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Two Dollar Bike Fix

WD-40 $2 Bike Fix

It was apparently by providence that all the bike shops were booked. Early this week I called three bike shops in the area to see if I could get my bike in for some maintenance. I wanted my bike to be in good repair for some wilderness trail riding this weekend with JimGuys - not to mention that I ride my bike to and from work every day. My chain and gears have been acting up ever since I started riding again this summer. It turned out that all three bike shops were booked at least for a week, so I was unable to get my bike in prior to this weekend.

I probably would have paid $50 to $75 to get a bike tune-up, plus any replacement parts that they suggest (whether needed or not). It made me realize that bike mechanics are probably not much different than car mechanics. The difference is that bikes are far less complex, and any serious biker (or total amateur for that matter) really should be their own mechanic. It really isn't that complicated. Fortunately I decided to do the work myself.

What may have cost me $50, I got at Target for $1.90. I bought a can of WD-40 and sprayed the chain, gears and other moving parts. Turning my bike on end, I spun the wheels and found the link in the chain that needed to be worked out. I moved it back and forth several times, and it was like new. Seriously, didn't feel any better when I first bought it! It is ridiculously quiet and smooth. I'm sure the mechanics wouldn't have done much better - though I may still have parts that need replacement, who knows. I tend to use things until they break anyway.

Oh, and Target had a kick stand for about $5, so I bought and installed that as well. My bike didn't come with one, and I've always leaned it against things (annoying). This one does the job perfectly well, with a height adjustment et al.

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