DIY add a new cassette / chain / disk rotor - or get a bike shop to do it?

worded · 23-01-2012 03:19PM #1

Im deliberating getting all the tools and doing it myself, well myself and you tube and having the tools and know how at the end of it .....

Ive see a few videos and it doesnt look like rocket science.

Is it better to get a kit of bicycle tools rather than buy separately (more expensive)?

What say you?

worded · 23-01-2012 03:31PM

I really should get a few whells tools before I start

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17714

monkeypants · 23-01-2012 03:57PM

If you're referring to a brake rotor, I managed to change those myself on my MTB. Dropped the wheels out, there were six torx bolts holding it to the wheel, used some Loctite when putting them back in, fitted the wheels again and centred the calipers around the rotor so that they weren't rubbing. If you're fitting a larger/smaller rotor, you might need to change the bracket holding the caliper. My torx screwdrivers are Stanley and I think I got them from B&Q years ago.

If I could do it, you can do it. As for the chain skipping, maybe someone else can advise you.

Dubba · 23-01-2012 04:04PM

worded wrote: »

I really should get a few whells tools before I start

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=17714

If you got €900 for tools fair enough, but I recently got a basic tool set for
€53 to change the cassette and adjust the gears, works fine for me.

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

funkyjebus · 23-01-2012 08:39PM

Dubba wrote: »

If you got €900 for tools fair enough, but I recently got a basic tool set for
€53 to change the cassette and adjust the gears, works fine for me.

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

In the early days, I got a cheap bike tool kit, which was great as I didn't know which tools were which, but after a while, the cheapness did show. That said one or two of the tools are still knocking around.

I didnt have a couple of hundred for a good full tool set, so I bought as I needed. In reality, there are only a handful of bike specific tools you need for maintainance, the rest are basic man tools, adjustable wrench, allen keys, etc.

Do it yourself, its all easy if you have patience and a youtube videos / boardies help. Good luck

Conneff · 23-01-2012 09:07PM

Deffo do it yourself, it'll be a doddle and you'll learn as you go. A few things to be carefull of first: if you are buying the parts online, then make sure to get exactly the same size as you are taking off, esp. the disc rotor.

Tools wise you wont need much. You'll need a cassette tool and a chain whip, and an adjustable spanner (or correct size spanner for the cassette tool). Everything else you need should be on your multitool (you do have a multitool?) If not then you'll need a T25 torx,and a chain tool.

Best of luck, and remember you'll need all these new skills if (when!!) you have a mechanical on the side of a mountain.

DIY add a new cassette / chain / disk rotor - or get a bike shop to do it?

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