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.
2
votes
3answers
2k views
Determining front & rear derailleur compatibility
I have a 2009 Kona Dew and I'm just wondering how to figure out what front and rear derailleurs are compatible with my bike.
Do I just have to find a matching Shimano part that fits 8-speed gearsets? ...
2
votes
2answers
436 views
Fixed gear: slipping
I have a single speed bike with a flip-flop hub and recently I decided to try out the fixed side. When testing it out in the car-park I was applying backpressure to brake and found sometimes the ...
2
votes
2answers
654 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
517 views
should the chain be uniformly tight on a fixie?
I have a Continuum fixie. I try to tighten the chain and in some areas the chain is nice and tight and when I rotate the pedals in other areas the chain is loose. My question is should I be happy ...
2
votes
1answer
1k views
What maintenance to do after buying a brand new road bike?
I've just bought a new GMC Denali road bike. I've put it together, but riding it has revealed that there are a few things that need to be fixed, such as the front-side brakes being too loose.
Is ...
2
votes
2answers
206 views
Stop my front brake lever screws from vibrating out?
One of the most common maintenance tasks on my Mongoose Tyax Super is to tighten a small screw in my front brake level. It shakes loose both due to use, and from a habit I picked up riding in ...
2
votes
1answer
760 views
How do I clean the inside of a freehub?
I didn't know any better and I let degreaser drip into the freewheel body of my Shimano FH-RM65. Now it makes a terrible retching noise when it rotates.
How do I clean the inside of this thing?
...
2
votes
4answers
224 views
Where can I find containers to dispense bulk chain lube
So, I'm looking for drip style containers to keep in my messenger bag and my home shop to dispense bike chain lube. I want to just buy a 32oz container of lube for cheap on amazon and fill my own ...
2
votes
6answers
3k views
Adjusting rear derailleur - shifts to lower gear, but not to higher
Well, it will shift to a higher gear, but it takes two clicks of the shifter and it skips over a gear when it does shift. With one click the chain hangs on the current gear by the slimmest if threads. ...
2
votes
2answers
208 views
What can cause vibration and noise from the chain?
I just replaced my front cogs and back sprockets with new ones (I didn't use a torque tool or replace the chain). I also replaced the sealed bearing bottom bracket on my pedals. The old bearings were ...
2
votes
2answers
115 views
Is there any reason to keep original drive-train components together until they can all be replaced?
I broke the master link in my chain a while ago and my LSB told me it was because I wasn't cleaning/lubricating my chain often enough. The chain had experienced more wear than it should have as a ...
2
votes
2answers
91 views
How to fit tt brakes
got a set of profile design bull horns and fitting an aero lever/tt brake.
name this one
how is this inserted into the handlebar and how does one adjust?
Cheers
2
votes
2answers
91 views
Suspension Maintenance
How often do you need to have your fork and rear shock fully serviced? My guess is that this depends on how many miles you are riding, so lets say 150 miles/ year.
2
votes
2answers
632 views
Folding bike cleaning
I just got a Dahon Mu Uno 2011. I am really happy with the bike, but it's my first folding bike and I have noticed how quick it gets dirty. This is probably due to being closer to the ground than most ...
2
votes
2answers
2k views
How do the adjustment barrels on a gear cable work?
I have a Shimano Sora derailleur on the bike I just bought with a triple chainring in the front. Right up by the shifters there is a sort of barrel adjuster on the cable. It doesn't seem to do ...
2
votes
2answers
509 views
Which master links for 1/8 inch aka BMX chains?
It was very easy to find master links for 3/32inch (aka 9-speed chain) but I cannot find them for 1/8 inch (aka BMX chain). My chain is the Nexus CN-NX10. Cannot understand the odd observation that ...
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
328 views
How should I lubricate my Shimano freewheel?
I have a Shimano freewheel (MX-30) that came with my bike from new. Unfortunately the internals got all gunked up and it stopped working (never engaged and became free both ways). I have bought and ...
2
votes
1answer
243 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
1answer
432 views
How do I fold a bicycle tire?
I have Race King (continental) 2.2 MTB 28" tires that I need to store until it's winter and snows again. They are foldable, and I planned to store them in their original boxes, but how do I properly ...
2
votes
2answers
354 views
Squeaking sounds after lubricating the cogset and chain
My bicycle didn't produce any squeaks until the last weekend, when I decided to make a little maintenance. First, I used "Easy Clean" spray from the White Lightning brand to clean the cogset and the ...
2
votes
2answers
268 views
how much can i raise my stem?
I've got one of these stems:
It's currently fully inserted into the bike, and it's too low for me.
Can I simply loosen it, raise it 5cm and tighten it again?
What's the minimum length that ...
2
votes
2answers
148 views
Manage and Track Maintenance Schedules
I'm wondering how people manage the required (and completed) maintenance for their bikes, especially when you have a couple each with completely different component sets (i.e. a road bike, a XC, a ...
2
votes
2answers
365 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 ...
2
votes
2answers
353 views
Where can I buy Framesaver in Canada?
My LBS has told me they're unable to order Framesaver due to difficulties shipping aerosol canisters across the border. Are there any reputable retailers (either online or in the Greater Toronto Area) ...
2
votes
2answers
498 views
Bottom bracket bearing Issues
Been having some bottom bracket (BB) woes. Noticed a click on the top of the left pedal stroke decided to re-grease the BB. Took it apart cleaned everything re-greased, put it back together.
