repair

Does this happen to anyone else? It seems like my bike is the fully functional, smooth shifting, tight braking, creak free ride that I expect it to be whenever I don’t have to ride it. Although this is my first race, I have taught mountain biking through my school’s outdoor education program (www.coe.cornell.edu) for 2 years now. Through the whole semester I forget I even own repair tools. Then my classes start up and I can’t leave the house without brakes rubbing and gears jumping. Scouting rides turn into repair clinics. Repair clinics turn into anger management sessions. Anger management sessions turn into frantic trips to the bike shop to get things straightened out ASAP before my next class where something else breaks… Damn hex.

read the rest

So you want to work on your bike? Well, here's a great way to build a repair stand on your own for far less than the cost of buying one.

First off, I can't take complete credit for this stand as this article draws heavily on an article by goingoncetwice on yourmtb.com.
Secondly, support your local hardware store. Just like a great local bike shop, a local hardware store is a much better experience overall. To find a local hardware store follow this link: DoitBest Hardware Stores.

read the rest

Ahhh, today was a wonderful day. My five year old son, Gehrig, decided to switch out his antique pedals for some new ones. It was awesome to see him choose the proper tool for the job, and for him to work off his old ones, figure out which ones went where, and for him to muscle on his new ones. He is truly a mechanic in the making.

Hey all! Don't feel like spending a $100 or $200 on a repair stand so you can work on your trusty steed? I have a pretty good alternative that you can build yourself for under $20.
Here is the materials list:
* (1) 36" piece of 1 1/4" galvanized pipe (threaded at one end)
You can use whatever length pipe you need for your particular installation.
* (1) threaded 1 1/4" galvanized base
* (1) 1 1/4" PVC tee connection
* (2) small hinges
* (1) lockable draw catch
* (1) cotter pin (to lock the catch for extra insurance while working on your bike)

read the rest