September 2010

Bicycle Repair Shop in My Pocket!

While on a long mountain bike ride with a few friends, one rider had an unusual mechanical problem. The hollow bolt securing the free hub body (part that holds sprockets on the wheel) became loose and eventually stripped the remaining threads from the inside of the hub. Kevin had no option but to start the long journey back on foot. The problem was that we had set out on this all day ride and were just beginning the trail back. This left Kevin with the unfortunate possibility of ending up in unfamiliar surroundings after dark walking a wounded bike. Given the situation I suggested we try to fix it so he could ride out. The group laughed because although we came prepared for flat tires and broken chains, we lacked the 5 special tools needed to access the problem bolt. So there I was facing a job better left to a bike shop with only my old Leatherman Wave, a tire lever and a chain rivet tool! While my riding partners looked on, waiting to say "I told you so", I wrapped the chain around the sprocket and inserted the needle nosed end of my Wave into the lock ring spine of the cassette. Then using the tire lever between the jaws for leverage I removed the lock ring. I then wedged the axle in between a rock and removed the axle nuts and axle cone from one side and carefully pulled the axle free, carefully so as to not drop any of the 18 ball bearings into the dirt. I lifted the now separate free hub body from the hub and inspected the damage.....a few good threads remained!! With 9 balls removed from the free hub side, I wedged the nose of my Leatherman into the hex of the offending bolt. Placing the tire lever into the Leatherman once again I tightened the bolt into the few remaining threads into the hub. Then placed the bearings then the axle back into the hub and reinstalled the cassette sprockets back onto the now secure free hub body. Wheel and chain. Back on the bike and we all rode out in daylight! And Kevin didn't have to walk his bike!