tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post7525345754709196311..comments2024-03-18T08:41:35.438-04:00Comments on Lovely Bicycle!: Hard Core Bicycle DIY: Is It Worth It?Velouriahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comBlogger72125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-42033875087759932292014-07-22T18:55:28.898-04:002014-07-22T18:55:28.898-04:00You forgot time. Is the value of your time for do...You forgot time. Is the value of your time for doing other things more than the cost of having a bicycle shop do the work? If so, take it to the shop. <br /><br />By this theorem, sometimes I take it to the shop when I am really busy, but other times I work on it myself when I have free time available.brons2https://www.blogger.com/profile/06727321493116526519noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-18945601572874873932013-06-30T14:32:39.994-04:002013-06-30T14:32:39.994-04:00Just came across this post two years late! Hilaire...Just came across this post two years late! Hilaire Belloc said it all-<br /><br />"Lord Finchley tried to mend the electric light.<br />It struck him dead. And serve him right!<br />It is the business of the wealthy man<br />To give employment to the artisan."ulstercyclepathnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-31965998086902446642012-04-29T20:48:03.775-04:002012-04-29T20:48:03.775-04:00At one point it is about money. Bringing a bike f...At one point it is about money. Bringing a bike for an overhaul or drive training cleaning is too expensive, if you have two kids in day care. I replaced a chain and cleaned the drive train in a friend's shop recently and it was far harder than I thought (the last shop put the chain rings on the hub incorrectly) but worth far less than the shops charge, assuming your aren't fixing someone's insidious problem. And I want to learn. I have the advantage that I have seen every bearing in my old bike so I know how frustrating it can be (as you note - unscheduled trips to the bike shop or hardware store) but I need to both relearn and retool. So it is a function of economics and a desire to see how things work, and be able to do the work.Danielnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22211816377270872972012-02-15T14:58:34.965-05:002012-02-15T14:58:34.965-05:00I currently work as a workshop manager (profession...I currently work as a workshop manager (professional bike mechanic) for the UK's leading quality retailer with 48 stores and £100 million annual turnover - I work in one of their most profitable stores in London<br /><br />I've worked as a bike wrench for 20+ years including several years as the co-owner of a downhill mountain bike frame manufacturer who also did lots of research and development for major manufacturers<br /><br />bike wrenching is something I enjoy to do...but I get frustrated at the sad state that many bicycles are in, when they arrive at my workshop<br /><br />many riders don't appreciate simple maintenance tasks like keeping tires inflated to recommended pressures, cleaning the drive train and oiling the chain, or not ignoring strange noises like creaks / clicks and looseness in rotating parts like bottom brackets, hubs and headsets<br /><br />with motor vehicles, motorists generally need to know how to fuel their vehicle, add oil, add water and check tire pressure at the garage<br /><br />somewhere along the way, the bike industry has forgotten to inform new riders of simple maintenance tasks, and their bicycles suffer, as do their wallets<br /><br />we get lots of repair bikes from regular commuters who have run their bikes into the ground by failing to undertake basic, regular maintenance (we are not talking wrenching with specialist tools, but pumping up tires, cleaning / oiling, etc.)...<br /><br />...and end up with so much damage to components that its more cost effective to buy a new bike than repair their existing bike :(<br /><br /><br />bicycles are wonderful pieces of equipment and easily one of the finest inventions that mankind ever made (for human powered transportation, or just fun riding!) but its a great advantage to undertake a basic maintenance course so you can fix a puncture, adjust your brakes for wear, set up your gearing indexing and learn to clean your bike properly as this just improves your riding experience, durability of your bike and reduces the impact on your wallethampstead banditnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-22973540689762537682011-12-15T17:29:43.488-05:002011-12-15T17:29:43.488-05:00I worked as a professional bicycle mechanic during...I worked as a professional bicycle mechanic during graduate school. <br /><br />One issue that hasn't yet been mentioned here is that extremely high end bicycles are designed for set up and adjustment which is very near to perfection, IF SUFFICIENT TIME AND ENERGY ARE DEVOTED TO THE TASK. <br /><br />Commercial bike shops simply cannot afford the time it takes to set up/adjust high end bikes to that level of perfection. <br /><br />I'm not, as you called it, a control freak who needs to do all my own mechanical work; in fact I'd love to outsource it. But unfortunately, it isn't really possible to purchase