Graphic by Jody Murray
Do-it-yourself cuts shop costs
A thoughtful bike owner can
quickly repay the investment in
a two-wheeler with periodic
self-repair to avoid bike shop
overhauls that chomp into the
pocketbook.
To those who would much
rather pick up a porcupine than
a screwdriver, self-repair
sounds like a painful proposi
tion. But according to one local
bike mechanic, two simple tasks
will help avoid a mountain of
misery.
"There are two cardinal rules
— keep the chain oiled and keep
the tires inflated,” says Jim
Hagerman, a mechanic at the
Cycle Works at 663 E. 13th Ave.
who has been working with
bikes for four years.
A chain will quickly collect dirt
and water which breaks down
lubrication. Failure to arrest that
process will break down the
chain. The problem is par
ticularly acute with 10-speeds,
Hagerman says.
Tires should be checked
every week or so, says Hager
man. Just like an auto tire, a bike
tire that is under- or over-inflat
ed wears quickly, and the owner
will soon be shopping for a re
placement.
Other adjustments — to the
brakes, wheels, handlebar or
derailleur — can be handled
without the aid of a bike shop. A
set of wrenches, some screw
drivers and a few special bike
tools can be secured for $30-40.
Most bikes are metric, but the
owner should make sure before
purchasing the wrenches.
Although the initial invest
ment in a tool kit may make the
average student wince, Hager
man emphasizes the kit will pay
for itself by cutting down on
trips to the shop.
The key to self-repair is to
become attuned to the "feel” of
your bike, he says. The biker
can then become aware of any
strange sounds or sensations
before they become serious.
However, Hagerman does
suggest that people bring in
their bikes every six months for
a tuneup and once a year for an
overhaul.
A tuneup includes adjusting
the brakes, wheels and bear
ings; checking the wheels for
wobble; and oiling the brake
cable. The operation, minus
new parts, costs about $17.50,
Hagerman says.
An overhaul entails repacking
or replacement of all bearings
and costs about $35. The cost of
replacement parts start at $5.
Strangely enough, one of
Hagerman's most constant
tasks is fixing flat tires. “It's
something most people should
learn to do themselves.”
The money comparison is
simple enough — it costs $3 to
fix a flat at the shop; it costs
$3.50 for a patch kit and set of
tire irons that will fix several
flats. Hagerman suggests using
the irons to remove the tire from
the rim, rather than using a
screwdriver. The latter's sharp
edges could pinch the tube and
put the repairer back at square
one with another flat.
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Bike owners who take the
time to turn a wrench or tighten
a screw can enjoy their bikes for
many years, Hagerman says.
“The better shape you keep it
in, the more fun it is to ride and
the more you’re going to ride it."
By Jody Murray
» M M M — 71
I Celebrate with
, The Book Department
■
Barry Lopez, our celebrated local author, has created Winter Count — a fictional
work of sensibility, power and extraordinary imagination. It is with great pleasure !
that The Book Department offers this fine new book to you at a special price.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Dean Crouser, a 21 -year old junior from
Gresham, Oregon, was named Miller Player
of the Month by U of O s track coach Bill
Dellinger for his outstanding achievements
in the discus and shot. Dean defeated
NCAA champion, Gordon Svwenson with a
throw of 205'11' at L S D awarding him the
3rd ranking discus record at Oregon ever —
just 6 feet away from Oregon's school
record set by Mac Wilkins Ray Burton,
assistant coach, says though Dean takes
his training very seriously, he is extremely
outgoing, "97% joker" and truly the life of
the party.
Miller Brewing Company congratulates
Dean Crouser and wishes him continued
success! Watch for him at the NCAA
meet, June 4th and 5th.
PLAYER OF THE MONTH
SPONSORED BY THE MILLER BREWING COMPANY
Dr
Regularly $9.95
For a limited time only: $7.98
Upstairs in The Book Department
Only at the UO Bookstore.
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