Big Bike Thread

Big Chris · 22 Jan 2007 at 18:48

p4radox said:
I like the look of that.

One question about hydraulics - are they durable? I'm a bit concerned about something splitting and losing a load of oil and then not being able to easily repair it. Are cables easier to maintain?

The hoses are very durable yes, you'd be hard pushed to split them, unless you're Jonny ///M's mate who apparently breaks things by just bunnyhopping...

SDK^ · 22 Jan 2007 at 18:56

I was concerned about Hydraulic brakes but after two aggressive rides and reading many forums it's not something you have to worry about.

p4radox · 22 Jan 2007 at 19:27

Awesome. Now all I need is ~£400. Bring on summer. :cool:

Are these websites generally cheaper than buying from a shop?

SDK^ · 22 Jan 2007 at 19:33

August-September is the end of the bike season so you could grab a bargain on a 2007 bike

Big Chris · 22 Jan 2007 at 19:44

p4radox said:
Are these websites generally cheaper than buying from a shop?

They are shops, they just have websites. In any case, you really need to get along to one or more of them and try some of these bikes before you buy, they may look good in the pics and on paper, but you don't know how they'll feel til you get your leg over one.

p4radox · 22 Jan 2007 at 19:59

Big Chris said:
They are shops, they just have websites. In any case, you really need to get along to one or more of them and try some of these bikes before you buy, they may look good in the pics and on paper, but you don't know how they'll feel til you get your leg over one.

Yup. I have a couple of places in mind. I'll definitely go and check some out before I part with any of my hard-earned $$$.

Thanks for all the replies - you're all incredibly wonderful people and very helpful.

benjo plz. · 22 Jan 2007 at 20:57

weescott said:
Phnom_Penh, stop being such a snob! Acera is fine for occasional use, but I agree that if you are getting into MTB'ing seriously then you NEED at least Deore. I wouldn't go lower than XT (I'm a bit of a snob too).

I have to disagree about Cable Disc brakes. OK they are heavier than V's (and in most cases not any more powerful) but they are better than V's in muddy conditions and your rims will last longer and be stronger.

lol, that's the first (and probably the last time) I've been called a snob. Saint tbh

.

I tried Shimano M515's back in 2004, and they were great for about the first 3 rides, then, I'm not sure whether it was pad wear, cable strech or dirt, they just went downhill bigtime (and even after adjustment they needed re-adjusting every other ride), and they were awful in the wet too. I'd say a decent pair of v's with a nice bit of rim tar is a far better choice

.

Jonny ///M said:
Acera = lose.

Well at least someone round here has the right idea

.

Big Chris said:
you don't know how they'll feel til you get your leg over.

Bit like women

.

Jonny ///M · 23 Jan 2007 at 01:27

Big Chris said:
The hoses are very durable yes, you'd be hard pushed to split them, unless you're Jonny ///M's mate who apparently breaks things by just bunnyhopping...

well he is a fat *man bit*.

I think my first xile came with something along the lines of acera......oops accidently went off a 1.5ft wall and the mech accidentally snapped and took half my wheel with it. :rolleyes:

Hydraulics are fine,just get them bled once a year by a shop to keep them sweet.

weescott · 23 Jan 2007 at 23:06

It's actually incredibly easy to bleed discs yourself.

"andy" · 23 Jan 2007 at 23:13

aye if you have 3 arms or a helper its pee easy

chucky · 23 Jan 2007 at 23:16

the front one is easy, but the rear one can be hard on your own, thats assuming you keep it attached to the bike.

weescott · 24 Jan 2007 at 08:36

I have done my front and rear brakes on my own no problem.

Bucket at one end to drain the oil using a small piece of tubing attached to bleed valve, empty oil from bleed valve, close valve, top up res (Hope style levers) very slowly, pump lever, open valve, open lever, close valve, repeat until oil comes out the bleed valve with no air bubbles. Job Done!

You may need a specific bleed kit according to the brake, but it IS a one man job and easy to do.

p4radox · 24 Jan 2007 at 17:12

What exaclty is bleeding, and why bother?

Jonny ///M · 24 Jan 2007 at 17:41

weescott said:
It's actually incredibly easy to bleed discs yourself.

Look you.........have you tried bleeding a hayes sole without a hayes bleed kit or even with it!!!

Ive bled hope brakes no bother but for somebody who doesnt know what spec to choose on a bike i dont think he should try and bleed a brake.

Bleeding brakes = getting all the air out the system to improve the lever feel. Air = compressable so the lever gets all spongy and the brake fluid heats up and fades easier than it should.

Big Chris · 24 Jan 2007 at 18:18

p4radox said:
What exaclty is bleeding, and why bother?

Draining the system of the hydraulic fluid and replacing it with new fluid, hopefully avoiding pockets of air along the way.

p4radox · 24 Jan 2007 at 19:43

So can you usualy tell from the 'feel' of the brakes when it needs doing?

Like this stuff?
http://www.evanscycles.com/product.jsp?style=12189

Or is there some uber-cheap alternative like cooking oil...

"andy" · 24 Jan 2007 at 20:58

ooops i didnt even consider taking the brake off the bike would make it easier , had to borrow a spare arm when i bled my rear

weescott · 24 Jan 2007 at 20:59

Jonny ///M said:
Ive bled hope brakes no bother but for somebody who doesnt know what spec to choose on a bike i dont think he should try and bleed a brake.

Depends on how much the person is willing / CBA to try. Just like adjusting gears. It's something that you can easily do at home but it's easier to get someone else to do it. Something like truing / building a wheel is a little different.

Big Chris · 24 Jan 2007 at 21:23

I usually pay a professional to tinker with my bike, I've worked in a couple of bike shops and know what I'm doing but I have zero patience when it comes to my own stuff and I end up throwing tools around in a fit of rage.

benjo plz. · 24 Jan 2007 at 21:29

weescott said:
Something like truing / building a wheel is a little different.

lacing and truing can be a bit of a dark horse (I think that's the right term lol). Sometimes it can take less than an hour, although often it takes all bloody day :\.