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Old 07-14-09, 12:17 PM
  #1  
bikeideas
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Best Advice U Gave a Newbie - 1 Liner

I'm new at this. I mean, I've been riding bikes since childhood but new at taking them apart. I did a newbie search and read quite a few posts. One bit of advice, more than anything else, which stands out for me as the best advice I received was...

Don't use gear cables for brakes. Wish I knew who said it so I can thank them. I certainly would have bought "generic" cable and I had planned on using it throughout the bicycle(s). Bad.

What is your best advice for a newbie mechanic?... in one short sentence.

I'm looking for info that can be used to further my education, not one liners for forum sparing purposes, thanks.

Last edited by bikeideas; 07-14-09 at 12:28 PM. Reason: spelling
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Old 07-14-09, 12:27 PM
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superdex
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wear gloves.
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Old 07-14-09, 12:43 PM
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ryker
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Measure twice, cut once.

Read the instructions.
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Old 07-14-09, 12:44 PM
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Grease every threaded bolt or fitting.
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Old 07-14-09, 12:45 PM
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neil0502
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Take the time to read through the Hints and Tricks thread
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Old 07-14-09, 12:46 PM
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Keep that chain clean and lubed.
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Old 07-14-09, 12:50 PM
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Park Tools. 'Nuff said.
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Old 07-14-09, 12:54 PM
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Chuckie J.
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Never scrimp on tires or saddles.
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Old 07-14-09, 01:14 PM
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Fully inflate your road bike tires just before each ride.
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Old 07-14-09, 01:20 PM
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Stop! Put the hammer down.
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Old 07-14-09, 01:21 PM
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The only stupid question is one that you do not ask.
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Old 07-14-09, 01:47 PM
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If you can't fix it with a hammer and saw, it can't be fixed.
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Old 07-14-09, 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by cyccommute
Park Tools. 'Nuff said.
Sheldon Brown.
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Old 07-14-09, 01:49 PM
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Put the cresent wrench down and slowly step away from the bike.
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Old 07-14-09, 02:10 PM
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Though it may seem excessive or silly, the BT-2 is a life saver.
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Old 07-14-09, 02:11 PM
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Buy the right tool for the job, don't try to do something like:
Use pliers as a spoke wrench
Refuse to buy a chain tool and use screwdrivers instead
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Old 07-14-09, 02:13 PM
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Do not ever, ever, under any circumstances including the ones that threaten your life, use a cone wrench on anything other than a hub cone or locknut (or to re-angle your brake pivot).
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Old 07-14-09, 02:16 PM
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Take the extra hour to do a good job.

(Excellent question, by the way.)
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Old 07-14-09, 03:37 PM
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Originally Posted by z415
Sheldon Brown.
Nay. For pure, straight "how to fix it and keep it running" information Park is better. For cycling esoterica, Sheldon can't be beat. But that's not what newbies need
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Old 07-14-09, 03:39 PM
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Flip it.
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Old 07-14-09, 04:32 PM
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Don't try it unless you know what you are doing, which obviously you don't or you wouldn't have asked.
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Old 07-14-09, 04:46 PM
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As I once said to a noobie... "DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE FORK"
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Old 07-14-09, 05:11 PM
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Until you are confident in your wrenching skills, only do one job at a time. bk
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Old 07-14-09, 05:21 PM
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I'm paying attention guys! Many thanks. I got the short list for spray-painting on the shop wall...

wear gloves
Measure twice, cut once
Read the instructions
Grease every threaded bolt or fitting*
Take the time to read through the Hints and Tricks thread
Keep that chain clean and lubed
Park Tools
Never scrimp on tires or saddles*
Fully inflate your road bike tires just before each ride*
Stop! Put the hammer down
The only stupid question is one that you do not ask
Sheldon Brown*
Put the cresent wrench down
BT-2 is a life saver
Buy the right tool for the job: no pliers 4 spoke wrench, no screwdriver 4 chain tool*
No cone wrench on anything other than a hub cone or locknut
Take the extra hour to do a good job
DO NOT DISASSEMBLE THE FORK
One job at a time

Last edited by bikeideas; 07-15-09 at 07:15 AM. Reason: * ALL good yet these seem sage advice
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Old 07-14-09, 05:23 PM
  #25  
JPradun
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Stay on that wheel.
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