Ok, you're in slightly deeper than you thought - you've been riding for a while and have picked up a few bikes. The more you ride, the more you realize you're better off doing your mechanical work. You're better off because it gets expensive quickly and really, who wants to leave their bike in a shop when they could be out riding?
So you've decided to do your work. Good for you. It's not hard, and every new trick you learn applies to the mechanics of all your bikes.
Let's get started. The first step is to create a space to do the work.
Here are my top five considerations on doing your mechanical work:
1. No, the dishwasher won't clean parts.
2. The basement, garage or spare bedroom is the best place to set up your shop, not a corner of your living room.
3. Over time, you'll spend far less money on tools than you will on shop labor rates.
4. Keeping the shop clean is the best use of your time
5. You cannot have enough clean, accessible cotton rags.
There are several online resources offering tips and considerations for building your home shop. We've compiled many of them below.
Now, to get busy!
Building a home workshop.
https://bikerumor.com/2014/12/22/home-workshop-series-part-1-how-to-build-a-home-workshop-to-match-your-skills/
Budget conscious build outs
https://www.singletracks.com/blog/mtb-repair/how-to-set-up-a-home-bike-shop-for-every-space-and-budget/
Pinterest
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/384072674445594703/
Google Images
https://www.google.com/search?q=Building+your+basement+Bike+shop&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwid2u_gi7jdAhUBNKwKHSDJDvYQsAR6BAgEEAE&biw=1206&bih=1252
How to stock your shop with great tools.
https://www.bicycling.com/repair/a20010732/16-essential-bike-tools/
Which tools to start with
https://www.parktool.com/blog/repair-help/home-mechanic-tool-list-essentials
