Mountain Bike Maintenance – Improve your Ride
If you own a mountain bike it’s a huge help to perform your own mountain bike maintenance as it will cost you less and improve your enjoyment of riding.
If you know you can repair your bike when you have a breakdown you’ll feel more confident riding further for longer, on more remote trails, but you’ll be less likely to have a breakdwon anyway if you’ve maintained your bike well.
Performing your own mountain bike maintenance rather than paying someone else to do it for you will save you money and your parts will last longer as they need replacing less frequently.
One of the first important things to think about if you’re planning on performing your own maintenance is getting the right tools. As time goes on and you learn more about your bike and maintenance you’ll probably need more specialist tools.
You should also carry a tool kit with you when you ride and you can get complete basic tool kits to carry with you that are more compact than the regular tools you might use at home. Remember to test all your tools prior to relying on them out on a trail.
Prior to thinking about tools even, the most basic maintenance to perform on your mountain bike is to clean it regularly and this doesn’t require any tools.
Make sure you get into the habit of cleaning your bike every time you ride, either using a bucket of hot water and soap or a wet cloth. Make sure you rinse it or wipe it down afterwards and this will prevent any dirt getting into places it shouldn’t get into and help to keep all the moving parts moving!
The next item in your mountain bike maintenance routine is occasionally lubricating the chain. This is vital to keep it working properly and there are loads of good lubricants you can buy, including some self-cleaning ones. Get into the routine of applying any lubricant to the chain the night before you ride, and not a few mintutes before, so that it works into the chain well.
Another basic but important element to check is the air pressure in your tyres, as this protects them and gives you a more comfortable ride. You should also change the tyres occasionally as part of your maintenance routine, and make sure you know how to repair a puncture.
The next things to remember to check regularly are brake and gear cables as they stretch and become less effective over time. They should be replaced every 6 – 9 months, depending on how often you ride.
Another vital maintenance issue to remember, for your safety as well, is to check your brake pads regularly as they get worn quickly. Check the alignment of the brake pad against the wheel rims, as they should sit squarely on the rim when the brakes are applied. When not applied they should be free of the sidewall of the tyre.
Finally inspect all the nuts and bolts on your mountain bike as part of your new maintenance routine if you find any loose ones tighten them with an Allen key or a spanner.
Remember breakdowns happen even to the most experienced riders with the most expensive bikes, but some can be prevented with good maintenance and the others you can deal with armed with a bit of knowledge.
Be pro-active in your approach to mountain bike maintenance and look after your bike. Just think maintenance is better than repair and with a little maintenance knowledge you can ride further and harder for longer.
Pro mountain biker profile – Paul Basagoitia
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2011 Gary Fisher Hifi Pro 29er XC Mountain Bike Upgrades!! $2,698.00 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Shift Mountain Bike Handlebar NEW $0.99 |
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VINTAGE 1980s NOS Odyssey PRO Freestyle BMX or MOUNTAIN BIKE BICYCLE Handlebars $9.99 |
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Marzocchi Bomber Super T Pro DH Mountain Bike Fork Shock w/20mm Frnt Wheel $229.99 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Shift Mountain Bike Handlebar NEW $0.99 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Mountain Bike Handlebar Pr Grips NEW $0.99 |
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Vintage Yeti PRO FRO Mountain bike Rare Survivor bicycle F.T.W. Limited produc. $599.00 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Mountain Bike Handlebar Pr Grips NEW $0.99 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Mountain Bike Handlebar Pr Grips NEW $0.99 |
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VUELTA ZEROLITE MTB PRO 26″ Wheelset Mountain Bike Cartridge Bearings Wheels NEW $119.97 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Mountain Bike Handlebar Pr Grips NEW $0.99 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Mountain Bike Handlebar Pr Grips NEW $0.99 |
