Total dismantle of bike?

[MontyVeda]

just lay stuff out in order as you dismantle it... putting it back together is just a case of working back the other way.... whilst rejoicing in the knowledge that no fecking kids will disturb my layout thanks to having the snip before and not after

 

[rb58]

Take it apart in the comfort of your own workshop/garage/kitchen/living room*. Best way to learn how it all works, which'll give you a little bit of a head start if you have a serious mechanical on a ride. That was my excuse anyway :-)

(*delete as appropriate)

 

[Roger Saunders]

I would be divorced if I dismantled a bike in the kitchen or living room lol

 

[tyred]

It's good fun (to me anyway, beats Eastenders of an evening), you will always learn something and have a perfectly cleaned and lubricated bike when you're finished.

If unsure of your skills, pull an old MTB out of a skip and practice on that. The lovely thing about working on a bike is that it's pretty obvious how everything works.

 

[tyred]

Also there really isn't any need to strip a chain to this level for cleaning!

Are you sure? How can you be certain you've got all the dirt out unless you strip it completely?

 

[400bhp]

Waste of time, everything can be cleaned and lubed in situ. Most bearings are sealed now anyway.

My current bikes were built up six and seven years ago and the only time they'll get a total strip down is when I replace the frames.

How do you do the headset without removing?

 

[Smokin Joe]

How do you do the headset without removing?

Cartridge bearings are sealed, they don't need lubing.

 

[400bhp]

They still get grit in them and they dry out.

 

[Roger Saunders]

I found I could break my hub gear (SRAM 3 speed) innards into two by removing the piece of metal the gear puller thingy screws into. All the workings where then accessible and cleanable without me having a table top covered in cogs and springs! It has made the world of difference.

Also my experience of sealed bearings is that they are not really sealed. It just takes a bit longer for water and grit to penetrate. Surprisingly little time when you commute in the winter.