Bike Maintenance 101

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Hi Everyone,

I've just joined this Forum and I'm hoping I can get some advice from you all. I've owned a Hybrid for a little under 18 months now which I ride a lot (4 return trips of 12kms/week).

I was sold a GT Nomad Sport from Logan Road Cycles in Brisbane and I have had a world of trouble with it, but more than anything I think my bike shop is ripping me off blind. The bike cost me around $600, but so far I've spend the same on maintenance.... Brakes, Chain, a Calipur, the Cluster, a Tyre, and several spokes and God knows what else have been replaced so far.

As I have no idea how to repair/do regular maintenance myself, I thought that If I learn how to replace parts, I could buy them cheaper than the shop, and then of course not get charged for labour. I am more than happy to pay someone to teach me, but I'm wondering if there is a shop in Brisbane that would do just that.

If anyone knows of anywhere/one that would be willing to teach me on how to keep my hybrid running well, it would be greatly appreciated. As I said I'm willing to pay.

Cheers - The Captain

Two web sites.

http://www.sheldonbrown.com/
http://www.parktool.com/repair/

one good way to get sympathy and great service is to go to another shop and bag the crap out of the original shop :)