Our tips for maintaining and repairing your bike!
Tip no. 1: The workshop stand / bike stand
It is very handy if you often tinker with your bike. The workshop stand or a bike stand lets you work in good conditions on a stable bike. The workshop stand lets you work at the right height and turn the crankset, which is handy for adjusting the derailleur, for example … If you don't have one, turn your bike upside down or lean it against a wall, but you will have less stability and reduced access to your bike components. Tired of hurting your back from bending down all the time? Buy your workshop stand at the best price on Troc-Vélo!
Tip no. 2: Get your equipment and bike repair tools ready
Before starting a repair on your bike, make sure you have the bike repair tools and equipment you need, so you don't have to interrupt the job because something is missing. You will save effort and time!
You can choose between two types of tools: cheap tools (often poor quality) and quality tools (more expensive but long-lasting). The choice is yours, but we recommend choosing good-quality tools if you regularly carry out repairs or adjustments on your bike.
You probably already have some essential tools for repairing and maintaining your bike, such as: Allen keys, spanners, cutting pliers, Torx keys, flat / Phillips screwdrivers, flat pliers … But you will also need some bike-specific tools:
- tyre levers
- pedal wrench
- spoke key
- crank extractor
- bottom bracket tool
- cassette or freewheel tool
- chain whip
- chain tool
Missing some tools? Buy new and second-hand tools on Troc Vélo, with the biggest brands available: Parktool, Var, Shimano...
Tip no. 3: The bike reassembly order
To avoid ending up with a spare screw or washer once you have finished reassembling, we advise you to pay close attention to the order in which you take the bike apart. You will save precious time if you avoid taking everything apart again because you made a mistake.
It is even more important to pay attention to the disassembly order if you reassemble a few days later, once the new replacement part has arrived.
To remember the right order, there is a very simple method: lay the parts out one after another on a flat surface to keep the right order. If you take apart several parts of your bike, make sure to keep each group separate. Otherwise, you can take photos before and during disassembly to see where the parts go.
Tip no. 4: Take the time to repair and test your bike
Before starting maintenance or a repair on your bike, you should know that this takes a certain amount of time. Once you have taken your parts off and checked them, clean them thoroughly before refitting them. A part may be damaged, in which case you will have to replace it and wait before you can put everything back together. For your mechanical work, we advise doing it during a period when you won't be using your bike, because ordering a new part can take some time.
Once your adjustments are made and your parts refitted, it is important for your safety to test your bike properly. Check the tightness while stationary and take a short ride around the neighbourhood to check the replaced part (no noise or play) before heading out on your ride. Never replace a part before a race or a ride if you don't have time to test it. A fault can appear after several kilometres because of the changed part or poor assembly. This will spare you a mechanical failure or a fall.
Tip no. 5: Work on a clean bike
It is more pleasant to work on a clean bike than a dirty one. The wear on parts is also easier to see when they are clean. To do this, wash your whole bike:
- Rinse your bike to remove the dirt
- Degrease your components (chain, chainrings, derailleur, sprockets …)
- Scrub: for the toughest dirt, scrub it with a brush or a sponge
- Rinse (again) your bike to remove product residue
- Dry your bike to stop the parts rusting
Your bike is finally clean, so you can now start your repair.
In the "cleaning products" category, find everything you need to clean your bike: grease, brush, degreaser, cleaner …
Tip no. 6: See a bike mechanic if you are not sure!
Some repairs are fairly simple, but others require a certain technique and know-how. Before starting a repair that you don't master or don't feel confident about, it is better to call on a bike mechanic. You will save time and be safer. Discover the mechanics and repair offers near you. Can't find one? Create one in the "service" category, detailing what you need.
Now it's your turn!
Remember that you have everything you need to repair and maintain your bike on Troc Vélo: workshop stand, tools, cleaning products, spare parts …
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