Thanks for another video. You come across as a good bloke. I got to know the mechanics at my LBS well and they would look after me and I would look after them with coffees and pastries. I was able to watch them work on my bike and I learnt a lot. We became good friends. Sadly, it closes down tomorrow. Just a sign of the times I'm told. At the age of 70, I'll now make my first Amazon purchase but it's not the same.
Thanks, John. Shame to hear your go-to place is closing down - coffee, pastries and bike tinkering isn't a bad way to pass the time :) There used to be a shop down the valley from me that I used a lot (going back nearly 30 years here) and it's been closed for many years now but you could always still see the façade and faded lettering of the shop name every time you passed. I noticed the other day riding back up the valley even that had gone now. Time doesn't stand still but a bit sad all the same.
I have built two of my current four bikes from the frame up and have done so previously with other bikes. This as you have covered gives immeasurable reassurance that if something goes wrong you can fix it. Because I also tour so much, which is admittedly a little niche, it allows you to be much more self-reliant which is essential in more remote areas. I would advise everyone to at least learn the basics such as fixing punctures, fitting or repairing a broken chain, indexing gears, replacing cables, cleaning out a bottom bracket, and regreasing pedals. If you can do these things you should be good to go to tackle most stuff on a bike. A very interesting topic and one I haven't seen anyone else tackle.
Couldn't agree more, Jay and especially as preparation for any remote touring. I think the only thing I haven't done (related to the spec on the bikes I have) is bleed and refill hydraulic brakes on the MTB. I have the kit all ready to go but the damn things just keep working fine :)
Generally try to do my own maintenance/repairs for all the "pro" reasons you mentioned. UA-cam is a fantastic resource for bike "how to" maintenance and repairs and I would struggle sometimes without it. Another pro is the time saved that LBS need to fit you in (hopefully because they are so busy) which can be weeks. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Ian and a good point about the LBS wait (and it's good that they're busy etc.). I think the first time I ever changed a cassette myself, years ago now, was a result of being turned away by a couple of bike shops (too busy for a same day, fair enough) and the last shop I tried said it would be a couple of weeks before they could get to it. The LBS I favour now will always try and fit someone in if they just turn up (and it's a quick-ish job) and I'm sure it causes them headaches with the planned work but it's really appreciated by their wider customer base I think.
Where I live, the local bike dealer was an odd sort of guy that simply didn't like "mail-order" bikes and certainly not their riders. When I first arrived in Jasper Indiana 23 years ago, the bike shop owner said that there was not a local bike club. There was. And the local running club, the Cheetahs, was by invitation only. So I simply continued to develop and enjoy my bike mechanic skills, learned in Florida, Texas and Arizona bike shops. Today I ride very early, so I have my lights charged and tires pumped, the mechanic and the pilot are the same guy.
During the pandemic I started tinkering with bikes, initially just minor stuff, but have since gotten (waaay too much) into it. So far so, that I would never buy a complete bike again, but just a frameset. The time spent is definitely a factor, but it depends on wether or not you enjoy the process. Also, since I am mostly riding solo, like some others have said in the comments, it gives me a sense of security, knowing that I can get out of most jams. On the topic of safety - while it is very much a concern and one shouldn't perform maintenance which lets one loose confidence in their bikes, esp. on the topic of wheebuilding, it's not all that scary as it's made up to be. I've started building up my own wheels about a year ago, and the rear wheel has had 4 broken nipples during that period. While inconvenient, nothing dangerous or hazardous. Mostly a faff ;) All in the spirit of "if you build it, you can repair it"
Thanks for the comment. Completely agree being able to work on your own bike (safely) increases confidence that you can deal with issues out on the road/trails. I suspect I'm like you and can quite happily spend a day tinkering with a bike (although I haven't tried wheel building yet, would like to)! I devote as much time as I can at the moment to messing about with and riding bikes but could spend way more hours on it than I do. 🙂
Good points well made! Also consider that some warranties may be invalidated by home maintenance. A lot of local bike shops have knowledgeable mechanics - some can be substandard and poorly trained. I personally do most of my own work. I have a triban rc520 so it is straightforward. Main problem is usually getting relevant technical data. No di2 electronics - and external cable routing make things easier!
Thanks, Andy and a good reminder that the DIY approach may invalidate a warranty (hadn't thought of that when I was pondering what to cover in the video). I wouldn't know where to start with electronics and I suspect the uptake in eBikes of all varieties may become a headache for bike shops once they start ageing and faulting - different maintenance/repair knowledge and skills needed perhaps by the mechanics. Same here with my RC520. It's a great, simple bike to work on.
