Silly Newbie

[taxing]

Hi! I just ordered a new bike having not ridden in at least 10 years, and I don't know the slightest thing about bike maintenance. I've ordered my bike through a decent bike shop, how much can I ask them to show me when I go in to pick the bike up? I feel like I at least need to know how to patch up a puncture and whether I should be oiling the chain or whatever other maintenance there is to do, but I'm not sure whether I should be asking them to help, or finding this stuff out on my own. (The bike is £250 plus I'm getting £75 worth of accessories from them, if that makes a difference. And I'm a early 20s aged female so they might take pity.)

(I have watched the video on how to repair a flat, but if I could have someone show me on the bike that I will be doing it on I think it would help a lot, you know? And I don't know how to take the wheel off anyway.)

Also, how long does it take you to sort out a puncture? It looked like a long process in the video, I wasn't expecting it to be so involved.

Thank you!

[Bill]

(06-04-2010, 07:20 PM)taxing Wrote:  Hi! I just ordered a new bike having not ridden in at least 10 years, and I don't know the slightest thing about bike maintenance. I've ordered my bike through a decent bike shop, how much can I ask them to show me when I go in to pick the bike up? I feel like I at least need to know how to patch up a puncture and whether I should be oiling the chain or whatever other maintenance there is to do, but I'm not sure whether I should be asking them to help, or finding this stuff out on my own. (The bike is £250 plus I'm getting £75 worth of accessories from them, if that makes a difference. And I'm a early 20s aged female so they might take pity.)

(I have watched the video on how to repair a flat, but if I could have someone show me on the bike that I will be doing it on I think it would help a lot, you know? And I don't know how to take the wheel off anyway.)

Also, how long does it take you to sort out a puncture? It looked like a long process in the video, I wasn't expecting it to be so involved.

Thank you!

Hi taxing,
Welcome to the forums. Maintenance on a bike may be time consuming but it is well worth it. They should be able to show you everything you need to know, atleast I would show my customer the basics. Write down all the questions you may have and take that list with you. They should be more then willing to help you out as you did buy the bike from them.

Hope this helps ,
Bill

P.S. Wow I just hit 900 posts!!!! Woot

[GeorgeET]

Hi welcome I assume you are in England, location in bio is always interesting.

As per info do not be shy you are spending good money there ask them anything you want to know. Also ask them about free service for the first few months for readjustments etc.

As per flat repair perhaps there are service lessons given somewhere. I carry a spare tube with me when I ride they are cheap . The fixing is at home if its obvious. Do not bather with the water basin flat finding. Sometimes I dip them in my pool to find leak. Most of the work is in taking one side of the tire of the rim so you can get the tube out. Some tires are stiffer than others and will require tire leavers. For removal you usually have to release the brakes to open them up nower days its usually a quick release skewer. Its important that they are reinstalled tight. Reinstall wheel so its centered on frame. Careful not to pinch the tube and get another flat. :-))

Check this site Repair Guide and Sheldons site for great info.
http://sheldonbrown.com/flats.html
http://www.sheldonbrown.com/

BTW where was the sea otter photo taken?

[taxing]

Thank you! I'll ask at the shop, and taking in a list of questions is a great idea. I've got a bad memory.

George - I've updated my bio to add location, you're right, I am in England. Thanks for the links and advice! I have no idea about the otter picture, it's one of those ones that can be found all over the internet. They're holding hands.

[trevgbb]

Also ask them to fit puncture resistance tyres and self sealing tubes if not already on, most shops will do this for a minimal charge if they can use the old ones, also most shops will offer a free service after 2/3 weeks use.