Evening guys,
I'm looking to learn how to service and maintain my own bike, I've only been cycling a year and don't really know what I'm doing.
Anyone got any good websites / videos / books they've used in that past?
it may not be the answer you want and you may think I'm being flippant but for general servicing, you just need youtube (as Derrick has said) this forum and some basic tools.
From a total novice I'm happy to trim the indexing on the gears, adjust the brakes (tightening and centring them) swap pads, tighten spokes, strip down and reassemble the block, strip out grease and reassemble the bearings (although I've now...from this repeated experience, opted for new cartridge bearings front and back), re cable (inners and outers), remove cranks, crank arms and pedals (not in that order), swap bar tape, remove the chain and all manner of small stuff that isn't important but makes a huge difference to riding
I even line up the logos on my tyres with the valves!! proper pro, me.
All the stuff (and more) that I need to keep the bike running smooth and sharp and all learnt in a few months via this forum and youtube. I've enjoyed gaining an understanding of the basics and like the sense that, if something feels odd I can tell what it is. I've attracted a small following of riders who now visit my workshop for a quick once over.
The only thing I haven't mastered yet is removing the forks/headset, that one still freaks me out.
As far as tools are concerned I'd suggest some basics like;
A set of Allen keys
Some spanners
Some Phillips screwdrivers (small and medium head)
Lithium grease
GT 85 spray (not WD 40)
Wet lube (oil)
Lots of rags- dirty ones for the oily bits and cleaner ones for the rest
And maybe some bike specific tools like;
A spoke spanner
A chain tool- (£12)
A cassette removal tool (check shimano or other) -(£5)...it looks like a socket, often with a central spindle especially if its a shimano
Perhaps a pedal spanner (unless your pedals are fitted by allen keys) as these often need to be slimmer than a standard spanner from my experience
Maybe dry/ceramic lube (chain oil that solidifies, a little like butter)....which reminds me I must order some more of that for the coming dry months...wishful thinking!
Most importantly....A workshop stand, I just bought a fantastic one from Amazon for about £35, I cant believe how sturdy it is, comes with a very tall post (So no bending over) good solid quick release clamps and a bar support to add more rigidity, even had a natty magnetic tool tray. Up until now I've been using a bench mounted one but that restricted me to the workshop and I like to fettle in the sun...ooer
I'm pretty sure this lot will see you through all the basic servicing stuff.
workshop stand or some means to support the bike aloft is a must.