I pretty much do all my own work including brazing and minor frame repair on steel bikes, wheel building from scratch and building up bikes from frames. I guess I'm lucky that I have some mechanical aptitude, enjoy tinkering and have a good selection of specialist tools. I also do a bit of work for various friends, all gratis just for the karma. Totally agree its good to know your bikes. Some of the things I have seen on other peoples bikes I worry that I and my loved ones are sharing the road with these brakeless contraptions. I love being able to help my friends. Also good for me as my LBS are not all that great.
Great stuff, Paul and I'll bet your bike karma is is fine health! I'd like to properly get my head around wheel building - or at least truing - at some point. Interesting about your LBS and they're definitely not all mythical, amazing, friendly, nothing-is-too-much-trouble places. Happy cycling!
I do all my work on my bikes, except the maintenance on my commuter ebike (for warranty purposes). But i am a licensed aircraft engineer, so all my professional life has been in the engineering field.. information nowadays is readily available, Shimano publishes all the Worksop manuals, however one needs to have the confidence to do it safely.. A key aspect is to ensure one understands warranty conditions on any new'ish stuff, as some of those warranties will be invalidated if not installed by a competent person.
Thanks for the comment and good points re availability of info, working safely and being mindful of any warranty (which completely slipped my mind when I was thinking about what to cover in the video!). I'll sometimes be bombing down a hill (which can be easily over 40mph on the road bike) and catch myself thinking about all the components that need to be installed and working properly to be able to do that relatively safely. Generally those kinds of thoughts also make me start to slow down :) Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclistI find as as with safety-critical airplane stuff, one should property understand how the system being maintained works, and what is the desired outcome. If those 2 things are present one can confidently maintain a bike and go on that speedy descent with full confidence on the bike. And this confidence comes from the fact that you understand how it works, you understand what has to be fixed/maintained and you understand the standard of your work. given this 3 things, you will be confident. (or not, if you understand you bodged that thinghy-majinghy to just keep you going! )
You mentioned using or losing your local bike shop which is spot on but when the local bike shop becomes a bike boutique as my one did you end up doing everything yourself. I ride an old, but expensive in the day, bike and they just stopped being interested in fixing basic things like brakes and shifting problems. I'm lucky as I worked as a mechanical engineer so bikes are (were) simple machines and it's basic stuff. Having said this it did mean quite an expense buying special tools. With electronic shifting becoming more affordable I'm out of my depth. it seems you need a laptop rather than a spanner to adjust them so I'll stick with cables. Did you find out if the cyclist recovered OK? Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Completely agree, Colin re the expense of buying tools; not to be underestimated and you're running a false economy for a while I think when you start doing your own maintenance. Cheaper in the long run of course. Shame about your LBS but it's the general direction of travel, isn't it? I was just in south Manchester yesterday and cycled past what was my LBS for years - gone now and such a shame as they were the kind of shop you could just roll up to in an emergency (no matter how low-budget a bike you were riding), made you a brew while they got you back on the road etc. I kept an eye out for news of that cyclist on local/emergency services media and never saw anything, so I'm really hoping no news was good news. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
@@onemorecyclist Sadly very common but with high rent and rates they need to make enough just to cover overheads, still miss the old style shop who'd sell you a spoke or a new bike.
I was a professional bike mechanic for over 10 years. I have not ridden a bike that I did not build from the frame up since I was a teenager. The problem is you then get very attached to the bikes. The n+1 is strong in my garage.
That's brilliant! I've only built one of my bikes from the frame up (a restoration job a few years ago) but it's probably the only one I'll never (ever) get rid of. Definitely know what you mean about getting attached to the bikes, especially if you've built them. They are quite the evocative things when you've been on so many fantastic rides and to so many places on them. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Honestly speaking and embarrassingly I always take mine to my local bike shop (part of a chain) or a bit further to the independent one who have known me for many years and seem to treat me as an individual catering to my needs so I am happy to support them. It's only now that I m trying to do my punctures and one or two other "basic" things...having said when I was a teen I replaced my rear worn out brakes for new ones so perhaps there is hope for me yet 😂 I admire those building their own bikes!
@@juliet7703 I worked in quite a few “local bike shops” they will always do their best - some people’s best is just better than others, like any mechanic, they are “skilled” trades, and skills take years to learn. Always support your LBS - you will miss them when they are gone. ;)
@@juliet7703 I think quite a few people have less than positive experiences in bike shops, especially if you're riding/buying a more budget bike. Great that you found a decent place to use! I once put some MTB forks on backwards and was riding around for days before someone pointed it out - nearly died of embarrassment but you live and learn! 🙂 Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Thanks for another video. You come across as a good bloke.
I got to know the mechanics at my LBS well and they would look after me and I would look after them with coffees and pastries. I was able to watch them work on my bike and I learnt a lot. We became good friends. Sadly, it closes down tomorrow. Just a sign of the times I'm told. At the age of 70, I'll now make my first Amazon purchase but it's not the same.
