Andy the Gear Guy

Gear Guy Recommends: Pedro's Multi Spoke Wrench

2007-04-07T14:12:00.000-07:00

If you're thinking of doing any wheel work at all you need spoke wrenches, so why not get the best deal? The Pedro's Multi Spoke wrench fits 3 different sizes of spoke, and it's small enough to throw in your road or trail repair kit.

Check it out at Randall Scott, it's worth your while.

later,

Gear Guy Andy

Introducing the Randall Scott Maintenance and Repair Vlog, Starring the Gear Guy!

2007-03-29T18:25:00.000-07:00

At Randall Scott we want you all to experience the bleeding edge of technology, whether it's in the frames and components you ride or in the maintenance help we provide. The video web log, or Vlog, is the newest way for the Randall Scott and the Gear Guy to fling their knowledge at you through cyberspace and have it stick. So watch out, because the we're just getting started!

Stay tuned for the first Vlog entry, which will answer more of your cheap spring bike maintenance questions.

- Gear Guy Andy

Remove, Clean, and Replace Your Chain (on the Cheap!)

2007-03-21T19:00:00.000-07:00

Hello Again Ladies, Gents, and Aspiring Gear Geeks!

Thanks for your email questions. I'd like to start with the very basics of (cheap!) spring bike maintenance, so unfortunately some of your more advanced questions will have to wait, but we will get them, oh yes.

This installment covers the removal, cleaning, and replacement of an SRAM brand mountain chain. Why only the SRAM chain? Well because they are the easiest to remove and replace due to the cool "quick link" fasteners. If you don't have an SRAM chain, I'm sorry for you. Also, in the spirit of keeping this as financially pain-free as possible we are going to clean the chain the old fashioned way, the same way you clean your chompers: With a toothbrush of course!

Pictured below is what you will need: A rag, an old toothbrush and/or a bike cleaning brush from Pedro's, a cut-in-half gallon container, and some (preferably bio-friendly, preferably strong and citrus) degreaser/cleaner. The bike cleaning brush makes cleaning your entire drive train much easier, so I'd recommend you pick one of these up. But hey, maybe you pine for your old military days cleaning toilets with a toothbrush? If you do, I'm sorry for you again!

Step 1: Remove your dirty quick link equipped chain. First find the quick link, then get comfortable because you'll have to fiddle with the bloody thing for a few seconds to get it undone. They can be a little tough to get free but keep fiddling and you'll get it. Once you do, put the two quick link pieces somewhere safe (Don't drop them in you lawn like I did once, or you might want to wear long pants next time you mow the lawn...Ouchy!). Now spin the crank to get the chain off.

Wow, look at this dirty old bugger! Needs a bath, eh?

(Skip step two if you've decided to upgrade with a new chain. These can be somewhat un-cheap, however. Also skip step two if you've bought one of those fancy schmancy chain cleaning thingamabobs...they are also un-cheap.)

Step 2: Degrease the chain. Toss the chain and quick links into the sawed off milk jug and squirt a liberal amount of degreaser into the jug. Try and cover the chain. If the chain is super greasy, I'd recommend letting it soak overnight with the rag covering the jub. Once you're happy with the soakage, it's time to get your hands dirty. Scrub the chain with the toothbrush, cleaning brush, rag, hands, and anything else you think would do the job. Once it's to your liking, remember to rinse the chain with some water and wipe it off to remove the degreaser, since degreaser and chain lube DO NOT MIX!

Wow, look how squeaky frickin' clean this bugger is!

Step 3: Replace the chain. If you are putting on a new chain and you liked the length of your old chain, make sure to use a chain tool and trim the new chain to the same length as the old one. I like to start by threading the chain onto the middle crank right, then go backwards to the cassette, and through the rear derailleur. Once you have it threaded, add the quick links, one to each end. Now pull the chain tight and the ends together, and snap the quick link in place. Snap!

Step 4: Lightly lube the chain with your favorite lube. Bike lube that is. And you're done!

Coming soon, the Gear Guy will be presenting video blog tutorials covering your questions, so keep 'em coming.

-Gear Guy Andy

ps- Check out www.rscycle.com to find all the cleaning accessories you may need, besides rags, which you can find between your shoes and your feet.

Spring Maintenance on the Cheap

2007-03-09T12:35:00.000-08:00

Howdy Friends,

Andy the Gear Guy here, and welcome to the 1st Ultra-helpful Gear Guy Dialogue! I'd like to tell all you loyal rscycle.com customers that getting your bike ready for the upcoming spring season doesn't have to involve two trips to the snobby bike shop, an awkward conversation with a pierced bike messenger type, or an hourly rate rivaling a VW dealership. Go independent - do it yourself!

Sure, ya might have to buy a wrench here or some grease there, and isolate yourself in the garage for the evening, away from the spouse, kids, and daily household chaos (doesn’t sound so bad,eh?) but believe me it'll be worth it. Not only will you save money and regain your sanity, but you'll learn a ton about your bike and these MacGyver-like skills will serve you for the rest of your days.

Since I am a man of the people, I am asking YOU, budding mechanics of all stripes and tax brackets, what do YOU want to know how to do? Do you need to lube your drivetrain? Tune some disc brakes? Replace a spoke? Send me your tired, your poor, your huddled questions so that I might exploit them (and answer them) for the greater good of all gearheadkind!

Don't be bashful!

-Gear Guy Andy