In this installment I will make my pitch for why you should use the following supplies. Then we’ll be getting into some actual work! For now though, let’s have a look at that pic with the supplies, shall we?

As always, we are starting with the images to the left, and working over to the right.

#1: Rags: Okay, you are going to get dirty doing a tune up, and let’s face it, if you used your bike enough to require servicing, it is probably dirty too. So, rags are a great way to clean up parts, wipe down your frame, and get that glob of grease off the back of your hand. You can buy shop rags at a store, or you can hit up your local Good Will, or equivilent, for cut up terry cloth rags. They often take old donated towels and clothes not suitable for resale and cut them into small rectagular pieces. I buy a 30 gallon garbage bag full for $12.50 and it lasts me about a year in my home shop. Check it out!

#2: Rubber Gloves: As “green” as some folks like to think bicycliing is, there are still some not-so-nice chemicals that your skin could potentially come into contact with. I didn’t get that blue-ish blob in the photo on the left side positioned well enough to see that it is a latex glove, but it is! I can attest to the fact that latex gloves are not only going to keep your mits cleaner, but they will also help protect your skin. My hands have never been happier since I started using these a few years ago. I wish I would’ve started using them well before that! Don’t let yourself be like me. Get some latex gloves- use ‘em!

#3: Lubricant: Everybody has there favorite chain lube, so I won’t go there. I will say that as an over all, all around lubricant, Tri-Flow is my favorite. Used from this drip dispenser, you can lube your chain and cables really easily and effectively. Plus, Tr-Flow is a rust dissolver, which might be something that benefits you wet climate riders out there. But, the point is, you need lubricant. Get a drip bottle dispenser too. Spray bottles are wasteful on many levels.

#4: Degreaser: Chains, cogs, and chainrings get gunked up eventually. Degreaser helps fight that. You can use any number of citrus based degreasers, Simple Green, or even WD-40 cuts through grease really well. Which ever you prefer, get some. Again, spray cans are wasteful, try to get a liquid container of your favorite, like the Park Citrus Degreaser I show here.

#5: Wash For The Bike: Now when you are getting near the completion of your tune up, you might want to spiff up that ol’ machine by cleaning it up a bit. Might as well as long as we’re working on it, right? So, grab a bicycle specific wash like this Finish Line product, or the really great one from Pedros or one of several others on the market. WD-40 can work here again. Also, you could mix up your own solution of dishwashing soap and water. Lots of things can get the job done, but it is a good idea to dedicate something to do the job, so you have it handy when you will be needing it. (I’ll do a whole series on how to clean your bike down the road. Stay tuned!)

#6: Source Of Air: While we use compressed air in the shop where I work, (set at a bicycle friendly 115psi line pressure, I might add), you may not have that convenience. Even if you do, it would be wise to switch to using an air pump made specifically for bicycles. Why? Well, most air compressors are set up to run tools, or air up automobile tires at a much higher rate than is safe for bicycle tires. It can get a little tricky to do tires on a bike and do them safely and correctly. If you use a floor pump, like the Bontrager Charger pump I show here. Most pumps these days are really simple to use, and it’s safer than a compressor for those who don’t use one on a daily basis.

Okay, that’s a wrap on the tools and supplies. Next post- we go to work! Look for the Diagnosis post soon.