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Bike Maintenance?

  • 20-03-2019 5:13pm
    #1
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭


    I know it's not friday but here goes..

    1. Do you Maintain your own Bike(s)?

    2. What repairs would you leave into your LBS?

    3. What repairs/Maintenance would you be prepared to Pay someone else to do for you.

    Just asking for a friend! :D

    My Answers:

    1. Yes
    2. Any repairs that i don't have the appropriate tools ( only job so far was truing a Mavic Wheel as i didnt have the appropriate spoke key)
    3. none

    Do you Maintain your own Bike 89 votes

    Yes i do ALL repairs
    84% 75 votes
    I can do the Basics only
    5% 5 votes
    No
    10% 9 votes


«1

Comments

  • #2
    Idleater
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,236 ✭✭✭Idleater


    The last hesitation for me was the bottom bracket, but now I have the tools for that and have replaced/upgraded 3.

    I haven't tackled wheel building myself yet, truing is satisfying though. My dad had built a few (standard cross).


  • #3
    Wishbone Ash
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 25,011 ✭✭✭✭Wishbone Ash


    I suppose it depends on what you mean by the basics. I feel I'm between 1. and 2. I'll do most things but I'd be hesitant about doing a headset or anything with bearings as I've made a balls of it before.


  • #4
    Fian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,193 ✭✭✭Fian


    I picked I can do the basics, but it kind of depends on what "the basics" means.

    I can change a derailleur, bleed brakes, replace chain, replace cables and ofc fix a puncture.

    I can't (at least have never managed to) interfere with anything that involves bearings, true a wheel, or remove seized pedals.

    And sometimes I have phoned my wife to pick me up rather than replace a tube at the side of the road, though in my defence only when I was close to home.

    Don't see any reason why i would ask someone other than LBS to perform repairs, for convenience just as much as for loyalty tbh.


  • #5
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    By Basics I mean roadside repairs.. e.g. replace a tube / fix a puncture, maybe replace tyres and Brake pads. The reason i'm asking is bike are getting more difficult to maintain at home what with Hydraulic disc brakes, internal cables etc.


  • #6
    Torres09
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 167 ✭✭Torres09


    Do 90% myself... I recently bought a Specalized Allez (2103) stripped it down and rebuilt it myself. The only thing I didn't do is index the gears (I can never get it spot on) and fit chain.

    Would never go lbs or pay someone as my brother is a bike mechanic so he done other jobs!:D


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  • #7
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,222 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    i haven't bled hydraulic brakes, nor changed a BB, nor tried wheelbuilding of any sort (except to tighten loose spokes)
    headsets, have cleaned and regreased them.


  • #8
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,180 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    1. Yes

    2. Probably wheel truing, or ask for a second set of eyes if something has me flummoxed. I can true wheels but was never good at it, as in I can straighten it to get me home but I know it will never be right

    3. Pretty mush the wheel truing.


  • #9
    triggermortis
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,684 ✭✭✭triggermortis


    I do a lot of my own and have stripped and rebuilt a couple of my bikes.
    I don’t have the tools to do a headset so actually took one in yesterday to get done, as the free hub was also banjaxed and I’d prefer it done right.
    The headset had been on the bike since new so was long overdue (2010 model bought in 2011) and probably had half its value in grease pumped into it over the last few years. If I knew which one to get and got the tool, I’d have a go but as the freehub was out of my comfort zone, I took it to my LBS to do it all.
    I’ve replaced external BBs, but the good bike is BB30 so I’d have to look up what I needed to do it myself, but would have a go before taking it to a shop
    I’ve never tried messing with wheels but it looks a dark art to me - another shop job


  • #10
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    To be fair, I think truing wheels is not as easy as it used to be as a lot of modern wheels have blade shaped spokes, which twist very easily. Also if the spoke nipples are seized, the spoke will break.

    It’s not something I would do either. Not unless you already have a few spare spokes lying around.


  • #11
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,805 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    Replacing headsets and servicing wheels with internal hub gears are about all the repairs/maintenance I'd leave to a bike shop, I think. Mainly because I don't really have much of a gap in using the bikes, as they're my main way of getting around and shopping and so on, so I just fix them at night when the kids have gone to bed so they're ready the next day. Also, I had quite a few years on a very meagre income, so I just got used to having to fix them myself. I was terrible at the start.