Roll ...
2
votes
1answer
298 views
Joe Blow Pump Maintenance
My Top Peak Joe Blow floor pump has been getting harder and harder to pump. I bought the high end model so that my 94 lb wife could pump up her own tires, but it has gotten to the point where I can ...
2
votes
2answers
633 views
Alternative Chain/DriveTrain DeGreasers
My question is whether there is anything "special" about the Bicycle-Specific Branded Chain degreasers or whether the much cheaper alternatives are just as good. I've used the ParkTool CB-2 ...
2
votes
4answers
1k views
Strange noise coming from bottom bracket/crank? any ideas?
ive just bought a trek 6300 and im getting a strange creaking coming from the crank/bottom bracket when im stand pedalling. it only happens when im stand pedalling, and only what appears to be on my ...
2
votes
2answers
329 views
Puncture resistant tires
The the default tires from my scott aspect 30 (Schwalbe Black Jack, 26 x 2.1, 50TPI) are peaty worn by know and i need to buy new ones.
My main complain is the punctures made by vegetation every day ...
2
votes
3answers
3k 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?
2
votes
4answers
476 views
Maintenance lube for Aluminum Electra Townie
My wife just bought me a used Electra Townie with aluminum frame and wheels. The previous owner claimed it had been serviced in the past year. Checking the bearings, I can tell it was a poor job of ...
2
votes
2answers
889 views
Removing SRAM Red Chainrings
This is almost certainly very simply, but how do you undo the chainring bolts on the SRAM red chainset? I can fit a 5mm (or 8mm can't recall now) hex head into the black screws, but they just spin on ...
2
votes
5answers
730 views
Home-made sealed freewheel?
Is there any way to do a home-made sealing on my freewheel?
Is there any material recommended to do it?
Anyone can find some previous try documented?
Will I fail miserably if I try to source a ...
2
votes
1answer
620 views
Where can I buy a Bianchi Pista Concept?
I would like to buy a Bianchi Pista Concept 2005...2009 like this one:
http://velospace.org/node/24912
Where can I find this bike in London, UK? And what should I check before buy it?
Also, How ...
2
votes
2answers
105 views
Jammed rear brakes
My rear brake is jamming to the point that only half seems to be moving. With worn blocks I got away with it, but now I have changed the pads I finally need to sort the problem. Could the brakes be ...
2
votes
1answer
4k views
How to adjust Avid Elixir 1 hydraulic disc brakes?
I have a Trek X-Caliber and the rear disc is rubbing a little. So I want to adjust the brakes so it doesn't rub and make things a bit easier of course.
I see many videos about brake adjustment but ...
2
votes
2answers
477 views
Maintenance/Upgrades for Gary Fisher Joshua MTB
Let me start from the beginning:
About three years ago, I broke my leg after buying a Gary Fisher Joshua MTB, when I was just getting into road and cross-country riding. I've only started riding ...
2
votes
2answers
580 views
Better 7-speed chain for Trek Allant?
Bought a Trek Allant for cycling to work (ca 10 miles). Now, after exact 512 miles the chain is worn out and starts damaging the cassette and chainset. Cheap crap material!
Is there anything out there ...
2
votes
1answer
4k views
Shimano Chainring Compatability
In my previous question we determined that I probably need new chainrings. I was/am planning on replacing the chainrings, and leaving the original crank.
Now this bike is running Shimano 105 FC-5600 ...
2
votes
3answers
222 views
What should I use to lubricate my kickstand?
The kickstand that came with my bike is rusty and is difficult to adjust. What should I use for lubrication?
2
votes
0answers
32 views
When not in use, How should I store my tubeless tires?
I have a bike setup with tubeless mountain bike tires. I tend to ride about 20-25 PSI.
How should I store my tubeless tires? Does it matter what pressure I store the tires at between rides? Should ...
1
vote
4answers
1k views
Can I use gear oil on my chain?
I don't have any chain oil right now, but I have some gear oil left over from working on my car. Would it be an effective chain lubricant? It's listed as 80W90, but reading the Wikipedia article ...
1
vote
4answers
1k views
Alternative Chain Grease/Lube
Can I use this general-purpose lithium grease on my chain until I can get some Finish Line lube? Thanks in advance.
1
vote
5answers
913 views
Can a fixed gear sprocket be changed without tools?
I do not have a chain whip or sprocket ring tool. Is it possible to change the rear sprocket without these tools?
1
vote
5answers
1k 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 ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
Bottom bracket is ticking
Recently my 2008 Devinci mountain bike sounds like it's ticking when I push down on my left pedal on a usual rotation.
When I turn the bike over and go through rotations, I can't get it to tick.
...
1
vote
3answers
230 views
Bike Balancing, How is it done?
When riding hands free, I am noticing my bike is more oriented towards a particular direction (In my case: left). I tried to check of what my problems might be:
I check the handles, if they were of ...
1
vote
3answers
377 views
Spray new bike with teflon to repel dirt and moisture?
I'm getting a new road bike. Would a light spritz of teflon spray help in repelling dirt and moisture? I wouldn't coat it completely, just focus on those dirt collecting areas, the undersides of the ...
1
vote
2answers
901 views
Will a hollowtech shimano BB fit a bike which currently has an octalink bracket?
I have a mongoose otero elite 2008 and the crankset is broke (wobbling) It's also bent, so time for a new one. I currently have a nice shimano deore crankset from an old bike, but it uses a different ...
