You're right, that full swap advice is often overkill. A careful clean and proper lube fixes most sticky curtains just fine. It saves a ton of money and keeps the original parts working.

It's a good start, but bike tires and parts still come from factories with their own pollution.

That barber's advice sounds like a good way to run out of ideas fast.

Honestly that line about adhesives staying gummy forever is so true. Tbh I used to think a heater was just for us to not freeze our hands off. But I had this tile job once where the thin-set just wouldn't set up right in a cold basement, whole thing was a mess. Now I get it, it's not a luxury, it's a tool you need for the work to actually turn out right. Never going without one again.

Saw a video of one setting up a wind turbine... thing looked like a toy next to it. The counterweight setup alone is insane.