ActNow.Earth

BIKE REPAIR TUTORIALS

MODERATE ADJUSTMENTS

BRAKE CALIBRATION

(Disc Brake)

The problem is improper disc brake calibration, causing the rotor to rub against the brake pads, leading to reduced braking efficiency and potential safety risks.

Tools You'll Need

Steps:

  1. Adjust Pad: Use a 5mm Allen key to set right pad close to the disc.
  2. Loosen Cable: Loosen the cable bolt.
  3. Tighten Cable: Pull cable tight and re-tighten the bolt.
  4. Fix Rub: Loosen caliper bolts, squeeze lever, and re-tighten bolts.
  5. Check: spin wheel to make sure brakes don’t rub.


BRAKE CALIBRATION

(V-Brake)

The problem is that the V-brakes are not properly calibrated, causing uneven braking and the pads to rub against the frame even when not in use.

Tools You'll Need

Steps:

  1. Check pads: make sure they don’t touch the tire.
  2. Adjust Levers: make them comfortable.
  3. Adjust Cables: Tighten or loosen for good braking.
  4. Test: Spin the wheels, press the brakes, and check if they stop smoothly.


BACK WHEEL ALIGNMENT

(Bolt Adjustment)

Misaligned rear wheels because of improper bolt adjustments can cause uneven tire wear and affect bike handling.

Tools You'll Need

Steps:

  1. Find the nuts on each side of the wheel.
  2. Loosen the nuts and adjust the wheel to make sure it's centered.
  3. Tighten the nuts while checking that the wheel is straight.
  4. Check if the wheel spins straight.


BACK WHEEL ALIGNMENT

(Quick Release)

Improper adjustment of the quick-release mechanism causes rear wheel misalignment, leading to rubbing against the frame or brake pads, which affects riding efficiency and safety.

Tools You'll Need

Steps:

  1. Tighten the quick release to center the wheel.
  2. If it’s still off, add lock nuts on both sides.
  3. Tighten the lock nuts to center the wheel and stop rubbing.
  4. Check if the gaps are even.


ADVANCED ADJUSTMENTS

TIRE TUBE REPLACEMENT

A common problem with bike tire tube replacements is the recurrence of flats and punctures caused by debris inside the tire or improper installation.

Tools You'll Need

Steps:

  1. Remove the wheel–open quick-release or unscrew to take it off the bike.
  2. Take out the old tube –pull out the old tube and check for sharp stuff inside.
  3. Put in the new tube–place the new tube inside the tire with a small amount of air.
  4. Put the tire back on–carefully fit the tire back onto the rim using tire levers.
  5. Inflate the tire – pump air into the tube until it’s firm.
  6. Reinstall the wheel – put the wheel back on the bike and tighten it.


BRAKE CABLE REPLACEMENT

The deterioration of brake cables in bikes, which can stretch, fray, or corrode over time, is a common issue that compromises braking performance and safety.

Tools You'll Need

Steps:

  1. Remove old cable.
  2. Cut new housing to size.
  3. Open housing ends with a pin.
  4. Thread new cable through lever, housing, and noodle.
  5. Cut excess cable using cable cutter.
  6. Pull cable tight, tighten with 5mm Allen.
  7. Test brake. Adjust tension and pad alignment if needed.


BASIC PARTS SALVAGING

Salvaging and repurposing parts from scrap bicycles is a valuable step in recycling materials to create functional bikes that are both sustainable and affordable.

Tools You'll Need

Steps:

  1. Find an old bike.
  2. Look for useful parts (tires, pedals, brake levers).
  3. Take the bike apart with your hands and tools.
  4. Keep good parts (pedals, tires, levers, screws).
  5. Throw away broken parts.
  6. Use the parts to fix or upgrade your bikes.

TYPES AND PARTS OF BIKE

Types of Bike

  1. Road Bike–Lightweight and fast, designed for smooth pavement and speed.
  2. BMX–compact and durable, built for tricks, stunts, and racing on dirt tracks.
  3. Cyclocross–versatile racer for mixed terrain, with knobby tires and drop bars.
  4. Gravel Bikes–Adventure-ready bikes for long rides on rough roads and trails.
  5. Folding Bikes–Space-saving commuter bike that folds for easy storage.
  6. Time Trial Bikes–Aerodynamic machine built for racing against the clock.
  7. MTB Bikes – Rugged and tough, made for off-road trails and steep climbs.
  8. Hybrid Bikes – All-purpose bike combining road and mountain features for comfort.
  9. Recumbent – Reclined-position bike focused on comfort and back support.
  10. Touring – built for long-distance travel with cargo racks and stable handling.
  11. E-bike–Pedal-assisted bike with an electric motor for easier rides.
  12. Track Bike–Fixed-gear speedster made for velodrome racing with no brakes.

Parts of Bike

  1. Wheel – Allows the bike to roll and supports movement and balance.
  2. Handlebars – Used to steer and control the direction of the bike.
  3. Brakes – Slows down or stops the bike; may include disc brakes for stronger and more reliable stopping power.
  4. Frame – The main structure that connects all parts and supports the rider.
  5. Seat – Also called a saddle, it's where the rider sits.
  6. Crankset – Converts pedaling power into motion and often works with derailleurs to shift gears smoothly.
  7. Pedal – Where the rider places their feet to pedal and power the bike forward.

GLOSSARY TOOLTIPS

An Allen Key/Hex is a tool used to tighten or loosen bolts with hexagonal sockets in bike repair.

A Screwdriver is essential for tightening or loosening screws on bike components.

Needle Nose Pliers are used in bike repair for gripping, bending, and manipulating small parts.

A Wrench is essential for tightening or loosening bolts during bike repairs and adjustments.

A Lock Nut on a quick release ensures secure fastening and prevents loosening during rides.

Pliers are essential for gripping, bending, cutting, and manipulating small bike parts during repair.

A Tire Lever is a tool used to remove and install tires on bicycle rims easily and safely.

An Inner Tube in bike repair holds air within the tire, providing cushioning and stability.

A Bike Pump is essential for inflating tires to the correct pressure during bike repairs.

A Brake Cable in bike repair controls braking performance by transmitting force from lever to brake.

Brake Housing and Noodle guide the brake cables smoothly, ensuring efficient braking performance.

A Cable Cutter is a tool used to trim bike cables cleanly for precise installation and repair.