Back to Basics: Bike Repair Fundamentals

gloved hand using hex kit on bike

LEZYNE SHOP TOOLS PLAY A STARRING ROLE IN CYCLINGNEWS' LATEST HOW-TO SERIES

Even the most seasoned home mechanics can stand to brush up on the basics once in a while, and now, thanks to Cyclingnews' latest series they might even stand to pick up new trick or two along the way.

using hex rod and pedal spinner tools on bike
HOW TO REMOVE & FIT BIKE PEDALS

Get your new bike ready to go or switch your pedals quickly and easily by following our detailed how-to guide

With more and more bikes being delivered in boxes or being sold by shops without proper pedals, you need to know how to fit some before you can start riding properly. Happily, it’s a super simple job as long as you take care with the basics. Learn more about how to remove and fit bike pedals.

Featured Tool: Classic Pedal Rod


using hex kit to adjust disc breaks
HOW TO ADJUST DISC BRAKES 

The arrival of disc brakes on road bikes have revolutionized all-weather control and confidence but they need correct alignment to work perfectly 

Disc brakes offer excellent braking modulation and lots of power whatever the weather. They also allow the use of bigger tires than rim brakes and they don’t care if your wheel is a bit bent. Quiet, predictable, rub-free operation depends on fractions of mm of clearance between pad and rotor though. If your brakes have started rubbing there could be several causes too, so we’ve added a menu to help check through all the possible problems as well as adjusting the calipers themselves. Learn more about how To adjust disc brakes on a bike.

Featured Tool: Hex Kit

using multi-tool to remove bike wheel
HOW TO REMOVE A BIKE WHEEL 

Whether it’s fixing a puncture or putting it into a car/carry case removing and refitting your wheel safely is a vital skill

Getting the wheels off your bike is essential for compact packing and for repairing inner tubes, changing cassettes, adjusting bearings and other maintenance tasks. Things used to be relatively simple and tool-free when road bikes only ran quick-release axles in open dropouts (the tips of the fork and frame the wheel slides into) and brakes just clamped your rims. Learn more about how to fit a bike wheel.

Featured Tool: Allen Block Multi-Tool

using classic chain drive to fit and remove bike chain
HOW TO REMOVE AND FIT A BIKE CHAIN

Easy chain removal to make servicing and repair a cinch

Without a chain your bike is just an expensive scooter, so here’s how to fit and remove your chain with a quick link - or without one - to make repair or servicing super simple. Learn more about how to remove and fit a bike chain.

Featured Tool: Classic Chain Drive

 

Clean and roughen the area around the hole
HOW TO REPAIR AN INNNER TUBE ON YOUR BIKE

The easy way to repair your punctured inner tube and get riding again

Removing an inner tube for repair or replacement is a lot easier if you know a few helpful tricks and don’t try and rush things. Let our experts talk you through the easiest way to fit a fresh tube and get rolling again as soon as possible. Learn more about how to repair an inner tube on your bike.

Featured Tool: Alloy Floor Drive

Limit screws set the range of movement for the derailleur
HOW TO ADJUST BIKE GEARS

Gears need occasional adjustment to keep them running quietly and shifting sweetly. Here’s how to sort your shifting quickly and easily every time

There are a multitude of reasons as to why gears might start shifting poorly, so unless you are a dedicated single speed rider, being able to adjust your road bike groupset so it is once again shifting smoothly and accurately is a beneficial skill to have. Learn more about how to adjust bike gears.

Featured Tool: Rap II Tool

Removing the tire by hand
HOW TO CHANGE A BIKE TIRE

Knowing how to change a bike tire will make repairs and upgrades simple

If you don't know how to change a bike tire, the idea of swapping tire on your bike can seem like a daunting task, but it’s simple if you know a few helpful tricks and don’t try and rush things.  Learn more about how to change a bike tyre.

Featured Tool: Shop Floor Drive Pump

 

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