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		DO save used bikes. Most bikes, no matter how battered, can be salvaged with a little tender loving care. If you don’t need your used bike anymore, give it to an organization that can repair it for someone in need. DON’T be afraid to ask questions. If there’s something about your bike that you don’t know, find out so that you can become your own bicycle mechanic. A well loved bike is a well tuned bike.

Brigitte and the Art of (Coaster) Bicycle Maintenance (and Repair)

1. The chain is an obvious place to start since it is central to a “sweet ride.” A thorough cleaning is the first step. Use a chain tool to remove the chain. This tiny tool pushes the pins that hold the chain together out of place until the links come apart. Once the chain is off, wash it in warm soapy water. (Regular dish detergent works fine.) The chain is oily so this is the “getting dirty” part of the operation. Rinse all the soap off then wash again until all the dirt and particles between the links are gone. (see figs. A & B)
   
   

   Fig. A		Fig. B

2. Replace the chain, fitting the pins back into position. Make sure that the chain is loose enough to be slightly flexible but not so loose that it falls off easily. If the chain is too loose, you may need to remove a link or two.
   
3. Lubricate the chain with a thin layer of chain oil.
   
4. Next, check on the condition of the wheels. There are some wheel problems that can be beyond the scope of home repair. If the wheel is bent or there are missing spokes, you need to seek professional assistance or buy a new wheel.
   
5. Assuming that the wheel itself is in good condition, next check the tires. If the tread is worn, buy a new tire. But if the tread is still good, you may just need to replace the inner tube. To do this you need to remove the wheel from the bike. Use a wrench to loosen the nuts – that’s pretty straightforward. Now you need to pry the inner tube out from inside the tire. Use a spoon with a rounded end to lift the edge of the tire away from the rim thereby releasing the tube. (see figs. C & D)
   
   

   Fig. C		Fig. D

6. A new inner tube is often sticky and hard to work with. If you want to make it a little easier to handle, rub the tube with talcum powder, or even ordinary cooking flour, so that the rubber doesn’t stick to itself. (see fig. E) bike07
   
7. Before inserting the new tube, inflate it just slightly. This makes it fit more easily into the tire shape. (see fig. F)
   
   

   Fig. E		Fig. F

8. Put the tube into the tire and then pry the tire back on to the rim. Replace the tire. (see fig. G)
   
9. Changing rusty older handlebars is also an easy task. Simply loosen the central bolt until the handlebars move easily. If the handlebars have been rusted in place for a while you may need to lubricate with light oil and loosen with a persistent twisting motion. Once the old handlebars are out, reinsert the new ones and tighten the bolt. (see figs. H & I)
   
   

   Fig. G		Fig. H

10. With stable wheels, a smoothly functioning chain and shiny new handlebars, your bicycle is now ready for you to make it your own. You can paint your bike your favourite colour and add accessories to personalize it. Remember Anthony and Brigitte’s rule: “Life (and your bike) should never be dull, boring or meaningless. It should excite you, inspire you and, most importantly, be uniquely yours.” (see fig. J)
    
    

    Fig. I		Fig. J

Electric Garage Door (supplier) Al Parsons Electrics Ltd. 860 Boyd Avenue, Ottawa, ON K2A 2E1 613-798-4444 Electric Garage Door (manufacturer) available at Al Parsons Electronics. For other locations, please check their website Wayne Dalton Bicycles, Location, Mechanics and Expertise. Joe Mamma Urban Cycle 216 Pretoria Ave. Ottawa, ON K1S 1X2 613-564-0459

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