Bike Maintenance - What Do I Need to Start?

LightningBolt

Another thread from me, I've tried searching but there's no definite thread showing up.

Sister is in U.S and will be home soon enough so want to order a couple of things and have her bring them home.

The one thing I'm definitely going to get is the Park Chain Cleaner looks a great piece of kit. Other than that I'm not too sure of what I need to maintain and clean the bike on a regular basis, is there some toolbox that I could order that will have all the basic stuff that I need? The only thing I have right now is a wire cutter along with rag and soapy water:p

DCU lad

http://bike-parts.pricepoint.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=tool+kit

if you want serious kit

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16098-325_PARA37-2-Accessories-42-Tools/Park-AK-37-Advanced-Mechanic-37-Piece-Tool-Kit-offer.htm?utm_source=SLI&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=43&zmap=325%20PARA37

however the basics arent massively cheaper, bita hassle too...

free postage... crc http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=40997

LightningBolt

DCU lad wrote: »

http://bike-parts.pricepoint.com/search?p=Q&ts=custom&w=tool+kit

if you want serious kit

http://www.pricepoint.com/detail/16098-325_PARA37-2-Accessories-42-Tools/Park-AK-37-Advanced-Mechanic-37-Piece-Tool-Kit-offer.htm?utm_source=SLI&utm_medium=datafeed&utm_campaign=FTP&zmam=3075515&zmas=1&zmac=43&zmap=325%20PARA37

however the basics arent massively cheaper, bita hassle too...

free postage... crc http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=40997

Thanks for that, think I'll go with the X Tools set here actually. If I find myself needing to do more advanced stuff I can order the extra tools.

alexanderomahon

Did the rothar beginner's bike maintainence course yesterday. Thought it was excellent and will certainly do the next level soon. Cost 40 euro, lasted four hours. Make sure you dress warm as the place had no heating and wear old clothes because the training is hands on. http://www.rothar.ie/booking.htm

kincsem

I wouldn't bother with a chain cleaner. Before I go on a cycle I use a dry cotton rag to clean the chain. Then I oil the chain with wet lube. I repeat this routine for every ride.

A 5mm Allen key is the start of a tool kit.

eoglyn

this is what i've asked for christmas for:
http://www.wiggle.co.uk/lifeline-workshop-tool-kit/

based it on recommendations here and here

I might also ask for the rothar workshop - that looks great

blorg

I have the Park chain cleaner and it works extremely well. Gets your chain a lot cleaner than wiping with a rag. You can certainly live without it (I have been on the road the last year and have done so) but at home it is worth it.

CramCycle

Another thread here: http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2056461209

smacl

Probably a while before it comes up again, but if you get a chance to pick up a LIDL work stand, they make certain tasks much easier.

kincsem

I got my chain cleaning routine from

Campagnolo: 75 Years of Cycling Passion

Perfect cleaning of the chain
Through regular use it is normal for dirt to adhere to the chain. Removing this dirt can be difficult, and using solvents is not a good idea since there is the risk of ruining the exterior treatment of the links put on Campagnolo chains to optimize their functioning. Follow this method: before going out for a ride, put a great deal of lubricant on the chain. As you pedal this lubricant will loosen the encrustations on the links so that when you get home cleaning the chain with a simple wipe of a rag will be greatly facilitated.


A good place for bike maintenance videos is http://www.bikeradar.com/
on the top right of the screen.

blorg

@kinksem- I use this method on my fixed gear bikes (as it is very difficult to use a chain cleaner on them) and it works, but no way does the chain come out equivalently clean.

I also use the same technique touring, and it doesn't leave the chain looking so clean but actual chain performance seems similar, I get up to 5,000km no bother.

Captain Havoc

Park tools big blue book would be another good thing to get or a few people here have recommended the Haynes manual. I did a build your own bike course with Rothar which covered a lot and I think it was one night a week for eight weeks but you come out of it with a much better knowledge of how to repair parts and how to look for parts and tools etc.....