DIY Soviet bike repair

It may very well be that you have an old Soviet bicycle lying around on the mezzanine (in the closet, in the garage, in the country house, ...). It may also be that right now you are diligently paying interest on a loan for a new yacht and there is no excess cash left for a new bike. Or you are purely aesthetically pleasing to look at the bicycles of that era. In this case, you have an amazing opportunity to bring your old bicycle back to life and show off the streets of your hometown, the fields and villages of your home country on a unique machine!

As a rule, they are engaged in the revival of old bicycles of the HVZ (Kharkov Velo Plant) production: Sport-Highway, Start-Highway and Champion-Highway, Sputnik, Tourist, Champion, Starton. The revival and modernization of other bicycles or bicycles made in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine during the perestroika times is also possible, but it is of less interest due to the poorer quality of the “source material”. However, the only limitation is your desire.

First of all, since the bicycle has survived to this day since its release, for example, in the 60s of the 20th century, this already speaks of its durability. Modern bicycles with aluminum parts are lighter but also wear out significantly faster than their steel predecessors.

Further, the degree of modernization required depends on the condition of the particular bike and your desire to modernize it. The better the initial state, the less you need to change. In most cases, the wheels are completely changed - the technology does not stand still, and the rim is very susceptible to wear, hardly preserved in good condition. The greatest difficulties are caused by the carriage and shifters.

A correctly assembled carriage and connecting rods on the wedges do not loosen up, do not play, no matter what those who did not really use them say on the forums. Straight arms decide everything. But the carriage is one of the most worn out units, so it makes sense to replace it with a modern cartridge one. This is where the difficulty arises - the fact is that at different times different manufacturers made carriages of different diameters with different types of threads. It is not at all a fact that a modern cartridge can be installed without additional effort. It is often necessary to cut the thread with a special tap. Sometimes special adapters are made from a larger diameter to a smaller one.

Difficulties with shifters are as follows. These are sports bicycles or those close to them with a curved "ram" road handlebar. Mountain brake levers and shifters available in almost every store are not suitable. The most convenient way to use the combined road monoblocks is shifter + brake lever. But they are expensive, and usually they seek to update the bike with minimal investment. In addition, bicycles of those times were supplied with 3-5 stars, and now less than 7 is difficult to find. Hence the need to either unbend the frame, or select shifters for working with a ratchet for 5-6 stars, or come up with original combinations of popular components for mountain workers.

Sometimes, in addition to the frame, they weld on the couplings for attaching V-break brakes, bottle holders, mounts for additional switch cables. This is already a matter of taste / needs. For example, vibrake brakes are easier to find than suitable U-shaped tick brakes if family members have fallen into disrepair. If there is an opportunity and does not care too much about the appearance, then it is easier to weld the mounts than to look for cantilever brakes with long “legs” (the distance from the mount to the rim is more than 5 cm.).

The result of the neat upgrade looks very attractive (the grace of the thin steel frame and narrow wheels) and rolls better on the pavement than the MTB. Of course, the bike is not for competition - sports and extreme loads require a completely different technique. As a rule, such bicycles after recovery are closest to the class of tourist (touring, "touring") or road bikes for training (weight from about 11kg). However, variants of a city bike with a high seating position and a straight handlebar are also not uncommon.

These upgraded bicycles are often referred to as “crocodiles”. Why it is so difficult to say. Maybe the name came from the fact that HVZ bicycles, popular for modernization, were originally green. Or the first ones restored were so scary. A very plausible version is that this is how FIDO called any old-school bike modified by the owner to something unique (now it would be called a custom bike), later the name spread to all modernized bicycles.

It may seem that the restoration of old bicycles is exclusively domestic entertainment. Still, HVZ. but as you saw in a couple of links above, English-speaking countries are also busy reanimating old bikes and customizing.

In conclusion, a few examples of "crocodiles" describing the process of their modernization.

A very detailed description of the retrofit process for this bike from a professional workshop:

Description of the modernization and its discussion on the forum.

Discussion: there is also a link to large photographs of individual nodes.

Description and discussion on the forum:

Modernization towards a hybrid

Another all-terrain vehicle.

It is extremely important for the owner of a bicycle to know that his transport is constantly in good condition. The life and health of the owner may ultimately depend on how reliably the bicycle works, because suddenly the brakes fail suddenly can provoke an accident. It is possible and necessary to turn to professionals, but in the life of every cyclist there comes a moment when a critical mass of knowledge about the structure of a bicycle has been reached and you can do routine maintenance and minor repairs of the bike yourself. In order for the bulkhead process to go as smoothly as possible, and the bike only gets better, you should follow these tips.

