http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » Topic: Today's most unsatisfactory and wholly rubbish bicycle maintenance en Mon, 14 Sep 2026 14:24:36 +0000 http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385742 Fri, 04 Sep 2026 23:00:06 +0000 the canuck 385742@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>On Thursday, successfully patched and reinflated an inner tube.<br /> Got tire/wheel reassembled in record time. Discovered, within a minute of riding, that I'd forgotten to re-set the caliper brakes, but no matter, because the tire was bulging out of the rims on both sides. (New-ish tires)</p> <p>Today, deflated, re-sat tires within rims, and reinflated.<br /> 3 times.<br /> still bulging.</p> <p>Saturday morning job? taking it all apart again.<br /> Not. Happy. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385450 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:45:40 +0000 bakky 385450@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>OH and I used the afore-recommended seam grip for eldest's pannier seal, but that's still pegged up pending full cure so not claiming victory quite yet. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385449 Sun, 16 Aug 2026 20:03:14 +0000 bakky 385449@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I never know if this is the thread for success stories, but;</p> <p>- First outing today for the new cheap-but-solid bicycle repair stand</p> <p>- First time ever replacing a gear cable (youngest's Islabikes Beinn 20L), and sorting out tension for good indexing</p> <p>- Added a kickstand also from the box o'junk</p> <p>- Fitted a replacement grip to eldest's bike</p> <p>- Fitted an Ursus Jumbo to Mrs. Bakky's steel tourer Swytch bike (Swytch front wheels are very heavy making parking with a regular kickstand rather awkward)</p> <p>PLUS I randomly found the 3D-printed tube of Very Specific Fixings™ (T-slot bolts etc) for our roof bars that I had to cobble together a spare set of at the last minute for a recent holiday trip, after ransacking the garage. Of course, it was just rolling about on the floor amongst the rubble of a well stocked but poorly organised existence slash borderline kleptomania. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385438 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:54:41 +0000 gembo 385438@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Powerful meds, drugs, sleepwalking? Are other possibilities </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385437 Sat, 15 Aug 2026 16:21:16 +0000 ejstubbs 385437@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Now this one is a bit weird....</p> <p>I spent a happy hour or so yesterday replacing the inner tubes on my mountain bike. I had it up on the stand to do the job, and all seemed well as I tidied away the tools and popped a plaster over the part-healed cut on my left index finger which had opened up again as a result of wrestling the tyres back on to the rims.</p> <p>As it was a nice evening, I decided to take it out for a decent shakedown run, and it was only then that I noticed that the handlebars were on the wrong way round! Somehow - and it still can't comprehend how - they had been rotated 180°, and the clamp bolts seemed to have been torqued back up. I hadn't touched them during the inner tube replacement, and I would certainly have noticed if they'd been the wrong way round the last time I rode it.</p> <p>I am completely baffled as to how this could have happened. The bike lives in a brick garage on the side of the house, with an electrically operated roller door to the drive, and a door with a yale lock and bolt giving access to the house. We haven't been aware of any break-ins (although I should admit that the PIR sensor in the garage for the intruder alarm has been u/s for some time). But even if someone <u>had</u> managed to break in without leaving a trace, why would they have done nothing more than swivel the bars round?? Maybe we have a bicycle repair poltergeist on the premises!</p> <p>It's all very puzzling... </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385266 Sat, 01 Aug 2026 12:51:50 +0000 LaidBack 385266@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Started as unsatisfactory story last week with a most satisfactory ending courtesy of @jss of this forum.</p> <p>Dutch cycle tourist phoned as riding a recliner from John O' Groats south.<br /> Looking for a new front tyre and inner but turns out it's 451 - older 20" variant size We've only ever sold 406 20" bikes - BMX size for which there's big range of rim widths and tyre choices.<br /> Also custom length spokes for 451 rear.</p> <p>Suggest he tries other shops that may have - Bicycle Works etc.</p> <p>Then I remembered that @jss has the same model (bough s/h not from LB!)<br /> So I put Dutch guy in touch with him (with permission) and apparently all got sorted.<br /> Models was this FWD one<br /> <a href="https://www.performercycles.com/bike-detail/19" rel="nofollow">https://www.performercycles.com/bike-detail/19</a></p> <p>Front wheel drive so hills and rough paths probably shredded tyre faster than expected. Yes he should have had spares.<br /> He had a colleague with car support I think.</p> <p>Big thanks to @jss for his help though.</p> <p>Joe at shop also helped find neighbours pet cat that week too! Probably best shop results of the year. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385197 Tue, 28 Jul 2026 08:37:26 +0000 wingpig 385197@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>If it's a 2005 Revolution Continental Race I can recommend a hack using B&amp;M fork crown light brackets to enable ⅔ of a full-sized rear mudguard to be fitted. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385187 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:53:58 +0000 gembo 385187@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Nice, the stuff you knew you were on fire and also another school day </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385186 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:51:01 +0000 bakky 385186@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Young but also clueless. I've never had dropped bars personally so it's never come up - I was just clicking the wee paddle levers and wondering why hee haw happened.</p> <p>The theory would be the brifters go and 'regular' shifters are used, provided that's technically feasible with the other shtuff on the bike - Shimano HG gears CS-HG41-8aw with Shimano Acera derailleur.