Big Bike Thread

rhysduck · 17 May 2010 at 14:55

There's a bit more to it than that (fitting brakes)
You need to get the calipers aligned properly to the rotor.
Avid have a very good website with technical documents on that will help you greatly in setting up your brakes.

Imo; The Juicy 3's arent that great - and won't be much of an upgrade to your current brakes. - You'd be better off looking around a bit and getting better quality brakes. What type of riding is the bike being used for?
Look at some Formula Oro K24's. Or a set of Elixir 5's. (http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=48330)

RobotXander · 17 May 2010 at 15:00

Red and Black level trail riding for the most part (I've ben told this is XC but the Highland Wildcat is crazy)

RobotXander · 17 May 2010 at 15:02

Wow, the Elixir 5's are cheaper than I thought....I guess I would be just as well dropping the extra 35 quid on a set of them?

ichabod crane · 17 May 2010 at 15:08

RobotXander said:
Wow, the Elixir 5's are cheaper than I thought....I guess I would be just as well dropping the extra 35 quid on a set of them?

yep the elixir's will be in a whole different league to the juicy 3's but if you want a real performance brake then as mentioned already look at some Formula or even Hope

rhysduck · 17 May 2010 at 15:19

Formula do very good brakes also - don't jump to conclusions yet.
Hope aswell - very good brakes.
Have a look around - What's your budget?

RobotXander · 17 May 2010 at 15:20

cheers mate, thanks for the heads up.

I've never changed a set before. You reckon it's doable or should I just take it to my LBS?

rhysduck · 17 May 2010 at 15:29

RobotXander said:
cheers mate, thanks for the heads up.

I've never changed a set before. You reckon it's doable or should I just take it to my LBS?

More than do-able and always good to learn how to setup your bike.
Have a look here: Avid Elxiri Brake Setup PDF - it will give you a good idea on what's envolved.

Budget?

RobotXander · 17 May 2010 at 15:33

Thanks, I'm browsing the available info on the SRAM site now.

To be honest I had no real budget in mind. I read some good reviews about the Juicy 3's and thought they would do the job nicely. However, it then jumped to 135 when I was shown the Elixirs.
I guess no more that 150 max

andi · 17 May 2010 at 15:48

As long as the hose length is ok, it should just be a bolt on job. If you need to shortening hoses, it becomes more fiddly.

ichabod crane · 17 May 2010 at 15:49

RobotXander said:
cheers mate, thanks for the heads up.

I've never changed a set before. You reckon it's doable or should I just take it to my LBS?

real easy job, if the gorillas in some of the bike shops around here can service a bike anyone can!

andi said:
As long as the hose length is ok, it should just be a bolt on job. If you need to shortening hoses, it becomes more fiddly.

not with Hope

Cable shortening

rhysduck · 17 May 2010 at 16:02

RobotXander said:
Thanks, I'm browsing the available info on the SRAM site now.
To be honest I had no real budget in mind. I read some good reviews about the Juicy 3's and thought they would do the job nicely. However, it then jumped to 135 when I was shown the Elixirs.
I guess no more that 150 max

Maybe Hope is out then unless you go 2nd Hand.
But those Elixirs are really good brakes.

andi said:
As long as the hose length is ok, it should just be a bolt on job

Providing he has the correct adaptors for his rotor size.

6thElement · 17 May 2010 at 16:06

If you buy Avids they come with the adapters and rotors.

Elixirs are very good brakes, much better than the Juicy's.

RobotXander · 17 May 2010 at 16:23

Good stuff

Going for the Elixir 5's, and will install them myself. Looks like they come in White too so that will match my new pedals and grips

shauncr91 · 17 May 2010 at 17:11

Supercow said:
What does wearing a full face have to do with the size of the bag?

I use one of these when I'm in the Alps (full face), or when out on XC mission (**** pot)...

http://www.cyclestore.co.uk/productDetails.asp?productID=5317

Wasn't to do with size of bag, just didn't see point in buying a proper camelbak when I can't use the delivery system since my mouth is covered + I won't want to drink half way down a run

+ I only want a small bag so I can take a few small things in such as a couple of drinks and snacks etc, not arsed about fitting all but the kitchen sink in it

6thElement · 17 May 2010 at 17:14

You can drink from a camelbak in a full-face, tube up under the chin guard.

shauncr91 · 17 May 2010 at 17:18

6thElement said:
You can drink from a camelbak in a full-face, tube up under the chin guard.

True but I know I won't use the system anyway, I just want a standard bag and don't really want to fork out on stuff i don't need such as a full camelbak kit.

hk3948 · 17 May 2010 at 18:09

quick question about fork adjustment guys. Took some air out of my forks today to get some more travel. Theyre sitting at about 70psi. There a little table on printed on the back of the fork which states that for someone of my weight (76kg), i need about 90psi to get 120mm travel. But ive let a little more out because i still felt they were a little too stiff and still not enough travel.

What i was just wondering was, could i do any harm to the fork by not having enough air pressure in them?

Cheers guys. your'e a font of knowledge

touch · 17 May 2010 at 18:26

hk3948 said:
What i was just wondering was, could i do any harm to the fork by not having enough air pressure in them?

I dont know for sure, but i would expect not.
As long as it's not so low that you keep bottoming them out or anything like that.

andi · 17 May 2010 at 18:46

hk3948 said:
What i was just wondering was, could i do any harm to the fork by not having enough air pressure in them?

Cheers guys. your'e a font of knowledge

No, they'll just be softer and go through there travel quicker and might bottom out.

Not sure I follow the travel idea though, surely removing pressure will just make the bike sag more?

hk3948 · 17 May 2010 at 19:05

andi said:
No, they'll just be softer and go through there travel quicker and might bottom out.

Not sure I follow the travel idea though, surely removing pressure will just make the bike sag more?

they do sag more when i dont have them locked out, but i just felt that i want getting enough 'cushioning' from them before. letting out that little bit more definitely seems to have helped.

The other thing ive never quite been sure on is best adjustment of rebound. Has anyone got any tips or links on how to get it just right for the terrain or is it just personal preference?