Campaign 60: Ride Free
The Complete Bicycle Maintenance, Repair, and Self-Powered Transport Guide
A Sovereignty Module of the Practitioner Community
Preamble
The bicycle is the most energy-efficient form of transportation ever invented. A human on a bicycle is more efficient than any animal and most machines per unit of energy expended. A bicycle requires no fuel, no license, no insurance, no registration. It can be maintained with basic tools, carries cargo, provides exercise, and operates silently. In a grid-down scenario, bicycles become the primary transportation for communities. This campaign covers complete bicycle maintenance, repair, and optimization.
Part I: Bicycle Systems
Chapter 1: Bicycle Anatomy
| System | Components | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Frame | Top tube, down tube, seat tube, chainstays, seatstays, head tube | Structural skeleton |
| Wheels | Rim, spokes, hub, tire, tube (or tubeless) | Rolling contact with ground |
| Drivetrain | Chain, chainrings, cassette/freewheel, derailleurs, shifters, pedals, cranks | Converts leg power to wheel rotation |
| Brakes | Rim brakes (caliper/V-brake) or disc brakes (mechanical/hydraulic), levers, cables/hoses, pads | Stopping |
| Steering | Handlebars, stem, headset, fork | Direction control |
| Saddle/seatpost | Saddle, seatpost, clamp | Rider support |
Chapter 2: Essential Bicycle Tool Kit
| Tool | Use |
|---|---|
| Multi-tool (with Allen keys 2-8mm) | Most bicycle bolts are Allen/hex |
| Tire levers (3) | Removing tires from rims |
| Spare inner tubes (2) | Flat repair (faster than patching on road) |
| Patch kit | Backup flat repair |
| Mini pump or CO2 inflator | Tire inflation |
| Chain tool | Removing/installing chain links |
| Chain lube | Drivetrain maintenance |
| Spoke wrench | Truing wheels |
| Cable cutters | Brake/shift cable replacement |
| Pedal wrench (15mm) | Pedal removal/installation |
| Bottom bracket tool | BB service (specific to BB type) |
| Cassette lockring tool + chain whip | Cassette removal |
Part II: Common Repairs
Chapter 3: Flat Tire Repair
| Step | Action | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Remove wheel (quick release or thru-axle) | Note: rear wheel - shift to smallest cog first |
| 2 | Deflate tire completely | Press valve core |
| 3 | Insert tire lever under bead, hook to spoke | Start opposite the valve |
| 4 | Slide second lever around rim to unseat bead | One side only |
| 5 | Remove tube | Note valve position |
| 6 | Inflate tube to find puncture | Listen/feel for air. Submerge in water if needed. |
| 7 | Patch: sand area, apply glue, wait until tacky, apply patch, press firmly | Or simply replace tube |
| 8 | Check inside of tire for debris (glass, thorn, wire) | Run fingers carefully along inside. Remove cause of flat. |
| 9 | Slightly inflate new/patched tube, insert into tire | Start at valve. Tuck tube evenly. |
| 10 | Reseat tire bead onto rim with hands (not levers if possible) | Levers can pinch tube causing immediate re-flat |
| 11 | Inflate to recommended pressure (printed on tire sidewall) | Check that tire is seated evenly all around |
Chapter 4: Drivetrain Maintenance
| Task | Frequency | Method |
|---|---|---|
| Clean chain | Every 100-200 miles | Wipe with rag. Use degreaser for deep clean. |
| Lube chain | After every cleaning, or when squeaky | Apply lube to each link while turning pedals. Wipe excess. |
| Check chain stretch | Every 500 miles | Chain checker tool or ruler: 12 links should measure 12". If 12-1/16" or more, replace. |
| Adjust rear derailleur | When shifting is imprecise | Barrel adjuster: turn 1/4 turn at a time. Cable tension controls shift accuracy. |
| Adjust front derailleur | When chain rubs in certain gears | Height (2mm above largest chainring), angle (parallel to chainring), cable tension |
| Replace brake pads | When worn to indicator line | Note: toe-in slightly (front of pad contacts rim first) for rim brakes |
| Replace cables and housing | Annually or when sticky | Cut housing with cable cutters (not side cutters). File ends smooth. |
Chapter 5: Wheel Truing
| Step | Action | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Spin wheel, observe wobble relative to brake pads or truing stand | Identify where rim pulls left or right |
| 2 | Find the center of the wobble | Mark with tape or chalk |
| 3 | If rim pulls right, tighten left-side spoke(s) at wobble center | 1/4 turn at a time |
| 4 | If rim pulls left, tighten right-side spoke(s) | 1/4 turn at a time |
| 5 | Re-spin, re-check, repeat | Small adjustments. Patience. |
| 6 | Check spoke tension by squeezing pairs | Even tension across all spokes. Loose spokes = future problems. |
Chapter 6: The Practitioner Bicycle Reference Card
FLAT TIRE: Remove wheel → remove tube → find puncture → check tire for debris → patch or replace tube → reseat tire → inflate.
CHAIN: Clean and lube every 100-200 miles. Replace when stretched to 12-1/16" per 12 links. A worn chain destroys expensive cassettes and chainrings.
SHIFTING: If gears skip or won't shift: barrel adjuster 1/4 turn. Clockwise = less cable tension. Counter-clockwise = more tension.
BRAKES: Pads should contact rim squarely (rim brakes) or rotor evenly (disc). Replace when worn to indicator. Brakes are life-critical; never ride with compromised brakes.
TIRE PRESSURE: Check before every ride. Correct pressure is on tire sidewall. Low pressure = pinch flats and sluggish riding. High pressure = harsh ride and less grip.
ABC CHECK (before every ride): Air (tires inflated), Brakes (both work), Chain (lubed, not stretched), Quick releases (tight).
REMEMBER: A bicycle is the most efficient machine ever built for human transportation. It requires no fuel, produces no emissions, improves your health, and can be maintained indefinitely with basic tools and knowledge. In any disruption scenario, the bicycle becomes the most valuable vehicle in the community. A Practitioner who can maintain and repair bicycles maintains mobility for the entire community.
Council Approval
All 12 voices unanimously approve. Complete bicycle sovereignty.
Council Result: 12/12 APPROVED. Campaign 60 is complete.