Tips and tools for your bike workshop
10.9.2018
Translation: machine translated
The summer is slowly fading into a fond memory, but it has left its mark. My bike is covered in dirt and the brakes no longer work properly. Time for a service!
The other day, when a driver reached for the windscreen wiper while overtaking, I started by swearing at him. I had already showered. Then I took it as a subtle hint that my bike could do with a beauty treatment and a service in general. If you feel the same way and want to do more work yourself, an assembly stand is a sensible purchase that makes all work on the bike much easier. The "Pro Elite" model from Feedback Sports is infinitely rotatable, you can also adjust the clamping pressure and handling is very easy thanks to quick-release fasteners.
1. the most important tools
You can get a very good floor pump with pressure gauge in the "Rennkompressor EVA" from SKS. This is just as much a part of the basic equipment as tyre levers and a set of Allen keys. The models from PB Swiss Tools are colour-coded to make it easier for you to find the right size. If you are interested in a tool set, you can reach for the case from Super-B: From spoke and Allen keys to cleaning brushes, crank pullers and chain tools, it contains everything you need to get started.
2. cleaning
The dirt must be removed. A high-pressure cleaner is only helpful if you use it correctly. The following applies: Never spray at full throttle into the bearings and keep a minimum distance of 30 centimetres! Once the coarsest dirt has been removed, you can also apply bicycle cleaner and leave it to work for a while. The remaining dirt can then be easily removed with a sponge. You can clean the chain, sprockets and chainrings with brushes. A toothbrush is also helpful in particularly hard-to-reach areas. Finally, you should rinse your bike with clear water.
Bike maintenance
Quantity discount
CHF7.20 per piece for 3 units CHF15.16/1l
Muc-Off Expanding Sponge Sponge
528 ml, Sponge
3. lubricate & grease
After cleaning, you should lubricate, grease or oil all moving parts. A multifunction spray protects against corrosion and can be used on small springs and rollers (e.g. in the changer). On the suspension fork, the spray from Brunox optimally lubricates the fork tubes. It gets tricky with disc brakes: oil must never get onto the discs and brake pads! If you want to be on the safe side, you can use special brake disc cleaner to remove any remaining oil residue.
Simple grease is good for all threads and bearings, and an oil with a higher wax content is recommended for chain care in autumn so that it dries out less. A care spray that preserves the colours and makes the frame water-repellent provides the necessary finish. You can simply use an old cotton T-shirt as a cloth.
Bike maintenance
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 2 units CHF117.–/1l
Brunox Deo for suspension fork
100 ml, Fork/damper oil, Seal care products
Bike maintenance
Quantity discount
CHF13.10 per piece for 2 units CHF34.26/1l
Muc-Off Disc Brake Cleaner
400 ml, Brake cleaner
Bike maintenance
Quantity discount
CHF11.20 per piece for 2 units CHF117.–/1l
Motorex Bike Grease 2000
100 ml, Bearing grease
Bike maintenance
Quantity discount
CHF13.10 per piece for 2 units CHF45.66/1l
Motorex Bike Shine
300 ml, Seal care products
Bike maintenance
Quantity discount
CHF8.95 per piece for 3 units
Muc-Off Premium microfibre cloth
Microfibre cloth
4. tools for professionals
Want to take the entire bike service into your own hands? The professional set from Park Tool also includes special tools such as a thread cutter, fork cone impact tool, derailleur hanger alignment tool, headset assembly tool and fork cutter. You can service hydraulic brakes with the Avid bleeding kit: It contains drip-proof filling syringes, 120 ml brake fluid and four bleeding blocks (suitable for all Avid/Sram brakes). A comprehensive check of your bike also includes precise centring of the wheels with a truing stand. The TS-2.2P model can be easily adjusted to different wheel sizes and rim widths. And we also have a shock pump for the suspension fork: the pressure gauge is divided into steps of 0.2 bar and has a maximum deviation of just 2.5 per cent.
Michael Restin
Senior Editor
Michael.Restin@digitecgalaxus.chSimple writer and dad of two who likes to be on the move, wading through everyday family life. Juggling several balls, I'll occasionally drop one. It could be a ball, or a remark. Or both.
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