    I haven't actually got my IHG wheels serviced yet. Better do that this summer.

    (I do true wheels, leaving them in the frame and using the brake pads to judge how out of true they are, but the end result is only ok at best, as you might guess. Good enough for me though.)


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  • #12
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    The one thing I'd need a pro for is proper wheel alignment/balancing jobs. No hope there.


  • #13
    CantGetNoSleep
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 7,271 ✭✭✭CantGetNoSleep


    I'm both busy and lazy so would happily leave my bike in much more often if (a) places seemed to want the business and (b) prices were reasonable and transparent.

    The last time I wanted something done was when I just couldn't get a triple front derailleur indexed after a day of trying. I went to the shop and he was more worried that I had bought the bike online (I did - but on DoneDeal) than he was about fixing it.


  • #14
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,180 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    I have also built a lot of tools based on youtube videos. The last official tool I bought was a BB removal tool. The reason I bought it was that it was reduced to 25% RRP and included two bits that work perfectly for a BB installation tool. The BB installation tool costs alot but with these two parts I was able to make the rest of the BB installation tool for 4euro with bolts and a threaded rod.


  • #15
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,180 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    Last point, the poll options are too limited


  • #16
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    CramCycle wrote: »
    Last point, the poll options are too limited

    What options do you suggest?


  • #17
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,180 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    - I can do, and do do, almost everything bar one or two things
    - I can do almost everything but I am a lazy f***h*le


  • #18
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    CramCycle wrote: »
    - I can do, and do do, almost everything bar one or two things
    - I can do almost everything but I am a lazy f***h*le

    Maybe a better option would be to list the more common repairs?

    e.g

    1. I can do the basics ( replace a tube/repair a puncture)
    2. Basics + intermediate (replace cables, brake pads, index gears, replace the chain)
    3. Basics + intermediate + advanced ( replace BB's, Wheel building, Hydraulic brake and MTB suspension repairs)
    4. Master Mechanic (Have my own tool box and everything :) )

    As a Mod can you edit the Poll?


  • #19
    Raam
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,317 ✭✭✭✭Raam


    [*] I can't be arsed doing it myself.


  • #20
    steamsey
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 686 ✭✭✭steamsey


    Wheel and suspension stuff 100% goes to the bike shop. Wheel truing is a black art - I gave up even trying years ago. I'd probably do wheel bearings but depends on how easy it is to get them out as I have to bodge it at the moment - no specific tools.

    I'll give frame bearings a go once a bike is older, but never on a newish bike that I still like as again - I have to bodge it because I'm too cheap to buy the right tools.

    Hydraulic brakes used to seem to me like a bit of black art too but Shimano's are pretty easy to do with help from youtube.


  • #21
    cletus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,052 ✭✭✭cletus


    I picked 'I do ALL repairs', but what I suppose I really mean is I've done all my repairs so far.

    I'm relatively new to cycling for pleasure, as opposed to just having a generic bike shaped object to get around on.

    I work my own car, so figure working on a push bike can't be too difficult, and I would envision doing most, if not all, work in the future (trueing wheels seems to be something that makes people nervous).

    Not having a tool is simply an excuse to buy a new tool


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  • #22
    Mickiemcfist
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,585 ✭✭✭Mickiemcfist


    cletus wrote: »
    Not having a tool is simply an excuse to buy a new tool

    Yea I come from the school of fixing your own cars too, I've a huge assortment of tools which cost a good bit over the years but I can't think of one time buying the tool & doing it myself cost me more money than getting it done in a garage. That's how I came to terms with the purchases. Cost me a lot of knuckle skin & blood though..


  • #23
    cdaly_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭cdaly_


    All my own repairs, including wheelbuilding and making necessary tools 'cos I'm too cheap to buy them...


  • #24
    Macy0161
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,486 ✭✭✭Macy0161


    I'd feel I'd have a decent stab at a lot of it. Bottom Braket probably where I wouldn't have confidence Between work, family, and time on the bike, I don't have time so I'd rather pay the LBS!

    I've a couple of older bikes that I plan to work on, including an old steel 5 speed, but tools, time and parts really my enemy at the moment (and for years at this stage!) rather than not feeling I'd be able albeit very slow.