Like other repair and maintenance work, bicycle repairs cannot be carried out without a set of necessary tools... Each cyclist should have a basic set so that he can carry out routine repairs of the bike on his own:

• Wrenches - preferably several sizes in a set.
• Hex keys are included.
• Screwdrivers - both Phillips and slotted screwdrivers are needed.
• Pliers in stock.
• Scissors and clamps.
• Tweezers and mallet.
• End caps.

In addition to the basic tools, the craftsmen recommend gradually increasing their number and adding to their working box: a squeeze for the chain, ratchet and socket wrench, spoke wrench, chain brush and other important bicycle tools.

In addition to the listed tools, it is also necessary to prepare a sufficient base Supplies: oil of various types (each of which is needed for a great part - forks, for oil seals, for chain and pedals), brake fluid and hydraulic oil, solvent and cleaner to fight dirt. All these fluids will not only make the process of caring for your bike much easier, but also keep it in perfect condition.

A bicycle is a complex mechanism that requires regular, gentle lubrication to ensure that all parts function properly. The bike enthusiast should know what to lubricate (and this is the carriage, and the hinge assemblies, and bearings, and the bushing, and pedals) and what exactly to lubricate (only a special lubricant should be used for each part).

The following lubricants are used to lubricate the bicycle:

• The aerosol is suitable for treating articulated joints, as well as chains and cables in the event that emergency care is required and there is no time for full lubrication.
• Liquid lubricant (for example, I5A oil) is intended for the chain and drum of the rear hub. The peculiarity of such a lubricant is its point application, which makes it a preferable option. But for riding in the cold, it is not suitable, since it hardens quickly in the cold and makes it difficult for the mechanism to work properly.
• Grease is more suitable for lubricating bearing assemblies and threads.

When starting to sort out a bicycle, you need to be prepared for the fact that every detail in it will require attention and sufficient knowledge about its structure.

The process of caring for a frame is, first of all, in keeping it clean. That is why it is extremely important to completely clean the frame of foreign dirt and dust before rebuilding the bike in order to avoid problems with dirt particles getting into the working mechanisms.

ADVICE! Washing under running water with a soft sponge and soapy water is ideal for preparing the frame for bulkhead.

Inspecting the most delicate and damaged areas for cracks or chips is a necessary step to avoid future problems. Experienced cyclists advise Especially carefully inspect the following parts: head tube, bottom bracket tube, rear suspension and chain stays of the rear triangle. If scuffs or chips of paint are found on the frame, then they must be quickly painted over: spray paint does an excellent job with this task.

Bicycle steering column.

The nuances of the column bulkhead process directly depend on its type: if in integrated columns operating on industrial bearings, it is enough to carry out a timely lubricant change, then for a semi-integrated ball bearing column it is necessary to replace worn balls on time. A clear signal to replace a part is considered to be the characteristic creak of the head tube and the difficulty with turning the wheel.

Bicycle repair is not complete without fork maintenance, namely, changing oil, oil seals, pistons or springs, as well as regularly cleaning the legs and anthers from road dirt. Experts note that in the process of caring for the suspension, it is extremely important not to damage the ring springs, which will serve as a kind of protection for the fork from foreign dirt and dust particles.

Suspension - the mechanism is quite delicate and requires special attention, therefore, the masters do not recommend sorting or repairing it yourself. And if the owner himself can carry out the current care, then the bulkhead of the cartridges should be entrusted to a professional master.

The bike chain is the second part that needs regular care... If there is a special lock on the chain, removing the chain is not a problem, but even if it is absent, it can be easily removed using a special chain squeeze. Cleaning the chain from dirt, lubricating the rollers and checking the tension is an elementary but necessary maintenance of the chain.

The system is cleaned, as well as the chain, using a special solvent. And when assembling it, it is extremely important to observe the correct setting of the stars: so that the special pin on the middle star looks at the carriage.

Cassette, that is rear sprocket set, also needs regular cleaning with a solvent from dirt and dust. With the help of a special device - a puller, the process of removing and installing the cassette is not difficult even for an inexperienced cyclist.

For bulkhead ratchet a similar principle works: an industrial bearing is simply washed and relubricated, and a ball bearing is checked for damage to the balls, changed if necessary, washed and lubricated. This maintenance guarantees a significant improvement in the overall performance of the bicycle mechanism.

