My bike was siting in the basement for a long time as a few weeks back I designed to finally fix it. I could’ve v just wash and oil it but no my stupid head though that I must take it apart and then clean it. And of course everything went to shit. I couldn’t put it back together, pretty shore I lost some parts and while trying to flip it upside down I dropped it. Now one of the hooks for the back wheal is bend and the thing that changes the gears is broke. I’m so angry at myself. I literally could’ve done nothing and everything would’ve been better.
by In_the_name_of_ART
7 Comments
If it’s any consolation… if the rear dropouts bent that badly, that easily – that bike was probably toast anyway…
Hammer it straight ….put it on a block and then give it sum good ole wacks ..if u try fixing it with pliers itll for sure snap
You can find a nicer bike on marketplace easily for less than that bike costs to fix for sure
> I literally could’ve done nothing and everything would’ve been better.
I’ve definitely thought this, and it’s corny, but not everything would be better. You tried something, that’s good in itself, and you failed. Embracing failure is a worthwhile skill! Next time, you won’t be trying from square 1, you’ll have this experience to draw from, even if it went wrong.
Most of the successes I’ve had when working on my bike have come from not repeating my impatient mistakes from previous attempts. Could I have just never made them in the first place? Who knows. But I know it was helpful to know what *not* to do!
I’ve found myself in the same situation with many DIY projects, that are burned into my mind and return as embarrassing memories before I go to sleep.
I think the lesson to learn here is to find a reputable video or guide on the task you want to do. Take a lot of time to weigh up the risks vs the rewards and then work slowly using the video or guide.
I think once you learn this lesson many times you’ll make less rash decisions in future, not only when you do projects like this but in life too… Hopefully
If the dropout bent that badly from one fall, the bike was low quality to begin with. Cheaper bikes use stamped steel and can bend easily. You may be able to bend it back, but it can be hard to get the alignment correct. Google “bent steel frame dropout”
The shifter is also a cheap item that can be replaced for $10
Seems like you have encountered a gumption trap: [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_and_the_Art_of_Motorcycle_Maintenance#Gumption_traps](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zen_and_the_Art_of_Motorcycle_Maintenance#Gumption_traps)