Every 3-4 years I have to tackle one of my more challenging bicycle repair tasks: replacing all the cables and housing on our tandem. Since our Santana tandem has 3 brakes (front and rear rim brakes and a rear hub brake), and bar end shifters, we have 5 cables under the front handle bar tape. The entire job requires 5 feet of gear housing, 10 feet of brake housing and 5 new cables. While I self maintain my bikes, you may want to just on the experienced bicycle mechanics in Indianapolis at BGI’s two locations.
Cable and housing have always been an important to shifting performance and reliability. On current drive trains, with 9,10 and 11 count cogs, smooth derailleur cable movement is more important that than ever.
A number of factors can result in cables needing replacement. Over time, portion of cables not covered by housing can rust from exposure to rain or a riders perspiration. Individual strands of cable may break at the cable end, inside the shift mechanism, and this can result in shifting failures. Riding in the rain will allow moisture in the cable housing, resulting in rust or corrosion you can’t see.
Shimano provides factory replacement cable and housing for both brake and derailleur. Bicycle Garage Indy also uses Jagwire brand cables, available in both galvanized and stainless steel.
For the ultimate in reliability and performance, many riders and bicycle mechanics like Gore Ride-on Cable System Kits, also available at BGI. ” Gore cables are possibly the best upgrade you can make on your shifting,” comments Mark Degunya, one of lead bicycle mechanics at BGI’s Greenwood store. “Every time I install a set, the customer has mentioned how much better it shifts. On my personal bike, I've been using the same cable set for 8 seasons and it still shifts perfectly.”
Cables seem insignificant, but a broken cable or bad shifting can ruin a weekend trip. If you can’t do it your self, it is worth having an experienced bicycle mechanic take a look and determine if your cables are due for replacement.
Today's maintenance tip: Clean your bike
Simply put, clean bikes work better. They make less noise, are easier to work on, and just look great. I prefer
Finish Line Super Bike wash cleaner and polish
in one. For heavy dirt and mud, scrubbing with a soft brush and cleaner
with warm water works best. For stuck on grease, a good degreaser such as
Finish Line Multi Degreaser is called for. Many companies make
cleaning kits that include everything you need to keep your bike clean, polished, and squeak free.
See our
catalog for a full line of cleaning supplies
When you're done cleaning, don't forget to
oil your chain to keep it spinning smooth.
Check back for more bike maintenance Indianapolis tips!
Today's bike maintenance tip: Be careful where you store your bike
Most people don't give much thought to where they store their new bicycle. Keeping it out of the rain is the number one priority but be careful not to keep your bike in a room with pool chemicals or next to the exhaust of a car. Pool chemicals leach into the air from their containers causing premature corrosion to steel and aluminum. Exhaust fumes contain corrosive chemicals that can also corrode the parts on your bike.
The best way to store a bike is to hang it on the wall away from chemicals or exhaust. There are many products for storage that look good too.
You can choose something as simple as a hook that screws into a stud or something as nice as a shelf with hooks that allows you to hang your bike horizontally. This style will also give you somewhere to store your helmet and gloves.
Check our our line of
bicycle storage items on our website
bgindy.com and stop back again for more bike repair tips!
Today's bike repair tip: Look for repair deals in the off season
This time of year, most Indianapolis bike mechanics are very busy with repairs - sometimes backed up for as long as 2 weeks! It's a good idea to bring your bike in for repairs or tune ups in the off season (November-February) because most shops will offer good deals on their service.
At Bicycle Garage Indy (BGI), you can sign up for our email list and receive advance notice on repair deals and off season special pricing. Sign up here:
http://bgindy.com/. Just scroll down the page - you'll see the email sign up under the menu on the left side. Don't worry! We take your personal information seriously. Your information will never be sold or given to an outside vendor. Last winter's specials ran up to 40% off regular price on some of the maintenance packages so it really pays to get your work done before the season starts!
Here's a look at our maintenance packages:
http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?pageID=8Check back often for more bike repair Indianapolis!
Today's bicycle repair tip: Carry a repair kit
In order to fix minor repairs while you're cycling Indianapolis, it's helpful to carry a small repair kit with you. Most repair kits fit into a small bag designed to fit underneath your saddle. Typical repair kits include a spare tube, patch kit, tire levers (to remove your tire from the rim), a small multi tool, and enough space left over for your ID, keys, and a bit of cash.
Expect to spend $30 or more on a good repair kit. Many different versions available or you can purchase the under-seat bag and tools of your choice. Here's a good example of a ready to go kit:
http://bgindy.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=39181.
Stop by and talk to your local southside Indianapolis bicycle mechanic to answer all your questions and check back here for more helpful tips!
Today's bike repair tip: Check your tires
It's common for today's high performance tires to pick up small rocks and glass as you ride. Try as hard as you can, you just can't avoid it all! This is true whether you're cycling Indianapolis bike paths like the Monon Trail, commuting Indianapolis roads, or just cruising around the block.
Once or twice a week, inspect your tires carefully for small items lodged in the rubber. Even tiny pieces of rock can work their way through to your tube eventually causing a flat. When you find something stuck in the tread, carefully pick it out with a toothpick or small screwdriver - just be careful not to push it through the tire casing.
To help prevent flats caused by small rocks and glass, I recommend using a tire liner like these:
http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?PageID=225&action=list&Category=702&Brand=710&type=T
Tire liners are designed for your bicyle fitting between your tire and tube to keep small bits from poking holes in your tube.
Check back often for more bike repair Indianapolis!
Today's bike repair tip: Oil your chain
Lubricating your chain will make your drivetrain last longer, shift better, and make less noise. Many chain lubes are available - some are better for Indiana mountain bike trails, some are better for road riding (like the Indianapolis Greenways). I prefer Finish Line brand chain lubes. My favorite is their Pro Road lube. You can see it (or even purchase it) here:
http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?PageID=225&action=details&sku=LU2532
It's easy to do! Start by wiping all the old crud off your chain by holding a rag over the chain while you pedal backwards. Then all you need to do is drip the lubricant on your chain. Let it soak in for a minute and wipe off any excess. You're all done! Much cleaner and sqeak free!
Check back often for more bike repair Indianapolis!
Today's tip: Air up your tires
Correct tire pressure will improve the way your bike rides and decrease the chances of getting a flat. You will want to air them up using a quality floor pump with a gauge like this one made by Giant bikes:
http://bgindy.com/itemdetails.cfm?LibId=44833Recommended tire pressure is printed on the sidewall of your tires.
For more information, see our full article:
http://bgindy.com/page.cfm?pageid=165&tipid=22
Well yet again, a mechanical kept High Road's George Hincapie from placing well at Paris Roubaix. A flat tire spoiled his plot to over throw tornado Tom. Who does the bicycle maintenance for big George. He should stop in at a
bike repair Indianapolis shop. Maybe George needs to get to a
bike maintenance class? That way he could do his own work and maybe win the race!
I feel for George, nothing is more frustrating than have a mechanical out on a long ride. Now I know a mechanical has never kept me from a win. Mostly because I have never been in a position to win. But who wants to be out 45 miles from home and have a chain bust? No one, so make sure you are keeping up on the bike cleaning and maintenance. It is also good to know where to go to get the must needed bike parts in Indianapolis. You don't want to be 2 hours before a group ride driving around looking for a Sram 1050 chain.
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