BENCHLINE

All paths

A path is a sequence of steps with dependencies between them. Some steps block others, some only make the others harder, and some are completely independent. The maps below say which.

How to read this map

  • Must be finished first
  • Do this first or you will probably redo it
  • Independent — any order

Commuter Bike Upgrade

A stock commuter, upgraded in the order that stops you wasting money

Steps
6
Total time
A weekend
1 Measure First, Buy Second One hex key (1 of 3), 20 minutes 2 Tires and Pressure One hex key (1 of 3), 1 hour 3 Grips One hex key (1 of 3), 30 minutes 4 Saddle Some experience (2 of 3), 40 minutes 5 Lights and Visibility One hex key (1 of 3), 40 minutes 6 Rack and Bags Some experience (2 of 3), 1.5 hours

  2. Any order — steps 2, 3, 4 and 5

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Drivetrain Care

How to make a chain and cassette last twice as long, and when not to bother

Steps
5
Total time
One evening plus an overnight cool-down
1 Check Whether the Chain Is Still Usable One hex key (1 of 3), 15 minutes 2 Strip the Chain Completely Some experience (2 of 3), 40 minutes 3 Hot-Melt Waxing Special tools or a full evening (3 of 3), 1 hour, plus overnight cooling 4 Clean the Cassette and Chainrings Some experience (2 of 3), 30 minutes 5 Reinstall, Check Routing, Re-index Some experience (2 of 3), 30 minutes

  2. Any order — steps 2 and 4

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Anti-Theft Setup

Match the lock to where the bike actually sleeps, not to a security rating

Steps
4
Total time
An afternoon
1 Rate Your Actual Theft Risk One hex key (1 of 3), 20 minutes 2 Pick the Primary Lock One hex key (1 of 3), 30 minutes 3 Secure the Wheels and Saddle Some experience (2 of 3), 30 minutes 4 Tracking and Serial Registration One hex key (1 of 3), 25 minutes

  2. Any order — steps 2 and 4

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Long Distance & Loading

From a long day out to multi-day riding, without buying the wrong bags twice

Steps
5
Total time
A weekend of setup, then one loaded test ride
1 Audit Your Mounting Points One hex key (1 of 3), 30 minutes 2 Choose How to Carry the Load Some experience (2 of 3), 45 minutes 3 Weight Distribution and Packing Some experience (2 of 3), 1 hour 4 On-Road Repair Kit One hex key (1 of 3), 30 minutes 5 Contact Points for Long Days Some experience (2 of 3), 1 hour

  2. Any order — steps 2, 4 and 5

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