Tools, Tools and more Tools!

Would you like a tools and workshop tips sticky thread?

  • Yes

    Votes: 3 75.0%
  • No thanks

    Votes: 1 25.0%

  • Total voters
    4

Canuk

Senior Retro Guru
I think a tools guide/recommendations and workshop tricks/techniques sticky thread would be really important for Retrobike. Would like to propose one here. Please vote!
 
A whole mini subforum was my request; https://www.retrobike.co.uk/threads/site-suggestions-and-issues-thread.426215/page-38

Then it can encompass chat from the roadies and mtb groups here, and allows the creation of threads for individual topics rather than a big megathread which can be hard to follow and search within.
Much as I like the idea of a bigger, all encompassing thread, I think the crossover between the two could end up being confusing and potentially off putting.

Road bike spannering and MTB spannering are two different worlds. For instance I imagine a lot of the MTB threads would be revolving around suspension issues, disc braking and 26/700/29er issues, none of which would be of any interest to a road bike restorer. I've got next to zero interest in mountain bikes (though I can see the appeal), and I'm sure the same is true for MTB restorers re road bikes.

Also there's the danger that it could end up being dominated by either group: not a good thing.

On the other hand Campagnolo issues, vintage bike tools, side pull brakes adjust, non indexed gearing would be of zero interest to the MTB crowd.

Of course there's common ground like seat post removal and repainting, but on the whole I think the differences are too great to merit a single all encompassing sub section.

I think it could be more productive (and interesting) to have a sticky for both Road and MTB variants. To give you an example, I've visited the MTB section of RB twice in the past two years, and I'm pretty certain the same is true for the 'dark side'!
 
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I don't think the divide is so clear. Sure, many stick to one side of the forum or the other, and I agree that there are absolutely specific tools and techniques for things like suspension and disc brakes, but my thought behind a dedicated board as opposed to a thread means that you can pick and choose which topics you find interesting or relevant to your experience to contribute to. Quality non specific tools are useful across all types of bike and be you roadie or mtber, our workspaces look almost identical, We (mostly) use the same polishes, cleaners, lubes, rust removers etc etc.

I know that delving into the mtb side recently has been amazing for my technical knowledge even as a pretty dyed in the wool roadie; there are plenty of great tips that get discussed on both sides and its a shame to miss them by staying in ones favoured bubble (all too easy to do I know)!
 
I don't think the divide is so clear. Sure, many stick to one side of the forum or the other, and I agree that there are absolutely specific tools and techniques for things like suspension and disc brakes, but my thought behind a dedicated board as opposed to a thread means that you can pick and choose which topics you find interesting or relevant to your experience to contribute to. Quality non specific tools are useful across all types of bike and be you roadie or mtber, our workspaces look almost identical, We (mostly) use the same polishes, cleaners, lubes, rust removers etc etc.

I know that delving into the mtb side recently has been amazing for my technical knowledge even as a pretty dyed in the wool roadie; there are plenty of great tips that get discussed on both sides and its a shame to miss them by staying in ones favoured bubble (all too easy to do I know)!
Fair points, well made 👍
 
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