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Pearl Izumi PRO Cycling Bib Shorts // MED Black Road Bike Mountain MTB Bicycle $74.99 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Mountain Bike Handlebar Pr Grips NEW $0.99 |
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Specialized BG Pro Carbon Mountain Bike Shoes Mens US 11 EU 44 $19.99 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Shift Mountain Bike Handlebar NEW $0.99 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Factory Pro Team Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts Medium NEW $0.95 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Factory Pro Team Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts Medium NEW $12.16 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Champion Pro Team Men’s Cycling Bike Bib Shorts Large NEW $119.95 |
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PLASTICHE PRO GRIP Mountain Bike Handlebar Pr Grips NEW $0.99 |
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FELT RXC PRO Superlite Mountain Bike 19.5″ Complete Bicycle $499.99 |
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Char-Broil Patio 65-Inch Artisan Mountain Green Prtotect Pro All Weather Cover $34.31 |
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Selle san Marco leather Mountain Pro ’91,slightly used,traded off new bike $0.99 |
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SPECIALIZED STUMPJUMPER FSR CARBON PRO FULL SUSPENSION MOUNTAIN BIKE XO XT MTB M $1,035.00 |
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Kenda Karma L3R Pro 29″ x 1.90″ Folding Tires 29er Mountain Bike Bicycle MTB $40.00 |
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SPECIALIZED PRO STORM MOUNTAIN BIKE TIRES 26 X 1.70 TUBELESS 2BLISS XC MUD $49.00 |
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NITERIDER PRO 1200 LED MOUNTAIN BIKE HEADLIGHT LIGHTING SYSTEM NEW #6535 $289.00 |
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Answer Pro TAPER Carbon Fibre AM Bars 1” Rise 720mm Wide handlebars all mountain $139.99 |
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Ritchey Pro Carbon Mountain Bike Forks – Disc Only 29er $450.00 |
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Orange 2010 Five Pro mountain bike sticker Decal Set $17.23 |
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Specialized 100mm Alloy Stem Road / Mountain Pro Set shim included $8.00 |
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MARWI SSR Pro Mountain MTB Bike GEL Leather Ti/Titanium Rails Saddle Seat $62.09 |
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Prologo Pro Choice V-Max Ti Titanium Black Road mountain Bike Saddle NEW $85.00 |
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Born of Heat and Pressure: Mountains and Metamorphic Rocks Earth Pro 0894902768 $4.48 |
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Ultra Pro Red mana symbol Deck Protectors Mountain 80 Sleeves Pack MTG 82453-3 $8.74 |
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BELLWETHER CYCLING DRYLINE-PRO SPLIT PAD BIKE SHORTS -Mountain Race- Mens Medium $9.99 |
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Hope Pro 2 rear 32 H Mountain Bike MTB Hub 10mm ii $179.99 |
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Hope Pro 2 evo rear 32 H Mountain Bike MTB Hub 12mm ii $179.99 |
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Hope Pro 2 real 32 H Mountain Bike MTB Hub 10mm ii $179.99 |
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Pro Mountain Biker: The Complete Manual of Mountain Biking – Bikes,… $0.99 |
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NEW 3T ARX Pro Stem // 140mm 31.8mm 17° Black Aluminum Road Mountain Bike $24.99 |
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Scott RC Pro Bib Shorts // LRG Large Road Mountain Bike MTB Chamois Black Race $24.99 |
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VUELTA ZEROLITE MTB PRO 26″ Wheelset Mountain Bike Cartridge Bearings Wheels NEW $42.34 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Factory Pro Team Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts Medium NEW $23.50 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Champion Pro Team Men’s Cycling Bike Bib Shorts Large NEW $119.95 |
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PRO Koryak 31.8 mm All Mountain stem, +10 degree rise, black / white, 90 mm $54.87 |
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PRO Koryak 31.8 mm All Mountain stem, +10 degree rise, black / white, 70 mm $54.87 |
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New 2009 Technine MFM Pro Twin Tip 155cm All-Mountain Snowboard $159.99 |
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Motion Pro Seal Mate Tool for Leaking Fork Seals Dirt Bike Mountain Motorcycle $5.99 |
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Focus Black Forest Sports Pro Series 19″ Mountain Bike Frame Aluminum LIGHT $200.00 |
