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.
4
votes
1answer
62 views
Chain Lube Compatibility?
I bought the bike used, so I am not sure what chain lube was used in the past. I used Tri-flow Superior Lubricant once (does not seem to be very popular on this board) but may wish to experiment with ...
3
votes
1answer
50 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 ...
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? ...
16
votes
8answers
598 views
Where to find good bicycle maintenance info?
If there is a good book what would it be? I'm pretty sure I can find stuff on YouTube (any particular user?). Any blogs out there?
3
votes
5answers
241 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 ...
4
votes
2answers
77 views
Seatpost maintenance : removing rust
I have an aluminum seat post in a steel frame. The post was really hard to extract and I don't want this thing corroding on me.
You've discussed how to take care of the rust on a steel frame and on ...
3
votes
1answer
57 views
Should I grease pins when re-installing them on cottered cranks?
I'm restoring a vintage Peugeot with cottered cranks. When reattaching the cranks to the bottom bracket spindle, should I grease the pins or put them in dry?
3
votes
4answers
150 views
Will an 1/8' chain and cogs wear slower than 3/32' chain and cogs for single speed / fixed gear setup?
Will an 1/8" chain and cogs wear slower than 3/32" chain and cogs for single speed / fixed gear setup? What about using an 1/8' chain mismatched on 3/32" chainring and cogs?
3
votes
2answers
90 views
How do I find the right derailleur (gear-mech)?
I have a 9 x 3 speed mountain-bike. The derailleur got broken (and was since lost), I'm trying to find a new one. What do I need to go by to ensure I get a good fit? The rear-casette (sprokets) range ...
5
votes
2answers
1k views
How to make a lockable front suspension last longer?
Lockable suspension is very handy on every ride. But I have witnessed a few cases where they break way too soon, in comparison with other types of suspension. The locks fail to be effective, or the ...
1
vote
1answer
56 views
Are there any community bike shops in the Netherlands?
I'm a Canadian who's visiting the Netherlands for a few months. I'm awed by the strength of the bicycling culture here, but, to date, I haven't been able to locate any community bike shops. By ...
6
votes
5answers
219 views
I live in a place where it frequently floods. How can I keep my chain from rusting?
My poor bike's chain lasted all of three months before it gave in to the winter floods where I live. Storing it indoors is not an option, and despite my maintenance efforts, the knee-deep floods that ...
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 ...
8
votes
3answers
366 views
What cleaner and oil should I use on my bike chain
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 ...
12
votes
4answers
987 views
What kinds of brake designs exist, and what are their general pros and cons?
Here are the ones I'm aware of:
Center Pull Cantilever
Slightly better braking than side pull brakes.
No recentering problem.
Relatively rare
V-Brakes
Cheap to produce.
Similar in braking power ...
1
vote
1answer
423 views
Do my Shimano 7900 Dura Ace chainrings need replacing?
Basically today I had a bizarre suggestion; someone told me that my Dura Ace 7900 crankset (a 53 chainring) needs replacing because some teeth are worn from use.
I ask myself, is that possible? I've ...
3
votes
2answers
140 views
storing bike outside - avoiding trapped moisture and rainfall (bike covers)
I just got a specialized tricross for riding in the city and going on short tours around Europe.
Unfortunately I don't have enough space in the corridor of the house so I will have to put it outside ...
9
votes
3answers
245 views
What should I expect from a bicycle service?
I'm thinking about getting my bicycle serviced for the first time to make sure it's entirely roadworthy.
My question is what should I expect from a bike service from a professional?
i.e. what ...
9
votes
1answer
224 views
Setting light to a derailleur
At 3:30ish in this video, they set light to a front derailleur. Why? Degreasing it? Waxy lube that needs melting in? I can't think of a good reason. Any ideas?
4
votes
1answer
116 views
What to do about a stuck chain link on 10 speed chain
I put a new chain on my bike and after 3 rides or so, I developed a stiff link. I'm not sure what caused the issue, but now it barely bends at the pin at all, unless forced. It causes skipping ...
5
votes
4answers
285 views
How to care for a steel frame?
I'm considering getting a steel frame to upgrade from my aluminum xc bike. As it will be my first steel frame I'd like to understand if there is more after ride care required than my current bike. ...
4
votes
5answers
4k views
7-speed MTB cassette on 8/9-speed wheel hub, where does spacer go?
Sheldon Brown says "Add a 4.5 mm spacer before installing a 7-speed cassette on an 8-, 9-, or 10-speed hub", but doesn't seem to show spacer placement in any picture. My direct experience is that the ...
1
vote
2answers
154 views
10-speed chain too short, can I add links?
I purchased a new KMC DX10SC 10-speed 114 link chain to replace my worn out chain. I'm running a mountain triple and it seems that The chain is slightly too short at it's full length. I can't get in ...
3
votes
2answers
130 views
Cold weather chain lube?
My Rock N Roll Gold bike lube seems to get solid or gelatenous when stored on my unheated, but enclosed porch at colder temperatures. Is a chain lubricated with this product still going to be ...
4
votes
1answer
179 views
Can I flip my worn chain to extend it's life?
Assuming my chain is showing that it's worn and getting close to needing replacement due to chain 'stretch'. I know you can flip single speed chainrings to extend their life when they become worn. Can ...