Since the ride comfort depends on the switches and their adequate operation, their bulkhead should be carried out especially carefully. The correct positioning of the mechanism relative to the system and the cassette stars, as well as the correct adjustment of the screws limiting the foot travel - the required minimum adjustment after the bulkhead. In addition, it is important to lubricate and clean the torsion and tension springs of the rollers in time, and also to check the degree of tension in the cable.

Carriage design, both integrated and cartridge, considered virtually non-separable, but in practice, craftsmen sometimes disassemble them for routine care. When rebuilding the carriages, it is important to remember the location of the parts: two cups of an industrial bearing must occupy the strictly designated places.

Maintenance of shifters consists in regularly cleaning the mechanism and replacing the lubricant with a new one, and since this mechanism experiences low loads, it is enough to service it once a season. It is important to pay due attention not only to the shifter itself, but also to the cables, rubbing them with oil and guaranteeing a soft slide inside the mechanism.

Bicycle brake system.

Since the brakes are a guarantee of traffic safety and the preservation of the life of the cyclist, timely maintenance of the brake system can be considered essential in the process of rebuilding a bicycle. It is carried out in three directions:

• Bulkhead calipers, checking the condition of the pistons and replacing them, if necessary, with new ones. Difficulties in the work of calipers are noticeable to the naked eye: usually it is not strong enough and too long braking and the failure of the handle. Finding the cause and fixing it will solve all problems.
• Brake Lever Device primitive: body, handle and piston - but there can also be difficulties here, for example, with o-rings. If necessary, the craftsmen replace both the pistons and the O-rings.
• Bleeding brake fluid in the brake line - this is a normal process for rebuilding a bicycle. Loss of homogeneity of the pumped liquid can lead to disruptions in the adequate operation of the braking system, and a timely replacement guarantees the safety of the cyclist and reliable operation of the entire braking system.

• A reliable brake is the key to your safety. Learn how to adjust and tune your brakes. Discover.
• Are your bike brakes squeaky? Find out how to get rid of this problem.

It is the bicycle pedals that are considered the most delicate mechanism, therefore they wear out faster than others. It is as simple as possible to check their work: for this, it is enough to turn the pedals a couple of times. Cranking too slowly or stopping quickly is a sign of insufficient lubrication. The pedals should be disassembled traditionally: from the end, sorting out the already familiar ball or industrial bearings according to the standard scheme.

ADVICE! For contact pedals, it is important not to forget about the obligatory lubrication of the springs, otherwise the shoes will snap too tightly, which will create difficulties when riding.

Since the wheels are considered to be the most loaded part of a bicycle, then a little more attention should be paid to them. A timely bulkhead and maintenance of the bike guarantees not only comfortable riding, but also a long service life of the mechanisms. Industrial Bearing Bushings can be sorted out rarely, once in two seasons is quite enough: this can be explained by a large margin of safety. But mechanisms with ball bearings should be sorted out once a season in order to replace the balls with dents or scuffs if necessary.

In the pursuit of bike lightening, manufacturers often skimp on rims, making them less and less durable. This can lead to such an unpleasant phenomenon as rim runout: for example, traditional axial (figure eight) or radial (in which the wheel resembles an egg).This problem is corrected using a special key for the spokes: after removing the tire, the spokes are pulled in the direction opposite to the curvature.

ADVICE! In this case, it is important to tighten the spokes on one side and loosen them on the other: this will guarantee the normal rigidity of the wheels.

• Is your wheel bent and don't know how to fix it? The article "How to fix a figure eight on a bicycle wheel" will help you.
• How to tighten your bicycle spokes. Discover.

In addition to routine maintenance and unscheduled breakdowns, the bike also has a so-called natural wear and tear, that is, a certain part becomes unusable and needs to be replaced after a certain number of kilometers. Experts advise paying attention to the wear of the following parts:

Bicycle repair and proper care will prolong their life and guarantee safe and comfortable movement. For many cyclists, self-care of their bike becomes not only interesting and rewarding, but also a pleasant experience, allowing them to feel their worth and independence.

• It is best to repair a bicycle if you have a special rack at home for such procedures.
• How to get rid of the squeakiness of the bike when pedaling? Discover.
• How to clean a rusty bike: my.housecope.com/wp-content/uploads/ext/3085/rzhavchina-na-velosipede

Regular inspection and repair of the bike is a guarantee that the owner of this vehicle will be alive and well, no force majeure will happen to him. Many people prefer to contact professionals for preventive maintenance of the bicycle, but it is quite possible to prepare the vehicle for use with their own hands.

