lundi 30 janvier 2017

On the virtues of mechanical autonomy

from the keeping-it-on-the-road department

A dear Facebook chum wrote:
I love learning how to do new stuff on the bike and of course "having" to buy new tools....but it's just not a very good use of my time.
I replied:
You can't really ignore the technical aspects of cycling, and the fact that a bike is mostly fixable with only a few simple tools is part of its genius. You'll get quicker with practice. The availability of online video of expert mechanics performing just about any procedure is transformational.* It's well worth putting in a bit of effort, for your own comfort and efficiency, not to mention the manifold possibility of future gallantry. And even if you do decide to delegate to the bikeshop in future, you'll be a better informed client, which is a good thing both sides of the deal.
Cycling involves both a human and a machine. It's easy to feel developing mechanical skill is too difficult or complicated, but it really is all one: you'll be more confident out on the road, knowing you can handle any problem that arises—and you'll be riding on a bike that you know is set up just right for you, for maximum comfort and efficiency.

*This sorta thing:





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