Thailand Maintenance Articles

There are plenty of reasons why a bicycle chain may break; poor gear change, poor maintenance or just poor bad luck. With the right tools and knowledge it is possible to quickly fix the chain and be on your way. Most importantly, you need a chain tool. If your multi tool does not have one, they are available to purchase separately. Ideal but not essential is a chain quick link or missing link, … [Read more...] about Fixing a Broken Bicycle Chain

Whenever you’re out on your bike there’s always the chance that something can break or come loose. Do you have the right kit to get you home? Most riders carry a pump, a tire lever or two and a tube, but what if... Your chain breaks? Your handlebars come loose? Your saddle falls off the post? Do you have the necessary tools to get you home? This month’s issue will cover all the basics … [Read more...] about Trail Repair Essentials

Only the luckiest cyclist will go their entire cycle career without ever getting a puncture. The first puncture is something they live in fear of; will it happen during their morning commute? the middle of a race? or just mid Sunday ride? Having the knowledge of how to repair a puncture will mean you no longer live in fear of your next puncture and will be back on your way quickly and without … [Read more...] about Trail Repairs: Punctures

Read Part 1 of this article. April’s maintenance article is the second part to last month’s “Killing the Creak” article, in which I outlined five areas of your bicycle that should be investigated if you are experiencing creaking and/or squeaking emanating from your bike. This month I will address another five areas that could be the potential source of your noise problem. Stem & … [Read more...] about Killing the Creak Part 2

Having just spent the better part of a week working on a particularly creaky bicycle I felt obliged to dedicate my next few articles to helping those of you brave enough to attempt the arduous task of finding and killing the creak on your own bicycle. This first of two articles will discuss five areas of a bicycle that could be the source of elusive creaks and squeaks. I will discuss an … [Read more...] about Killing the Creak Part 1

Chains for derailleur bicycles should always be of adequate length. A chain that is too long or too short can cause shifting problems. However, the rear derailleur cage should be long enough to take up slack as the chain is moved between the different gear combinations. This is referred to as a derailleur’s total capacity, and is discussed below. This article will describe two methods to … [Read more...] about Sizing a Derailleur Chain to Length

Multiple tube failures at the valve-tube junction could be caused by a sharp edge at the rim valve hole or plastic rim strip. Before you install another new tube check the following: Remove rim strip/tape (Is it plastic? sometimes older plastic rim strips form a sharp edge capable of cutting into tubes). Use fine grade sandpaper to smooth out the rim valve hole. Install … [Read more...] about Flats Caused by Rim Strips and Valve Holes

Some chains, including Shimano, use chain rivets which have wedge-like spherical ends. This creates a "mushroom" effect at the ends of the rivets, which adds to the strength of the chain side plates. When a rivet is pressed even partially out, this extra material is sheered off on the side pressed by the chain tool. If this rivet were reused, it would create a weak link at that particular … [Read more...] about Identifying Shimano Chain Connecting Rivets

This article will help new cyclists to properly recognize the two most widely used bicycle inner tube valve systems. New cyclists are frequently bombarded with choices they are unfamiliar with when purchasing or replacing bicycle inner tubes. This sometimes leads them to purchase the correct size tube (in length and width) with the incorrect valve type, or to attempt to install an improper inner … [Read more...] about Common Bicycle Tube Valve Types

This article will address the need for cyclists to substitute bike shop brand name care products with basic products that are more readily available at small market stores and roadside shops in Thailand. It has been my experience that setting off on a biking trip, whether it is for a day’s ride or an epic multi-day adventure, with a properly serviced bicycle greatly increases the chance of having … [Read more...] about Clean and Lube Your Bicycle with these Suitable Substitutes

This article will discuss the proper procedure for installing and removing pedals. This procedure is useful for those interested in replacing an old set of pedals or removing a set of pedals to facilitate easier packaging/transport of a bicycle. Frequent removal of pedals for the purpose of cleaning/inspection is really unnecessary. Most pedal sets contain internal bearings that are not … [Read more...] about Installing and Removing Pedals

This article will discuss the proper procedure for cleaning a chain without having to remove it from the bicycle. This procedure is especially useful for those bicycles equipped with SHIMANO type chains, which require a special tool for removal and installation. Chain cleaning should be conducted after a ride and NEVER just before setting off on a ride. The night before a big ride is the ideal … [Read more...] about Bicycle Chain Cleaning