Is your equipment up to the Epic? By Greg Long, Head Mechanic, Epic Cycles As published in the 2005 Flight Centre Peppers Hidden Vale 100km Cycle Epic support magazine For more information on the Cycle Epic, go to www.cycleepic.com.au.
	When it comes to bike mechanics, an event like the Epic should not be taken lightly. You may be many kilometres from transport if something should go wrong and even a few kilometres pushing your broken bike can be an epic in itself. Keeping your bike well-maintained is an essential starting point. Ask yourself: § Is my bike running well? § Is the chain past its wear point? § Are the cables contaminated? § Are the brake pads worn? § What about those tyres? Are they worn? (New rubber grips so well!) § When were the hubs last serviced? § When did I last degrease the entire drive system? While the best method of repair is a well maintained bicycle, sometimes Murphy will come knocking at your door and you’ll need tools and spares to get out of trouble. § Do you have a set of tyre levers? Do you know how to use them? § Do you have a chain breaker? Are you practised with it? § Do you have a multi-tool? Even a basic one can help! § Do you know how to correctly use a quick release skewer? Be responsible for developing your mechanical skills. Get yourself down to your local bike shop and start asking questions. Join a club, do the club rides, ask questions. A wealth of knowledge can be found on the web. Forums on sites like mtbdirt.com.au can be very helpful. For marathon riding, look for tips like the following emergency repairs that will see you to the finish. Split tyre Repair a split tyre with a quality tyre boot, like one from Park Tools, or fashion your own from the side wall of a worn out tyre. Even a $5 note will work. Broken chain Using a chain breaker, remove damaged link(s) and rejoin using a quick link or, in the case of a Shimano chain, a new pin. If your chain has been shortened more than one link, avoid the ‘big ring – big sprocket’ gear combination. Broken gear cable - rear Use the ‘high’ stop limit screw to move the derailleur further along the block, making a straighter chainline. Then run your bike as a 3-speed, using only the front shifter. Broken gear cable – front Use the ‘low’ stop limit screw to move the front derailleur towards the middle chainring. Run only the rear gears or, remove the front derailleur altogether, stop, and shift manually when the terrain demands. Damaged rear derailleur / Broken derailleur hanger Keep on racing after a broken derailleur hanger by converting to a single speed. Those with rear suspension should ride easy to avoid chain breakage. Blown airshock or fork When an air shock goes flat, fully extend the offender and wedge in a sturdy stick. Be sure to tie it in place to avoid possible wheel damage should it jump out.