Bike Fitting Page Part 2

I added two websites that should help you fit yourself to a bike and get it adjusted so that it is comfortable for you. I still recommend that you go to a bike shop where they can professionally fit you to a bike.

Bike Fitting Page

I have added a Bike Fitting Page and will update it with some information about fitting a bike soon. If you have any suggestions for pages I should add or have any questions please don't hesitate to comment on any post. Check out the new page!

Bike Adjustments

Today my dad and I put in 44 miles on our road bikes. Throughout the ride I was slightly uncomfortable because my bike is not completely adjusted to me and I am riding on a seat that is new to me. This is me reminding everyone reading that it is very important to make sure your bike fits and is comfortable for you before you ride so that you can enjoy your ride and can get the best workout possible. You can get your bike adjusted at almost every bike repair shop and can even do it yourself if you want.

Recommendation

If you are interested in knowing more about your bike, cleaning, repairing, or you just want to know the names of the parts so you can explain your problems you NEED to get The Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bicycle Repair. It tells you what tools you need for the components on your bike and is extremely helpful with all your bike needs. 

Essential Tools

There are a few tools that you must have to complete the simplest bike repairs, many of which you can find already in your house, especially if you have a standard tool kit. In fact, I don't even have a bike-specific tool kit, but I can get by because of my common bike knowledge, videos on Youtube and by borrowing a few of my friend's and neighbor's tools.

The most important tools that you can own are hex, or Allen wrenches, as well as regular wrenches of many different shapes and sizes. Other important tools to have are screwdrivers, both Phillips and Flat-Head types. But perhaps the most used tool in my house is my multi-tool. It has screwdrivers and hex wrenches of different sizes and types and comes in handy when you are looking for an easy to use tool. On top of that they are small and convenient to carry (I bring mine almost everywhere) and can offer more torque than a conventional hex wrench or screwdriver when tightening or loosening screws.

Brake Adjustments

The brakes, one of the hardest adjustments you can make on your bike. Whether your brakes are rubbing or you need to remove them for cleaning, here are a few tips to help you out.

Tools needed: Depends on your brakes, you may need a wrench, or a hex wrench.

Adjusting your pads: 
1) Loosen the pads with the wrench or unscrew the whole mechanism with the hex wrench for easier adjustment
2)Pull the pads farther away from the wheel and tighten (this may take a lot of time to get right and requires patience)
3)Check to ensure the pads are not rubbing, but are not so far away that they are ineffective

If this doesn't work you may need new pads, which can be purchased at a bike store and replaced there.

Removing your brakes:
1)Disengage your brakes (There will be a lever on the mechanism or a button on the brake lever on your handlebars)  
2)Unscrew the nut that holds the brake mechanism to your frame using the hex wrench
3)Remove from your bike, but make sure you keep all the parts, which will be needed later

Reinstalling your brakes:
1)Position the brakes over the wheel
2)Make sure they are on in the right direction
3)Tighten with the hex wrench, ensuring that the brakes are attached securely but are not damaging your frame   

Adjusting your brake lines:  
*May require two people*
(If your brake lines are loose)
1)Unscrew the nut that clamps the brake line
2)Pull the line and tightening the nut