Big Bike Thread

weescott · 27 Oct 2009 at 09:35

Sounds like the cones in the hub need adjusting. Easy fix.

Reminds me of when my Manitou Blacks were offset to one side. Never really bothered doing anything about it until I wanted to run a bigger tyre. Got a much needed free service out of the warranty after 6months of hard riding.

Lead_Head · 27 Oct 2009 at 15:52

So where do you get all your bike clothing at bargain prices from?

Are TK Maxx and places like that ideal?

Inquisitor · 27 Oct 2009 at 17:23

You're unlikely to find quality clothing at bargain prices (and if you're serious about cycling you should certainly have good clothing). Most of my stuff is Endura, and it's worked brilliantly for me.

shauncr91 · 27 Oct 2009 at 17:30

Lead_Head said:
So where do you get all your bike clothing at bargain prices from?

Are TK Maxx and places like that ideal?

Generally whereever has the best prices since it varies loads, just shop around for best bargain and sales etc.

Nix · 27 Oct 2009 at 17:32

Lead_Head said:
So where do you get all your bike clothing at bargain prices from?

Are TK Maxx and places like that ideal?

There's a few sale pieces over at Wiggle and ChainReaction if you fancy a look.

Shoei · 29 Oct 2009 at 20:57

Rockhopper Comp SL or Cannondale Trail SL3?

Rockhopper is nice in that it seems to be based on the old Stumpy frame from a couple of years ago.

The Trail SL3 has air sprung forks but they are by RST and from what i can find via the joy of google no one seems to know anything about them where as the RH has Tora SLite's.
Same basic groupset on each, though Avid Juicys on the 'Hopper and Deore brakes on the Trail.

much racking of brain.

Still at least i got my lad a bike for christmas, a nice little 24" wheel HotRock.

Saytan · 29 Oct 2009 at 21:31

aldi/lidl have periodic deals on excellent clothes. dont listen to snobs, i know plenty of people who ride LOTS who use nothing else

Reality|Bites · 29 Oct 2009 at 21:34

Have a go on both bikes, see which you like the best.

#Chri5# · 29 Oct 2009 at 21:58

Lead_Head said:
So where do you get all your bike clothing at bargain prices from?

Are TK Maxx and places like that ideal?

Aldi do offer some decent gear. The winter gear is popular with the folks I ride with.

Downsides? Cycling gear is not always a regular stock line (you need to get there early on the offer day if you want a decent choice) and it's hard to try on stuff like winter bib-tights (unless you like stripping off in front of the old people shopping). Some of the sizing can be a bit odd too.

You'll sometimes find a decent waterproof in TK Maxx but you'll probably need to visit often and be prepared to rummage through all the rails.

As mentioned there's Wiggle, CRC plus Merlin Cycles. Evans Cycles have a good clothing range online.

MeddlE · 1 Nov 2009 at 15:31

One of those mornings where you wish you'd stayed in bed. Wasn't raining when we left, 20 minutes later soaked through to the skin, finished off by a puncture 1 mile from home.

Ironic Namesake · 1 Nov 2009 at 15:37

It seems the rear wheel on my road bike is not true - is there an easy way to correct this, or does it mean I need a new wheel ? Can do most bike repairs myself but never worked on wheels before!

[DOD]Asprilla · 1 Nov 2009 at 15:45

Depending upon how bad it is you can true it yourself or get a decent bike shop to do it. Can't say I've had to do it yself yet, so I don't know how hard or difficult it is.

oddjob62 · 1 Nov 2009 at 15:48

Just get a spoke key and look on youtube for a vid. I've made both wheels on my fixed, probably not great compared to an expert, but feels true enough to me, and not had any issues (been riding them for 2-3 months now)

It's usually just a case of finding where it's come untrue and giving a couple of nipples a small twist

NotAGolf · 1 Nov 2009 at 19:28

Quick question all.

I've just bought a new bike. Took it out this morning in the rain and by the time I came back I couldn't see my frame anymore! I got fairly clean with a bit of water and a quick rub with a rag.

I was just wondering what would be the best cleaner for the cahin and my forks to keep it fresh and stop any rust or sticking. Must be cheap as I spent all my money on the bike!!

Thanks

Reality|Bites · 1 Nov 2009 at 19:32

Halfords muc-off, the pink stuff

Inquisitor · 1 Nov 2009 at 19:32

You could do it with a stiff brush and some general purpose degreaser. Purpose-designed ones are the best, though:

http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=5783

monkeypants · 1 Nov 2009 at 19:32

mpledge52 said:
I was just wondering what would be the best cleaner for the cahin and my forks to keep it fresh and stop any rust or sticking. Must be cheap as I spent all my money on the bike!!

Muck-Off is my choice, bike shops tend to like Hope's No Swearing! Shifter (that's what it's called). For cheapness, bucket of warm water with some washing up liquid in and a tough-but-fairly soft brush (think kitchen floor brush) and hose to rinse (low pressure).

NotAGolf · 1 Nov 2009 at 20:09

Thanks guys. Those sound ok for getting the crud off but would I need to put some oil or lube on afterwards to keep it running smooth or will be be alright as long as I keep it clean (both for forks and chain)?

monkeypants · 1 Nov 2009 at 20:31

Chain lube is available from Halfords for not much. Finish Line is what most people will recommend though, they do a wet lube (for when it's wet) and a dry lube (for when it's dry). GT85 is also good for spraying on your mech pivots etc.

janesssssy · 1 Nov 2009 at 21:02

Please could anyone give me adive on a new tyre, This is for the rear as I have been borrowing a Spesh tyre and I keep getting pinch flats even when fully inflated.

its running on my hardtail Onone summer season with a Maxxis Larsen TTxc up front. which I love to bits. I could get another for the rear but wanted opinions. 2.0 - 2.2 please.