</p> <p>I did feel, in spite of the lack of gumption regarding how to shift, like I was 'getting somewhere' with maintenance in general today. Also refitted the Swytch wheel to the Mrs' steel tourer wiv the proper torque and everything. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385185 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 20:17:03 +0000 gembo 385185@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You are just young I suppose but I have that style Brifter on my 2013. tricross but the normal Brifter on the 2012.</p> <p>Brifters on flat bars ? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-385183 Sun, 26 Jul 2026 19:29:32 +0000 bakky 385183@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Been checking over a pal’s old shed-bound bike coop ‘revolution’ for him to get back on the road, ideally changing from drop to straight bars; in looking at the gear shifting, tried re-tensioning cables but still couldn’t get it to shift, until I Googled just now:</p> <p><blockquote>Shimano Sora Flight Deck shifters use a dual-control lever system where you push the large main brake lever sideways to shift to an easier gear and press the smaller inner thumb/paddle lever to shift to a harder gear. Always pedal forward lightly while shifting.</blockquote></p> <p>Well, today I learned that’s a thing… </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-382898 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 14:39:09 +0000 Baldcyclist 382898@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Actually that did work. Just loosened the drive side that holds on the rear mech, and the thru axle just slid out. Panic opver, phew!! Visions of sweat and blood, and much expense over. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-382896 Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:35:38 +0000 Baldcyclist 382896@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>So, I thought I'd put my gravel bike on my indoor trainer instead of my road bike - for more comfiness on 2 hour training rides..</p> <p>So, took through axle out, realised bike wasnt going on trainer cos of the SRAM xplr groupset and need a different adapter.</p> <p>So put through axle back on, set torque wrench to 10Nm as prescribed. Now this is where stupidy/lack of nerves in hand/arm set in. I never fealt the click so kept tightening, and just as I thought, this feels quite tight the end on the through axle snapped. :/</p> <p>So how to I get that out now that it is overtightened?</p> <p>I'm hoping if I just undo the rear mech end to take the mech off that the whole lot will just come out the mech side - is there a fair chance of that happening? If not any ideas how to get it out? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-381491 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:55:02 +0000 bakky 381491@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Mandy, as in (loudly) “Hiya pal, you going out the night?”, and “Are you ma pal”?</p> <p>Was a frequent fixture on the 38 when I were small(er). Lovely, if intense. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=10#post-381490 Thu, 09 Oct 2025 07:29:27 +0000 gembo 381490@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Memories of the 32 never complete without talk of Hearts Mandy. A woman of indeterminate age covered in badges linked to her support of her beloved HMFC. It was imperative NEVER to meet the eye of Hearts Mandy on any bus coming out of Muirhouse. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381479 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 08:12:32 +0000 Frenchy 381479@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>The 400 is now the 18 again. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381478 Wed, 08 Oct 2025 06:30:11 +0000 gembo 381478@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@morningsider your correction is gratefully received. [on my holidays so dont have my usual Gazzeteers and almanacs to hand] </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381476 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 22:06:16 +0000 Morningsider 381476@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo - think it was a 32, rather than a 36. Ran a circular route right round the city. It think one of the directions was changed to a number 52 in the late 80s/90s, so folk stopped getting the bus heading the wrong direction.</p> <p>The circle was eventually split in two and the 32/52 became the 18 and some other number (north Edinburgh buses a bit of a mystery to me). That then became the 400.</p> <p>Used to get the 32 early doors to get to weekend jobs many years ago. Saw it all - bloke waving a machete about, a paralytic women huckled off by the police, fella taking a dump up the back of the top deck, several folk heaving their guts up, a guy with world's worst BO. Come to think of it, no wonder I cycle everywhere. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381475 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 21:05:20 +0000 gembo 381475@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@bakky, no i dont advise going back in time and trying to get the 38 to work. It never linked with the 44 when i tried to go to muirhouse from Balerno, and I never even considered rhe 36/400 as it was also unreliable but also mental. 38 well heeled as went to Blackhall. Just sayin LBC as was, would stress there were options for your winching. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381474 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 20:28:14 +0000 bakky 381474@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo aye from Liberton I could have done a 38 across to join the 44 at Slateford but it wasn’t timely or often enough for a young fool to rely on!</p> <p>@chdot my sarcastic questions there of course to make light of me being daft rather than quality of assistance - as Andy Rutherford put it (who lent me a peg spanner for crankset disassembly) pedals a mistake you will make once and learn from! I was also glad to manage to track down my crank puller in the garage void, which I used once back in my student days and have never needed since. Good confidence building session today all in all. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381473 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 19:48:26 +0000 gembo 381473@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>In 2002 the 400 bus was known as the 36 did a wee circuit from Muirhouse to Westerhailles to Craigmillar then leith and back to Muirhouse - basically a bus up to the route then the 44 from Gillespies so not ideal but not into town then back out, Ran every half hour. Quite lively bus. