Getting a little cocky about my bike maniacal ( mechanical ) ability, I’m afraid. I bought some new brake blocks for my Pioneer Venture GT, my do all bicycle, yesterday, £ 7.99 at Halfords, and decided to fit them late this afternoon.

Surprise, surprise I had them fitted and adjusted, in half an hour or so. I took the bike for a quick spin up and down the street and noticed that the gears weren’t shifting so well, in fact I couldn’t get the chain on the large chainring at all! I’ve recentlt been reading up about front derailleur adjustment, and so thought I’ll give it a go.

Surprise, surprise I’m confused, deflated, and now have no working gears on my bike at all. I’m very angry with myself, because I won’t be able to go for a ride in the morning. I feel totally incompetent, after two hours of getting nowhere.

It all looks and sounds so simple, as portrayed by the video tutors on the internet, and my “Bike Repair” book is next to useless on the subject, so I’ve been slogging through typed versions, on the web, for my attack on the problem tomorrow morning, very early, I’m hoping to get out for that ride, after I’ve sorted the problem (there’s positive thinking). Got to be back by 10.00 though, or I’ll be in trouble, big time, with her indoors.

Wish me luck!

Cheers.