Big Bike Thread

janesssssy · 23 Apr 2010 at 13:28

janesssssy said:
Finaly built the bike up on its annual rebuild. (I do this every year...)

Doing a 50km tomorrow evening around Bath. Just hope my knee holds up.

well my knee didnt hold out, after 30km I was in extreme pain. Might have to go see doctors

Bu**er ive got a 12 hour enduro race in 5 weeks :mad:

Big Chris said:
Janesssssy, not been online for a little while, just spotted the pics of the stem I asked you to post - much appreciated mate.

It doesn't look that much of a change to my current 90mm/5 degree Thomson so I think I'm gonna go for it.

Cool no probs

Supercow · 23 Apr 2010 at 14:54

rhysduck said:
Some cracking look trails there 6th. Not sure I'd be inclined to pay those asking prices though. Some good looking riding there though.

For an entire season's worth of charlifted goodness, thats a bargain!

6thElement · 23 Apr 2010 at 15:40

I just have to hit Diablo 8 times to make the pass worthwhile, I'm normally over a dozen trips during the summer fitting in the DH between other riding.

weescott · 23 Apr 2010 at 17:13

I have just been told no riding my bike for another 4-6 weeks to let my leg heal properly. :'( I'll give it a week.

Inquisitor · 23 Apr 2010 at 17:15

ichabod crane said:
The most overpriced suspension in the world BOS

I like how they sell fork coils in different colours :confused:

KnightStalker · 23 Apr 2010 at 17:19

weescott said:
I have just been told no riding my bike for another 4-6 weeks to let my leg heal properly. :'( I'll give it a week.

unlucky, i was told that about my shoulder/collar bone, within 5 days i was out and riding again lol

6thElement · 23 Apr 2010 at 17:21

Inquisitor said:
I like how they sell fork coils in different colours

Most manufacturers do that with fork springs so you know what rating they are.

Supercow · 23 Apr 2010 at 19:21

Inquisitor said:
I like how they sell fork coils in different colours

LMAO

Hamster · 23 Apr 2010 at 22:18

Quick question for you bike experts. I need a new chain for my MTB. 9 speed and Shimano compatible. I've been advised to get a SRAM chain as they're decent quality for the price and they have the powerlink which would be useful if needed. I was looking at the PC971 and PC991. I've read some bad reviews of that brand with people saying they snap too easily. Anyone have any experience to share or advice please?

KnightStalker · 23 Apr 2010 at 22:20

Got a Sram chain on mine, its covered 200miles so far, barely showing signs of wearing out. Not sure how many miles they usually last but mines ok.

ichabod crane · 23 Apr 2010 at 22:20

Not snapped an sram chain yet, my current one is a PC971 and has been on there a few months.

Hamster · 23 Apr 2010 at 22:40

KnightStalker said:
Got a Sram chain on mine, its covered 200miles so far, barely showing signs of wearing out. Not sure how many miles they usually last but mines ok.

ichabod crane said:
Not snapped an sram chain yet, my current one is a PC971 and has been on there a few months.

Thanks for the replies. I guess it's the fewer people who have had problems that are most 'vocal' with reviews. I'll go for a SRAM then.

The PC991 comes in three flavours; i'm not that bothered about getting the hollow one. Do you know much about this Cross Step PC991 and whether it would be noticably better in any way than the standard PC991 or even the PC971?

PC991 Cross Step:
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=11088

PC991
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=9760

PC971
http://www.chainreactioncycles.com/Models.aspx?ModelID=9873

Burned_Alive · 23 Apr 2010 at 22:48

Personally I'd go with a KMC, X9L probably.

weescott · 23 Apr 2010 at 22:49

I have been using SRAM chains for over 5 years now. For the money you can't go wrong with the PC971. It will rust easier than the 991 but you wont notice much of a performance difference between all 3.

An alternative is the KMC X9 SL chain. It is lighter and meant to be good. I have one sitting as a spare and yet to try it.

andi · 23 Apr 2010 at 22:57

Just bought two KMC X9s for mine, will fit them tommorrow. Rockhopper had a KMC on from new and its being fine, and the missing links are excellent.

touch · 23 Apr 2010 at 23:03

JoeMama said:
I've been advised to get a SRAM chain as they're decent quality for the price and they have the powerlink which would be useful if needed.

Powerlinks are great. So easy to take the chain on and off. Also good to carry a spare in your pocket incase your chain breaks when you're out and about.

Doesnt mean you have to be limited to SRAM chains tho, you can get powerlinks individually and fit them to any chain (9spd links on 9spd chains etc)

KnightStalker · 23 Apr 2010 at 23:14

weescott said:
I have been using SRAM chains for over 5 years now. For the money you can't go wrong with the PC971. It will rust easier than the 991 but you wont notice much of a performance difference between all 3.

An alternative is the KMC X9 SL chain. It is lighter and meant to be good. I have one sitting as a spare and yet to try it.

Now you mention it my PC971 does indeed get surface rust but doesnt appear to effect its smooth action, can look a bit grubby but who the hell cares as long as it works lol

Hamster · 23 Apr 2010 at 23:15

Thanks again!

I'll add the KMC X9L to my shortlist as it's just about within my budget as i've got a few other little bits to buy for the bike too.

How does the 'missing link' work on the KMC? Is it like the powerlink on the SRAM chains and are the KMC chains they just as easy to remove if needed?

Also, are the KMCs more 'rust proof' than the SRAMs?

Lastly, would a heavier SRAM be better for a weightier rider?

rhysduck · 23 Apr 2010 at 23:28

+1 for KMC. I've found them nothing short of perfect.

Super strong and comes with the missing link. Have had bad experiences with SRAM chain - not had nothing go wrong with KMC

weescott · 23 Apr 2010 at 23:31

KnightStalker said:
Now you mention it my PC971 does indeed get surface rust but doesnt appear to effect its smooth action, can look a bit grubby but who the hell cares as long as it works lol

I was shocked to see rust on my PC971 chain. I felt that I had been neglecting my bike and thought I better clean it, then I looked at the rest of my bike and thought....meh.

The KMC 'missing link' is almost identical to the Sram power link. Just as easy to remove as Sram's version. How rust proof a chain is depends on the model and how well...or not....you look after it. You can get away with murder with a PC991 but the PC971 takes a little care.