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GT Force Carbon Pro Mountain bike (2009) $2,250.00 |
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GANDER MOUNTAIN GSS30 GUIDE SERIES PRO SELECT SPINNING REEL $22.99 |
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mountain king rye jung co milwaukee wis paneled shot glass pre pro $24.99 |
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MIRROR Sun Lite PRO Mountain Bike/ROAD STRAP-ON $10.43 |
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Specialized Pro MTB Mountain Bike Shoes // 8 41 Cross Bicycle $15.50 |
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Ritchey Carbon Pro Cycling Seatpost // 31.6 350mm Mountain Road Bike Bicycle MTB $19.99 |
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Alpha Q Pro 120mm Mountain/Road Bike Stem 25.4mm Handlebar Clamp +6 Degree NEW!! $14.99 |
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New Pro Mission DDK Bicycle Saddle for Fixie Road Mountain Hybrid Bike $16.99 |
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Mongoose Pro Wing Dual Suspension Mens Mountain Bike $349.99 |
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Specialized Pro Set Stem // 100mm 31.8 Clamp Road Oversize Mountain Bike MTB XC $19.99 |
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USED Origin8 UL PRO Ultra Lightweight Mountain Bike Bar-ends Cycling PLEASE READ $0.99 |
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NEW Origin-8 Pro Urban Fixie Fixed Gear /Mountain Bike 50 Riser Handlebar Black $15.00 |
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Hope Pro 2 II Front EVO 36 H Mountain Bike MTB Disc Brake Hub – 9 MM QR/Blu $99.99 |
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CONTINENTAL VERTICAL PRO 26 X 2.30 Folding UST Mountain Bike Tubeless Tire NEW $29.97 |
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VUELTA ZEROLITE MTB PRO 26″ Wheelset Mountain Bike Cartridge Bearings Wheels NEW $46.00 |
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Proflex 754 Full Suspension Mountain Bike, Aluminum GIRVIN PRO-FORX ITS MELTING $400.00 |
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Ritchey Pro Carbon Seat Post New 27.2mm 250mm Bike Bicycle Road Mountain Light $39.99 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Pro Team Quebec Men’s Cycling Bike Jersey M $20.50 |
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PROLOGO SCRATCH PRO T 2.0 ROAD MOUNTAIN BIKE SADDLE SEAT $89.00 |
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BRAND NEW (NWT) Schwinn Men’s Pro Cycling Apparel Mountain Shorts Black $23.00 |
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SALOMON PRO PIPE 171 cm NEW! Versatile All-mountain park $349.99 |
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2012 Prologo Nago EVO Pro Ti Solid Rails Road Mountain Bike Saddle Seat $49.95 |
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Jamis XCR Pro Full Suspension Mountain Bike Carbon Sz. 19 $2,249.00 |
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White Prologo Nago EVO Pro Ti Solid Rails Road Mountain Bike Saddle Seat 2012 $49.95 |
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Answer Atac Pro 1 1/8″ 120mm zero degree 31.8mm bar size mountain stem $18.00 |
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New Sun Charger Pro 26″ Mountain Bike Wheelset Black 9mm or thru axle 15mm 20mm $449.99 |
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New Sun Charger Pro 26″ Mountain Bike Wheelset White 9mm or thru axle 15mm 20mm $449.99 |
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Saracen Mantra Pro Mountain Bike 2012 19″ $862.49 |
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Saracen Mantra Pro Mountain Bike 2012 17″ $862.49 |
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Saracen Mantra Pro Mountain Bike 2012 15″ $862.49 |
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Hope Pro II NoTubes.com ZTR Olympic Tubeless 26″ Disc Mountain Bike Wheels 32h $319.99 |
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PRO TAPER METAL MULISHA GRIPS BMX MOUNTAIN BIKES JETSKI $9.99 |
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2008 M4 SPECIALIZED ROCKHOPPER PRO DISC 19″ MOUNTAIN BIKE $800.00 |
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Shimano Pro XCR lock on mountain bike grips white / black $24.17 |
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Shimano Pro Cassette Remover Set Tool Mountain Road Bike Bicycle New Worldwide $29.90 |
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1 CASE – PRO PAK Mountain House SINGLE SERVE BEEF STEW $35.40 |
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Commencal Premier Pro Mountain Bike 15.7 inch Orange NEW Avid Juicy 3 LOW $ $879.99 |
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Commencal Premier Pro Mountain Bike 17 inch Orange NEW Avid Juicy 3 LOW $ $879.99 |
