Newbie Bike Liker only has MINIMAL Mechanical Skills

[Old Skool Mule]

I`m completely in the dark about how to do even the most basic repairs or maintenance on a bicycle....add to that I am pretty much an uncoordinated oaf when it comes to using tools and "fixing" most things. So...
"I am NOT an animal!! I am a humaaannn beingggg!" Anyways I just need to learn the proper steps to go through for the humble "bolt on" modifications such as: installing/swapping fenders,handlebar swap,basic gear and chain maintenance/cleaning,re-packing bearings(what?! I`m Newb Zero here!) or sealed parts...thinking the pedals,perhaps forks?, basic seat adjustments and/or complete seat swap. I pland to purchase a simple,affordable and well-built basic cruiser-style bike (a la Wal-Mart) such as: Ocean Pacific,Schwinn "Delmar",Huffy "Cranebrook","Panama Jack",Genesis "Onyx" 29",NEXT "La Jolla",or...any suggestions? Something I can personalise with beginner level skill.

Mods/Accessories in mind: * Chrome front & rear fenders
* Ape Hanger handlebars
* High end handlebar grips (rubber,leather,?)
* Seat upgrade to ueber-comfortable,supportive model
(I`d like a seat which already has functional or cosmetic dual springs,but not sure how that works)
* Install sissybar(?)--which mandates switching from saddle to banana,right?
* Drastically increase the suspension/shock absorbtion level by either swapping or modifying
stock forks and/or areas of frame. Just want my "OSM Bruiser Cruiser" to be more lumbar-
friendly and also be a more sturdy/solid machine.

Thanks 100,000,000 !!
OSM

 

[B607]

The best thing you could do to start is go buy a cheap bike single speed bike from Goodwill and take it completely apart and put it back together. Jump in and get your hands dirty. You'll need to get specific tools as you go. If you get stuck, you can come here for all the help you need. Gary

 

[Old Skool Mule]

Yeah,I was thinking along those lines too,B607. Guess that wee $15 garage sale beater Huffy will come in handy for my "experiments",eh? :mrgreen:

Thanks for your reply,Gary.

OSM

 

[DHrider]

Here is a couple of useful links.

http://www.utahmountainbiking.com/fix/index.htm
http://bicycletutor.com/

as well some great reading here on mountain bike suspension
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bicycle_suspension

before long you will be teaching the rest of us.

 

[DHrider]

one thing i find when looking for comfort... is a good seat. the older ones are about the best quality and usually at a much more friendly price than the newer ones, also having your arms in a comfortable position makes a huge difference to your seated posture, having a proper stem (goose neck) and handle bars, can change your position.

most of what you want to do is totally realistic for your level of experience, be sure to take pics and let us all see what is brewing in that head of yours. :lol:

 

[Critter1]

HAHA!! "Bike Liker" .. That'd be a great profile name on here!

 

[Willg]

My go-to bike help site, http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

Good luck with your bike! Have fun.

 

[Spokeshave]

The best thing you could do to start is go buy a cheap bike single speed bike from Goodwill and take it completely apart and put it back together. Jump in and get your hands dirty. You'll need to get specific tools as you go. If you get stuck, you can come here for all the help you need. Gary

I'm with Gary on this one. Buy a used whatever and start with the easy stuff. Remove the bars,seat ,etc.. Get familiar with what comes apart. Work up to the bigger stuff like sprockets and hubs. Learn by doing.If you get hung up there's lots of great bike mechanics here willing to help a brother out.
One thing,get a set of wrenches so you don't round off every bolt with a channel lock or adjustable wrench.
Have fun and Welcome,
Spokes

 

[Buck Masterson]

Everyone is right, just jump in and go. With Bikes no better way to learn then by doing. Take it apart, and remember how to reverse it and put it back together. I've always ridden but have only been customizing things for a few years and still some things I'm lost about, but I'm well beyond where I was a couple of years ago. Which is good because I HATE anything to be factory stock!

 

[MplsCoaster]

Hey Old Skool Mule,

I agree with everyone else:
Take apart something cheap first and start with the easy stuff.
Another trick may be to lay things out in order they came off.
Make notes and sketches. Measure stuff.

Always remember to relax and have fun.
Everybody makes mistakes and wrecks stuff.
That's part of learning.
Don't beat yourself up.

Good Luck!

 

[X-RAY]

take pictures as you tear it down. put small parts in a labeled ziplock bag. check out "how to fix bikes.com", he's a member here also. listening to early van halen music helps me when i'm workin. good luck. 8)

 

[xddorox]

Practice makes perfect, get a beater and beat on it. Go to my blog and download my free ebook for new mechanics.

 

[jerrykr]

You have come to the right place.

While you are getting your hands dirty on the suggested starter bike,
Go to the section "Bike How To" and start from the beginning, and read EVERY post.

I have learned so much there it is not funny.