  • #25
    Hungrycol
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,246 ✭✭✭Hungrycol


    I do all my bike maintenance but Road bikes only. My only limitation is wheel truing which I leave to my LBS. I wanted once to re-grease the axle on a pair of pedals I loved but no one sold the required tools so I left it.


  • #26
    Fian
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,193 ✭✭✭Fian


    As regards bleeding hydraullic brakes I'm kind of surprised how many are calling that out as something they won't DIY.

    I bought this kit:

    https://www.chainreactioncycles.com/ie/en/bleed-kit-premium-edition-bleed-kit-set/rp-prod169708?gs=1&sku=sku638837&pgrid=55940684381&ptaid=pla-464975519467&utm_source=google&utm_term=&utm_campaign=PLA+All+Products&utm_medium=base&utm_content=mkwid|sliwUjTdZ_dc|pcrid|294740729969|pkw||pmt||prd|638837IE&gclid=CjwKCAjw7MzkBRAGEiwAkOXexJjuBCFLbaWeh7yMBLQjFsiwZCV620sAgbBNGi0htCRsh5z5Cmh_BRoCmyMQAvD_BwE

    That plus youtube - it is easier to bleed the brake cables than replace a "cable" cable imo. You screw one of those syringes into the shifter/reservoir, fill the other one with the tube attached and press the tube onto the bleed inlet nozzle, open a valve and then press the fluid through the system to flush into the syringe at the top. then you can draw the plunger into the one on top so the fluid doesn't spill when you unscrew it. Was helpful to have a bikestand to angle the bike so the upper hydraullic was at the top and the lower nozzle at the very bottom. I couldn't fit the brake block between the brake pads but i just wrapped a chisel in paper and pushed it in.

    Hardest part was just pressing the plastic tube onto the derailleur nozzle. This requires less manual dexterity than getting a tyre back on after replacing a tube tbh, though obviously arises far less often so is less familiar.

    Having done it once next time will be fine too, and the tools are safely tucked away in a tool drawer along with a good deal more fluid. We have 5 bikes with hydraullic brakes in the house, 2 for me and 3 between the kids. 3 cable brakes for the youngest child and 2 old bikes that are not really used any longer. I guess it is something that is worth figuring out, it is not hard.

    I am by no means an expert or even above average mechanic.

    Kit + youtube + chancing my arm = success.


  • #27
    jive
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,762 ✭✭✭jive


    Anyone have a good resource for learning about maintenance? At the moment, I can change a tyre/puncture and lube a chain - that's about it.

    I tend to go out for solo rides (100km+, slow as I'm as bad at cycling as I am at bicycle maintenance) and it's slightly concerning that should anything other than a puncture happen I'd be bollocksed.

    I carry a multitool and I've told myself that youtube will save me but would be more at peace if I knew a bit more about this stuff.


  • #28
    ednwireland
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 14,454 ✭✭✭✭ednwireland


    everything except trueing wheels cant get my head round that

    My weather

    https://www.ecowitt.net/home/share?authorize=96CT1F



  • #29
    magicbastarder
    Moderators, Category Moderators, Arts Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 50,222 CMod ✭✭✭✭magicbastarder


    jive wrote: »
    Anyone have a good resource for learning about maintenance?
    my first source would be, when i have a particular task in mind, searching for a park tools guide on how to do it on youtube.

    but there are a couple of organisations doing sporadic courses on bike maintenance; there's on in ballymun for example.


  • #30
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,180 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    The park tool ones are typically the best as they often go through multiple options, you then can search youtube for people who have make park tools out of random home and garage stuff to save money


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  • #31
    cdaly_
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,440 ✭✭✭cdaly_


    ednwireland wrote: »
    everything except trueing wheels cant get my head round that

    https://www.wheelpro.co.uk/wheelbuilding/book.php. Read it, build the stand from the included plans and get trueing...


  • #32
    Cee-Jay-Cee
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 12,235 ✭✭✭✭Cee-Jay-Cee


    I can do everything with exception to truing wheels. I haven't ever had the need to yet but may have a go at it at some stage. I have the tools to do everything else. I got quite a lot of them on Aliexpress for considerably less than you'd pay here.