the level of work that I want for my bicycles. <br /><br />Since for high end bikes, the difference in how the bike performs varies noticeably depending on how perfectly it's been set up and adjusted, it's worth it to assure that the set up is, well, perfect.msrwnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-84940508191416499052011-04-12T08:53:11.492-04:002011-04-12T08:53:11.492-04:00One does not have to rise far above the skill leve...One does not have to rise far above the skill level of the everyday utalitarian cyclist to have enough competence to do more than basic repairs. Hell, most bike owners dont do any form of DIY at all! So if one can clean and oil the bike and check for wheel trueness, and adjust brakes and tighten all screws once a month you´re fine! Some posters claim the bicycle is a simple machine, and that is true, but to be able to order, and even substitute, parts in all the myriads of different standards there are, is prolly more brainwork most users are willing to do!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-50015961353054070272011-01-14T21:29:20.204-05:002011-01-14T21:29:20.204-05:00I think that a lot of people are missing your poin...I think that a lot of people are missing your point that some things in bike repair require not just force but also fine motor skills that aren't available to some people, especially not in combination. There are some things for which a bigger lever is not the solution (sorry boys! :)) but where you need a combination of a hard pull and a directed twist at the same time (attaching my shifter cable to its hub is an example). My limitations (mostly weaker hands) cause me a lot of frustrations when working on bikes and cars, where I know exactly what to do, but am physically unable to do it. While there are special tools (blow torch for rust removal anyone?) there are limits to what can reasonably expected of a person who just wants to ride a bike.<br /><br />I think it is empowering to know _how_ things work, and God knows I have a wicked DIY streak (although I think I draw the line at tractor hydraulics Somervillian), but I wouldn't think less of anyone who wasn't interested in working on their own bike. I think the analogies you make to growing your own food and sewing your own clothes are apt. No one would question for an instant a chef for going to a grocery store, or anyone (especially a fashionista) for not sewing all their own clothes.<br />And while I have been known to raise an eyebrow at those without basic cooking skills, I know from experience some days takeout is the answer.<br /><br />While we have some great bike repair options and trusted mechanics here in Boston/Camberville, they are a minority in a lot of the country (vide the current story line on Yehuda Moon) I think that a little research (Thank you Sheldon!) goes a long way in feeling like you understand how your bike works, and in feeling comfortable either in doing something yourself, or being confident that someone else is doing it right for you. And fortunately a bike is conceptually a fairly simple machine, without needing to get into the details of french tubing and italian threading.<br /><br />I think your readers, or at least the above commentators are a biased sample who tend towards a slightly more techie skill set. While I include myself in that group, I agree with your basic premise that doing your own work should not be something one should feel obligated to do to consider themselves a cyclist. To quote John Romeo Alpha- Get up go ride- that's all it takes.cyclerhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10331461189944538729noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44246286073578624372010-10-09T23:59:03.849-04:002010-10-09T23:59:03.849-04:00Whoa, who said you have to buy tools to work on yo...Whoa, who said you have to buy tools to work on your own bike? I barely own any bike-specific tools but barely ever pay for service. Between friends and local bike shops that let me borrow their tools, I have no need to buy them. And if you live in a big city, like Boston, I'm sure there are at least a couple free clinics that will show you how to do bike maintenance as well as provide tools. <br /><br />I've built up many bikes with a standard tool set and then just gone to the LBS to borrow some tools for the finishing touches. <br /><br />And as far as not knowing what you're doing a bike is a ridiculously simple mechanism and doing a tiny bit of reading is all you should need to approach any problem, in the few cases where it's not obvious by looking at another bike.<br /><br />Not to harp on you but I don't think you should be discouraging people from doing something that doesn't actually need to be nearly as expensive or difficult as you're making it out to be.Samhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00477471708895311710noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-24932152441532051312010-09-26T02:50:42.876-04:002010-09-26T02:50:42.876-04:00I would suggest the point about money NOT being a ...I would suggest the point about money NOT being a reason to justify some amount of DIY is dependent on how much money you have/make. In my experience, money is certainly saved by doing even just basic/repetitive maintenance tasks, regardless of whether you enjoy it or not. Bikes are simpler than I feel you are making them to be - most bike DIY tasks would perhaps be more comparable to doing house chores than home repair... and though we may hire a plumber if a pipe bursts, most of us don't have maids. <br /><br />I think for many, the savings can be reason enough to attempt some basic work.