Online Reference Source for Maintenance

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    • #241791

      What’s the best online reference for good advice and guidance on MTB maintenance? Something that combines clear and concise step-by-step language with quality photos or videos would be ideal. I’ve used some YouTube videos for some basic things and they’ve definitely been helpful, but I’m wondering if there is a better, more dedicated-to-bikes source people here use that expands beyond just the video aspect.

      As a related side note, I’d be interested to know how many people do their own repair work versus taking it to a bike mechanic.

    • #241794

      https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/

      &

      http://sheldonbrown.com/home.html

      are both excellent sources add in youtube and should be able to solve just about any issue.

       

      In regards to your question about maintenance and repairs I try to do as much as I can myself. Bought the Park Tool Big Blue book a bit ago and its a handy reference.  When it comes to jobs like suspension tuning, bleeding brakes I let the pros at my local shop handle it. Its good to have a professional look things over that perhaps you might miss.

    • #241832
    • #241871

      In regards to online manuals for repair and maintenance, I’ve always referred to specific parts manufacturers sites (once the internet was invented, that is).

      As for whether I do my own work or use a shop/mechanic, I’ve always done my own work.  Over the years (riding since the late 70’s), I can recall only two trips to a shop.  Once for a warranty fix, and a few months ago for shortening a hydraulic cable because I couldn’t find my (very seldom used) cable cutter and bleed kit.  Went to a shop with the intent to buy replacement tools, but it was only $10 for them to do it… in and out in 15 minutes.  ‘Nuf said. 🙂

      For me, working on my bikes is part of the hobby.

    • #241872

      Thanks for the links and suggestions…I’ve checked each of the 3 URLs briefly and can already tell they will all be very helpful. I’m going to look into getting the Park Tool Big Blue book aes5455 mentioned.

      For me, working on my bikes is part of the hobby.

      I can definitely understand that and it seems to be true of a lot of mountain bikers, as I often see other riders in the TH lots with their tool kits working on their bikes before, after and during rides. I’m sure there’s also a certain sense of satisfaction knowing you solved a problem and fixed a mechanical issue on your own without having to pay someone else for their time and labor. I’d like to progress to the point where I can at least do the basic stuff on my own, but I need some way to learn and don’t have anyone to teach me. That’s why I wanted to see what people here thought the best resources were in the absence of a personal teacher.

    • #241877

      The links listed are really good, especially Sheldon Brown.  The best way to learn is to do. Start with simple stuff and you’ll be fine. You’ll find most of the people on this site work on our own stuff. Let’s face it, if you are on this site you are a bit of a bike nerd. It’s hard at first, but you will embrace the nerd eventually.

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