Maintenance and Troubleshooting

1. Learn how to use the basic tools.

Mastering the use of the simple tools needed to tighten screws, raise/lower the saddle, and perform other such work enables you to respond to a variety of problems you may face on the road.

Phillips and Flat-Head Screwdriver

Using a flat-head screwdriver on a Phillips screw can ruin the screw head and should be avoided. Get used to using the right screwdriver for the job.

Pliers

This is an invaluable maintenance tool for all kinds of work including holding nuts in place and pulling cables.

Monkey Wrench

Normally, 8 to 13 mm open-end wrenches and box end wrenches are used, but a 150 mm monkey wrench can be substituted for these for the sake of portability.

Allen Wrench

4 to 6 mm Allan wrenches are used often on the various parts of the bicycle, particularly on the saddle which is adjusted frequently.

Air Pump

Obtain a pump compatible with the three kinds of valves heads found on different types of bicycles.

Flat Tire Repair Kit

Simple repairs using only a patch to which adhesive has already been applied is becoming the norm.

Tire Lever

A special tire lever is a must for repairing flats. This tool ensures that you do not further damage the inner tube when replacing it with a spare.

Machine Oil

Keeping the chain and cables oiled is one of the basics of maintenance. Over-oiling will cause dirt and other debris to stick to the chain, so you should be careful to always wipe away any excess oil. The axle, crank, gears, and other rotating parts are packed with lubricating grease and should never be oiled. Oiling might cause the grease to flow out of such parts.

2. Making emergency repairs.

Broken Spokes
Frame and Handlebar Deformation

Broken spokes are repaired by replacing them with spares you carry along (requires a special spoke wrench). When replacement is not possible, such as on the freewheel side of the rear wheel, loosen the neighboring spokes on either side to limit rim wobble as much as possible. Since broken spokes are most often caused by running into unexpected holes, rocks, or other road obstacles, vigilance is the best prevention while riding. When there is light damage to the front fork or handlebars, you can return it to close to its original shape by bending it with your strength alone, but this should only be employed as an emergency measure. You should take your bike to a bicycle shop for diagnosis the first chance to get.

Bent Rims
Wire

A temporary measure for providing smooth wheel rotation even after the rims have been deformed by falling into holes or riding over rough surfaces is increasing the spacing of the brake blocks so that the rims can pass through without any friction. This item is invaluable for emergency repairs.

Flat Tires

Replacing a flat with an inner tube you brought along allows for quick repairs. Before installing the new inner tube, make sure there is nothing sticking into the inside or outside of the tire. And always make sure to fill the tire to the proper air pressure. Insufficient tire pressure is one of the primary causes of flats.
3. Problems that can be avoided.

Cable and Chain Breakage
Loose or Missing Screws

You can prevent cycling problems by being very careful to always keep cables and chains oiled and replacing them when they are worn out. Periodically tightening screws and bolts and replacing those that are missing will help avert unexpected problems down the road.

Copyright, 1998-1999 Bicycling Popularization Association of Japan. All rights reserved.

Phillips and Flat-Head Screwdriver
Using a flat-head screwdriver on a Phillips screw can ruin the screw head and should be avoided. Get used to using the right screwdriver for the job.
Pliers
This is an invaluable maintenance tool for all kinds of work including holding nuts in place and pulling cables.
Monkey Wrench
Normally, 8 to 13 mm open-end wrenches and box end wrenches are used, but a 150 mm monkey wrench can be substituted for these for the sake of portability.
Allen Wrench
4 to 6 mm Allan wrenches are used often on the various parts of the bicycle, particularly on the saddle which is adjusted frequently.
Air Pump
Obtain a pump compatible with the three kinds of valves heads found on different types of bicycles.
Flat Tire Repair Kit
Simple repairs using only a patch to which adhesive has already been applied is becoming the norm.
Tire Lever
A special tire lever is a must for repairing flats. This tool ensures that you do not further damage the inner tube when replacing it with a spare.
Machine Oil
Keeping the chain and cables oiled is one of the basics of maintenance. Over-oiling will cause dirt and other debris to stick to the chain, so you should be careful to always wipe away any excess oil. The axle, crank, gears, and other rotating parts are packed with lubricating grease and should never be oiled. Oiling might cause the grease to flow out of such parts.

Broken Spokes	Frame and Handlebar Deformation
Broken spokes are repaired by replacing them with spares you carry along (requires a special spoke wrench). When replacement is not possible, such as on the freewheel side of the rear wheel, loosen the neighboring spokes on either side to limit rim wobble as much as possible. Since broken spokes are most often caused by running into unexpected holes, rocks, or other road obstacles, vigilance is the best prevention while riding.	When there is light damage to the front fork or handlebars, you can return it to close to its original shape by bending it with your strength alone, but this should only be employed as an emergency measure. You should take your bike to a bicycle shop for diagnosis the first chance to get.
Bent Rims	Wire
A temporary measure for providing smooth wheel rotation even after the rims have been deformed by falling into holes or riding over rough surfaces is increasing the spacing of the brake blocks so that the rims can pass through without any friction.	This item is invaluable for emergency repairs.
Flat Tires
Replacing a flat with an inner tube you brought along allows for quick repairs. Before installing the new inner tube, make sure there is nothing sticking into the inside or outside of the tire. And always make sure to fill the tire to the proper air pressure.	Insufficient tire pressure is one of the primary causes of flats.

Cable and Chain Breakage	Loose or Missing Screws
You can prevent cycling problems by being very careful to always keep cables and chains oiled and replacing them when they are worn out.	Periodically tightening screws and bolts and replacing those that are missing will help avert unexpected problems down the road.