I\’m a wannabe wrench, I guess.

I have often wished I were better at basic bicycle mechanics, maintenance, and repair; that is, to be a \”wrench\”.

Proceed with caution. I bet I\’d be great at losing parts; or forgetting in what order multiple parts came off of the bicycle. Then I\’d have a terrible time getting them put back on the bike, IF I could get them back on at all. I suppose you could remove what seems to be a single part, only to find that it\’s got multiple parts-of-parts inside. Fun, huh?

I\’ve said enough times that I don\’t dare use one of my bicycles as a guinea pig. I guess putting the chain back on the small ring is a start, as is removing/replacing wheels. Especially the rear wheel. I still don\’t feel confident about that.

Working on the tires? I know what to do to change an inner tube, but have always been terrible about practicing it. In part that\’s because cold weather causes my skin to get very dry. Struggling to get that tire on and off the rim means my cuticles get torn up; and even bleed. Bloody fingers aren\’t helpful in the workshop.

Maybe someday I\’ll have the time and space (and the money!) for the luxury of my own bicycle workshop; then I won\’t have to be a wannabe wrench any more. Meanwhile there\’s always  the local bike shop!