Bike Repair Principles
- Take as many photos as you can. You'll think you'll remember how parts go back together. You won't.
- Keep your tools together and set them down together in the same space every time. Avoid time spent walking around looking for your tools.
- Check your pockets before doing laundry. Screws don't sound good bouncing around the dryer.
- Fix one system at a time to keep the bike rideable.
- Order all the parts you need in advance, preferably from your LBS.
- Brakes > Steering > Drivetrain. Being able to stop is more important than being able to go.
- Bike maintenance keeps the moving parts moving and the nonmoving parts not moving. Keep your chain lubed but don't get any on your rims.
- Put a tarp down. There's nothing worse than losing a hard-to-replace part on the floor.
- The bike wants to go back together; don't force anything to go together. Forcing things to come apart is okay.
- Righty-tighty, lefty-loosey, unless you're a pedal.
- Don't be frustrated at slow progress if you don't repair many bikes.
- Bike repair is 1/2 having the right tools, 1/2 having the right knowledge, and 1/2 figuring out how to hold three parts with two hands.
- Don't be afraid to have a pro check your work.