How to Fix Bicycles

Summary: Learning to ride a bicycle is usually regarded as one of the major milestones of childhood, since it is one of the first steps, after learning to walk, that a child takes towards independence. Taking this view, a bicycle can easily be seen as a precursor to the ultimate vehicle of autonomy: the automobile. Yet, many people ride bicycles into late adulthood, and some cultures have built entire transportation systems around the bike. So the bicycle remains both a fun vehicle for recreation and exercise and a viable means of transportation over relatively short distances. It can be said that bicycles hold a certain excitement as simple machines that we can use to move our bodies faster than usually possible, pumping and pushing in sync with the gears and pedals. Yet sometimes things go awry, parts break down, tires fail, chains come off of gears. In this free video guide to bicycle repair and maintenance, learn how to keep your bike in good riding shape, or fix it on the road, should the need arise. Lessons include how to fix a flat tire, install new hand grips, grease the gear chain, and tighten the brake pads for better stopping power.