Before starting routine bike repairs, you need to stock up on certain tools. They will come in handy in any case and will last a long time. Basic tools for bicycle maintenance:

• hex keys of different sizes - it is advisable to purchase them immediately in a set;
• wrenches of different sizes - it is advisable to buy a set;
• screwdrivers - you will need both Phillips and slotted;
• pliers of different sizes;
• tweezers;
• mallet;
• end nozzles;
• scissors;
• clamps.

These tools and devices should always be available, because they may be needed at any time. In addition to the above, it is worth buying:

• bicycle chain brush;
• sleeve wrench;
• a squeeze for a bicycle chain;
• ratchet wrench;
• spoke key.

Consumables are also a necessary tool for the repair and maintenance of bicycles - they should not only be always available, but also in sufficient quantities. Consumables in this case include:

• brake fluid;
• oil for various parts;
  Note:you need oil for every part - forks, chains, pedals and so on.
• solvents;
• cleaners;
• hydraulic oil.

All these consumables will help not only to repair the bike in a quality manner, but also to keep your vehicle in almost perfect condition. Particular attention should be paid to lubricants - their choice on the market is simply huge, you can trust the sellers, but with caution. In order not to be mistaken, you should remember the following recommendations of specialists:

1. Any liquid lubricant (I5A oil, for example) is suitable only for processing the rear bushing drum and chain. Such a lubricant has an individual feature - it is excellent for spot application. But there is one critical point - if you plan to ride a bicycle in the cold season, then liquid lubricant cannot be used, since at subzero temperatures it quickly hardens and complicates the operation of mechanisms.
2. If there is no time for full-fledged repair work, but it is urgent to lubricate the chain and cables, then aerosol lubricants can be used.They instantly restore the operation of all hinge joints, they are simple to operate - even a child can handle the job.
3. For the processing of threads and bearing assemblies, the use of thick grease will be the best option.

In order to properly sort out a bike, you need to know the purpose of each detail and be able to carefully examine them.

The most important thing in caring for a bike frame is keeping it clean. Therefore, before proceeding with the bulkhead of the vehicle, it is necessary to thoroughly clean the frame from dirt, dust and peeling paint so that these particles do not get into the mechanisms and make them unusable. The best way to clean your bike frame is to wash it with a warm soapy solution.

The only way to avoid problems when using a bicycle is to carefully examine the wound for cracks and chips. Experts recommend paying special attention to the upper stays of the rear triangle, the head tube, the rear suspension and the bottom bracket when examining. If, when examining the bike frame, scuffs and paint chips are found, then they must be eliminated - it is advisable to use paint from a spray can for this, having previously cleaned the place from rust, dust and paint residues.

The rules for rebuilding the steering column of a bicycle depend only on its type - if an integrated column is installed, then you only need to lubricate it, but with a semi-integrated steering column with a ball bearing mechanism, it will be necessary to replace not only the lubricant, but also the balls. There is even a direct sign of the need to replace parts - during the operation of the bicycle, the creak of the head tube will be clearly audible and problems with turning the wheel will appear.

It is imperative that when servicing a two-wheeled vehicle, special attention is paid to the fork - you need to regularly clean your feet and boots from road dirt, if necessary, replace oil seals, pistons, springs and lubricant.

Please note that when servicing the bike fork, it is very important not to damage the ring springs - they act as protection against dust particles and external dirt.

Craftsmen do not recommend cleaning and repairing the suspension yourself - its mechanism is quite complex and requires certain knowledge and experience. But even if you managed to sort out the suspension yourself, then let a professional carry out the replacement of cartridges.

The bicycle chain also needs regular maintenance - it is removed with the help of a special squeeze, if there is a lock on the chain, and if it is absent, then the process is carried out manually. The chain is cleared of dirt, its tension is checked, the rollers are lubricated - this is the necessary minimum of work that needs to be done.

The system must be cleaned with a special solvent (this liquid can also be used when working with a chain). It is imperative to make sure that when assembling the system, the sprockets are put in the right order - be guided by the special pin on the middle star, which should "look" at the carriage.

A set of rear sprockets (called a cassette) must be removed with a puller and thoroughly cleaned of dirt and dust - this work is not difficult even for an inexperienced cyclist.