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SHIMANO PRO XCR OS MOUNTAIN BIKE MTB STEM 31.8MM X 90MM $86.95 |
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Ritchey PRO Stem // 110mm 31.8 Clamp Road Oversize Mountain Bike MTB $9.99 |
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Pearl Izumi Pro LTD Jersey // MED Road Mountain Bike MTB Triathlon Race Top $30.00 |
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NEW Pearl Izumi Pro LTD Jersey // MED Road Mountain Bike MTB Triathlon Race Top $39.99 |
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Prologo Scratch Pro DEA Road Titanium Mountain Cross Bicycle Seat Saddle $49.99 |
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Team Spike Vermarc Lightweight Jacket // SML Small Pro Road Mountain Bike Layer $9.99 |
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Specialized Pro Ti Mountain Bike Saddle 140mm $0.99 |
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MOUNTAIN 7″ PRO WH LBLREINA DEL MI ARGENTINA_47039 $20.00 |
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NEW Royal Racing Pro Full Finger Mountain Bike Gloves Small $19.99 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Champion Pro Team Men’s Cycling Bike Jersey XS NEW $63.96 |
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Biemme Rocky Mountain Factory Pro Team Men’s Cycling Bike Shorts Medium NEW $63.96 |
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COLUMBIA CONVERT OMNI-TECH PRO SNOWBOARD SKI MOUNTAIN PARKA COAT JACKET WOMENS S $4.99 |
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AccuSharp 3036-2024 Knife Sharpener Replacement Blades $2.82 Diamond Honed Tungsten Carbide sharpening blades are double reversible.ATTRIBUTES Material: Carbide Steel Special Features: Easy to use! Type: Hand Held… |
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Lansky Nathan’s Natural Honing Oil $1.47 Nathan’s Natural Honing Oil is specially formulated for use with all Lansky Sharpeners and Natural Arkansas Benchstones.FEATURES Nathan s Honing Oil specially formulated for use with all Lansky Sharpeners and Natural Arkansas Benchstones. It is a highly refined honing oil and is essential to keep your hones lubricated to achieve the best sharpening results: 1ATTRIBUTES Material:&nbs… |
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Danby DAR195BL 1.8 cu.ft. All Refrigerator – Black $93.99 The energy efficient Danby Designer(R) counter-top all-fridge offers 1.8 cu. ft. of refrigeration in a convenient, compact space. This model makes a great addition to the student dorm room or home office. It includes Danby’s second generation Canstor(R) beverage dispenser, tall bottle storage and a scratch resistant work top to store accessories. 1.8 cu.ft. (51 litre) capacity Color: Black All Ref… |
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Ready, Set, Move $13.31 Song titles include: Ready For A Good Time; Let’s Read & Rock; Five Little Monkeys; Ready, Set, Move; The Bear Went Over The Mountain; It’s Circle Time; Shimmy Shake; Jump Down, Turn Around; Teddy Bear Turn Around, Two Little Black Birds; Jim Along Josie; United We Stand; and Let’s Read & Rock (open tracks)…. |
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The Bells of St. Genevieve of the Mountain and other Baroque Favorites … |
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Bryn Terfel Sings Welsh Folk Songs $6.64 … |
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Smoky Mountain Kids: A Live Action Sing-Along Video A Live Action Sing Along Video Featuring the following songs: Every Day of the Week, Children Go Where I Send Thee, He’s Got The Whole World In His Hands, Shadrach,Meshach and Abednego, Down In My Heart, Deep and Wide, I Shall Not Be Moved, This Train, He’ll Be Comin’ in Clouds of Glory, Let The Children Come To Me, and simple Gifts…. |
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Fly Like a Pro! Skydiving’s Canopy Control Video Make it back in one piece and make ram-air-flight safer and easier with this comprehensive program. A field-tested approach for training the intermediate to advanced canopy pilot to fly square parachutes in all situations. Learn your canopy’s flight range; get tips and pointers from this sport’s most respected skydivers! Thousands of copies sold worldwide!… |
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Space Mountain Spectacular [VHS] $19.99 … |
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AccuSharp 001 Knife Sharpener $5.33 This knife shapener sharpens any double edge blade whether serrated or plain, thick or thin and it will do it faster than youd believe possible. AccuSharp sharpeners are the best, easiest and fastest sharpeners around. The difference is in the specially formulated, precision ground and mounted tungsten carbide blades…. |
