Big Bike Thread

IceAx · 9 Apr 2010 at 22:19

and now a new seat post clamp too

Andy

Torch [P4] · 9 Apr 2010 at 22:38

just fitted an SDG Bel-Air RT saddle and can't believe the difference it makes :eek:

also the panaracers have improved my times on the local xc circuits, bit slippy on the roots tho

Lakeland · 9 Apr 2010 at 23:17

I've gone and bought myself a new bike :rolleyes:

well, second hand. Kona coiler deluxe. Any chance of some help from the resident experts?

Had the bike out for a ride tonight and I'm finding the brakes (Hayes HFX Magnesium) to be poor. Not so bothered about the rear, but the front (8") is rather woolly. It feels like they need bled, but when you add a touch more pressure on the lever they squeal and lock up. Are brakes for this type of bike supposed to have a dull spot to stop you locking up on downhill sections? I've got an 8" juicy 5 on the front of my hardtail and it feels much more powerful / progressive.
Are these Hayes HFX brakes any good when setup correctly? If they're not what would you recommend for around 150? (happy with 2nd hand)

And now to spend even more money

I need a pump for the shocks, the rear is a Fox DHX 4.0 and the front are Marzocchi 66's. I've not quite worked out what pressures should be in the front forms but as I understand it they don't require as much pressure so do I need two different pumps or can I use a high pressure one to do both? There is one on wiggle which looks like it could do the trick? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_Pocket_Shock_DXG_Shock_Pump_With_Gauge/5360019044

Finally! What sort of pressures do you guys run in your 2.5" tyres? I ran them this evening at 45psi for the trek up and dropped to around 35 for the descent. The reason I ask is because it felt like there was a lot of drag (not just my fat ***) on the descent so if I can ramp up the pressures I think it could help here!

Apologies for the huge post!

Draeger · 9 Apr 2010 at 23:31

Torch [P4];16333738 said:
just fitted an SDG Bel-Air RT saddle and can't believe the difference it makes

Similar but from a "Roadie" point of view, I bought a Fizik Arione recently as it would appear to be one of those saddles that everyone rates really highly. I just didn't get on with it, was like sitting on a razor blade.

Sold it and tried a Specialized Alias 143 and I seriously cannot believe the difference in comfort!!. Awesome saddle, highly recommended :cool:

:-

weescott · 9 Apr 2010 at 23:52

Lakeland said:
I need a pump for the shocks, the rear is a Fox DHX 4.0 and the front are Marzocchi 66's. I've not quite worked out what pressures should be in the front forms but as I understand it they don't require as much pressure so do I need two different pumps or can I use a high pressure one to do both? There is one on wiggle which looks like it could do the trick? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_Pocket_Shock_DXG_Shock_Pump_With_Gauge/5360019044

My local bike shop took one off a new bike and gave it to a pal of mine for nothing. It looks almost identical to one of my 4 Fox shock pumps. :rolleyes:

Any shock pump will do.

Lakeland said:
Finally! What sort of pressures do you guys run in your 2.5" tyres? I ran them this evening at 45psi for the trek up and dropped to around 35 for the descent. The reason I ask is because it felt like there was a lot of drag (not just my fat ***) on the descent so if I can ramp up the pressures I think it could help here!

45psi for a 2.5" tyre? :eek:

I run about 28psi for my 2.4's. Maybe 35psi for my thin XC tyres depending on the trail. Maybe look at your tyre choice?

andi · 9 Apr 2010 at 23:59

Lakeland said:
And now to spend even more money I need a pump for the shocks, the rear is a Fox DHX 4.0 and the front are Marzocchi 66's. I've not quite worked out what pressures should be in the front forms but as I understand it they don't require as much pressure so do I need two different pumps or can I use a high pressure one to do both? There is one on wiggle which looks like it could do the trick? http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Topeak_Pocket_Shock_DXG_Shock_Pump_With_Gauge/5360019044

That one will do both, I've got one for my F120s and RP2, its a good pump.

Lakeland · 10 Apr 2010 at 00:21

weescott said:
My local bike shop took one off a new bike and gave it to a pal of mine for nothing. It looks almost identical to one of my 4 Fox shock pumps. Any shock pump will do.

45psi for a 2.5" tyre? I run about 28psi for my 2.4's. Maybe 35psi for my thin XC tyres depending on the trail. Maybe look at your tyre choice?

