Given the fact that I’ve been riding The Mule 90 percent of the time since November, it’s not surprising that this bike is beat up. All that sand and salt and crud has taken a toll. I took in to my local bike shop for some TLC. Here’s what the to do list:
- Replace the bent handlebar, brake levers, and bar tape (damaged in a crash last winter)
- True both wheels
- Clean and adjust brakes (front caliper was sticking)
- Replace the pulley wheels in rear derailer (they squealed like crazy. One has teeth that were worn to points)
- Replace bottom bracket (I could feel crunchiness every time I pedaled)
- Replace chain and cassette
- Tune up whatever is left to tweak
Fortunately, the shop’s winter service deals were still going on so I got a break on the labor. I also put my WABA membership to use to get a ten percent discount on all the new parts. (Basically, the membership just paid for itself.)
The bike will be ready next weekend.
In the meantime, Big Nellie will do service as my bike commuter. Fortunately, we will be having a spate of springlike weather for the next several days. Just the thing for a little laid back riding.
A Few Spokes Shy of a Wheel 