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-14555006735170864892010-09-25T18:22:02.461-04:002010-09-25T18:22:02.461-04:00Eric - Granted, *but* (and yes, I am going to cont...Eric - Granted, *but* (and yes, I am going to continue arguing my point!) why assume that the fictional reader who is considering bicycle mechanics is generally helpless and not already self-reliant in other areas, such as home repair, carpentry, and so on? I promise you that once you make your own table and chairs and are sitting there enjoying your meal on them, it is extremely empowering. So is wearing the clothing you made yourself, and so on. So how do I, a busy woman, choose between mastering bicycle mechanics and home repair? That is where things like enjoyment, natural skill, and the other factors I mentioned come in.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-6478322832749683052010-09-25T17:25:04.667-04:002010-09-25T17:25:04.667-04:00I don't mean anything as guilt-tripping, but t...I don't mean anything as guilt-tripping, but the most wonderful thing that working on bicycles taught me was not to assume that anything is beyond my capacity to figure out, whether that's plumbing, computer repair, or whatever else. Working on bicycles has made a huge difference in my life because I don't automatically feel helpless when the technology in my life breaks down. No one should feel obligated to learn how to repair a bicycle, but I promise that the effort can be very empowering in all facets of living.Ericnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-16065365923493021632010-09-25T13:35:15.146-04:002010-09-25T13:35:15.146-04:00I'm one of those new-to-enthusiastic-cycling (...I'm one of those new-to-enthusiastic-cycling (as opposed to very minimal bike commuting) people, and am VERY grateful for the loud clear voices saying that it's ok not to know how to fix or upgrade one's bike, even with such basics as flats (which I've never successfully fixed! - an inability which put me off bicycling 10-15 years ago). I'd like gradually to learn more (because I'd like to feel more confident on longer rides, alone in the countryside). But I think that the dominant ethos here and in England has been to overemphasize the importance of bike DIY (often for good, feminist reasons, which are well-meaning, but which can backfire). So even if you did slightly overstate the other side, Velouria, (and I'm not sure that you did!), it was worth it, to set your more relaxed view against the prevailing winds.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17783310025911573212010-09-25T12:36:20.665-04:002010-09-25T12:36:20.665-04:00MDI - The last part of what you wrote is an import...MDI - The last part of what you wrote is an important point, that I've also failed to bring across (gosh, my post in retrospect seems like a such a failure). There are so many things that it would be good to learn in order to be self-sufficient: home repair, proper penmanship, basic first aid, sewing, knitting, growing your own food, cooking from scratch. Are these more or less important than bicycle mechanics? And if you have a job (or two), and other interests in life besides, how to prioritise your time between all these equally important and interesting things? To my mind, ti has to do with which of it you enjoy more and are naturally better at.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-60844890798544134342010-09-25T12:28:19.845-04:002010-09-25T12:28:19.845-04:00It took me a long time to get comfortable with bik...It took me a long time to get comfortable with bike stuff, including to learn the volume/boundaries of what I don't yet know and to learn how to approach a new-to-me bike task/job. In addition to time spent, money was spent as well and some other things I am also theoretically good at were not pursued during this time. So, was it worth it? I don't know, it depends on my priorities and life's goals, doesn't it? What could have I done instead?MDIhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10810401918223629618noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-72309001554696551982010-09-25T09:59:29.789-04:002010-09-25T09:59:29.789-04:00When I bought my first "10 speed" back i...When I bought my first "10 speed" back in the 70s as a teenager, I took advantage of the free bike maintenance classes the shop offered and have always been glad that I did.<br />Even if you choose not to actually do the work yourself, I recommend learning how it is done. You get to know your bike better, you're less likely to be ripped off by a dishonest shop, and if you're caught out far from home or shop with a problem, you may be able to come up with a temporary fix that will at lest get you home.