  • #33
    xckjoo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,398 ✭✭✭xckjoo


    Basic strategy is that if I can do it without buying a specialised tool, I'll do it. If I need a specialised tool and I'll use it a fair bit, I'll buy it and give it a go. But if I'm unlikely to need it again for a few years or there's a number of small jobs that I don't have all the tools for, I'll bring it to the shop. Bike is my main transport to work so downtime and reliability is the main focus.



    I always seem to make a balls of adjusting the derailleurs though. Just seem to have a mental block at getting them right. And the bottom bracket is such a pain to get off, I'll happily pay someone else to do it next time :pac:


  • #34
    fat bloke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,935 ✭✭✭fat bloke


    I fill my own water bottles aaaaaand...... oh yeah, I sometimes put air stuff in the tyre thingies...

    Do I get a badge?


  • #35
    Large bottle small glass
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,863 ✭✭✭Large bottle small glass


    ednwireland wrote: »
    everything except trueing wheels cant get my head round that

    I build my own wheels, and with a few tools, isn't that hard; that's with the proviso that you have decent quality parts and a conservative build(3 cross and high spoke count).

    Truing a wheel without the knowledge of what a bicycle wheel is is a mugs game; there are a lot of reasons why a spoke might be loose or have broken.


  • #36
    cletus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,052 ✭✭✭cletus


    Actually, would there be anything to be said for having a "How to Service Your Bike" thread, similar to the one on the DIY and Car Maintenance for car servicing. People could add pictures, videos, step by step etc for the basic things, and people could leave questions re more unusual jobs


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  • #37
    ED E
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 36,169 ✭✭✭✭ED E


    cletus wrote: »
    Actually, would there be anything to be said for having a "How to Service Your Bike" thread, similar to the one on the DIY and Car Maintenance for car servicing. People could add pictures, videos, step by step etc for the basic things, and people could leave questions re more unusual jobs

    *ahem*

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057690768


  • #38
    Crippens1
    Registered Users Posts: 200 ✭✭Crippens1


    All repairs/bike building except wheel-trueing and disk-brake bleeding. I've had 1 spoke broken on a road wheel and twice on an MTB in the last 10 years. For bleeding bakes there isn't enough practice/repetition to become good/quick at it (especially Avid brakes).


    I'd rather pay at an LBS for the skilled hands.


  • #39
    Alek
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 4,520 ✭✭✭Alek


    I only go to LBS for stuff that needs super expensive tools that I'll not use in 5 years time and cannot be replaced by a wrench, beer can and a nail. Like facing a BB shell.

    Everything else gets the luxurious in-house treatment; in the dimly lit hall, when kids go to sleep. I build bikes and wheels for myself and friends, no mechanic-induced failures, knock on wood, so far ;)

    Been to the LBS for service twice, maybe three times ever. (Hi Dara!)


  • #40
    Thargor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,967 ✭✭✭✭Thargor


    I'm completely useless, anything roadbike related I've ever tried to fix with brakes/chains/gears/cables etc just doesn't work apart from a bit of gear indexing I did the other day that was more luck than skill. I swapped the cantilever brakes on my junk MTB for callipers I found on a frame in a skip a while back aswell, that was about the only successful job I ever did on a bike. I use Gatorskins so I never really get punctures which is good because changing a tube on a roadbike is practically impossible, broke all my levers trying and never bothered replacing them ages ago, it's 5 Euro for a new tube or 10 Euro for a new tube and fitting with your gears and brakes adjusted for you in the LBS so no competition really. I'll be badly screwed if I ever puncture on big rides up in the mountains or in the middle of nowhere on the canals though. I just keep it clean and lubed and nothing ever really goes wrong touch wood.

    I said it recently in the maintenance thread, 99% of YouTube videos on how to do anything to a roadbike are just useless p1sstakes and a complete waste of everybodies time, they solve every problem with one turn of an adjustment screw or barrel adjuster, usually while pretending to work on a brand new €x000 bike with nothing wrong with it. Zero real world applications. I remember the last time I looked up a tutorial on changing a 700cc tyre the guy did it with his bare hands lol.

    Buying a house soon so hopefully will get better when I have a garage and stand and proper tools. I was thinking for my next BiketoWork credit I'll force myself to assemble the new bike on my own...


