home servicing

divingmoose

So just wodering how many poeple do most of there own maitanance at home. Like servicing bottom bracket etc. Is it really that easy to do the bits and peices and is it worth buying a decent tool kit like the park tools home kit which is around £300. Do people use you tube vids or are they manuals to buy. Things like the bottom bracket tool from park tool are they like a standard fit for all bottom brakets etc.
Thanks Guys

bigpee

I've built up a tool box of tools as and when I've needed them. There is no doubt that the right tool makes any task sooo much easier, but if you end up paying £100 plus for a headset press, cup remover, race setter etc and the LBS only charges £20 to fit a headset it might make more sense to leave it to them (or as in my case make diy tools for much less). As for how to carry out tasks bike mags, youtube and Park Tools website are all invaluable.

nicklouse

Links I'm my sig and the Makers sites for every thing you need to know.

cooldad

Buy tools as you need them (apart from some basics - set of allen keys, spanners, couple of screwdrivers, big hammer).
Not all bottom brackets etc are the same, and will need specific tools, so wait until you need one for your particular bike.
A lot of things can be done without specialist tools (headset removal etc) if you are careful.
Parktools link in Nick's sig has how to for pretty much anything you'll ever need to do, and some of the people on here can be quite useful too.
Just ask, everyone has hashed something up - might as well learn from their mistakes.

delcol

i do all my own repairs servicing ect unless it's above my abilities then i seek help...

we were really lucky as we stumbled upon a bargin of the century on a park professonal tool kit (64 piece) so i have headset cup fitting and removal tools star nut crown race fitting and pretty much any tool you need...

the only thing we not got is facing tools and reaming tools. but that for the pros.

divingmoose

Thanks guys

add595

Another DIY bike servicerer here.

Got my tool kit, which has all of the basics in, from Lidl for £25 plus I had a few anyway and already have a tool chest with sockets etc.

Serviceing a bike is easy, but you can stumble easily. Take your time and look up anything you are unsure of on the interweb first.

bjj.andy.w

Got this from merlin and for a home mechanic tool box it's not bad at all
http://www.merlincycles.co.uk/Bike+Shop ... t_82F1.htm

Catfish

I buy tools as i need them, this can seem expensive some times, buying a £10 tool to do a job my lbs charges a couple of quid for, but in the long run it's better value and i can do the job when i want not when they can fit me in.

lasty

Rip-off local sourfaced shop `manager` charged me nearly £200 for a `basic` (no parts) service on mi old Hardrock THEN £25 for a mech hanger PLUS £25 to fit it ... In hindsight a total rip-off :evil:

Got the basic tools and now service and repair my own bikes .

Many thanks to the fop-haired jerk at MOORES on Kingston road , hampton wick .

Catfish

lasty wrote:

Rip-off local sourfaced shop `manager` charged me nearly £200 for a `basic` (no parts) service on mi old Hardrock THEN £25 for a mech hanger PLUS £25 to fit it ... In hindsight a total rip-off :evil:

Got the basic tools and now service and repair my own bikes .

Many thanks to the fop-haired jerk at MOORES on Kingston road , hampton wick .

I would have reported him to trading standards, robbing git!!!!

Anonymous

I've learnt over time to do pretty much everything. It's not rocket science and most stuff is designed these days to be reasonably simple, take standard components, and use standard tools. Loads of guides, videos, sites and books on how to do it all, including from the manufacturers.

Main things I haven't done are wheel building and front fork service. Wheel building seems the most difficult to do and stands are very expensive, so that I'll leave to the experts for now.

Oh, and frame facing/chasing/reaming I haven't done and that's one for the LBS really (and arguable whether it's needed. Nice money spinner for the LBS, but if you can check if it's needed first you can save some cash. Not all frames and BB systems need it in my opinion).

Allen/hex keys, T25 torx, socket wrench, screwdrivers, BB tool, cassette tool, chain whip, headset press, regular & copper grease, threadlock, gear cable outer/inner cutters, brake bleed kit. Covers most things, but just get what you need at the time and build up the tools. Much of it you can get in a kit though anyway.

Pedal spanner perhaps but if you get pedals that use allen keys then don't need them. Again they come in the kits anyway.

Torque wrench(es) if you aren't confident on your own strength or know the necessary torques but not essential and a bit costly. Plusgas or 3-in-1 penetrating spray for seriously seized stuff (forget WD40 and GT85) and/or a breaker bar.

Get the tools for the kit you've got or like to use and stick to that kit, then you don't need alternatives for different systems (as said, BB systems vary).

The Rookie

I bought the Lidl kit when I got back into biking, my first bike was home built, I do nearly all the stuff myself and have added a few extra bits and pieces as I've gone, would certainly never pay anyone to do basic servicing or even for most part replacements.

Simon

freeagent

I already had a roll-cab full of tools from my 4x4 days when I got into biking, I've had to buy a few bike-specific bits (HT2 Tool, etc) but not spent too much. I do most basic jobs, but am not afraid to admit defeat and pop down to my LBS (good one near me - Bromley Bike Co) and bung them £10-£20 to sort something I can't get right.
I'm getting better though, won't be long before I don't need their services anymore...