SteveCnj
new member
Reged: 02/12/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Northern NJ
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In response to OES's exhortation in the "Migration" thread to post something, I'll go ahead.
I purchased a new bicycle last April, and have ridden somewhere in excess of 5000 miles. (I don't really track my milage) What maintenace should I have done on the bike before the start of the season. (rebuild BB, hubs...?) While I could probably do most of it myself, which I used to do, I really have no interest or time to do so anymore. The bike is Record 10 equipped if that matters.
The reason for my question is that while I have been riding for many years, this is my first new bicycle since about 1980. So what does this modern stuff require?
Steve
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Dave_Thompson
prophet
Reged: 12/19/03
Posts: 721
Loc: Spokane, Washington
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Steve: While my bikes are Shimano equipped, I would do the same winter/pre-season maintenance on any brand equipped bike. I'm not terribly anal but I do like to start out with a "fresh" bike knowing I can ride the season and only have to concern myself with consumables.
A good wash/cleaning is first, then I re-grease and check all the fasteners/nut/bolts for security. My bottom brackets are sealed, therefore no maintenance to them, but I do remove and re-grease the threads. Re-torque BB, crank and chainring bolts. New brake/shift cables always, new bar-tape if necessary/desired, new tires ditto, inspect and re-grease seat post and fittings, new tires if necessary and finally a good tune-up. I'm in the process of doing all this now to our bikes.
My wife and I are on some sort of longer organized ride most every weekend and hate to not finish on because of some niggling thing that could have been prevented by paying attention to it. We often travel out of state to attend these rides so don't have a lot of time to take care of things once we've arrived. Plus I like being introduced as the 'team mechanic'.
--------------------
Steel lover, but then I like Ti with carbon too.
Licensed bike geek.
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OldEd
contributor
Reged: 02/05/04
Posts: 117
Loc: The Great South
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they go bad. Rebuild a hub when it starts to feel rough etc. Especially on a bike less than one year old, I probably wouldn't do anything major unless the bike was telling me to. Just a good clean-and-lube of everything exposed, and a quick check to make sure no bolts have worked loose.
The only thing I'm pre-emptively religious about is chains. At 5000 miles, I'd probably be replacing the chain for the second time.
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Jeff_Nichols
journeyman
Reged: 12/18/03
Posts: 73
Loc: San Jose
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If you've got a record cassette, I'd sprint to the LBS to get your chain replaced. Regularly replacing the chain is significantly cheaper than replacing a record cassette. I learned the hard way - but then again, I'm happy to have all steel cassettes now.
I'd take a look at your hubs. Pull the wheels off the bike an d rotate the axels to see if there's any gritty feeling. I cleaned and regreased my record rear hub at about 6000 miles and I'm glad I did.
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SteveCnj
new member
Reged: 02/12/04
Posts: 5
Loc: Northern NJ
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Thanks guys, I think I'll take the more conservative approach and spring for a teardown and rebuild as Dave T described. Probably change the chain as well. Especially since I've been riding most of the winter on wet salty roads. (don't go out in the slippery stuff however)
I really don't like to deal with maintenence issues as they arise. I just like to ride the bike, not fix it.
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