  • #41
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    Thargor wrote: »

    I remember the last time I looked up a tutorial on changing a 700cc tyre the guy did it with his bare hands lol.


    You think this is unusual? I find most foldable road tyres can be fitted and removed without using tyre levers. Admittedly it can be difficult, especially if you have deep section rims, but with a bit of practice its very doable.


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  • #42
    CramCycle
    Moderators, Sports Moderators Posts: 25,180 Mod ✭✭✭✭CramCycle


    07Lapierre wrote: »
    You think this is unusual? I find most foldable road tyres can be fitted and removed without using tyre levers. Admittedly it can be difficult, especially if you have deep section rims, but with a bit of practice its very doable.
    I had a bike mechanic rap my knuckles when he seen me using a tyre lever.


  • #43
    secman
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,414 ✭✭✭secman


    07Lapierre wrote: »
    You think this is unusual? I find most foldable road tyres can be fitted and removed without using tyre levers. Admittedly it can be difficult, especially if you have deep section rims, but with a bit of practice its very doable.

    Arthritis in both thumbs definitely hinders that , especially in the damp winter, look forward to a warm dry summer :)


  • #44
    fat bloke
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,935 ✭✭✭fat bloke


    In fairness yeah, when it comes to tyre fitting, technique trumps torque everytime.


  • #45
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    CramCycle wrote: »
    07Lapierre wrote: »
    You think this is unusual? I find most foldable road tyres can be fitted and removed without using tyre levers. Admittedly it can be difficult, especially if you have deep section rims, but with a bit of practice its very doable.
    I had a bike mechanic rap my knuckles when he seen me using a tyre lever.

    I used levers to put a tyre on once... an hour later I was refitting the same tyre (with my hands) having had to remove it and replace the punctured ( pinched by the tyre lever) tube!

    How easy a tyre goes onto a rim is an important criteria for me when choosing new Tyres too.

    Remember, if a tyre is difficult to fit/remove, imagine doing it on a cold,wet, dark winters evening! :)


  • #46
    Canis Lupus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 9,893 ✭✭✭Canis Lupus


    I'd be willing to give anything a go on the bike if it looks simple enough on park tools youtube vids. Can do most of the usual stuff on a typical road bike.


  • #47
    DaveyDave
    Registered Users Posts: 6,292 ✭✭✭DaveyDave


    On my old Lapierre hardtail I did everything like cassette, chain, bottom bracket, shifters, brakes, discs, pads etc. I had the shop face the frame for Hollowtech II cranks and also cut a new fork to size.

    On my Canyon I had to have the shifter cable replaced twice as it has snapped and I couldn't get it out. I've also had the headset replaced as I didn't have the tools to remove it but I haven't needed to do much maintenance myself.

    I'll also get the wheels trued when needed.

    After having large bike shops do basic things such as gear adjustments poorly, I don't bother unless I have to. I bring it in because I can't get the adjustments just right, but neither can they...


  • #48
    cletus
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,052 ✭✭✭cletus


    ED E wrote: »
    *ahem*

    https://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=2057690768

    Yes. You are of course correct. I've posted in it myself a number of times. Brain fart


  • #49
    Thargor
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 17,967 ✭✭✭✭Thargor


    07Lapierre wrote: »
    You think this is unusual? I find most foldable road tyres can be fitted and removed without using tyre levers. Admittedly it can be difficult, especially if you have deep section rims, but with a bit of practice its very doable.
    Well Gatorskins definitely arent easy to do by hand anyway, impossible to budge them without tools.


  • #50
    07Lapierre
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 8,255 ✭✭✭07Lapierre


    Thargor wrote: »
    Well Gatorskins definitely arent easy to do by hand anyway, impossible to budge them without tools.

    Yeah I heard that before alright. That's why I don't use them. I also hear their not great in wet conditions either.


  • #51
    tomasrojo
    Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 11,805 ✭✭✭✭tomasrojo


    CramCycle wrote: »
    The park tool ones are typically the best as they often go through multiple options, you then can search youtube for people who have make park tools out of random home and garage stuff to save money

    I had a few friends in a Physics department, and I know on at least a few occasions they made tools when they needed to fix the bike, thanks to the in-house machine shop that Physics departments tend to have.


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