Bicycle Maintenance Class Finish

Pi Guy was very attentive the whole time of the Bicycle Village maintenance class. But had no questions when Mike asked.

Mike then showed us some combination tools that we might want to have when road riding. We returned to the demo bike with Mike asking if there was anything else that we had specific questions about. My question had to do with posture on the bike and how to adjust the handle bar post. He explained that the handle bar post it self was not adjustable but that there were different handle bar options as well as different handle bar attaching options that would make that dimension of posture on the bike vary.

He continued saying that the brake pads require replacement when the pad was flat instead of showing the grooves in the pad. One should also check that the pads haven’t glazed. Some brake adjustment can be made at the brake handle.

When Mike spun the wheel he noticed that it wobbled slightly between the brake pads. He checked that the axel was seated correctly, and then showed us how to “true” the wheel by tightening a spoke. He explained how the adjuster was threaded and how that would effect the direction of the tightening turn.

We talked a little about proper seat height.

He spoke a little about chain cleaning and lubrication. Saying that using a few drops of a silicone based lubricant could be applied then as the chain was spun using the pedal, the chain could be wiped down with the cloth. The cloth would both clean the chain and spread and remove excess lubricant.

Mike asked if we had purchase our bicycles at Bicycle Village. I answered that we had so he reminded me that we have a free annual tune up. The bicycle technician at that time would check out the bike and make adjustments.

He then demonstrated the use of the gage that would indicate the amount of stretch the chain had experienced. With mountain bikes he suggested that a chain change should occur about every 1,500 miles.

Pi Guy still had no questions; and had remained attentive the whole time.

It didn’t seem right having gone over bicycle basics, to then walk out into the cold, blowing, almost snow of February. Pi Guy agreed pulling on his alpaca hat. The van fired up and we headed home.