Quamen Flatland Fuel


Basic Repair / Maintenence

All riders at one point will need to know how to fix their bike. Unlike skateboards, bikes have many components, which is why knowledge on all the parts is important. First off, here is a list of tools and components you will want to have around just incase your bike needs to be repaired.

Tools:

  • Allen keys
  • Grease (I prefer park tool grease which can be found at www.flatlandfuel.com)
  • Lubricant (For chains/brake cables, I prefer tri-Flow)
  • Chain breaker
  • Tire levers
  • Tire pump
  • Sockets (deep sockets recommended for pegs)
  • Adjustable wrench
  • Wire cutters (for cutting brake cables)
  • Rubber mallet (for banging out bottom brackets and headsets)
  • Bar cutters or hack saw
  • Cone wrenches/cresent wrenches (for working with hubs and stuff)

Spare parts:

Spare parts are always important to have around. You will want to have extra tubes, extra tires and extra brake cables. You will be going through these parts most frequently.

Cleaning/maintenance:

It's always good to keep your bike looking sharp and running smooth. You should be cleaning your rims at least once a month to keep all the rubber from your brake pads off. Simple green works the best. [Simple green] will allow your brake pads to catch more on the rim, and keep your rims nice and shiny. You will want to clean your chain as well. Don't use WD40 on the chain. WD40 is a de-greaser which is not what you want for your chain. You can buy special lube, such as Tri Flow for your chain, which is only about $3.00. It is also good to make sure everything stays greased. You should put a lot of grease on every bolt, this will allow you to tighten it down more. You also want to make sure the crank spindle is well greased, and your axels. Check over everything before riding to make sure everything is tight. Wheels usually come loose periodically as well as seat posts and pedals.

Well that's basically it. You will find over time that you will learn how to fix your bike as more things start to break. And if everything else fails, just bring it to the local bike shop, but that should be the last resort.