Thailand Maintenance Articles

Your chain might be one of the most important parts on your bicycle (with the exception of bearings), and without its chain your bicycle quickly becomes nothing more than an expensive paperweight, capable only of gravity-aided propulsion. In addition to being one of the most important parts on your bicycle the chain also is one of the hardest working. Giving your bicycle's chain proper care and … [Read more...] about 5 Ways to Keep Your Bicycle Chain Happy

1.) Saddle/Seatpost height - Ensure that the bicycle seat is set at the proper height for rider, allowing nearly full extension of the leg (knee is slightly bent) when the crankarm is at the bottom of the pedal stroke. The saddle should be level, padded, and be of a sufficient size (in width) for the intended rider. Learn how to select the perfect bicycle saddle for yourself. Check all connecting … [Read more...] about 7 Step Bicycle Pre-Ride Checklist

It’s great to see so many people riding around on bikes in Thailand. But like cars and motorbikes, Bicycles need maintained and parts do need replaced. Paul was my manager when I began work at a pro bike shop in Belfast.  Bikes were afraid of Paul, especially the old ones. If a bike was at the end of its day, he would not hold back, saying “If it was a horse I’d shoot it!” At first I thought … [Read more...] about If it was a horse I’d shoot it!

I must be the unluckiest rider when it comes to punctures and repairs while on a trail. I’ve been stuck in the middle of nowhere with no tubes or spare wheels, but I always ride home. Trained as a ‘Cytech Bicycle Mechanic’, I’ve got out of some sticky situations using creative ideas. Below are some major issues a rider experiences, but they can be fixed without carrying the bike home. BE … [Read more...] about Emergency Bicycle Repairs Miles from Civilization

The idea behind mountain bike suspension is to help isolate the rider from small to medium bumps, effectively reducing rider fatigue. When a rider is less fatigued he or she can enjoy the overall mountain biking experience, maintaining higher speeds and greater handling control for longer periods of time. Suspension also improves traction by allowing the two wheels to better connect to rough, … [Read more...] about Setting the ‘Sag’ on MTB Suspension Forks

#1 - A CLEAN DRIVETRAIN PROPELS A FAST BICYCLE. The drivetrain of your bicycle translates leg power into forward motion. By keeping the entire drivetrain of your bicycle clean and well lubricated you are reducing unnecessary friction, which helps to eliminate power loss. Clean it AFTER your ride, let it completely dry, and then lube it well before your next planned ride. Steps on how to clean … [Read more...] about 5 Easy Steps to Make Your Bike Faster

Maintaining the different parts of your bike is one way to ensure that it remains in good condition for a long time. If one part of your bicycle is in bad shape, you will not enjoy your overall cycling experience in Thailand. It is therefore important to give proper care to each unique part of your bicycle to ensure proper maintenance: 1. Wheels The wheels of a bicycle are one part that are … [Read more...] about How to Maintain Different Parts of your Bicycle

If you use a hydration pack then you are already familiar with the post ride cleaning ritual that must be completed in order to keep the system free and clear of slimy black deposits. These black deposits of fungus, mold, and bacteria that eventually form if you are not diligent in keeping them at bay with a good cleaning and drying of every part of the hydration pack system can definitely turn … [Read more...] about Clean Your Cycling Hydration Pack

Hydraulic disc brakes use two metal-backed pads held in place by magnets and/or springs. Hydraulic actuated pistons inside the brake caliper push the metal-backed pads against a metal rotor that is attached to the bicycle's hubs by either bolts (4, 5, or 6 bolt pattern) or a centerlock rotor system. Companies like Shimano, DT Swiss, and Mavic make an adapter which enables you to use bolt-style … [Read more...] about Bicycle Hydraulic Disc Brake Maintenance

In Thailand the number 9 is very auspicious for the reason that the pronunciation of the word is nearly identical to another word with connotations of 'progress' and 'stepping forward.' Is it any wonder that a bicycle mechanic must have the following 9 tools in order to complete his or her progression from beginner to advanced? So after having read through last month's article about the 11 Must … [Read more...] about 9 Must Have Tools for the Advanced Bicycle Mechanic

So you want to be a bicycle mechanic. BicycleThailand.com is here to help you recognize just what is needed  in order to complete your transformation into 'Bicycle Repairman'. Far more than just a bottle of chain lube and a BFH is needed to get you successfully wrenching on your bicycle at home. This list of 11 must-have items is a great starting point for any aspiring home mechanic. With these 11 … [Read more...] about 11 Must Have Tools for Every Bicycle Mechanic

Alright people, let's talk about your bike and how it functions. Bicycles are wonderful, magical, delightfully simple, and fantastically complex machines of perfection. A model specimen of the fantastically complex component of bicycles - derailleurs. A perfect example of the delightfully simple element of bicycles - cables. Both the fantastically complex derailleurs and the delightfully simple … [Read more...] about For God’s Sake Replace Your Cables!

Having written about mountain bike tires last month I thought it only fitting to add my chart of road bicycle tire pressure settings here as well. Proper tire air pressure will increase the performance of any road bike. It's the fastest, easiest, and cheapest tune-up/upgrade you can perform on your bike. Do yourself a favor and set your tire air pressure before your next road ride and see what a … [Read more...] about Road Bike Tire Pressure

Mountain bike tire pressure is THE often-overlooked factor that could make a huge difference on your next off-road ride. It’s amazing how something as simple as air pressure can affect the performance of any mountain bike, whether it is a $5,000 full-suspension rig or a $300 dollar hardtail suited for beginners. The skinny on your fatty MTB tires: Overinflated tires: Do not grip well in … [Read more...] about Mountain Bike Tire Pressure