Request your assistance in Iraq

Since 2001, over 90,000 cyclist's have joined Cycling Forums to discuss topics from general cycling to equipment, training, racing and travel or vacation destinations (especially in europe during the tour de france). We also feature an great deals in our online store, 100's of articles, classifieds and product reviews.

Currently I am stationed in Kirkuk Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. My unit is currently under deployment orders for 15 months. Recently, I’ve taken interest in bicycle riding & repair. The need for alternative transportation on base has resulted in people bringing bikes from stateside or purchasing low-end mountain bikes from the Post Exchange (PX). The PX however does not provide parts or service for the bikes that they sell. The one that I purchased had a broken pedal and warped rim after only three weeks. They reluctantly accepted the return, as they could not repair it. After making inquiries to PX management, they have had many frustrated customers return them for minor reason that would render them inoperable. Fortunately, I was able to find an Airman that was ripping out and he sold a decent bike to me. Furthermore, while in the motor pool there were three different bikes in need of moderate repair. Friends of the mechanics had dropped them off in hopes that they could do something with them; they appear too been disregarded for some time. Soldiers and Airmen currently do not have the means to maintain the bikes they brought or purchased here. I would like to provide that service to them. If you could please contribute any used parts, tools, hardware or like items for mountain bikes from the list below it would be greatly appreciated. Please PM or E-mail for my address. I believe these parts will sustain a majority of riders for the remainder of the year. I enjoy the labor as it provides a positive outlet for stress and breaks up this sometimes-mundane deployment. Thank you for your time and consideration.



Thank you,

SSG Daniel Ortiz

Suggested used maintenance parts:

Bottom brackets (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Bottom+brackets), miscellaneous hardware, tools or accessories, brake (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Brake) pads, cable (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Cable)s, chain (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Chain)s, chain link, crank (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Crank)s, pedals, tires, inner tubes derailleur (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Derailleur)s, freewheels/cassettes (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Freewheels%2FCassettes), grip (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=grip)s, reflectors, and headset (http://www.bikepartsusa.com/view.asp?f_c=Headset)s



Advertisement opportunity:

Please feel free to send banners, stickers, products with business logos, or promotional goods so we know whom to thank!

This is what I have set up so far. Basic tool or magazine would be helpfull too.

Thank you for your consideration.

Daniel

This is the "PX" bike that is having most of the problems.

Broken Pedals, bad freewheels, premature chain stretch, spokes do not stay tightened unless you lock tight them. See picts