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-17174223722557207602010-09-24T20:45:07.517-04:002010-09-24T20:45:07.517-04:00PS: If you like DIY on the road and a point of vie...PS: If you like DIY on the road and a point of view that directly opposes mine, have a look here at the Co-Habitant's insane, I mean lovely, description of <a href="http://bostonretrowheelmen.blogspot.com/2010/09/classic-tool-kit-for-roadside-repair.html" rel="nofollow">his tool kit</a>. Enjoy : )Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-53432001375001394802010-09-24T18:35:53.428-04:002010-09-24T18:35:53.428-04:00Cris - I think that you hit the nail on the head w...Cris - I think that you hit the nail on the head with the Barbie comment: If I were a male, I don't think this post would have been interpreted in quite the same manner by some of the readers. But because I am female, perhaps the assumption is that I like to play the "helpless damsel" role and cannot be bothered to learn bicycle mechanics because shopping is occupying too much of my time. Hardly seems fair. <br /><br />As for the fixing your own flats comment on the other post: I stand by it, for the simple reason that someone has to. From direct conversations with fledgling cyclists, I have a very distinct impression that many are just too intimidated to cycle because of all the guilt-tripping about all of the things they "have to" do as cyclists. There ought to be at least a couple of voices out there that tell them they do not "have" to do anything, other than ride their bike. That is the point of view I am trying to express.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-87581328143857945122010-09-24T18:10:09.073-04:002010-09-24T18:10:09.073-04:00gosh, yeah, I'd been meaning to chime in on th...gosh, yeah, I'd been meaning to chime in on this thread but kept getting distracted by other blog topics as they come up :)<br /><br />anyway, I think your point about not doing it if "your main motivation is to save money" is fine, but I think that it's also very easy to read your post as essentially saying that only the dedicated should bother to learn how to maintain and/or do major repair/upgrade work on their bike. Everyone else can trust in their mechanics to do the job correctly.<br /><br />(or to paraphrase barbie: "bike mechanics are hard! let's go shopping!")<br /><br />I think part of that is you use the phrase "if all of the above apply" instead of "if <em>any</em> of the above apply". I think that it can still be immensely satisfying to work on one's bike even if they aren't anal, but enjoy learning how the machine works. You're also missing a large gulf of conditions between being a hobbyist and wanting to save money. Plus there might be some leftover ruffled feathers from your prior recommendation about how learning how to fix a flat is unnecessary. (which, yeah, I kind of disagree with, but that's another thread)<br /><br />anyway, I tend compare my interest in bikes with interests in computers. I like building my own computers from parts because I like having the control over how the machine is configured and I like being able to fix things on my own without worrying about the competency of a third party. Like bikes, building a computer from parts rarely makes economic sense; but there's no price tag that can be placed on freeing oneself from having to call tech support everytime your computer acts wonky.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-26297477971216012582010-09-24T13:33:53.588-04:002010-09-24T13:33:53.588-04:00It has been nice reading everybody's points of...It has been nice reading everybody's points of view and I am surprised at the amount of discussion this topic has generated. <br /><br />One thing to clarify for those who have commented that "this is a gray area" or that my view is "extreme". I stand by what I wrote, and would like to direct your attention to how conditional (the opposite of extreme) my point is.<br /><br />What I am basically saying, is that complicated DIY is worth it, if you enjoy it, are likely to do it multiple times, are good at it, and have exacting standards. And that it is not worth it if your main motivation is to save money. Perhaps that train of thought got lost in the details of the post, because otherwise I am surprised that it can generate so many alternative views.Velouriahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00359329171411037482noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-44914769383043768022010-09-23T19:21:36.064-04:002010-09-23T19:21:36.064-04:00I'm not sure I agree that you need to own mult...I'm not sure I agree that you need to own multiple bikes in order to justify the cost of tools, but it does help if you have a long-term view... <br /><br />I have acquired my tools bit by bit over 30 years - somewhat recently, my car was broken into, I didn't care about the electronics, I was totally bummed that my bike toolbox was gone! Fortunately, the goods were recovered - what are the odds of that?! <br /><br />I find that repetition helps, along with books and, occasionally, knowledgeable friends. The Internet can be really helpful. <br /><br />Anyway, when I was in college, I had a lot of time on my hand and would completely disassemble and reassemble my bike every month or so just because I had nothing better to do. This helped me feel more and more comfortable with the procedures.