Thanks, John. Shame to hear your go-to place is closing down - coffee, pastries and bike tinkering isn't a bad way to pass the time :) There used to be a shop down the valley from me that I used a lot (going back nearly 30 years here) and it's been closed for many years now but you could always still see the façade and faded lettering of the shop name every time you passed. I noticed the other day riding back up the valley even that had gone now. Time doesn't stand still but a bit sad all the same.
I have built two of my current four bikes from the frame up and have done so previously with other bikes. This as you have covered gives immeasurable reassurance that if something goes wrong you can fix it. Because I also tour so much, which is admittedly a little niche, it allows you to be much more self-reliant which is essential in more remote areas. I would advise everyone to at least learn the basics such as fixing punctures, fitting or repairing a broken chain, indexing gears, replacing cables, cleaning out a bottom bracket, and regreasing pedals. If you can do these things you should be good to go to tackle most stuff on a bike. A very interesting topic and one I haven't seen anyone else tackle.
Couldn't agree more, Jay and especially as preparation for any remote touring. I think the only thing I haven't done (related to the spec on the bikes I have) is bleed and refill hydraulic brakes on the MTB. I have the kit all ready to go but the damn things just keep working fine :)
Generally try to do my own maintenance/repairs for all the "pro" reasons you mentioned. UA-cam is a fantastic resource for bike "how to" maintenance and repairs and I would struggle sometimes without it. Another pro is the time saved that LBS need to fit you in (hopefully because they are so busy) which can be weeks. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks, Ian and a good point about the LBS wait (and it's good that they're busy etc.). I think the first time I ever changed a cassette myself, years ago now, was a result of being turned away by a couple of bike shops (too busy for a same day, fair enough) and the last shop I tried said it would be a couple of weeks before they could get to it. The LBS I favour now will always try and fit someone in if they just turn up (and it's a quick-ish job) and I'm sure it causes them headaches with the planned work but it's really appreciated by their wider customer base I think.
Where I live, the local bike dealer was an odd sort of guy that simply didn't like "mail-order" bikes and certainly not their riders. When I first arrived in Jasper Indiana 23 years ago, the bike shop owner said that there was not a local bike club. There was. And the local running club, the Cheetahs, was by invitation only. So I simply continued to develop and enjoy my bike mechanic skills, learned in Florida, Texas and Arizona bike shops.
Today I ride very early, so I have my lights charged and tires pumped, the mechanic and the pilot are the same guy.
During the pandemic I started tinkering with bikes, initially just minor stuff, but have since gotten (waaay too much) into it. So far so, that I would never buy a complete bike again, but just a frameset. The time spent is definitely a factor, but it depends on wether or not you enjoy the process. Also, since I am mostly riding solo, like some others have said in the comments, it gives me a sense of security, knowing that I can get out of most jams.
On the topic of safety - while it is very much a concern and one shouldn't perform maintenance which lets one loose confidence in their bikes, esp. on the topic of wheebuilding, it's not all that scary as it's made up to be. I've started building up my own wheels about a year ago, and the rear wheel has had 4 broken nipples during that period. While inconvenient, nothing dangerous or hazardous. Mostly a faff ;)
All in the spirit of "if you build it, you can repair it"
Thanks for the comment. Completely agree being able to work on your own bike (safely) increases confidence that you can deal with issues out on the road/trails. I suspect I'm like you and can quite happily spend a day tinkering with a bike (although I haven't tried wheel building yet, would like to)! I devote as much time as I can at the moment to messing about with and riding bikes but could spend way more hours on it than I do. 🙂
Good points well made! Also consider that some warranties may be invalidated by home maintenance. A lot of local bike shops have knowledgeable mechanics - some can be substandard and poorly trained. I personally do most of my own work. I have a triban rc520 so it is straightforward. Main problem is usually getting relevant technical data. No di2 electronics - and external cable routing make things easier!
Thanks, Andy and a good reminder that the DIY approach may invalidate a warranty (hadn't thought of that when I was pondering what to cover in the video). I wouldn't know where to start with electronics and I suspect the uptake in eBikes of all varieties may become a headache for bike shops once they start ageing and faulting - different maintenance/repair knowledge and skills needed perhaps by the mechanics. Same here with my RC520. It's a great, simple bike to work on.
I pretty much do all my own work including brazing and minor frame repair on steel bikes, wheel building from scratch and building up bikes from frames. I guess I'm lucky that I have some mechanical aptitude, enjoy tinkering and have a good selection of specialist tools. I also do a bit of work for various friends, all gratis just for the karma.
