Connect with that special someone In a new way

Today I did some basic maintenance on my Road bike nothing elaborate just a cleaning, chain replacement, and new front tire. There is something about working on your bike that creates a connection between you and your bike, a connection that is quite different than that which is created by the miles and hours spent riding. I have taken my bikes to shops many times to be worked on and there are certain repairs that I do not feel qualified to make but when I do perform the maintenance myself I feel like I am doing the best job, spending the time and attention to detail that a shop would not. Details like cleaning some road grit from the derailleur pulley with a q-tip or talcing my tubes. After I was done getting everything back together I lubed the chain and cables and took my bike for a short ride around the block I couldn't help but smile as my bike shifted smoothly, rode quiet, and the frame felt smooth (not sticky with Gatorade) as my leg brushed the top tube. Having completed a job worth doing and done well It is time for a Margarita.

If you have some maintenance tips or stories about jobs you have tackled tell us about it.

A good place to start for some tips is Lennard Zinn's Books, Performance Bike has some how-to guides, and Fox online Service Videos.