Setting Gears

Gears work on cable tension, so if your gears aren't changing down nicely it means the cable tension is too high because of a few possible things: dirt in the cable casing, too much cable tension on the barrel adjuster or a frayed cable.

Look specifically for these things first when setting the gears. You'll find that straight away you could fix the problem by knowing where to look. Dirt in the cable needs to be cleaned out and then lubed (Q20). A frayed cable must be replaced. Here's the trick - take the back cable out and use that as the front spare and the new cable as new rear. Reason is because front derailleur cable isn't long enough to double as the rear.

The limit screws must be set so that the chain runs in a straight line under the upper and lower cogs.

If you've done all this and the gears still don't shift well, check the chain for stiff or bent links and repair them. Again if this isn't the problem check the derailleur and the hanger are straight. If the hanger is bent use your shifting spanner to bend it as straight as possible.

Front derailleur setting is more simple. Start by looking at the cables as before. Then check the derailleur is sitting straight and in line with the chainrings. Also check that the gap between the lower lip of the derailleur is sitting 1mm above the big chainring. Also check the limit screws are set properly and that they don't stop the chain from shifting.

Fixing a chain - always push pins in and out straight. Use a quicklink before reinserting a pin. The other alternative is to use Shimano chain pins.

Setting Brakes

Cables must feel slick. If they feel stiff it means the cable is dirty or frayed. Once again replace if necessary. The brake blocks must be set up correctly so that they hit the rim flat. The tension screws must be even so the pads hit the rim at the same time as well.

Truing Wheels

Tightening spokes on the opposite side to where the buckle and also relieving tension on those spokes where the buckle is. Sometimes just relieving tension is best. Tightening causes too many hops in the wheel and causes uneven high tensions. On a ride if you haven't got a spoke spanner you can use zip-ties to tie the spokes together to increase tension to straighten the wheel.

Headsets

Loosen the two stem bolts first then turn the top cap bolt 3/4 turn and wobble forwards and backwards with the front brake on to check for play. Once you have it tight where the headset turns freely but without wobbling then just tighten the two stem bolts up again.

Duct tape and zip-ties

Use duct-tape on cables to stop them from fraying. Also can use it for tyre patches. Use zip-ties as make shift bolts - remember its a fastener so it can be used for lots of things!