Totally agree its good to know your bikes. Some of the things I have seen on other peoples bikes I worry that I and my loved ones are sharing the road with these brakeless contraptions.
I love being able to help my friends.
Also good for me as my LBS are not all that great.
Great stuff, Paul and I'll bet your bike karma is is fine health! I'd like to properly get my head around wheel building - or at least truing - at some point. Interesting about your LBS and they're definitely not all mythical, amazing, friendly, nothing-is-too-much-trouble places. Happy cycling!
I do all my work on my bikes, except the maintenance on my commuter ebike (for warranty purposes).
But i am a licensed aircraft engineer, so all my professional life has been in the engineering field..
information nowadays is readily available, Shimano publishes all the Worksop manuals, however one needs to have the confidence to do it safely..
A key aspect is to ensure one understands warranty conditions on any new'ish stuff, as some of those warranties will be invalidated if not installed by a competent person.
Thanks for the comment and good points re availability of info, working safely and being mindful of any warranty (which completely slipped my mind when I was thinking about what to cover in the video!). I'll sometimes be bombing down a hill (which can be easily over 40mph on the road bike) and catch myself thinking about all the components that need to be installed and working properly to be able to do that relatively safely. Generally those kinds of thoughts also make me start to slow down :) Happy cycling!
@@onemorecyclistI find as as with safety-critical airplane stuff, one should property understand how the system being maintained works, and what is the desired outcome.
If those 2 things are present one can confidently maintain a bike and go on that speedy descent with full confidence on the bike. And this confidence comes from the fact that you understand how it works, you understand what has to be fixed/maintained and you understand the standard of your work. given this 3 things, you will be confident. (or not, if you understand you bodged that thinghy-majinghy to just keep you going! )
You mentioned using or losing your local bike shop which is spot on but when the local bike shop becomes a bike boutique as my one did you end up doing everything yourself.
I ride an old, but expensive in the day, bike and they just stopped being interested in fixing basic things like brakes and shifting problems. I'm lucky as I worked as a mechanical engineer so bikes are (were) simple machines and it's basic stuff. Having said this it did mean quite an expense buying special tools. With electronic shifting becoming more affordable I'm out of my depth. it seems you need a laptop rather than a spanner to adjust them so I'll stick with cables.
Did you find out if the cyclist recovered OK?
Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Completely agree, Colin re the expense of buying tools; not to be underestimated and you're running a false economy for a while I think when you start doing your own maintenance. Cheaper in the long run of course. Shame about your LBS but it's the general direction of travel, isn't it? I was just in south Manchester yesterday and cycled past what was my LBS for years - gone now and such a shame as they were the kind of shop you could just roll up to in an emergency (no matter how low-budget a bike you were riding), made you a brew while they got you back on the road etc. I kept an eye out for news of that cyclist on local/emergency services media and never saw anything, so I'm really hoping no news was good news. Thanks for the comment. 🙂
@@onemorecyclist Sadly very common but with high rent and rates they need to make enough just to cover overheads, still miss the old style shop who'd sell you a spoke or a new bike.
I know what i will encounter when i go out the door. THE UNKNOWN 😮
I was a professional bike mechanic for over 10 years. I have not ridden a bike that I did not build from the frame up since I was a teenager.
The problem is you then get very attached to the bikes. The n+1 is strong in my garage.
That's brilliant! I've only built one of my bikes from the frame up (a restoration job a few years ago) but it's probably the only one I'll never (ever) get rid of. Definitely know what you mean about getting attached to the bikes, especially if you've built them. They are quite the evocative things when you've been on so many fantastic rides and to so many places on them. Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Honestly speaking and embarrassingly I always take mine to my local bike shop (part of a chain) or a bit further to the independent one who have known me for many years and seem to treat me as an individual catering to my needs so I am happy to support them. It's only now that I m trying to do my punctures and one or two other "basic" things...having said when I was a teen I replaced my rear worn out brakes for new ones so perhaps there is hope for me yet 😂 I admire those building their own bikes!
@@juliet7703 I worked in quite a few “local bike shops” they will always do their best - some people’s best is just better than others, like any mechanic, they are “skilled” trades, and skills take years to learn.
Always support your LBS - you will miss them when they are gone. ;)
@@juliet7703 I think quite a few people have less than positive experiences in bike shops, especially if you're riding/buying a more budget bike. Great that you found a decent place to use! I once put some MTB forks on backwards and was riding around for days before someone pointed it out - nearly died of embarrassment but you live and learn! 🙂 Thanks for the comment and happy cycling!
Hits home when you witness an accident, hope the person is ok.
Probably very similar to yourself, tend to do most apart from trueing wheels.
It really does and I was a bit out of sorts for the rest of the ride tbh. Appreciate the comment, Paul and happy cycling!
Trying wheel is easy.