Changing a tire, cleaning a chain, lubing your bike — that's about as basic as bike maintenance gets. Yet it is amazing how many cyclists are completely dumbfounded when they flat on the road, or whine about a rough ride and don't make the connection with their gunk-caked chain.
Scott Dempsey unravels the mysteries of the innertube at last night's Basic Bike Maintenance Clinic in Cary. The clinic repeats tonight in Durham.
Last night at the Cary REI, wrench and certified technician Scott Dempsey spent an hour telling 37 cyclists how a few simple, easy steps can make their cycling lives so much easier. He took the fear out of changing a tire, from how to buy the right innertube to selecting the tire pressure that's right for you. ("It's the best thing you can do to prevent flats.") He discussed degreasers and their various and assorted functions and he assessed the various lubes on the market. ("Triflow is the best universal lube.")
Basic information that can make a world of difference on your ride. If you missed last night's clinic, there's one toinight at the Durham REI, starting at 7. If you can't make it, this clinic repeats frequently. Keep an eye on the Web site for details.
