Road Cycling Essentials

Vonhelmet · 21 Oct 2013 at 07:43

I can't tell from the photos provided, but would it be possible to route the chain the wrong way through the jockey wheels or something? Short of trying it myself, I can't tell quite how wrong you could get it or if it would even work or what the end result would be, but it leaps to mind as a potentially easy mistake to make. I once put my chain on after a clean and got it the wrong side of a metal tab between the two jockey wheels and it made a racket and didn't shift properly. I noticed pretty quickly, though, so I don't know whether it could have as dramatic results as in the photos.

Anyway. If this problem has arisen in the time it's taken to get the chain off and on again, I'd guess at chain routing being the problem, assuming you didn't randomly hit the derailleur with a hammer midway through the process.

Shamrock · 21 Oct 2013 at 08:57

Well in 15C the Rapha rain jacket is about as breathable as autoerotic asphyxiation!

[DOD]Asprilla · 21 Oct 2013 at 09:36

Where is this rain?

Having had a week in Porto and a week in Dorset, both characterised by cloudless blue sky, I dressed for biblical conditions this morning.

The only moisture was the river of sweat on my back.

Shamrock · 21 Oct 2013 at 09:49

[DOD]Asprilla;25152500 said:
Where is this rain?

Having had a week in Porto and a week in Dorset, both characterised by cloudless blue sky, I dressed for biblical conditions this morning.

The only moisture was the river of sweat on my back.

Same, I totally overdressed!

platypus · 21 Oct 2013 at 10:02

It's hammering it down now..

arknor · 21 Oct 2013 at 10:07

still not reached newcastle yet.. tempted to go for a ride anyway even if I get wet..
theres a cafe at a farm or whatever it is on my route about 60% in so guess I could hide in their if I get caught out :S

I only have jeans or joggy bottoms though so I don't know

Arsey · 21 Oct 2013 at 10:14

Vonhelmet said:
I can't tell from the photos provided, but would it be possible to route the chain the wrong way through the jockey wheels or something? Short of trying it myself, I can't tell quite how wrong you could get it or if it would even work or what the end result would be, but it leaps to mind as a potentially easy mistake to make. I once put my chain on after a clean and got it the wrong side of a metal tab between the two jockey wheels and it made a racket and didn't shift properly. I noticed pretty quickly, though, so I don't know whether it could have as dramatic results as in the photos.

Anyway. If this problem has arisen in the time it's taken to get the chain off and on again, I'd guess at chain routing being the problem, assuming you didn't randomly hit the derailleur with a hammer midway through the process.

I replaced the chain about 2 weeks ago and it was fine, I noticed on a ride last Tuesday that the chain was loose (so it must have happened mid ride). Looking back now the chain length thing was stupid (on a side note can I just put a new KMC quick link on to lengthen the chain? It will mean 2 quick links in quick succession).

The derailleur is obviously the main problem here, I'll give it a good look at and see if I can move it at all at the pivot point, but it might be a job for the shop, I don't really fancy re-building it myself.

uniQ · 21 Oct 2013 at 10:23

Alternatives to Rapha softshell?

FrenchTart · 21 Oct 2013 at 10:23

Arsey said:
I replaced the chain about 2 weeks ago and it was fine, I noticed on a ride last Tuesday that the chain was loose (so it must have happened mid ride). Looking back now the chain length thing was stupid (on a side note can I just put a new KMC quick link on to lengthen the chain? It will mean 2 quick links in quick succession).

The derailleur is obviously the main problem here, I'll give it a good look at and see if I can move it at all at the pivot point, but it might be a job for the shop, I don't really fancy re-building it myself.

I'd recommend taking it to the shop. We all make dumb mistakes from time to time so don't worry about the link thing

With regards to sticking a quick link back on I wouldn't recommend it personally. It might be fine but I'd only do that as a quick fix. Chains aren't that expensive so it's probably worth getting the bike shop to fit a new one whilst they sort out the derailleur problem.

Shamrock · 21 Oct 2013 at 10:48

uniQ said:
Alternatives to Rapha softshell?

Why would you want one? :eek:

Castelli Elemento, Espresso or Zoncolan.

Gore Xenon Softshell

Assos Spaceman suit?

rogan · 21 Oct 2013 at 11:14

I really want the pro team race cape but my god the price

So wet from my manchester commute

topgun06 · 21 Oct 2013 at 11:15

Weather forecasting is so cack! It forecast frequent heavy showers for all of yesterday.

I managed a 4.5hr ride and got a few spots of rain towards the end. I thought I was going to get soaked.

Pleasant surprise

arknor · 21 Oct 2013 at 11:24

topgun06 said:
Weather forecasting is so cack! It forecast frequent heavy showers for all of yesterday.

I managed a 4.5hr ride and got a few spots of rain towards the end. I thought I was going to get soaked.

Pleasant surprise

I don't remember the last time it looked dry outside even when it hasn't rained lol....

If it doesn't rain much during the day it seems to hammer it down over night

will it rain or won't it

the huge weather front is putting me off but I really want to go out :mad:

uniQ · 21 Oct 2013 at 11:26

Shamrock said:
Why would you want one?

Castelli Elemento, Espresso or Zoncolan.

Gore Xenon Softshell

Assos Spaceman suit?

I can think of £240 reasons

The DHB Windslam looks pretty good at a keen price:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-windslam-softshell-jacket/

Shamrock · 21 Oct 2013 at 11:29

uniQ said:
I can think of £240 reasons

The DHB Windslam looks pretty good at a keen price:

http://www.wiggle.co.uk/dhb-windslam-softshell-jacket/

I didn't think you meant a cheaper alternative, you aren't normally the frugal type!

I've got the gilet version of that jacket and it's pretty damn good with a great fit.

topgun06 · 21 Oct 2013 at 11:49

arknor said:
I don't remember the last time it looked dry outside even when it hasn't rained lol....

If it doesn't rain much during the day it seems to hammer it down over night

Shadowness · 21 Oct 2013 at 11:51

None of the usual commuters on my Strava rode in today! Can't blame them.
I'm not at work today but even I would have had second thoughts.

Tomorrow's not looking great either!!

physichull · 21 Oct 2013 at 12:39

I drove in today, was dreadful conditions here in Manc. Very heavy rain.

uniQ · 21 Oct 2013 at 13:20

Shamrock said:
I didn't think you meant a cheaper alternative, you aren't normally the frugal type!

I'm probably the most frugal person you're ever likely to meet.

The Mavic Echappee is currently top of my list, the colours are a bit ahem but great reviews. Never really liked the cut of Gore stuff and theres so many I get bored trying to figure out which Path, SO, Oxygen, Phantom, Contest v I or II; I even need :confused:

Shamrock · 21 Oct 2013 at 13:27

The frugal thing to do would be sell your Cervelo and ride around on a Triban 3!

I'm a big Gore fan. Their road range in order of ascending price is:

Contest -> Power -> Oxygen -> Xenon

Oxygen and Xenon softshells are what you want for tight/race fit.