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How To

How to Do Common Bicycle Repairs

Contributor
By eHow Contributing Writer

Having a bicycle is a lot of fun but remember to keep your bicycle in good working order by doing the maintenance and repairs. Many of the small repair items are easy to fix and you can take care of them yourself.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions

Things You'll Need:

  • Air pump
  • Grease
  • Chain tool
  1. Step 1

    Fix a bicycle's flat tire in just a few minutes with a little practice. If you have checked your bicycle tire for punctures and there are none simply remove the valve cap.

  2. Step 2

    Check your tire to see how much air your tire takes. Place your pump on the valve, to prevent valve damage, brace it by wrapping a finger behind a spoke so you're not pushing or putting pressure on the valve.

  3. Step 3

    Inflate the tire until it's firm but do not over fill. Remove the pump from the value and screw the valve cap back in place.

  4. Step 4

    Replace brake pads by removing the wheel first. Then remove the safety clip and retainer pin and slide the pads and the spreader spring out. If you have a problem getting the pads out, use some needle nose pliers to gently pull them free.

  5. Step 5

    Make notes on how the pads came out so you can replace them easily with new brake pads. Remove the new pads carefully from the package but do not touch or contaminate the brake surface. Slide the new pads into place and make sure they properly fit in the caliper square. Re-attach the retainer pin and safety clip.

  6. Step 6

    Take proper care of pedals and they will last forever. Dirty pedals wear out faster. Check your pedals by giving them a spin. If you notice anything other than a slight, smooth resistance then grease the internal parts. Grab the body of the pedal and try to rock it to the side. If you feel movement, the pedal will need an overhaul.

  7. Step 7

    Carry your bicycle chain tool with you in case it breaks on the trail. The chain tool is designed to push the rivets out that hold the chain together and to stop pushing before the rivet leaves the chain. This makes it easy to push the rivet back through when you re-join the chain.

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