Conference noted::bicycle

    Every year I completely disassemble my bikes removing all components.
    Each piece is then cleaned and reassembled.  What this does is
    identifies problems you didn't know existed and removing all nuts
    and bolts doesn't allow them to get frozen together.  I don't replace
    any cables, if you are using campy or similar quality cables, they
    should last a few years.  I have never seen one break out of normal
    wear.  If you have inexpensive cables, I recommend replacing with
    a high quality cable.

	As long as you have everything apart, you should consider
	upgrading pieces... No sense in puting the whole thing back
	together and THEN deciding you realy want to change to
	sealed bearing hubs.

				-John W.
				"Well the frame is original equipment..."

    o I've never had the courage or the tools to fool around with the
      internal parts such as hubs, bottom bracket, peddles etc.  But
      whether you do it your self or have a good shop do it, it's well
      worth it.  When I was living on the east coast I found it worth
      it to do it every year if I rode a lot, but with new sealed bearing
      and living in California where it never seems to rain I go every
      couple years.
    
    o Inspect the headset well.  I replaced two on my last bike, each
      after about 6-8 K miles.  When worn if you hold the front wheel
      off the ground it will find it's own spot like it's settling into
      a groove.
      
    o I don't mean to sound like a rich man but if you have had the
      chain for more than 3K miles just throw it away and get a new
      one.  I suggest a Shamino, now they come in either narrow or regular
      width.  I remember reading in Bicycle Mag a story where the author
      was seeing exactly what the pro's use.  He found that most of
      them use a simple Sedisport (~ $5) rather than an expensive one.
      Why?  Because they regard them as too inexpensive to every worry
      about failures, they use them for a few races and then just get
      a new one.
    
    o If you still use toe clips (you won't for long I bet) now is a
      good time to replace the clips (especially you use steal ones).
      I liked the plastic ones, they didn't fatigue and break and also
      looked good if you have black peddles and shoes.  Also replace
      the straps.
    
    o Time to rewrap the bars with new tape.  Most people now seem to
      be using the (slightly) padded ribbon tape.  Since I don't usually
      have trouble with my hands getting sore I use the Benotto plastic
      tape since it's cheaper and looks cool as well.
    
                                   

    re: .0
    
    Yoo Matt.
    
    Knowing the manner in which you "abuse" your bike under "normal"
    riding conditions may I suggest you not only inspect all bearings,
    cones and races but consider replace of the bearings et.al. on as
    needed basis.  You may want to replace your wheel bearings as a
    matter of course (especially considering all the wheel problems
    you have, and inspect the axels to insure they are not bent or broken.
    
    Also check the wear on your chain, front chain rings (any badly
    chipped teeth?) and  require cogs.  Also, if you are really obsessive
    (like me) you can break apart the free-wheel body and check the
    wear, either replacing the bearings or entire body if needed.
    
    Last but not least check the condition of your brake pads, if worn
    unevenly replace... it makes adjusting them so much easier and stopping
    sooo much better.  
    
    Of course, all of this should keep you off the streets till late
    Feb. and provide you with enough "spare parts" to justify buying
    another frame...
    
    jbn --- A frame a year that's all I ask....
    

    What's a good reference book that takes a novice through some of
    these things?  I'd like to do some of this stuff but have never
    done it and would be afraid I couldn't get it back together, or
    recognize if it was bad!
    
    Bob
    

    
         Try Bike Nashbar (Wexford St. in Needham) for books; seems
    i recall seeing some listed in their catalog.  I've no idea how
    good they are.  I've been a tinkerer since childhood, so i have
    very little inhibition about taking apart machines and seldom
    buy a manual for anything less complex than a VCR.  Its more fun
    to figure something out most of the time anyways - if you like
    doing that sort of thing (most folks don't seem to).
        No, you don't need to be naturally "mechanical" to maintain
    a bicycle; you do need a bit of extra patience though and a perhaps
    a good reference book.  Look for one that explains how various
    bicycle assemblies work and what their maintenance involves in
    a general sort of way.  That's probably better than getting a
    book on a specific model or make, as it'll give you a basis from
    which you can figure out the variations on the basic themes. 
    
    Best wishes,
    Andy
    

    The December issue of Cyclist Magazine had an article on bike 
    repair manuals.  I skimmed it, and found that they liked Glenn's
    the best, with Bicycling Magazines Guide to Bike Repair their
    second favorite.
    
    MATT