![bike workshop basics bike workshop basics](https://i0.wp.com/mbtc.bike/wp-content/uploads/2018/06/Training-6.jpg)
Or I could take option #3, which is what I did-I called my bike-geek dad and had him talk me through the process. I could call my husband and have him give me a ride, which would mean swallowing my pride and admitting that I had zero bike repair skills. I could walk my bike to work, which would make me at least half an hour late.
BIKE WORKSHOP BASICS HOW TO
I had a flat, and I didn’t know how to change it. But a couple of years ago, as I rode my rattletrap commuter bike down the trail to work one morning, I heard that telltale sound: psssssssst. Most of the time, I didn’t think about it. But for most of it, I kept a deep, dark secret. In other words, I’ve spent a lot of time in the saddle. I’ve ridden my road bike 100 miles in a day, bike-packed to remote campsites on a touring bike, and tackled all manner of singletrack (including some that was well over my head). Park makes a great economy stand called the TS-8, but if you’re looking for a shop-quality stand that will last a lifetime, it’s worth investing in the TS-2.I’ve been riding bikes for about 20 years. You can usually make minor wheel adjustments on your bike using your brake pads as a guide, but if you want to be more precise you’ll need a truing stand. Spoke wrenches come in 3 common sizes which you can get individually, or as a combination tool like the one from Park. The last thing you should have are some basic wheel truing tools. Of course every home mechanic should also have an air pump, tire guage and if you have presta valves, a presta valve adapter. For installing very tight tires I recommend the Kool Stop tire jack, which makes it really easy to pull them on. Never use a screwdriver or metal tool to pry off your tires as you’ll run the risk of pinching your tube or damaging your rim. Tire & Tube Toolsįor tire repairs you’ll need a set of plastic tire levers. A set of 13&15mm cone wrenches are also often needed to adjust your front and rear hubs. If you have an older threaded headset you should have either a 32mm or 36mm headset wrench for making adjustments. They come with a long handle which helps loosen pedals that are often very tight. Wrenches for Pedals, Headsets & HubsĪ 15mm pedal wrench is necessary for tightening or replacing pedals. It’s also a good idea to have a couple of adjustable wrenches on hand for odd jobs, but I recommend using the proper size whenever possible as adjustable wrenches often slip and can damage your bolts. Wrenchesįor wrenches, most components are between the sizes of 8mm to 17mm, so having a good set of open-end wrenches is a must. I also find it useful to have a set of long allen keys on hand, as they include some extra sizes like an 8mm for crank bolts, and a ball-end that makes it easy to quickly spin long bolts. One of my favorite tools is the Park triple hex wrench, which includes all three basic sizes. Most of the components on modern bikes are fastened using 4mm, 5mm or 6mm allen bolts. If you plan on replacing cable housings, a proper cable cutter makes a clean cut every time. The 4th hand tool is also invaluable for adjusting brake and derailleur tension and attaching zip-ties.
![bike workshop basics bike workshop basics](http://www.redbarnbikes.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Tools-on-bench.jpg)
Pliersįor pliers you should have a good set of wire cutters for trimming inner cable ends. Screwdriversīoth flathead and phillips (+) screwdrivers are essential. See the video on choosing the right lubricants. You should have 3 basic types of lubrication: chain oil, light oil and waterproof grease. I find the Park gear cleaning brush extra handy for cleaning grime out of your sprockets and chain. Cleaning Suppliesįor basic cleaning you should have some cleaning solvent and a supply of rags. If you’re adventurous you can always build your own stand.
![bike workshop basics bike workshop basics](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/pMeRpzWgwMo/maxresdefault.jpg)
If you’re not ready to invest you can always hang your bike from the ceiling, and for minor adjustments you can also use a bike display stand to keep your rear wheel off the ground. Park Tools makes an economy stand called the PCS-9 that will do the job, but if you’re going to be working on bikes regularly I’d recommend the PCS-4 because of the superior clamping system.
![bike workshop basics bike workshop basics](https://www.ncagb.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/Basic-bike-maintenance-FC.jpg)
The most important tool in any home shop is a repair stand. I’ll cover more advanced tools in a future tutorial. Today we’ll learn about some tools that every home repair shop should have in order to perform basic adjustment and maintenance procedures. 00:30 - You can also use a car bike rack to hold up your bike!.