QUESTION: Is there something particular you could learn about bicycle upkeep and restore earlier than making an attempt a bicycle tour of any type? Which bicycle upkeep and restore abilities are essential?
ANSWER: The reality is, I’m not a bicycle mechanic and I don’t actually take pleasure in fixing up or cleansing my bicycle. However despite the fact that I don’t like repairing flat tires, adjusting my brakes or cleansing my chain, I nonetheless know learn how to do all of these items… and in case you’re planning to conduct a bicycle tour of any size, you could know a couple of primary bicycle upkeep and restore abilities.
Earlier than you head off in your first biking journey, it is best to have the ability to:
Set up a brand new tire
Exchange a flat tube with a brand new one
Patch a motorcycle tube with a patch package
Alter your entrance and rear brakes
Set up new brake pads
Alter the peak and place of each your seat put up, saddle and handlebars
Set up your entrance and rear racks (in case you are utilizing racks and panniers)
Connect your trailer (in case you are utilizing a trailer)
Clear your bike chain
Alter your entrance and rear derailleurs
And set up/take away your pedals
If doing any of these items frightens you, then you definitely undoubtedly have some work to do.
The excellent news is, all of these items are fairly straightforward to do… and in case you apply doing these items just some occasions earlier than you permit residence, you’ll actually save your self some grief when you get out on the street.
If in case you have no concept learn how to do a number of of the repairs/changes I simply listed, then I recommend you both discover a good friend who can educate you, otherwise you get a e-book that may educate you learn how to make these primary repairs and changes to your bicycle.
There are a number of nice books on the market that take care of primary bicycle upkeep, however the most effective locations to start out is with “The Bicycling Information to Full Bicycle Upkeep and Restore.”
This e-book covers all the pieces talked about above… and a complete lot extra. I do know lots of people who’ve bought this e-book, realized the essential repairs, after which photocopied among the extra superior repairs to carry with them on their travels – simply in case! That is in all probability a good suggestion.
However don’t fear! You don’t must change into a licensed bike mechanic with the intention to go on a bicycle tour. Simply study the fundamentals and also you’ll really feel a lot extra assured when you hit the street.