09-07-14, 08:16 AM
Absolutely. The best part of doing own maintenance is memories like that one right there.
I would really love to try and fix and learn in the process. Lack of time and initial investment stands in the way, but when if I add up how much I am paying to mechanic for simplest of things, it's a no-brainer. So far I've managed to change the downpipes, fix some minor cosmetic stuff and tighten the chain, but that's about it. I just don't have the right tools for the job as is, and you are right about sheering nuts and bolts, I've already butchered a few.
Problem is many fold I guess - I have attention span of a gold fish. Secondly, I have no warm place to work on the bike when it turns cold, which is a problem as I commute year round (even when it snows). Frozen fingers against sharp cold edges = excruciating pain to my wussy Indian hands that's designed excel in 30+ degree C! I may have to fix up or upgrade my garden shed to accommodate a bike or two in near future. And My "tool set" so far is pitiful - just an Halfords ratchet set, couple of spanners, bunch of screw drivers and others odd bits and pieces. Oh and an Aldi (or was it lidl) torque wrench (28-210 nm) which I am yet to use... I have been looking for a torque wrench (spanner?) at the lower range like you suggested, but they are all €70+ range... but perhaps I do need to spend that much for quality stuff. Any particular recommendations?
PS: Order placed for K&N air filter with wemoto yesterday.
I would really love to try and fix and learn in the process. Lack of time and initial investment stands in the way, but when if I add up how much I am paying to mechanic for simplest of things, it's a no-brainer. So far I've managed to change the downpipes, fix some minor cosmetic stuff and tighten the chain, but that's about it. I just don't have the right tools for the job as is, and you are right about sheering nuts and bolts, I've already butchered a few.
Problem is many fold I guess - I have attention span of a gold fish. Secondly, I have no warm place to work on the bike when it turns cold, which is a problem as I commute year round (even when it snows). Frozen fingers against sharp cold edges = excruciating pain to my wussy Indian hands that's designed excel in 30+ degree C! I may have to fix up or upgrade my garden shed to accommodate a bike or two in near future. And My "tool set" so far is pitiful - just an Halfords ratchet set, couple of spanners, bunch of screw drivers and others odd bits and pieces. Oh and an Aldi (or was it lidl) torque wrench (28-210 nm) which I am yet to use... I have been looking for a torque wrench (spanner?) at the lower range like you suggested, but they are all €70+ range... but perhaps I do need to spend that much for quality stuff. Any particular recommendations?
PS: Order placed for K&N air filter with wemoto yesterday.