Some would consider it rather unusual to learn how to repair bikes. Better leave to the mechanics and let them earn a living: But there are certain benefits when you learn to repair your own bike:
1 Self reliance. When you are in a middle of nowhere,, you can repair and get home. For instance, if your break your derrailleur, how do you get home?
If you have spares, ,can you replace: brake pads, cables, screws, or even repair a flat?
2. More learning - you can be useful to your bike mates if you know how to take care of minor repairs.
Bike shops and reliable mechanics are hard to come by in remote places. All they need and know are hammer and plier to repair your bike. Will you allow this?
Knowledge is power. You are higher in the pecking order of the group if you have this advantage
3. You train your mind to:
1. To be clean. Most bike foul ups are due to dirt and grime accumulation
2. To be meticulous in parts: part number and measurements, proper orientation when installing
(better take pictures)
3. Be process oriented. Proper sequencing. Wrong sequence means you have to repeat the
entire process. Better take pictures and place the parts disassembled in proper order you
took them apart
4. Have proper tools. No tools can wreck you bike
5. Plan your repair: 1. Have complete parts, 2. Have complete tools 3. Review the YT
Video, manual
6. Be patient. If you commit mistake, be willing to repeat the whole thing. Dont throw away
the repair, and or rush to the mechanic
4. You definitely save money.
The mechanic in remote barrio charges P200.00 per item. The nearby mechanic charged
me for a hub removal and bearing reinstallation. A workshop charges P1,500 for taking bike
from their house and redelivery. The repair and parts are exclused.
5. You lengthen the life of your bike
1. You can be careful with your bike as you repair, and as you use it. You do not expose the
elements that could wreck or destory the bike: wading the bike in flood waters, streams
to extreme heat. You do not water the bike that lets water seep into the bearings and metal
parts that could rust. You do not cool disc brake by pouring water. You do not shift when
the chain is under tension.
Since you can disassemble: you can chain your wax, change the chain when needed
2. Some parts can be recycledd:
1. Bearings can be regreased. You dont need to buy a new one
2. You can make the bearing new again by refreshing its old bearings. Balls are cheap
6. You become more connected to your bike. You learn to appreciate its complex engineering and functioning. so you take care of it more closely. So its not just a bike. It is a product of the teamwork and the passion of those who put it together. So you must too
No comments:
Post a Comment