okane

Propbably many of you do this already, but a slow learner like me just realized how to use a flash drive as a bicycle tool,

Sheldon and Park both have tons of good info, but I have found that many of the best tips along with homemade tools can be found on websites like this. I would list the post in the favorites column or save it in a haphazard way on my PC or what ever flash drive was handy. Problem was, it would take an enormous amount of seaching to find it later and often I never did.

Finally, in a duh moment, a light flashed in front of my eyes and I realized I could save on this valuable info on an bike info dedicated $8 (16gig) flash drive.

Better than any book I could purchase, I could list anything or everything and arrange it so that it would be most useful to me. Bonus is the ability print out exactly what I needed to service a particular item and have it handy on the work bench, most helpful when reassembling something with many pieces like a 3 speed SA hub. I also include the url so I can quickly check for updates/additional info.

To maximize utility, I save images and text in an orderly and usable fashion. For instance, one of the folders is My Bikes. In this file is a photo and serial number for each of the bikes that I own that would be very helful in the event of theft to aid in recovery

I also list what's it worth info which gives me a guide as to source and cost of items under consideration for purchase or to sell.

As stated earlier, many of you probably do this already, but for those who don't start now. I have so much info in so many places it will take me a week or two to consolidate, but outside it's a minus 10 windchill, roads are nasty, and I won't be riding for a few days as this mutant cold wave is expected to linger for a while.

When I finally hit upon strategies like this, I realize why I have never been a candidate for MENSA, and if previously posted by others, sorry for the duplication.

spdracr39

Just organize your browser bookmarks. You won't have to carry the flash drive around and if you use the same browser( At least on Google and Safari ) on your smart phone you can access the bookmarks from your smartphone while on the road.

Wordbiker

Heck, I have a whole computer dedicated to bicycle work. pdf's service manuals, links and more, all organized to use at the shop since the POS computer may be in use at any given time.

pdlamb

The flash drive might be better just to preserve the pages. Somebody's started mucking with Sheldon's pages, for instance, and it's a hassle to look up the page from 6 years ago to see what The Man really said.