I'm an idiot - help me!

swelsbyuk
swelsbyuk Posts: 421
edited August 2009 in MTB beginners
OK, I know that my bike (a Giant 2006 XTC SX) has things called wheels and pedals and a handlebar and, erm.... other stuff.

However, for the past 3 years I have taken it, religiously for an annual service (£45) and I'm now starting to think that I really should know a little bit more about this thing that I ride. Plus, when something goes wrong (and, after 3 years, the time must be approaching) I should be able to fix it (or, at least, have a go and not make it worse!).

So, where to start? Can anyone recommend what I should be doing to my bike - I literally do nothing to it - ever! Is there a good book I could read? Are there specific tools I need to buy?

Any help gratefully received. I know that, after 3 years, I'm not really a beginner but I'm acting like one so, hopefully, it's ok to post here!

Comments

  • nathanman
    nathanman Posts: 129
    Check the tech/workshop section for good info
  • Beardface
    Beardface Posts: 5,495
    http://www.parktool.com/repair/ or http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

    The above are always good places to start mate, and congrats on wanting to give it a go :)

    I found that its a gradual learning process too.. when something of mine broke, I would first attempt to repair/replace said broken part first, then if all else fails, take it to my LBS.. however, most of the time, it just clicked and made sense, if that makes sense?

    Tools wise, depends what you're doing.. if you need to sort out your bottom bracket, you'll need a BB tool etc, but, the above sites should help ya with whats needed too :)

    Failing all of the above... ask us on here.. more often than not, everyones happy to help!
    Bird Aeris
  • Yukon Lad
    Yukon Lad Posts: 423
    have a look at the books by park tool and another one called "zin and the art of MTB maintenance" have a look on a bike shop but they will probably have them on amazon.

    Yukon La
    Drop, Berm, Jump, Sky, Sky, Sky, Sweet Beautiful Earth OUCH, OUCH,OUCH, ****! GORSE BUSH!!!

    Giant Yukon FX2
    Kona Stab Deluxe 2008
  • rmj555
    rmj555 Posts: 91
    Just get stuck in. I have put loads of new parts on my Marin Point Reyes. Drive train, brakes and wheels. When you buy stuff most of it comes with instructions. All my XT stuff did. Shimano have it all on there website too. Hope post things on youtube.

    This was my first time and take your time. Remember if a jobs worth doing then its worth doing right.

    Get a bike stand too. Its the best tool you will ever buy!

    Rich
  • birchy
    birchy Posts: 309
    +1 for park tools

    +1 for you tube (bled my elxicers for the offical avid workshop video)
  • swelsbyuk
    swelsbyuk Posts: 421
    What are your thoughts on this package?

    http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/?fn=produ ... egoryId=15
  • rmj555
    rmj555 Posts: 91
    That looks ok. I spent loads on tools lol. I bought two torque wrenchs because one does the low settings and you need another for the high ones

    I got these two.

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... elID=29803

    http://www.evanscycles.com/products/ice ... uery=torqu

    Wiggle do cheap tools like chain splitter and bb removal tool. Lifeline are ok

    This is the stand i got

    http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Mode ... delID=5787

    I only use chainreaction,wiggle,evans and merlin because they deliver fast.


    Supersonic and Nick also will help if you get stuck. I asked them when i couldnt get some tyes on.

    Do a list of tools you need because i needed a new tool every day and had to fanny about ordering and waiting.

    Good luck
  • jondi
    jondi Posts: 152
    try bicycletutor.com has some very tips with video's

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