20
votes
2answers
2k views
Does the chain direction make a difference?
Recently, I helped a friend install a new chain on her road bike, and for the first time read the instructions for installing one. It seems to claim that there's a forward direction, and that it ...
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
3
votes
1answer
159 views
How does one test the freewheel?
What are the failure modes (symptoms) of a failing or failed freewheel?
My understanding of normal free wheeling means the rear tire should rotate when the bike is moving and the pedals are or are ...
5
votes
5answers
5k views
What should I use to lubricate a freehub?
I've noticed my freehub has gotten quite a bit louder over the last few months. Several people have recommended that I lubricate the freewheel by tipping the bike on its side and dripping lubricant ...
3
votes
4answers
188 views
Daily Maintenance
I cycle to work, leave my bike in an open but well covered cycle rack, basically in a multi storey car park so it wont get wet but it is open to the fresh air. It sits there for 8 hours or so and then ...
4
votes
2answers
185 views
Swapping cranks, but the new crank is wider, how do I compensate for this?
I was swapping the cranks and bottom bracket on my karate monkey from a Truvative stylo crankset (Mountain Double, GXP bottom bracket) to a Race Face Evolution DH (Mountain Triple, Race Face bottom ...
2
votes
2answers
192 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 ...
3
votes
2answers
270 views
How do you protect the underside of your brooks leather saddle?
I'm new to leather saddles and I'm working on breaking mine in. I'm using a Brooks B17 Narrow. I use clip on fenders with my bike when the weather is bad. However, sometimes I get caught in the rain, ...
29
votes
3answers
832 views
Can I use WD-40 on my bike?
Is WD-40 really bad to apply on bikes? I was told so but still see people doing that.
Also I saw WD-40 launching their new products of bike lubricant and degreaser. Did anybody try those?
9
votes
3answers
1k views
How to avoid wearing out gears?
I have a Specialized Tricross which I bought new last year.
In that time (approximately 1K miles), I wore out my chain and gears. At least two of my gears are still slipping, even with a new chain.
...
0
votes
3answers
191 views
Is my old bike safe?
The old bike is a Cannondale R-600 purchased in 1999.
Original key components. Frame, fork. (Aluminum frame, carbon fork)
Ridden for several thousand miles.
Well maintained. (Various parts have ...
5
votes
6answers
5k views
Homemade bicycle degreaser liquids
Does anyone have a recipe for a homemade bicycle degreaser solution? I'd like to make my own degreaser solution instead of buying one. I have read about using lemon juice and various types of alcohols ...
3
votes
2answers
159 views
Will shimano 10 speed triple shifter work with compact chainset?
Will a right hand shifter described as shimano 10 speed triple work with a SRAM 9 cassette and a shimano compact chainset?
2
votes
4answers
145 views
Essential maintenance for my bike whilst on a long distance tour
I am thinking about what I need to do for maintenance whilst on a long distance tour I am planning. can anyone help me out with this?
0
votes
2answers
206 views
My v-brake lever (just one) is stiff. What's wrong?
After tuning my brakes a lot (I was learning how) I noticed suddenly my back brake got really stiff. Does't really matter if the cable is loose or not, the lever itself feels really hard to pull when ...
1
vote
3answers
1k views
Jammed Giant brand U-Lock. Unable to insert key
The other day I locked my bike to a fence and upon my return about an hour later, I found the lock jammed. I am unable to insert my key fully into the keyhole. My friend suspects that while locking ...
3
votes
3answers
803 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, ...
12
votes
4answers
669 views
I've had a bike in storage for over 10 years. What maintenance does it need?
I've had a bike in indoor storage (my garage) for over 10 years. I'd like to get it back into good condition to use for my commute to/from work each day.
What things should I check/replace before I ...
2
votes
5answers
397 views
What's the best way to fix up my used bike?
I bought a used bike on craigslist, for cheap, and while I wasn't expecting it to be great the brakes and changing gears don't work perfectly.
The front brakes are very tight and the back ones are ...
3
votes
2answers
123 views
Replacing rear coaster brake wheel on 1959 Roadmaster
I have to replace rusted/'bent rear wheel with coaster brakes on my 1959 Roadmaster.
I have found on Amazon the same size (24 X 2.125) new rear coaster brake wheel.
Will it fit? What parameters I ...
3
votes
4answers
946 views
Keeping a leather saddle in good condition
Is shoe polish a good or at least adequate solution for keeping a leather saddle in good condition? And/or better options?
4
votes
1answer
134 views
Should cassette “wiggle”
Recently My freehub broke and so I removed the cassette to replace the freehub and noticed, whilst off the bike, 4 of the remaining bolted together 8 sprockets wiggled (4 wiggled together but ...
2
votes
1answer
331 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 ...
6
votes
2answers
338 views
How often should I change brake cables and housing?
Seems like every year towards the end of cyclocross racing my brake cables start to get 'sticky'. The STI shifter is fine for changing gears, but when pulling on brakes it feels like I'm breaking ...
7
votes
7answers
1k views
Where can I get some rags?
As I'm getting into the habit of cleaning and maintaining my bike more often, I am burning through my stockpile of rags. Up until now I have been using worn-out clothes as rags. I am going to run out ...
