  • 1,263
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

Can I 'toe in' these cantilever brake pads?

I'm riding a new bike (new to me) and I am unfamiliar riding with some of the components, specifically the cantilever cross brakes. On my road bike, I toe in the brake pads to help with noise, feel, ...
ebrohman's user avatar
  • 5,508
4 votes
2 answers
4k views

Brake pads constantly touching the rotor because piston is not moving back

I recently replaced the brake pads on my hydraulic disc brake. The brakes are a Tektro Draco 2. Now the new pads are constantly touching the rotor. This is how it looks like with caliper unmounted. ...
mles's user avatar
  • 301
4 votes
3 answers
12k views

back tire keeps going down

I have just bought a new bike and had it about a month now. I don't really know much about bikes but I do know how to repair an inner tube. I have had one puncture and just bought a new inner tube. ...
aiden's user avatar
  • 61
4 votes
4 answers
3k views

How to clean consumable metallic parts cheaply while touring?

By the term consumable metallic parts I mean things such as derailleur pulleys, chains and cassettes. I have met tourers that suggested me cooking oil for cleaning the metallic parts, more here. The ...
user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
2k views

What qualities of bicycle bearing grease?

What are the qualities of bicycle bearing grease that make it suitable for that use? (The reason I ask is that I need to get some and I'd rather get the non-bike equivalent grease at the auto parts ...
compton's user avatar
  • 2,481
4 votes
2 answers
4k views

How to remove slider legs from old rst suspension fork?

I want to clean and lube my old rst suspension fork. So far I've failed to separate the slider legs from the frame to clean/lube the inside of the legs. There is a 4mm hex bolt on the bottom of ...
Joe Heller's user avatar
4 votes
2 answers
1k views

Removing surface rust from my Eggbeater pedals?

So I did a couple of wet rides last month, and I guess I didn't dry the pedals as well as I should have. I have Crank Brothers Eggbeater pedals, and I noticed a bit of surface rust on them that I'd ...
Dennis Wurster's user avatar
3 votes
3 answers
1k views

How to properly tighten "internal" nut on the rear axis?

This is basically a follow-up of my previous question. I am talking about the nut between the frame and the cassette (see attached image). In other words not the "external nut" which fixes ...
Attilio's user avatar
  • 563
3 votes
5 answers
10k views

Can a worn drive-train be upgraded incrementally or should it be all at once?

It seems like I have a worn drive-train (sad trombone previous question) and should think about improving it. I'm a little leery about throwing good money after bad into a used bike. Must I buy a new ...
Larry OBrien's user avatar
2 votes
1 answer
434 views

Strange dynamo behavior

Some days ago I noticed the light cast from my bike was not steady, despite I was travelling at constant speed. Checking the dynamo when engaged I noticed it was touching on the side of the tire, but ...
L.Dutch's user avatar
  • 7,111
2 votes
1 answer
17k views

Twist shifter cannot shift down – what might be the cause?

My son's bike is stuck on 7. When we try to shift down to 1, there are no clicks. It just shoots right back to 7. This is a dial/twist/grip shifter, not a trigger shifter. I do not think it has ...
VAGolfDad's user avatar
1 vote
1 answer
497 views

Dismounting wheel in a fixie

I have a fixed gear bike, Rocky Mountain Boroughs Fixie (see picture). The chain is very tight compared to any free wheel bike. So anytime the tire gets punctured (unfortunately very often) and I want ...
Alessandro Cosentino's user avatar
0 votes
2 answers
13k views

What are the directions for removing the bottom bracket bearing caps?

I am trying to re-purpose a Mongoose MTB frame I was given. The crank axle is "wobbly" within its housing. I want to get into the housing to replace the bearings, but can't for the life of me, ...
Lex's user avatar
  • 3
0 votes
2 answers
219 views

Lowest Gear Out of Whack

Yesterday, I was having this problem. Taking the advice, I messed with the barrel adjusters. Now, every gear is working great except the highest gear and lowest gear. I put my bike in the highest ...
J126's user avatar
  • 827