TORI BORTMAN IS the cheerful force behind Gracie’s Wrench
(gracieswrench.com), where she
provides personal cycling coaching and one-on-one bike repair training.
Bortman has built a career out of empowering cyclists to take control
of their riding experience—an admitted klutz, she’s got a
down-to-earth, “If I can do it, anyone can” approach to bike
maintenance. Her mechanic secrets are simple.
1. Every week, air up your tires and lube your chain. They will make
your bike feel brand new. It’s unreal.
2. For the novice, use your intuition. If you feel like your bike
isn’t stopping well or the gears aren’t shifting properly, you’re
probably right. Don’t let it get to the point where you get used to a
funny noise.
3. Every shop I know gives a free estimate. If you don’t want to get
it fixed, then don’t fix it—but at least find out what’s wrong
with your bike.
4. Don’t be intimidated by the bike shop. You’re the customer, and
you belong there. Ask to be treated well.
yes, yes, and yes, oil your goddamn chain! a bottle of tri-flow costs maybe $4 and will last for years. hold off on two pbr’s now and your bicycle will reward you indefinitely.