Shimano MT200 Brake Pad Replacement with video

It’s not always low hydraulic fluid that lead to spongy brakes. Check your brake pads to see if they are worn and need to be replaced. 

After reinstalling the wheel, spin the wheel to see if the rotor is rubbing. 

To help center the rotor in the brake caliper, , squeeze the brake lever while using a 5 mm Allen key to loosen the brake caliper to the fork. Then tighten and let go of the lever, the adjustment should have helped center the rotor in the new brake pads you just installed. 

After this installation of the new pads , if your brakes are still spongy you might need to bleed or add brake fluid. 

Conquer 400 TQXL portable bike stand

The Conquer 400 TQXL portable bike stand. Folds easily and can clamp around seat posts from 30mm to 70mm.  Includes a small tool tray for your most used tools to be right at hand. There is a front wheel holder to that can be used to hold the front wheel still and from turning side to side when working on the front end. For a portable bike stand, this comes in a under $60. Not too many other stands at this price point come with this many features and is portable. Can be used with bike up to 50 pounds. Use the stand to quickly work on derailleur adjustments or swap out tires and tubes fast. Use it for both mountain or roads bikes. 

It's not a must have, but quit leaning your bike against the wall or placing it on the ground. This stand gets both wheels off the ground allowing you to rotate the pedals and both wheels. 

RoadBikeOutlet

Let the training begin

Last week I got in just over 125 miles in on the bike during training, only to finish it off Sunday with a flat tire just under a mile away from my house. After taking out the tube in my tire, I found a piece of brown glass that worked its way through the tire and eventually punctured the tube. Fixed it pretty quickly and was back on the road home. Over the past week I have learned in just my recovery on how much I need to increase my fluid intake on the bike and just in general day to day.
Today, June 13, starts my training program for a half-iron distance race in late October. The training pretty much has me going five days a week, with two rest days. I am looking forward to the training I will do and trying to follow this plan as closely as I can.

I found a perfect app for that!

Last weekend while riding, I found out just as I pulled out of my garage, I was not able to access my large chain ring. Instead of canceling the ride I still got out to ride. I figured on my ride I would either stop by my local bike store or find some how to work my magic mechanic skills and get it fixed. Lucky for me I was able to locate a computer app called Bike Repair, available for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch and Android.
When it comes to mechanics, I am not exactly a NASCAR pit crew member. The simple easy to use app, walked me through a front derailleur adjustment which fixed my problem. The app has a full menu of repairs to fix your bike. Follow the simple part of the bike that needs fixing, a list of possible problems with that part come up, in which you answer them pinpointing your repair. The great detailed photos with text walk you through the steps.
As someone that wants to save some money and feel the accomplishment of fixing your own ride this app is a must. Leave the the visits to the bike shop simply to visit the lonely repair techs, after you download this gem for yourself.
So with the month of May being National Bike Month, fix your ride and get out on the road. What is stopping you?
I look forward to using this app to combat other repairs I might have down the road.