CrankMyChain! Two-Way TV Live - Maintenance Edition

The weather is a bit iffy so we're hosting from the garage for this week's show (Wed. noon PDT).

You don't need an account to chat with us. Pick a user handle and come talk bicycle maintenance or get a Stickam account and join us by webcam.

We're also bringing in ETK talk about the MTB short track series at Portland International Raceway.

Brooker's Powder Coating for Bicycles

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Portland, Ore. - Pinky Gets a Powder Coat is a short
documentary/infomercial about how my sister got her tired looking bike repainted.  Actually, the frame and fork were powder coated -- a different process than painting -- which involves baking a very durable plastic-like coating onto steel, aluminum, and other metals.  

Powder coating has become very popular option for giving new life to motorcycles, bicycles, car parts and other metal items like lawn furniture.

Brooker Enterprises specializes in powder coating.  Find out more at BrookerEnterprises.com or drop by 3714 SE Powell in Portland (503-236-2565 ).  This video was produced by CrankMyChain.tv in association with BikePortland.org for Brooker Enterprises.  Video and music by Dan Kaufman.

Formats available: MPEG4 Video (.mp4)

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BicycleTutor.com - How to Fix a Flat

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QuickTime (iPod/iPhone) Version
If you ride a bike long enough you will get a flat. It's much cheaper and convenient (and cheaper) if you can do it yourself. It can even save you miles of walking if you can do it on site. You'll just need a pump and a patch kit or you can flag down a cyclist who has one.

In this video, Alex the Canadian Bicycle Tutor explains how to fix a flat inner tube type tire.

Here are some of my personal tips:

To keep your hands clean and supple it's great to use a pair of latex gloves to do a tire repair.

When you fix a flat make sure the thing that might have caused the flat (glass, tack, etc.) it is no longer in your tire. Be careful not to cut yourself, though.

A great way to save money and resources is to reuse your inner tubes when they are punctured. If the tube is really old, you have difficulty finding the leak, or you find multiple leaks it might be worth replacing the thing all together. Used inner tubes have all sorts of uses, e.g. bungee cords and bondage equipment.

Once you remove the inner tube pump it back up and and fine the leak by running the tube against your cheek. If you are on a naked bike ride you can use your ass cheek but I still recommend using your face cheek.

Check out more great instructional videos at BicycleTutor.com, eh?

Find more CrankMyChain! maintenance videos here.

YoutTube Version


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How to Fix a Flat

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Here is another great how-to video from Carlton Reid at QuickRelease.TV.

Fixing a flat can be a daunting task the first time especially if you are not mechanically inclined. Just remember to take your time and learn to do it yourself.

If you have someone more experienced nearby let them give you moral support but don't let them do it for you. When you find yourself miles from home you'll be glad you learned how fix flat and carried a patch kit and tire inflator.

If you use your bike to commute to work you should definatley consider puncture resistant kevlar tires. They are costly but so is showing up late for work.

Let me know if you have any tips or tricks regarding flat repair or preventing punctures.

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Wheel Truing Maintenance Video

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By popular demand, Doug Moak runs through the basics of bicycle wheel truing and spoke adjustment. Thanks go to our sponsor River City Bicycles and Carl Jameson of Craftmaster Productions

Do you have any tips or stories on wheel truing? We'd love to hear 'em.

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Cleaning and Lubing Maintenance Video

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From cycling expert Carlton Reid comes a great video on bicycle cleaning and lubrication. Also, check out Reid's Podcast Cycling News and Views.

Also, stay tuned for more bike mainentance videos from Doug at River City Bicycles.

Brake Pad Maintenance Video

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Part two in our bicycle maintenance video series sponsored by River City Bicycles covers Brake Pads. Doug Moak takes us step by step as he cleans and adjusts cantilever style brakes on a commuter bicycle.

We hope you find these videos helpful and will let us know what you would like to see next. As usual we are always interested in your video responses.

Maintenance Video Responses and 'Bicycle Repairman'

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Scroll down for Monty Python's "Bicycle Repairman video.

Big thanks to all the folks who responded with pointers for our first maintenance video on chain lubrication. We also really appreciate the ideas for future shows.

Buzz from Newton, MA, reminds beginners to avoid getting lubricant on tires or wheel rims. Good point, Buzz. It's a safety issue. Brakes and lube don't mix.

Jeff from Boston, MA, finds that he likes to remove the chain every 1 to 2 weeks. He finds that is the only way to get the grit out. Personally, I like to use a wax based lubricant that sheds the grit. The downside is that I have to refresh often during the rainy season.

Tom from BicycleXC in Crofton, MD asks for more tips for chain set up and maintenance for fixed gear bikes. Hey, Tom I know you have the camera and the know how. Any chance you can make us a video?

We had some great ideas for future shows including wheel truing, pre-ride safety check, and advanced topics such as repacking hubs. I plan to get to all of those ideas. Thanks again for your input especially from the folks at bikeforums.net.

Maintenance Video - Chain Lubrication

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You asked for it, you've got it... Bicycle maintenance videos. This week we discuss and show chain cleaning and lubrication. Please thank Doug Moak and our sponsor, River City Bicycles, for making it possible.

Next weeks topic is brake pads. If you have any topics you'd like to suggest please shoot us an email. We'd love to see your responses and any repair videos you might have in a video format.