Shameful admissions

[anothersam]

Despite the thread title, which is merely a device to pull in the punters, there are no judgements here: this is a Safe Place.

I'll go first, as an OP should: I cannot wrap handlebar tape. Or tighten spokes (never mind build a wheel). These by virtue of the fact that I've never done them, rather than feeling they're beyond my capabilities. Probably I could do both if I watched a video or two. It's just that neither has ever come up, and I've got enough on my plate without stuffing my brain with unnecessary knowledge.

Give me something else please. Change your bottom bracket? Sure, can do it with my eyes closed.

Am equally happy installing and adjusting mudguards, which can be maddeningly delightfully fiddly, or shortening a chain, or lots of other things which mean I rarely visit the surgery. But a spoke key might as well be a bottle opener for the use it would get.

It feels good to get that off my chest. Anybody want to go next?

 

[Drago]

There ain't nothing I can't do to a bike, though I must admit to being far too modest for my own good.

 

[Slioch]

I'm sorry, but if you can't wrap bar tape then you cannot be classified as a proper cyclist.




Oops! Just read the bit about this being a non-judgemental safe place. Sorry!


I can't do wheelies. Does that count?

 

[MisterStan]

I can't ride backwards with no hands....

 

[Milkfloat]

I can only bunny hop when clipped in and although my trackstands look impressive, I have to use the brake.

 

[roadrash]

I find it impossible ,difficult to pass a cake shop ..... ......

 

[ianrauk]

C'mon Sam, you have to have a go at bar wrapping. It's not that hard and when you do a good job it's a very satisfying one.

I also can't build wheels, But to be honest I have never tried.
I also can't trackstand. Never did learn the art. But to be honest, I can't really see the point of it anyway.

 

[theclaud]

I'm not really across the concept of gear inches. Don't explain them here - I won't read your post if you do.

 

[ianrauk]

I'm not really across the concept of gear inches. Don't explain them here - I won't read your post if you do.

Ohh Ohh good one... just watch as my eyeballs rolls into the back of head when ever someone starts spouting gear inches..

 

[coffeejo]

Currently struggling with poor memory and concentration that, coupled with my natural lack of hand-eye coordination, had led to several mechanical disasters following "simple" jobs on the bikes. I now leave everything other than tyres/tubes and "cleaning" (think @potsy rather than @ianrauk) to my LBS. Trust me, it's safer.

 

[coffeejo]

I find it impossible ,difficult to pass a cake shop ..... ......

 

[theclaud]

I once cut a cable outer to length...

Spoiler: CLICK IF YOU CAN BEAR TO READ IT

...with the inner still inside.

 

[Slioch]

I once cut a cable outer to length...

Spoiler: CLICK IF YOU CAN BEAR TO READ IT

...with the inner still inside.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I can't true or build wheels, do tricks like wheelies, track stands or bunny hops, ride no handed for more than a few seconds.

@theclaud gear inches are an Edwardian concept. It is calculated as the product of a gentleman's tweed Knickerbocker inside leg and deerstalker hat size, divided by watch chain length. For ladies is is bustle size plus number of whalebones in corset divided by number of ribbons on bonnet.

 

[Arjimlad]

I have chickened out of fitting new forks for my son's MTB what with the star nut and crown race fitting, and asked my friendly local bike mechanic to do it for me.