[Newbe_Dude]

I just found this site and have been reading past posts and now I'm worried. I own a Mongoose 21 speed DXR aluminum purchased from walmart, and have since read how poor of quality these bikes are. I know bikers crash eventually crash through I'm not into heavy duty mountain biking, just the occasional biking trip. So my main concern is with my currently ignorance about mountain biking and the fact that I'D LIKE TO KEEP ALL MY TEETH. In fact, I'm a music student who's saxophone performance depends on it!

Thus I am wondering: What are the necessary safety checks I should make before each ride? While I'm posting, I'm also very unhappy with the mongoose manuals and really have NO CLUE as to what I'm doing when it comes to fixing/self adjustments. So if anyone could also comment on great resources that show the basics of bike adjustments, pref. in a quicktime movie, etc. it would be EXTREMELY helpful.

Thanks again, and happy riding!

 

[axlvid23]

for the most part just make sure everything is tight and secure and that the bolts are locktited. Also I would suggest taking it into a real bike mech to have it inspected adn tuned up from time to time. Keep the drivetrain well lubed.

There's a bike maintenance book you might consider picking up
"bicycling magazine's guide to maintanence and repair"
When i was just starting out back in the day..this helped me with maintaining my bikes tremendously.

But as it is a wal mart bike it is not of great quality, making it very difficult to fix and repair...so perhaps one day as you progress further in your riding, you will consider buying a higher quality bike.

But with that in mind, You don't need an expensive bike to have fun

 

[KrusteeButt]

Just ride safely, wear a helmet. Learn basic bike maintenance (how to clean your chain, gears, how to check your brakes, etc.).
Personally, I disagree with using lock-tite on bolts, but that's my opinion.
axlvid is right, you don't need an expensive bike to have fun. Don't worry about people's opinions of your bike. As long as it works for you and you have a good time on it, that's all that matters. It's not like the bike is going to suddenly fall apart while you're riding. It doesn't sound like you do any kind of "extreme" or crazy riding, so I don't think you have anything to worry about.

 

[Jayridesacove]

Go here for help on doing your own bike repairs. Keep in mind, if you don't feel comfortable wrenching your bike, take it to a shop. If it's a good shop they may even offer bicycle repair classes. This is much better than the website because you can ask questions and get feedback.

Park Tool Co, repair help

 

[InsaneP2Rider]

this is not about bike maintenance. but if u are worried about messing up your mouth for playing your sax then u might want to look a less extreme helmet that covers that area. i am also prety big into this band thing and i play the french horn. i got a full face helmet a long time ago (well... i am more extreme) and it makes me feel more comfortable when riding. i crashed this summer and slammed my head into my handlebars and almost broke my jaw. i couldn't pactice for about 2 weeks.


here is a link to a helmet that u might consider getting (the top one):
http://www.simoncycle.com/parts.htm

this helmet might cover mor around the jaw around the jaw area and not the lips/teeth and such but it will help alot if u faceplant into the ground. it's just a suggestion but u might think about it.

 

[shifty S]

a good light-duty full face helmet is the giro switchblade, its basically a normal XC/recreational helmet with a detachable piece that goes in front of your mouth

 

[pixelninja]

If you have quick release skewers, make sure they're tight before each ride. Also, just check before each ride that everything seems tight. i.e. check the wheels, check the handlebar/headset, check the cranks and pedals, check the brakes, check the seat/seatpost.

Like Jayridesacove wrote, some bike shops hold seminars on bike maintenance. Check around.

And a full-face helmet would definitely help save your face in the event of a crash.

 

[TreeSaw]

Originally posted by Newbe_Dude
I just found this site and have been reading past posts and now I'm worried. I own a Mongoose 21 speed DXR aluminum purchased from walmart, and have since read how poor of quality these bikes are. I know bikers crash eventually crash through I'm not into heavy duty mountain biking, just the occasional biking trip. So my main concern is with my currently ignorance about mountain biking and the fact that I'D LIKE TO KEEP ALL MY TEETH. In fact, I'm a music student who's saxophone performance depends on it!

I am a music teacher (woodwind specialist...primarily flute/piccolo, clarinet, and alto/tenor sax myself) so getting hurt isn't in my plans either!!!

I would invest in a good helmet and even pads if you are really worried. Also, check you bike out before every ride. I check my tires (make sure they have enough pressure), my stem and seat (to make sure it isn't loose). I also quick check my breaks to make sure they work! Other than that, I just oil my chain and try to keep my bike in god working condition (although I did get lax about cleaning it and it wouldn't shift well at the end of the season).

You might also think about getting something like Break It Fix It Ride It (a CD-ROM on bike maintenance) or a bike maintenance book? Good luck!

 

[Echo]

Like others here have said - take it to a bike shop and spend $40 (or somewhere thereabouts) to have a real bike mechanic tune up the bike for you. After that you should be fine, in fact you will get to be a very strong biker after you pedal that 55 pound beast up a few hills