So so satisfying: sorting and setting up a bike for a friend.

[betty swollocks]

Had a call from a friend. She's got a new job four miles from home and wants to commute by bike. She's got one, but it's been languishing in a shed for years. Can I come and have a look?
So I load some tools, lube etc in a bag and set off on the Guv'nor.
She's got the bike out and it's awaiting my ministrations on her patio. It's a decent-ish trek MTB, about eight years old and looks in pretty good nick apart from being covered in dust and cobwebs and with two flat tyres.
Tested bb and wheel bearings: they're all fine. Headset ok.
Hosed it down.
Tested brakes: felt good, but needed adjusting.
Pumped tyres up and up they stayed.
Lubed mechs and chain.

"There you go Lou, take it out for a spin."
Gears clattered a bit: adjusted.
Observed her as she wobbled past and raised the saddle by increments until she looked right and it was a full two inches higher.
Brief explanation to her about road positioning and spinning rather than grinding.

"Right: now off you go round the block a few times."

She disappeared for ten minutes. I started to get worried.
I needn't have.
Eyes glowing, grinning and slightly breathless, she returned exclaiming,
"Golly, that was great. I never realised it could be like that!"

Sorted!!

 

[paulb55]

Brilliant story,

should be put on the wall of all who are procrastinating about cycling, she will probably be proposing marriage to you after a week buddy????????

Paul

 

[ChrisRicho]

Good story

Everyone should have a friend who is a bike mechanic.

Im very very slowly learning things but im awful at anything practical, as i have a slight preference for hammers and being a little to over aggressive