The tyres are rated to 50+ I think? I tend to ramp up the pressure on my hardtail for the climb and let it back out for the descent though at the minute I'm just guessing as I've not used 2.5's before. I'll try running 30 next time seen as I lump around 15stone, and see what happens!

Cheers for the thumbs up on the pump :cool:

6thElement · 10 Apr 2010 at 00:43

Which Marzocchi fork is it? My 66 RC2X requires about 4 pumps on my RS shock pump, doesn't even register a reading.

Lakeland · 10 Apr 2010 at 01:18

It was advertised as the 66 XF but I think it's the VF, I'll have to check to see if there are any markings tomorrow afternoon.

Do you have any recommendations on brakes? I like the look of, and the reviews the hope m4 tech gets, wiggle do the 203 floating rotor + braided hoses for 167, second hand should see one of those for around 100 ish?

weescott · 10 Apr 2010 at 11:11

I have been running the mono M4 (previous version of the Tech M4) for about 5 years now. I hope (pun intended) to run M4's for another 5 years. Great brakes.

andi · 10 Apr 2010 at 12:22

Had a great ride on the Coed Llandegla red yesterday, and came home to find this waiting..

So pleased I managed to get one of the first 100

Saytan · 10 Apr 2010 at 12:54

so who's been riding for a while then? old girls still like to get dirty.

22.something pounds, steel, and accelerates like a stabbed rat. telepathic to ride. buy a new bike? why would i want to do that?

Lakeland · 10 Apr 2010 at 13:01

weescott said:
I have been running the mono M4 (previous version of the Tech M4) for about 5 years now. I hope (pun intended) to run M4's for another 5 years. Great brakes.

There is a 15% sale on wiggle for existing customers (ends mignight tonight) so I've gone for the tech m4's @ £158, floating rotor and braided hose. Quite possibly overkill taking into account how much I paid for the bike but I do like good brakes.

Had my hardtail out today for 15 miles and loved it, I could never get rid :cool:

Lakeland · 10 Apr 2010 at 13:04

6thElement said:
Which Marzocchi fork is it? My 66 RC2X requires about 4 pumps on my RS shock pump, doesn't even register a reading.

The dial on this pump starts @ 0psi so I'll be sending it back if it doesn't register for the first part of the dial

weescott · 10 Apr 2010 at 13:19

Lakeland said:
I've gone for the tech m4's @ £158, floating rotor and braided hose. Quite possibly overkill taking into account how much I paid for the bike but I do like good brakes.

No such thing as overkill for brakes. You will love them.

----

New Santacruz bike with APP Suspension. :cool:

Available now from B&Q

6thElement · 10 Apr 2010 at 13:21

Lakeland said:
The dial on this pump starts @ 0psi so I'll be sending it back if it doesn't register for the first part of the dial

The 66 forks require about 12psi, check the manual
Your shock pump probably goes from 0-300
It won't be accurate at the low end

Lakeland · 10 Apr 2010 at 13:30

6thElement said:
The 66 forks require about 12psi, check the manual
Your shock pump probably goes from 0-300
It won't be accurate at the low end

It is the VF's not XF. I'll need a HP pump for the rear shock so not much point sending it back if it registers but is not accurate at LP, I'll have to stump up for second LP pump when spare cash is available which won't be for a while now!

I need to have a good sit down and read through the manual properly, it is incredibly annoyingly confusing for a newb to suspension setup, the I found the Fox manual much easier to follow

andi · 10 Apr 2010 at 13:49

To be honest, it's not crucial to know how much air is in, in terms of psi. Just pump it until the sag is right.

Supercow · 10 Apr 2010 at 21:17

I cocked up my BOS Stoy shock on the DH bike and now needs to go in for a service

It's kinda been a blessing in disguide, as I have fallen in love with my Mbuzi all over again.
I threw a sicky on Friday and have been riding the Mbuzi in DH mode since. Had the most fun Ive had DH'ing in ages on it!

The new Rockshox Lyric solo air are the best single crown forks I have ever felt, bar none. THey are so light, yet so effecient and plush - that said mines come directly from Fishers and they internals have been polished more so than my dogs balls.

Got some 670mm Truvative Boobar bars on there too and a flush headset, and OMG it's literally just too much fun to ride!

pics to follow tomorrow!

londonbairn · 10 Apr 2010 at 21:18

Fettling I done today...

Weekly clean on the commuter (Wilier)
Helicopter tape applied to Wilier
Changed cleats on one of my road shoes (one of them nearly totally worn, past week clipping in was crud!)

Got a massive shopping list as well to deal with, mainly new clothes..