At this point, you should have a patched or replaced tube, a tire free of debris, and the enthusiasm of knowing that this pit stop is just about over. After you finish the final steps of putting the tire and tube back on the wheel, …
Bike Repair
Brake cables are a critical component of your braking system. You can have new brake pads, but if your brake cables give out, you won’t be able to stop your bike when you need to. Each time you give a hard squeeze to your brake …
Just like other parts of a bike, a freewheel or cassette will eventually wear out and have to be replaced. You can identify a worn freewheel the same way you identify a worn chainring (see Chapter 10) — by the teeth. Here are some clues …
In This Chapter ^ Understanding how derailleurs work ^ Removing, installing, and adjusting the rear and front derailleurs ^ Changing derailleur cables ^ Removing and installing the shifters 7 his chapter covers inspection, removal, installation, and adjustment of the shifting system, including the cable system, …
How you store your bike is an important factor in its maintenance. Protecting your bike from the elements should be the most important consideration in storing it. Even for short-term storage such as overnight or for a few days, you should try to bring it …
If your local bike shop determines that you need a certain size frame, they’ll still need to have you sit on the bike to confirm that the frame’s dimensions suit your body type. Two 20-inch frames can vary significantly based on the dimensions in which …
If you’re like most people, you probably think you know the basics of how threads work, but we promise you’ll be surprised by how much science there is to the basic concept behind a nut and bolt. Why is this important? Of all the activities …
A broken chain is a pretty infrequent event, though as newer chains are manufactured to be narrower this occurrence is becoming increasingly more common. When a chain breaks, the outer plates on one of the links are twisted and/or ripped off, causing damage to the …
For those of us who have had the excruciatingly frustrating experience of getting a flat five minutes after repairing the first one, we know there are many more descriptive and colorful words come to mind than our publisher will let us print in this book. …
In This Chapter ^ Looking at the different types of saddles ^ Taking your saddle on and off your bike ^ Improving your comfort by adjusting your saddle ^ Using suspension seat posts Г his chapter is devoted to your butt. In particular, it’s devoted …