A car, a motorcycle, keep using the push bike...or something else?

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

Are you paying a bike shop to service your bike, if so, some basic tools and some DIY knowledge will save you a fortune.

Yes I did as I am a total numpty at DIY. The problem is that I had never ridden anything other than a real old heap so the problems that I had I did not know where there as it was still a vast improvement on the previous bike.

I have only been cleaning it and cleaning/lubing the chain. I know how to do that.

Originally Posted by Viney

You sold a MOTORbike and a Car in favour of a pushbike! Thats one hell of a lifestyle change that for sure.

I sold my car - the wife spent that on a driveway.

I sold the motorbike - the wife put that towards a kitchen.

I now cycle to work, about 25 miles a day - it is a lifestyle change for sure and most of the time I feel good about it, but if the costs don't work then it becomes less attractive as an option.

[maviczap]

As Fizz says the initial outlay for the cycling stuff makes it seem expensive and it will pay for itself in time.

This time of year isn't pleasant for cycling, so makes it doubly difficult commuting.

I'd buy a scooter for the winter months, get some handlebar muffs to keep you hands warm, the leg shields will protect your legs and keep you warmer.

Cheaper than a car, quicker and more convenient than the push bike for the distance you're commuting, get a screen for even more protection

[fizzwheel]

Originally Posted by krhall

I have only been cleaning it and cleaning/lubing the chain. I know how to do that.

To be honest, thats most of what you need to do, if you keep it clean and keep the chain clean and lubed that should prevent alot of problems. Also by cleaning it regularly you'll spot things wearing out and can replace before they break.

The only other thing I found I really needed to do was to clean the Hollow Tech II bottom bracket as dirt gets between the pedal arm and the bearing face and makes the bottom bracket creak. Park Tools BB9 is all you need and its an easy job.

Brake pad replacement is a 10 minute job, changing brake cables is straight forward enough. Fitting a new chain again is a 30 minutes or so job, but you'll need a chain tool, which isnt expensive.

Indexing the gears is easy enough to which is another thing you'll need to do. Tyre and tube replacement again is a simply job.

The only thing I've had the LBS do is replace the rear cassette as I didnt have the tool to do it and because I'm anally retentive my chains dont get that dirty so they last along time which cuts down the wear on the cassette anyway. Also the fitted a new headset bearing for me as again I couldnt be bothered with doing it myself and didnt have the right tools to do it.

As has been mentioned dont buy cheap stuff, especially clothing as you end up buying twice. But you dont need to go mad with it either, DHB Stuff from wiggle is good for its price and lasts.

If you stick around the Sora / Tiagra range of shimano kit, it will do what you want without breaking the bank.

Originally Posted by krhall

Yes I did as I am a total numpty at DIY. The problem is that I had never ridden anything other than a real old heap so the problems that I had I did not know where there as it was still a vast improvement on the previous bike.





I sold my car - the wife spent that on a driveway.

I sold the motorbike - the wife put that towards a kitchen.

You need to get rid of the wife. That'll save you a fortune, which you than put into a nice little car and a bike for the good weather.

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

The only other thing I found I really needed to do was to clean the Hollow Tech II bottom bracket as dirt gets between the pedal arm and the bearing face and makes the bottom bracket creak. Park Tools BB9 is all you need and its an easy job.

Yep Hollowtech II is real easy to work on, an allen key and a spanner to undo the bearing. No crank puller required. Bearings are also much cheaper than sealed BB

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

The only thing I've had the LBS do is replace the rear cassette as I didnt have the tool to do it and because I'm anally retentive my chains dont get that dirty so they last along time which cuts down the wear on the cassette anyway. Also the fitted a new headset bearing for me as again I couldnt be bothered with doing it myself and didnt have the right tools to do it.

The cassette tool is only really needed to change cassettes, just get a long stiff bristled cleaning brush to get in between the cogs.

But a chain whip & cassette lock ring tool are worthwhile investments considering how much they cost and how much a LBS would charge to do this, plus the time to go there.

Originally Posted by fizzwheel

As has been mentioned dont buy cheap stuff, especially clothing as you end up buying twice. But you dont need to go mad with it either, DHB Stuff from wiggle is good for its price and lasts..

Yep its been said many times before.


The basic toolkit you need for maintanece is IMHO

Tyre levers (often free with magazines)
Allen key set (often free with magazines)
Pump
Cable cutters ( don't fudge around with pliers, and most cables are supplied with road & mtb ends, so cable cutters are always needed) £9
BB tool. £8
grease £6
chain tool £9

Worthwhile getting so cone spanners too £5

Cassette tool & chain whip £15 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/XLC-BBB-Ca...#ht_500wt_1127

So to equip yourself to do 99% of the jobs isn't going to cost that much. In fact one proper service by the LBS will pretty much cover the cost of buying these tools.

[punyXpress]

...or something else?
There's a brace of reindeer & a sledge on'tbay - only used last Sunday.

Originally Posted by krhall

I now cycle to work, about 25 miles a day .

wow 25 miles, I cant even be arsed to cycle 8 miles a day, my sv really is over the top for my journey, although with how little it costs per year though for me its not worth buying a 125 etc

Only tried cycling twice, and that was because there was so much snow last year it was quicker on push bike across town than in the car.

[Dipper]

Maybe worth taking a look at http://sheldonbrown.com/ pretty much covers everything you'll ever need to know about pushbikes and their maintenance.

I commute 22 miles three times a week and once the start up costs are out of the way there really is very little cost and a huge benefit in fitness.
One tip is to buy a chain wear gauge http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CHAIN-WEAR...ht_1827wt_1344 and replace the chain when it's worn out, this will save on more expensive cassettes and chainrings.

I'm quite surprised at the responses here.

I expected the push bike to be out and a motorbike in.

The push bike is definately a great way to travel, but it sounds like you need a break.

Perhaps you should consider getting a cheap bike, whether that be a 125, an SV or whatever, and then alternating so that you can pick the best option for you as and when.
It would be a shame for you to give up the fitness you've already gained (and I know you didn't mention giving up cycling completely) but if you did you'd certainly regret having to start from square one again.