Things You've Learnt From Fettling

[MontyVeda]

It normally works out cheaper and quicker to not fettle with it in the first place but give it to the LBS to do.

not in my experience.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

I got a frame from the dump as a kid then stripped and got a pot of paint for it.

 

[derrick]

I learned there are a lot of bodgers out there,

 

[Skanker]

I learned there are a lot of bodgers out there,

I think if I’m totally honest, I’m more of a bodger than a fettler!

 

[Drago]

Don't use the toaster for heating up heat-shrink sleeving.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Don't use the toaster for heating up heat-shrink sleeving.

Hair drier works well

 

[Ming the Merciless]

If you use a nipple driver when building rear wheels then you'll need to do a lot less work regards dishing. It'll be almost spot on from the start , assuming you use correct length spokes as well.

 

[DSK]

1) youtube always makes it look easier
2) get a shag knacker to practise bigger jobs on

 

[palinurus]

Sticking hub brakes are a piece of piss to fix.

Never start fettling on a day that the bike shop is closed (note: this is now every day as my LBS closed down)

 

[Gravity Aided]

Whatever project it is, it's not going to be finished today. Something you need will be missing. Yesterday's single speed conversion was held up by lack of a single speed freewheel (I have 2 fixed cogs on the same wheel) and a long presta valve tube. I had everything else I needed.

 

[All uphill]

Slowly is much, much quicker than quickly.

Watch the videos, get the parts, cup of tea, take photos, keep parts in a container. Cup of tea and put it back together, short test ride and take essential tools on next proper ride.

 

[All uphill]

Oh, and be happy if you are competent on the third attempt.

 

[MontyVeda]

Keep stuff in stock.

If you need something 'now', chances are it's a Sunday and you've only got Wilko's open, and Sod's Law dictates that gear cable or those brake blocks will be out of stock.

Most stuff i'm likely to need is in my tool box and when i fit it, I order/buy the replacement soon after which I'll use in 3-5 years time... which reminds me; I need to order a new cassette & chain since i fitted the last ones a couple of months ago.

 

[Salty seadog]

Don't use the toaster for heating up heat-shrink sleeving.

...or heating bathwater.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

A silent bike is a reliable bike. Tackle any new noises as soon as you pick them up.