For Christmas, my family usually “asks for” things that they want. It is not an ideal situation, but it works for us. This past Christmas, I asked for a bike repair stand, and I did indeed receive a nice one made by Park Tool. I was absolutely thrilled to receive this gift, as I had grand plans to start my own bike maintenance and begin the Bridgestone MB-3 Mixte project; however, over a month after receiving the gift, I have yet to open the box.
I cannot attribute this to laziness, but rather, intimidation. I am suddenly terrified to start my own bicycle maintenance. Once I open the box, I have no excuse to run to the bike shop if I need an adjustment. I will have to try to perform the adjustment/installation/what-have-you myself first. The opening of the box, therefore, symbolizes some level of self-sufficiency, and I am not sure I am ready!
Has anyone else felt this way about doing their own bicycle maintenance? If so, how did you get over the hurdle?
Prima,
Open the box. Put the stand in your living room and put your bike on it. Enjoy it as a practical art piece first. Then start small. First maybe just use it to conveniently oil the chain and shift the gears to see how they are working — the usual simple things you do anyway. Pamper your bike.
After a while, you might tackle an adjustment here and there. This doesn’t mean that you won’t end up at the shop anyway but the more you tinker, the more you learn.
If not, your place has a great conversation starter.
Robin,
Great idea regarding having it start out as a piece of art in my living room! I can definitely see myself progressing from there, like you said. Mid-air shifting, oiling the chain… oh! the possibilities…
I think the unboxing ceremony will be sure to happen the next time I’m home.
I have that same stand. It’s good, but I find it hard to do serious wrenching with it – like trying to release a stuck Bottom Bracket. Good luck and have fun.
I don’t see myself doing anything requiring serious wrenching right off the bat, but that is good to know… Thanks!
Every thing (all most) you need to know is on u-tube. Just have fun!
Good point! That is a bit reassuring
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