Sooner or later, every cyclist will face a problem with their bicycle’s repair or maintenance that will result in their hands being covered in oil. Even experienced riders can become perplexed, purchase a large number of inappropriate tools, and make the incorrect choice when it comes to repairing a car, even if the problem is only a minor one from a technical standpoint.
The following is a list of some common errors that are frequently made in the process of car repair and maintenance, as well as instructions on how to avoid making these mistakes. In spite of the fact that these predicaments might appear ridiculous, one can run into them in real life—perhaps we have even been guilty of some of them ourselves.
1. Using an inappropriate tool for the purpose of bicycle maintenance
How to say? It would be the equivalent of using an iron tool to load freshly brewed tea or a lawnmower as a vacuum cleaner to clean the carpet in your home. In a similar vein, how could you possibly repair a bicycle with the incorrect tool? But, surprisingly, many riders don’t believe it’s acceptable to waste money on a bike. If this is the case, then how can they “repair” their bike with a allen wrench tool that is as pliable as cheese when they buy flat-pack furniture?
When people choose to fix their own cars, one of the most common mistakes they make is to use the wrong tool, which is also one of the easiest mistakes to overlook. In the beginning, you might want to invest in a large quantity of hex tools from a reputable and well-known brand. This is because hex tools appear to be adequate for solving the majority of the issues that can arise with a bicycle.
But if you want to be more knowledgeable and technically savvy, you may also want to invest in some good wire cutters (rather than a vise or a garden trimmer), a bicycle bottom bracket sleeve (rather than a hose wrench), and a foot pump. These are the kinds of tools that will help you become more knowledgeable and technically savvy. A pedal wrench (not an adjustment wrench), a tool to remove the cassette, and a bicycle chain opener (not to fix it to the workbench; doing so will damage not only the cassette, but of course the workbench) are all essential pieces of equipment. You can probably picture the scene that results when a variety of tools that are not in any way connected to one another are grouped together.
The benefits of investing in a high-quality tool set are likely to follow you around for the rest of your life. Be warned, however, that as long as there is even the slightest sign of deterioration, you will still need to replace it. Damage to your bike can be caused by an incorrectly matched Allen tool.
2. An incorrect adjustment was made to the headset.
Virtually every single one of today’s bicycles is equipped with a headset system that can be attached to the steerer tube of the fork. Many people appear to be under the impression that they can make the headset more secure by applying more force while turning the bolt that is located on the headset cap. However, if the bolt that connects the stem and the steering tube is too tight, it is possible that the front of the bike will be difficult to operate, which will result in a number of unfavorable outcomes. This will be the case if the bolt is too tight.
In point of fact, if you want to tighten the headset to the appropriate torque value, you should first loosen the bolts that are attached to the stem, and then you should tighten the bolts that are attached to the headset cap. However, do not exert undue pressure. If not, the editor mentioned earlier that the situation of injury caused by the inconvenience of operation will not look good at all. Concurrently, check to see that the lower stem, the car, and the head tube are all aligned in a straight line with the front wheel, and then proceed to tighten the stem bolt on the steering tube.
3. Being unaware of the boundaries of one’s own capabilities.
The experience of attempting to fix a bike by one’s self can be both enlightening and satisfying. However, if it is not done properly, it may cause discomfort, embarrassment, and cost a lot of money. Before you start fixing it, you need to make sure you know exactly how far you are: Are you utilizing the appropriate tools? Are you aware of all the information that is pertinent to the effective and appropriate handling of the issue that you are currently dealing with? Are you utilizing all of the necessary components?
Ask a knowledgeable person if you have any doubts at all, or ask them to assist you, and if you are serious about gaining knowledge, the next time you want to do it on your own, just quietly watch someone else do it. You can either sign up for a bike mechanic training class or make friends with a mechanic who works at the bike shop near you.
In most circumstances, you should swallow your pride and hire a professional mechanic to fix your vehicle if you are unsure about how to repair it on your own. Do not take your bike to a “professional” to get a tune-up right before an important race or event… It’s going to be a royal pain in the rear for the race the following day, for sure.
4. There is insufficient slack in the torque
On a bicycle, having loose screws and bolts can obviously cause a lot of problems (falling parts, which could result in death), but it’s also not a good idea to overtighten them.
The manufacturer’s guides and manuals will typically include an explanation of the recommended torque values. The recommended torque value is now being printed on accessories by an increasing number of manufacturers, which makes their use significantly more convenient in practice.
If it goes beyond the torque value shown in the figure to the right, it will either cause the thread to slip or the parts to be tightened to an excessive degree, which will make them more likely to crack or break. If your bicycle is made of carbon fiber, the second problem is typically brought on by excessively tightening the bolts that secure the stem and seatpost.
We strongly suggest that you invest in a more compact torque hub wrench, specifically the kind that is utilized for bicycles and is typically accompanied by a collection of Allen screwdrivers. If you tighten the bolts too much, you will hear squeaking sounds, and you might think to yourself, “well, it seems like 5Nm,” but obviously this is not acceptable.
Post time: Dec-27-2022