The bulkhead of the ratchet consists in washing and lubricating an industrial bearing, if a ball mechanism is installed, then it is carefully examined, if necessary, parts are replaced. After this maintenance, the bike mechanism will perform much better.

The comfort of the cyclist when the vehicle is moving depends on the gearshift switches. It is not recommended to carry out their maintenance yourself; it is better to entrust the work to professionals. But if you decide to sort out the gear selectors with your own hands, then you will need to correctly adjust the screws that limit the travel of the foot. Be sure to pay attention to the correct installation of the mechanism in relation to the systems and stars.Do not forget about regularly checking the cable tension.

In general, the carriage is designed in such a way that it cannot be disassembled. But in reality, many craftsmen disassemble it for routine maintenance.

Note: if the carriage is being overhauled, then you need to remember the original location of all its parts and industrial bearing cups - they must fit exactly into place during assembly.

The peculiarity of the shifters is that during the operation of the bicycle they experience a minimum load - this allows them to be serviced once a whole season. When working with them, you will need to clean the entire mechanism, lubricate it. We must not forget about the cables - they are wiped with a special oil, which ensures their soft sliding inside the mechanism.

Bicycle brakes are the safety of vehicle operation, therefore, they need to be given special attention when servicing. Experts believe that when bulkheading a bicycle, working with the braking system is the most important process.

The work with the braking system should be carried out in three directions:

1. Checking the pistons, overhauling the calipers and, if necessary, replacing parts with new ones. It is very easy to detect problems in the work of the calipers - the cyclist will note the "failure" of the brake lever and unreasonably long braking of the vehicle.
2. The brake lever should be fully disassembled. And although its design is simple (handle, body and piston), problems can occur - for example, O-rings often fail. If such a problem is found, the rings must be completely replaced.
3. Checking the brake fluid in the hydraulic line. This stage must be carried out, because even a change in the structure of the brake fluid (it often loses its homogeneity) can lead to malfunctions in the brake system.

The pedals are the most delicate part of the entire bike, but the load on them is always the maximum. To check their work, it will be enough to scroll them with your hand. If the pedals spin too slowly or stop too quickly, then you need to disassemble and lubricate them. This process is carried out classically - disassembly is carried out from the end, carefully examining the bearing mechanism.

Note: some models of bicycles have clipless pedals. When overhauling them, it is very important to thoroughly lubricate the springs, otherwise, the shoes will snap too tightly..

Wheels are also parts of the bike that are constantly subjected to increased stress. Points to consider when rebuilding wheels:

• bushings with industrial bearings need to be sorted out once every two seasons - they have a huge margin of safety;
• bushings with ball bearings are sorted out before each season - the balls can be dents and scuffs, which implies their replacement;
• the rims are checked for curvature and if this problem is found, the spokes are pulled in the opposite direction.

Cyclists need to know more than just repairing and regularly maintaining their vehicle. it is very important to pay attention to the wear of some parts in time and immediately eliminate the problems. What parts of bicycles do experts recommend paying attention to:

• bearings;
• transmission;
• frame;
• brake system;
• wheels;
• suspensions.

An article giving some advice on how to modernize old Soviet bicycles or how to make a practical new bike from an old one with your own hands. When writing, I used my own experience.

A wide variety of bicycles from a wide variety of brands are currently on the market. From our Stealths and Forwards to car brands models. There are very simple ones that can be bought for four thousand rubles or even less, there are also fancy expensive bicycles. There are mountain ones, there are city ones, there are stunt ones.But many of us still have old and good Soviet bicycles that have proven themselves quite well. Of course, no equipment can serve for a long time without repair. And Soviet bicycles are no exception. Let us examine below what can be specifically improved on Soviet bicycles.

First of all, we highly recommend replacing the wedge system with a square one. The carriage cups will remain the same or you will buy the same ones - the carriage shaft for a square is compatible with them, like the bearings. The latter, importantly, need to be made in bulk - the clips in the carriage quickly collapse, which causes backlash and even partial jamming of the system. The transition to the system under the square will already allow you to buy very decent imported pedals.

Also note that if this is your first time buying a bogie and square crank arms, you will definitely need to purchase a special crank puller and also a wrench for tightening the nuts with which the connecting rods are attached to the shaft. Sellers need to be aware of these tools. More expensive tools should be purchased, since cheap ones may not withstand the load at the first use.

Further, the torpedo-type rear hub should be replaced with at least a KT-305 or Shimano if you find one with a suitable length. The distance between the locknuts should be 110mm. Or something like that.