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381471 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 18:02:17 +0000 chdot 381471@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>“Did you know pedals come as a dedicated right/left pair?”</p> <p>Yes</p> <p>I assumed you did so didn’t ask ‘you know about L&amp;R?’</p> <p>“Did you know there are often notches on the left pedal’s spanner flats to indicate it’s left?”</p> <p>Yes</p> <p>BUT</p> <p><em>Uusually</em> both pedals are lettered OR NEITHER!</p> <p>Thank you for reminding me to not assume what people know. </p> <p>I used to do basic bike checks. </p> <p>Always make sure tyres are blown up and seat appropriate height. Also make sure gears and brakes work ‘properly’</p> <p>I remember doing a session in Victoria Park and doing the basics on one person’s bike (definitely blew up the tyres and made sure levers were comfortable for owner.)</p> <p> “Feels like a new bike.” </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381470 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 17:33:43 +0000 bakky 381470@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@gembo in 2002 I was on a neon Apollo BSO and nowhere near roads for the most part - and the 400 didn’t exist (or if it did, boy did I miss out on a time saver). </p> <p>Maintenance wins; now running the new 52 outer with the old (actually) 38 inner ring; all went well. Maintenance plot twist; if you look closely in my ‘success kid’ photo below you will note the pedal manufacturers logo is readable from in front of the bike, which yes is a telltale sign that not only did I misdiagnose ‘bad cranks guv’ due to fitting the replacement pedals the wrong way round, I also did so on the new cranks as well. Did you know pedals come as a dedicated right/left pair? Did you know there are often notches on the left pedal’s spanner flats to indicate it’s left? Did you know the logo can be an indicator of which is which? Today, I learned many things, including all that. </p> <p><a href="https://freeimage.host/i/Kj9Qfta"><img src="https://iili.io/Kj9Qfta.md.jpg"></a></p> <p>Time will tell whether I end up in trouble for my sins against the threads on these and/or the old cranks; I have made adjustments to the hanger mech for the first time so I can smoothly change between chainrings again, and put the pedals on their correct sides, and all running nicely now. Cheers for the assist! </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381468 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:38:50 +0000 gembo 381468@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Yes I only go down that way @wingpig, preferring the flat way to the Big Puddle as featured in my award winning Spokes entry [oh wait, judging still ongoing?] Ravelrig Road or Heart attack Hill being the steep one up from the Long Dalmahoy to Balerno. In way outside the bypass news if you ever find yourself in Andalusia do not return to Malaga from Almogia on the road signposted Malaga It is so steep ~20% that Fast Dave’s dad had to actually stand up. It also goes on a long time [take the road that isn’t signposted for Malaga as it goes back to Malaga too]. However, if you ever find yourself in Malaga do take the Barrancos de Sol Valley to Villanueva de la Concepcion. Nice ramps. Bit steep at the top near the town but then after that, heading down to Almogia the road surface is brand new. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381467 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:30:13 +0000 wingpig 381467@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I rarely leave my 42t middle chainring, even when going round Arthur's Seat or up to Balerno, unless I deliberately go up a daft steep road like Calton Hill/Ramsey Gardens/Kaimes, or outside-the-bypass Steep Dalmahoy Road or the one which leads up from the WoL to the big puddle. When Sora changed to 9 sprockets rather than 8 is reduced the occasional noticeable ratio gaps (such as going anticlockwise round the NEPN on the way to work at ~17mph, which never felt quite right with some cassettes), though I tend to just buy whichever roughly 11ish to 28ish cassettes are on sale whenever I stock up thereon. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381465 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:17:52 +0000 gembo 381465@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>You should have cycled the contour or caught the 400 circular? </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381464 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 16:04:37 +0000 MediumDave 381464@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Check the BB spindle as whaling on the pedals may have bent that too. As well as general wear and tear. I'm assuming it's cup and cone. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381463 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 15:50:36 +0000 bakky 381463@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>I spent too many long hours taking a bus from Liberton into town, and out again to Balerno where my now missus stayed when courting — from when we were both 15 onwards — to be anything other than uncharitable about its proximity to what I consider Edinburgh :)</p> <p>We are mid-fun-times over here: </p> <p><a href="https://freeimage.host/i/KhmNXoJ"><img src="https://iili.io/KhmNXoJ.md.jpg"></a></p> <p>Current plan is old rings, new arms </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381462 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 14:32:51 +0000 gembo 381462@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>Bits of Balerno are higher but not within the bypass. Though that is a somewhat arbitrary definition of City Limits. Willie Melvin need not apply. </p> http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/topic.php?id=19434&page=9#post-381457 Tue, 07 Oct 2025 13:27:13 +0000 bakky 381457@http://citycyclingedinburgh.info/bbpress/ <p>@ejstubbs depending on the monumental stone - we're probably equidistant from each of the local ones! I'll PM.</p> <p>@chdot it's always fascinating when I venture into maintenance / tinkering how much variety and also change over time there is around this stuff. Every day's a school day! </p>