For this entry in Weekend Wrenching, we are going to talk about tools. Every job can be made harder without the correct tools to do the job. Bicycle maintenance requires several specialized tools that will make your life much easier on and off the trail.
Bikes are clumsy to work on. You have to remove wheels and components that the bike requires to stand upright. You will also have specialized tools and stands that take up some room. With a dedicated area to work on bikes, you will be much more successful in your attempts to work on your bike correctly.
As I have said numerous times, every rider should have some working knowledge of their bike so they can perform routine maintenance and repairs. Many of these simple tasks may be the difference between walking and riding back to the trailhead. The problem lies in the delivery of this crucial information.
Until there are loads of money in the mountain biking blog business, I still have a real job. After a long, stressful day at the office I find that wrenching on the bike for awhile can really calm the nerves and center my thoughts. There are many different ways that people wind down after a long day, but this one works the best for me.