If you put the connecting rods under a square and an imported rear bushing, then it is also advisable to buy an imported chain, since foreign-made sprockets are narrower, designed for just imported chains.

The handlebars can be left the same, as can the stem and the fork. In the worst case, you will need bearings for the steering column, but buying them is not a problem. Sometimes you may need to replace the stem anyway - just ask the seller which stems are suitable for old Soviet bicycles.

To increase comfort, you should also purchase a new high-quality seat. Here we will not specifically advise anything, since everyone selects such a seat on which it will be more comfortable.

Of course, we recommend replacing the rubber with a better one. Even very good tires from manufacturers such as Continental and Schwalbe are now on sale.

If we talk about the frame, then it should be repainted. This can be the most difficult task, especially if you have to brush off old paint. The frame can be painted, for example, with Miranol enamel. Preferably in three layers.

What will happen in the end? It is impossible to answer right away, but if all this work is done with sufficient quality, then the bike will change almost beyond recognition. Not every passer-by will understand that this is a Soviet bicycle, and you will notice an increase in ride comfort. Of course, the article is not exhaustive, but only gives basic advice on repairing and improving old Soviet bicycles or how to make a bicycle with your own hands. Good luck with your renovation and creativity!

And now, a little humor, a short story about three unlucky cyclists.

A story about three falls from a bicycle.

We have three avid cyclists in our team. And funny stories constantly happen to them. My story is about three incredible falls of these comrades.

Boris is a good-natured fat man, gull and humorist. By the age of 50, I realized that I just needed to fight overweight and decided to ride a bike to work. According to him, it is cheap, reliable and practical. Boris spent a month getting to and from work without incident. But then the payday came. The guys and I traditionally went to a cafe and comfortably settled down on the summer veranda. We drank beer. And then Boris drives out in his antediluvian "Ukraine". The guys reacted violently: they began to call their colleague, wave their hands to him, whistle.

Our cyclist, smiling at all 32 teeth, waves back and drives by. But then, apparently, he wanted to say something, turned his head, only began to shout. And then on his way there was an open storm sewer hatch.The front wheel was in the hatch, and Borya himself rolled head over heels over the steering wheel along the road. The whole company of us rushed to the place of an incredible somersault of our friend. And Boris, wiping the blood from his torn ear, says:

- Here's a living example - alcohol is harmful to health. And not only for the one who uses it, but also for those around them. Well, judge: you wouldn't have gone to drink beer, you would not have distracted me from the road. Wouldn't distract me from the road - I would have noticed the hatch. And having noticed the hatch, I would not tumble now. Hence the conclusion - beer is harmful to your and my health.

Everyone was very happy with Boriska's joke. He jokes - that means he will live.

Vasya is a very stingy person, although he prefers to call himself economical. Once on one of my birthdays, our whole brigade went down to the sea and had a picnic. And my birthday coincided with the payday. Even at the checkpoints, I told the guys:

- Do not receive money from an ATM today. Let's have a drink and some fun. You never know. But Vasya decided to withdraw the entire pay, arguing this as follows:

“The bankers have nothing to profit from the working class. The bank will turn my money all day long. No, I'd rather hide the money in my bike.

No sooner said than done. Vasily removes the handle on the steering wheel, rolls up a stack of bills and sticks it into a hollow tube. Then the handle is put in place. OK, I would never have guessed.

We had a great time and went our separate ways. But three of our company decided to continue the banquet and invited Vasya with them. Vasily never refused a freebie. And the next morning, all rumpled, unshaven, with a terrible headache, almost crying with frustration, Vasya says:
- Okay, I lost my bike, okay, the money was gone. But after all, someone rides my bike and does not even suspect about the bonus of 4 thousand hryvnia. That's what's offensive.

Tolik in our brigade is the most mischievous. Spent all my paycheck on a mountain bike. The wife asks:
- And there we are.

- Come on, but how many speeds, shock absorbers, on-board computer, - Tolya justifies.

- The computer, you say, chew it, - the wife was offended.

Tolik was very proud of his great. Every day at work, he bragged about his accomplishments.

“This is my maximum speed, and this is the mileage traveled,” Anatoly showed the data on the small screen of his bike.

A cousin brother from Zaporozhye came to visit Tolik. Until that day, they had not seen each other in the eyes. We went to the sea, sat in the park. And Tolik has to go to the night shift. He offered his brother an excursion to the metallurgical plant, and even a night one. It is not far 5 km from home to work. But there is a very steep exit to the embankment. The road there after the renovation is excellent. So we got a springboard for acceleration of 300 meters.

