Repair It Yourself (R.I.Y.)

Don't be mad at repair prices do it yourself.

Learn everything the "pro-techs" know.

This Page is to look up how to.....

  • Repair bicycles,
  • Fix components,
  • Maintenance your parts, and
  • Replace items/accessories. 
How to fix a flat

Here's how to fix a flat tire on your bicycle:

Prepare your tools: You will need a bicycle pump, a tire lever, and a replacement inner tube.

Remove the wheel: Depending on your bike, you may need to remove the wheel to access the tire. Release the brakes and loosen the quick-release lever or use a wrench to loosen the bolts that hold the wheel in place.

Remove the tire: Use the tire lever to pry the tire off the rim, being careful not to damage the rim or the tire. Remove the inner tube from the tire.

Inspect the tire: Check the inside of the tire for any sharp objects that may have caused the puncture and remove them.

Heres a link for a visual from our a very trusted source. We Love ParkTool 

  • Check for Worn out tires or to spot tire rot. 

  • To check for worn out, tire or rot on a bicycle tire, follow these steps:

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  • Visual inspection: Look for any signs of cracking or dry rot on the sidewalls or tread of the tire. The sidewalls are the sides of the tire that face the rim, while the tread is the part that comes in contact with the road.
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  • Squeeze test: Squeeze the tire gently in different spots to see if there are any soft or spongy areas that indicate the rubber has become degraded.
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  • Flex test: Grasp the tire at the top and bottom and try to bend it. If the tire is brittle and cracks easily, it's a sign that the rubber has become dry and is close to failing.
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  • Check the sidewall date: Most tires have a date code molded into the sidewall that indicates the date of manufacture. If the date is more than five years old, it's a good idea to replace the tire, even if it looks fine, as the rubber may have degraded over time.
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  • Check the tire pressure regularly: A tire that is consistently under-inflated can be more susceptible to rot, as well as to punctures and other damage.
    • If you notice any signs of tire rot, it's best to replace the tire as soon as possible to ensure your safety while riding.

    Here's a Video Describing Spot the Rot 

    What is a Derailleur? 

    WeLoveParkTool click on link for visual

    A derailleur is a mechanism used in bicycles to change gears. It is located near the rear wheel and consists of two components: the derailleur itself and a chain guide. When you shift gears, the derailleur moves the chain from one chainring or cog to another, allowing you to change the level of resistance and increase or decrease the speed of the bike. The derailleur works by using a combination of springs, jockey wheels, and a cage to keep the chain under tension and guide it to the next chainring or cog. The derailleur is a crucial component of a bicycle's drivetrain and helps riders to find the right gear for any riding conditions.

    How to tune your gears

    To tune your gears on a bicycle, follow these steps:

    1. Shift to the middle chainring in the front and the largest cog in the rear.

    2. Locate the cable tension adjuster, usually located near the rear derailleur or near the cable’s entry point into the frame. Use a tool if needed, But it is usually finger strength is all thats needed.

    3. Turn the barrel adjuster clockwise to increase tension, or counterclockwise to decrease tension.

    4. Shift to the smallest chainring in the front and the smallest cog in the rear. Shift the derailleur by hand to check for smooth and accurate shifting. If it is not smooth, make small adjustments to the cable tension using the barrel adjuster until shifting is smooth. Repeat the process for the other gears, shifting up and down the chainrings and cogs, making adjustments as necessary. Test ride the bike to confirm smooth and accurate shifting, and make any final adjustments as needed.

    Note: The specifics of gear tuning can vary based on the type of bike and the derailleur system, so it is recommended to consult your bike's manual or a professional bike mechanic for the best results. Here's a great visual from our friends @ParkTool. Rear Derailleur Front Derailleur

    (What does it mean to true a wheel?)

    To true a bicycle wheel, you need to adjust the spoke tension to ensure that the rim is evenly supported and runs in a straight line. Here's a basic guide to truing a wheel 

    How to true a bicycle wheel


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    Check for spoke tension: Use a spoke tension gauge to check if the spokes are tightened to the correct tension. Loose spokes can cause the rim to wobble, while tight spokes can cause the rim to be unevenly supported.

    Identify problem areas: Spin the wheel and observe it from the front, rear, and sides to identify any areas that are out of true. Look for wobbling, gaps between the rim and the brake pads, and spoke nipples that are not centered.

    Make adjustments: To correct wobbling, loosen or tighten the spokes that run from the problem area to the opposite side of the wheel. To fix a gap between the rim and brake pads, tighten the spokes on the low side of the wheel. To center a spoke nipple, loosen the spokes that run to the opposite side of the wheel.

    Test and repeat: Spin the wheel again and check if the problem areas have been corrected. Repeat the adjustment process as necessary until the wheel runs smoothly and straight.

    Fine-tune: Finally, fine-tune the wheel by adjusting the spoke tension to ensure an even spoke tension across the wheel.

    Note: Truing a bicycle wheel requires some technical skill and experience. If you're unsure about the process, it's best to seek the help of a professional bike mechanic. Here's a great visual from... WeLoveParkTool

    • Still more to come.. Please check back with us often, to see the new "How to's" we will be introducing every week. Topics like 

    • Where the air is seeping from?
    How to identify where air is leaking from in a tire or inner-tube;
    • Can the inner tube be patched or is it too damaged to repaired?
    • Identifying the parts on a bicycle
    • Plan your bicycle route? How to plan a bicycle route?
    • What are the pros and the cons on planning out a bicycle route?
    • How often to have your bike tuned up?
    • What tool do I need? (Identifying services needed on bicycles