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.
5
votes
4answers
1k 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 ...
5
votes
3answers
3k views
Does my bottom bracket need replacing?
About two months ago I bought a Boardman HT Comp. Today I took it into my local bike shop for a service. While I was in the shop one of the technicians had a quick look at it and told me that my ...
4
votes
2answers
193 views
Why are some leather saddles laced at the bottom and should I do this to mine?
Some Leather saddles, such at the brooks b17 imperial have holes at the bottom for lacing.
What does lacing a leather saddle do and should I (or when should I) do this to my own leather saddle? ...
4
votes
4answers
601 views
How long is the life cycle of a bicycle?
This may not be a particularly practical question, but I wonder how often do you find yourself looking for a new (or another) bike? There are, of course, two main aspects of it:
Mechanical decay. If ...
4
votes
2answers
1k views
Chain drop under load
I have a problem. Today I was riding (flat-out) up hill, and went to shift up a gear on the rear, which caused the chain to drop off the front chain-ring (was in the big-ring, so dropped to the ...
3
votes
3answers
788 views
Badly rusted suspension fork
I have a $300 MTB used for commuting. It has been three years now, and the rain and snow have said their word. Two weeks ago I disassembled the fork and spent a good one hour with the sandpaper, ...
3
votes
3answers
527 views
What causes my chain to derail at the rear when I accelerate?
I recently bought a beat-up old mountain bike for commuting. I've tried to clean and adjust the derailleurs and everything seems to work well enough in my garage. But when I put heavy weight on the ...
3
votes
2answers
220 views
What kind of master link is most convenient for IGH / fixie / ss setups?
Here's a question related to this and this -- I've got a IGH bike and want to keep the drivetrain clean. I prefer to remove the chain for regular maintenance, but don't want to have to remove the ...
3
votes
4answers
2k views
Bottom bracket making noise, should it be fixed now or can I wait until regular maintenance?
My bike has been ridden 4 months / 2000 miles and is no longer completely quiet.
About a month ago I noticed a whispering noise like a wire brush sliding across a cymbal. It happens on the ...
3
votes
3answers
1k views
When do bearings need to be replaced?
How do I know when bearings need to be replaced?
Should I go by time? Or is there a symptom to guide me?
3
votes
5answers
385 views
Cycling clothing care products
Given a "standard" cyclist's wardrobe (e.g. paddded shorts, jerseys, moisture-wicking t-shirts and socks--made of blends of lycra, spandex, wool, and other "specialty" fabrics) what special-care ...
2
votes
2answers
190 views
Identifying bottom bracket
First and foremost.. I'm slowly trying to replace my bottom bracket.. it makes a kind of knackered-bearings sound when I move the pedals round without the chain attached. This is because I've been bad ...
2
votes
1answer
242 views
How can I adjust index shifter so it doesn't skip the second chainring?
I recently replaced my chain and cassette on my commuter bike. It was a first time operation for me, as I am a new to doing bike maintenance. That part seems to have gone fine. While I was at it, I ...
2
votes
2answers
652 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
Why is my drivetrain so noisy after replacing the chain?
I ride an SE Lager fixed. On the 30th of May this year I did a bit of an overhaul, replacing the rear cog, chain, wheels, tyres and brake pads.
I measured the chain last weekend and discovered that ...
0
votes
2answers
172 views
Back Gears Clicking
I've got a ten gear cassette in the rear and the top gear is fine. But, if I'm in my next four or five gears before the top gear I get a clicking noise of the type you get when you shift and it ...