Tolik puts his brother on the frame and lets turn the pedals. Sasha (this is the name of our guest from Zaporozhye) was silent when they passed the intersections "to the red", but when our cyclists rushed from the hill, Sasha began to protest. And Tolik know for yourself, pedals shouting: "We are going to the record" And then at the very end of the descent, an old man on a motorcycle with a sidecar stalled and delves into his miracle of technology.

Tolya and Sasha got into his carriage and drove in. They flew about 15 meters, successfully landed on the grass, sit, come out of a state of shock. And then Tolya gives out:

- Damn, and where did this grandfather come from? Only two kilometers to the record was not enough.

Sashka got up, dusted himself off, looked at Tolik and said:

- Tol, are you normal at all? You almost killed us, but you feel sorry for the record.
He waved his hand and went to the bus stop.

And when Tolik came home from shift, he was gone. There is a note on the table: thank you for everything, but I’m not going to touch you anymore.

And the bike really turned out to be of high quality. After an accident at a speed of 58 km / h, only the front wheel was replaced.

Cyclists must keep their vehicles in good condition. This is the only way the bike will continue to work reliably, which means you don't have to worry about safety.You will have to resort to the help of professionals, but it is recommended to fix minor faults with your own hands. To make the repairs go smoothly, and the bike only worked better after it, it is worth using the tips that will be discussed.

To repair a bicycle at home, you will have to purchase a minimum of tools:

• wrenches of various sizes;
• hexagon;
• set of pliers;
• mallet and tweezers;
• slotted screwdrivers and Phillips;
• clamps and scissors;
• end nozzles.

Bike owners should have these tool kits. But, over time, their arsenal will certainly be replenished: with a sleeve wrench and a wrench for removing the chain, a ratchet and spoke wrench, a chain cleaner, a brush and others.

To repair a bicycle at home with your own hands, you will need to stock up on consumable materials that will make it easier to take care of the transport and help keep it in almost perfect condition. The base is gradually replenished: all kinds of oils (for different parts), solvents and brake fluid, dirt cleaner and hydraulic oil.

A bike is a complex mechanism, so it needs to be lubricated regularly and carefully to be sure that the parts work properly. The owner of such a vehicle must know what kind of lubricant this or that part is lubricated.

The following lubricants are used:

• aerosol. They will be needed if you need to lubricate cables, chains, articulated joints;
• liquid lubricants of the I5A type, applied pointwise. They are intended for lubrication of drums, chains, rear bushings. But you cannot ride on this grease in the cold season, because due to solidification at low temperatures, it impairs the performance of the bike;
• exclusively thick lubricants are used for machining threads and bearings.

If you decide to go over the bike with your own hands, get ready for the fact that every detail will require knowledge about the device and attention.

The main condition for caring for it is to keep it clean. You need to clean the frame after each ride, especially if it took place in bad weather: snow, rain. You should pay attention to this if you are repairing your bike at home with your own hands. It must be cleaned of dust and dirt before the bulkhead begins. This precaution is justified by the fact that dirt does not get into the working mechanisms.

The ideal solution before the bulkhead is to wash the frame in soapy water under running water using a sponge. When the frame is washed, inspect it for chips and cracks, which may turn into a problem in the future. If cracks or scuffs are found, they need to be painted over. You can use spray paint, which copes with this task easily.

They check with particular care: the bottom bracket tube, as well as the head tube, upper triangles of the rear and rear suspension.

To carry out repairs at home with your own hands, it is important to know that the bulkhead of this unit has nuances that depend directly on the type of column. For integrated speakers, timely lubrication is the key to reliable operation. It is more difficult with an integrated ball bearing column, where it is necessary to replace balls that have become unusable in time, which is warned by a creak appearing in the head tube and difficulties when turning the wheel.

Repairing your bike at home won't do without tuning the fork. It requires replacement of old oil, worn springs, pistons, oil seals. In addition to preventive or scheduled repairs, it is necessary to regularly clean anthers and feet from contamination. When starting repairs at home, you need to focus on not breaking the ring springs, which serve as a kind of protection against the penetration of dust and dirt particles into the plug.

Experts do not advise to start repairing this part of the bike with your own hands, knowing that the mechanism is delicate. It is more correct to entrust the bulkhead of cartridges to an experienced master. But it is advisable to carry out the current repair of the house yourself.

