Zen & The Art of Bicycle Maintenance

I ask loads of questions of my certified bike fitters. I recall years ago, how I struggled for longer, to dismantle and assemble my racing-bike at overseas races. I was, deliberately, clueless about how the physical features and properties of a bike. I was a bike dummy and had to learn pronto!

Subsequently, I learnt to do tasks like:

1)    Repair a punctured tyre.

2)    Disassemble a bike.

3)    Pack a bike into a bike-case, and protecting it.

4)    Assemble a bike.

5)    Conduct basic checks after assembling.

6)    Fix bike accessories (install new pedals, cleats on shoes, X-Lab post).

7)    Cleaning the chain (degreasing) and lubricating vulnerable bike parts that rust.

8)    Make important tape markings (position of seat-post, cleat position on shoes).

9)   Ensure speedometer works.

This basic knowledge is important and relevant, as paying a bike mechanic to do so may be costly. This is also expected of traveling participants. I recall studying my copy of Lennard Zinn’s book The Art of Road Bike Maintenance.

You enjoy a sense of pride and accomplishment for putting a bike together. It is similar to assembling home furnishing from IKEA. More importantly, it is applying existing knowledge before it fades.

******

Packing my bike tonight. I will use my new Edge wheels – it reminds me of my ZIPPS 404s. The X-Lab adaptor is up with two transferred carbon Gorilla (anti-launch) cages. I will be riding minimalist with adequate gels in gel-bottles (stuffed in my racing-top), working off the aid-stations (Gatorade Endurance and water), and my Special Needs bag. The Bento box may come off – I will decide shortly, as my racing attire and creative use of duct-tape will allow me easy access of my gels and Power-Bars.