Cycle repairs? I’d rather be pedalling than tackling them

Ihave always known my limits when it comes to bike mechanics. And when I reach those limits, I am more than happy to take my trusty steed down to the bike shop to get it repaired.

Over the years I have learned how to fix many things on a bike, from simple punctures and snapped chains to broken spokes and installing new headsets.

When I first started cycling a lot of these repairs seemed like a dark art that only the initiated were able to complete, but over the years I have picked up tips, hints, and techniques to bring my skills up to a reasonable level.

Now the internet is awash with how-to videos that cover every aspect of fixing a bike that you could wish for. However, I will never be proficient in the art of bike mechanics. It is not that I am not capable, more that I really can’t be bothered.

I have often told people that one day I am going to learn how to build wheels from scratch, but as yet I have never even vaguely tried to do this.

Ultimately, when it comes down to it, I would rather be on my bike pedalling than tinkering in the workshop. While it can save money to do your own repairs, I would rather see my local bike shop profit from my inadequacies as a mechanic than head out on a bike with a half-hearted and potentially faulty repair.

That doesn’t mean I take my bike to the shop every time it has a fault. There are some repairs that are just part and parcel of everyday cycling and need to be learned. Being able to perform a safety check on your bike will highlight many of the basic issues that occur with cycles and then having the knowledge and ability to be able to fix them may mean the difference between being able to ride that day or not. If you are not sure about how to perform a safety check on your bike, do an internet search for Bike Safety Check at www.sustrans.org.uk.

There is a difference, however, between being able to do something and enjoying it.

I can do the dishes but that doesn’t mean I look forward to tackling that greasy pile of plates. I have the same attitude to bike mechanics. I recently had to change the disc-brake pads on one of my bikes (a five-minute job).

But according to my wife, you would think I had been asked to get down on my hands and knees and cut the grass in our garden with nail scissors.

Ultimately my heart is not in it. I’m not sure if that puts me out of step with other cyclists.

Most of my friends seem to revel in stripping their bikes down, rebuilding them and building wheels and such like.

Maybe one day I will get around to taking that wheel-building course, but I suspect I may be too busy out riding my bike.

Join the Blazing Saddles Strava Club at: www.strava.com/clubs/ BlazingSaddlesWeekendCourier

Carrying out a simple safety check before you ride your bike is a great habit to get into.