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A transmission is understood as a set of assemblies and parts: cassette, chain, ratchet, speed switch. The bike chain is the second in line, requiring regular maintenance. If there is a special lock, then it is not difficult to remove the chain. If not, you will have to use a squeeze to help remove the chain easily. The rules for caring for this part include cleaning the chain from dirt, checking the tension and lubricating the rollers.

As with chain cleaning, systems are cleaned with special solvents. The main thing is not to disturb the installation of the sprockets during assembly: the middle pin should look at the carriage.

A set of rear sprockets, called a cassette, is also cleaned of dirt and dust using solvents. For this, a puller is used - a special device with which it is easier to remove and install cassettes even for a cyclist without experience.

The method is similar: industrial bearings are washed, then lubricated and returned to their original place. The balls of ball bearings are inspected for deformation, replaced (if damage is found), washed, installed in their original place, having previously lubricated. The mechanism of the bicycle, if the work is done correctly, will work better.

Since ride comfort is dependent on the proper functioning of the switches, they should be treated with special care: correctly adjust the feet, travel limiting screws, sprockets. In addition to the minimum of steps required for the bulkhead, timely lubrication of the torsion and tension springs of the rollers is needed. Added to this is cable tension control.

Despite the fact that integrated carriages, like cartridge ones, refer to non-separable structures, the carriages are disassembled for routine maintenance. It is important, when doing this at home with your own hands, to remember the location of the elements.

Since the shifters are a mechanism that experiences insignificant loads, it is enough for it to be serviced once a season. It consists in cleaning and replacing used lubricants. At the same time, attention should be paid to the cables: wipe with oil in order to get a smooth sliding inside the mechanism.

Belong to the brake system: brake levers, hydraulic lines, calipers.

Brakes guarantee the life of the owner of the bike. Therefore, you should not be convinced that they should be in order. This is impossible without regular maintenance, therefore, the brake system needs care in three directions: calipers, brake levers, brake fluid is pumped through the hydraulic lines.

At the first stage, the condition of the pistons is checked. Replace parts with new ones if necessary. It is easy to notice malfunctions in the operation of the calipers: they are evidenced by long and weak braking, as well as the failure of the handle. Solving the problem in eliminating the malfunctions that have appeared.

The brake lever has a primitive structure: body, piston, handle. The O-ring can cause complexity. If you can't repair it at home, contact the craftsmen who will replace the pistons and rings.

When repairing a bike at home, you will have to pump the brake fluid. This is normal for a bulkhead. The brake fluid must be homogeneous. If this property is lost, the brakes may malfunction, which is dangerous for the cyclist. A timely replacement guarantees the reliability of braking and the safety of the rider.

Despite their simplicity, the pedals are considered to be a delicate mechanism. And, since the load on them is significant, wear and tear occurs soon. It is easy to check the operation of the pedals, so it is recommended to do it at home with your own hands. After scrolling the pedals, watch how much they spin and stop quickly. If they stop soon, but spin slowly, lubrication is needed. The pedals are disassembled from the end, and sorted out according to the standard scheme for industrial and ball bearings.

In order not to tightly snap the shoes into the contact pedals, which creates inconvenience when driving, lubrication of the springs is required for them.

Wheels are the most stressed part of the bike. This means that it requires the greatest attention. When going over the bike and doing repairs with your own hands, do not forget about the wheels, the good condition of which guarantees ride comfort and a long service life of the mechanisms.

It is often not necessary to sort out bushings with industrial bearings - it is enough to do it once in two seasons. Ball bearings require bulkheads more often - once a season with a bulkhead of balls, i.e. discarded worn and dents.

To gain weight, i.e. to reduce it, bicycle owners often choose less durable ones. But this is fraught with the appearance of the beating of the rims: figure eight (axial) and radial, when the shape of the rim resembles an egg. A special spoke wrench helps to fix the problem at home with your own hands: after removing the tire, the needles are pulled in the opposite direction to the curvature.

Important: When carrying out such a bike repair at home, the spokes must be loosened on the one hand, and tightened on the other, so that the wheels maintain normal rigidity.

Along with scheduled maintenance, unplanned breakdowns occur, called natural wear and tear. Parts that have become unusable must be replaced.

You need to pay attention to the following details:

Do-it-yourself bike repair at home will extend the life of the vehicle and make the ride safe and comfortable. Do-it-yourself bike repair at home for many is a way that helps to feel their worth and independence, it becomes an interesting hobby and useful.