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How tos »
Cory
Normally, I wouldn’t use such generic terms when titling an entry on this site but, in this case, I think using such general terms is warranted. I visit the Park Tool website once in a while to check out this or that tool, and to see if it’s what I’m looking for when making a quick repair on one of my bikes.
Until yesterday, thanks to the somewhat clunky interface on the site, I completely missed the fact that the Park Tools website has an awesome section devoted to almost every aspect of bike repair. When you visit, check out the drop down menu named ‘Select a region’ and you’ll be able to access what you’re looking for. Odd wording, I know. And while the site doesn’t cover everything (hydraulic brake servicing and fork repair are notably absent), it’s a good starting point if you’re stuck and can’t bring your bike into your local shop.
If you’re looking to harness some of this new found information and start doing most of your own wrenching, I’d recommend picking up a decent manual that you can reference while you’re away from your computer. There are two books that I can safely recommend being worthy purchases: the first is the Park Tool Big Blue Book of Bike Repair; the second and, in my opinion, better guide is Zinn and the Art of Mountain Bike Maintenance.
After you’ve read up on the latest and greatest in bike repair, if you don’t have a huge number of tools already, I’d recommend purchasing a set of tools like the Park BK-2 Roll Up Workshop.
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Interbike is over for another year and, while most observers feel that the cycling industry as a whole is healthier than it has been in ages, the same commentators felt there was less innovation on display this year than in the past. From what I saw of the show I’m inclined to agree, but it’s also important to remember that most of the ‘06 product was leaked well in advance of this year’s trade shows…
After Interbike: The Flood is Upon Us
Anyways, this section will be updated a couple of times with links to sites that are updating with Interbike-related stuff over the next week or so.
Mountain Bike Action: While the MBA website leaves something to be desired, when new content is posted online, it’s usually of decent quality. Richard Cunningham's Interbike wrapup covers some good stuff: the Ibis Mojo, a new seatpost and chain guide from Race Face, a hint about some new downhill tires from Michelin, and a number of words about the Hayes gearbox derailleur system. There aren’t a whole lot of details in the first writeup but all of you gear freaks out there will enjoy the images.
MBA’s second writeup on Interbike has some interesting insights into the activities both of Shimano and SRAM. Both arch-rivals look poised to introduce some slick looking gear in 2007 and beyond. I know, that’s all we need to hear about during the coming year…
Bike: Bike was the other ‘biggie’ that didn’t post anything online during the actual trade show. There’s definitely nothing wrong with this, and the first in a series of updates on their time at the big show is now on the website. In the first part of their recap, Vernon Felton discusses the finer points of the numerous carbon fiber all mountain bikes scheduled to hit the market in the coming year. The writeup also includes some decent shots of the new rides in the Giant lineup.
Bike Magazine’s second Interbike 2005 update discusses new rides from Cannondale and Rocky Mountain and gives some details on the new forks from Manitou (the Intrinsic and the R-Seven). It’ll be interesting to see how well the Intrinsic single crown forks do — there still aren’t that many bikes equipped with 1.5″ headtubes out there…
NSMB.com: NSMB jumps back into the fray with a scathing criticism of Shimano’s recent dual control ad campaign. It’s a perfect way to move into a description of Shimano’s new Saint SL trigger shifter. Also featured in this writeup are new bags, shorts, and helmets from Fox Racing, in addition to the new Race Face chain guide mentioned above.
Blue Collar Mountain Biking: The guys at the Blue Collar weblog started putting words to the insane number of photos they snapped in Vegas. There’s some seriously cool gear on display at their site, including some crazy handlebar contraption that allows you to work those pecs while riding. I need to get RIPPED like that dude.
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