<br /><br />Once in a while I make a mistake, but rarely the same one twice, and nothing was dangerous. In fact, it was a poorly adjusted low gear limit that allowed my chain to jump into the spokes and break one, this caused me to evaluate the whole drivetrain and upgrade from 80's 6-speed to modern Shimano 9-speed (Harris did the job, I was afraid to bend the rear stays). So maybe the mistake was an actual benefit! (okay, it was an expensive benefit... :-)<br /><br />Probably the most embarrassing mistake I made recently was not putting enough torque on a friend's rear derailer pulley bolt. The pulley fell off on a ride, good thing we were near our destination. I felt really bad, so I spent a half-hour looking for all of the parts. Fortunately, I found everything and it's been good since.Roger Snoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-74994024805782597812010-09-23T19:21:27.663-04:002010-09-23T19:21:27.663-04:00somervillain - I totally agree with the obsession!...somervillain - I totally agree with the obsession! I'll spend an hour after changing cables adjusting the brakes to get them JUST RIGHT. I think that's my hang up with most index systems - they're just too frustrating for me. If 5th gear shifts up with a clatter, it's not right, and won't be right, and needs to be fixed. I've spent hours on a cannondale I recently picked up trying to get the indexing just so. Finally, I switched off the indexing and forgot about it. No sense driving myself crazy when there's a better system out there already!Matthewhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00464331017299038485noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-64982528135252547682010-09-23T19:16:49.316-04:002010-09-23T19:16:49.316-04:00Thank you for your informative and always deli ght...Thank you for your informative and always deli ghtfully written pieces. I always felt inadequate having to take my bike to the "shop" for overhauls, but have gradually learn't my limits. I can strip, clean and repair. fix punctures, change cabling, grips and "consumables". I no longer feel the need to be an expert, and have a reliable expert to take bearing changes and servicing to.<br /><br />love the blog v.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/00886180554290107758noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-54396002587304191662010-09-23T18:12:02.794-04:002010-09-23T18:12:02.794-04:00For me, it's a hobby, so I do it. Since my jo...For me, it's a hobby, so I do it. Since my job is in a "human" field, I find the finite nature of mechanical problems very soothing -- when the machine rolls, you know you did it right and you're done. Teaching just isn't like that.<br /><br />However, I don't promote bike DIY -- even the minor stuff -- to other people, and that's because I do want transportation biking to spread beyond the small circle of hobbyists. <br /><br />While some people do enjoy DIY auto mechanics, too, the vast majority of motorists have no interest whatsoever in how their car works. Biking should be the same way -- a hobby for a few, but a normal way of life for most.BGhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15650718276049777977noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-12704862677982173712010-09-23T15:53:57.679-04:002010-09-23T15:53:57.679-04:00on a slightly different note, i just wanted to men...on a slightly different note, i just wanted to mention that your mixte is looking great! folks, it looks even better in person than in the pics. i saw it in person probably minutes before these pictures were taken (velouria, you were either inside and didn't want to come out to say hi ;-) or i just missed you). agreed, the cohabitant has DIY skilz!somervillainhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13903377050982678550noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6467858377106451384.post-2028170162147746162010-09-23T11:18:31.067-04:002010-09-23T11:18:31.067-04:00My dad wouldn't sign off of my driver's li...My dad wouldn't sign off of my driver's license until I could change a tire, and explain what a cam shaft was, what a carburator does (did), and the correct procedures for jumping standard and automatic transmission cars. Must be us independent Western folk!<br /><br />But no doubt, if you're riding to Walden Pond you're not going to die of exposure on your walk to the commuter rail should something go wrong. (hopefully!) :)<br /><br />Tuesday night in the South End I did see a guy on the cyclist's "walk of shame". It was dark, he was in full lycra kit, walking in his socks, carrying his Look shoes, and beside him his carbon-fiber rocketship. I was confused for a second but his very unhappy expression filled in the story - he must have just gotten off of the Back Bay commuter rail after waiting for a post-rush hour train, and there was something wrong with his drivetrain as the chain was sagging. Whatever happened certainly spoiled his evening!Charlottehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/08036691849337099909noreply@blogger.com