Hey all,

So I picked up a couple older mountain bikes for the wife and I to start riding on the weekends. Neither of us has been on a bicycle since we were kids. And I'm a fairly decent amateur motorcycle mechanic, but know next to nothing about bicycles. I've been searching and reading and while I've gained lots of knowledge, I've also got even more questions now than I did before, so I was hoping you guys could help me out.

The bikes are a Trek 4300 and a Specialized Hard rock, both hard tail mountainbikes. V Brakes, and I believe shimano shifters on both? My questions if you don't mind taking the time:

• I'm for sure replacing all the cables on both. Are all cable brands standardized? Or is it brand specific? Do you buy a particular length, or do you cut them to fit?

• with V brakes, is there any reason to replace the pads as long as there's enough meat on them?

• I keep reading about cable cutters. Will regular wire snips not cut it? Or tin snips even?

• attaching the ferrule to the cable. Is a special tool necessary or can you do this with typical pliers?

• I was planning on using the lubes and greases I've already got on hand... White lithium grease for cables, pivot points for levers... Bearings still seem smooth so I wasn't going to bother with those. Was just gonna use CLP for chain and sprockets. I know these aren't typical bicycle products but would I be way off the mark in using them? And is there anything else I need to lube or grease?

• found a couple guides to help determine if the chain or sprockets are worn out, haven't checked yet but it's on my radar. Also saw a guide on adjusting the derailleur, and have a pump with a gauge for the tires. Is there anything else I need to do tune up/maintenance wise?