Riding a bike is fun, and the better the mechanical condition of the bike, the more fun it is to ride. A bike is a mechanical extension of your body nad you can usually feel when a bike needs attention the brakes become mushy, or gear shifts take longer. You hear odd sounds perhaps a sticking freewheel, or the chain catching on a derailleur cage Service your bike regularly, however, and such problems will rarely arise.
Bike maintenance is easy to learn. If you are a novice mechanic, begin with simple tasks such as checking tyre presure, light lubrication, and adjusting control cables, brake blecks, saddle, handlebars, and control lever positions. In time, go on to more complex jobs such as servicing bearings and the transmission. You'll soon become proficient, and seldom suffer the inconvenience of a breakdown. Of course, jobs such as frame repair and realigment require experience and specialized tools, and are best done by a bike shop.
- Introduction
- Bicycle Anatomy
- Size and Fit
- Tools for the Job
- Brakes
- Wheels and Tyres
- Transmission
- Bearings
- Routine Manitenance
- Cleaning
,etc.