drivetrain Archives - Page 3 of 3

Choosing Crankset Gearing
Choosing Crankset Gearing

components and wrenching, Wrenching and bike maintenance

Choosing Crankset Gearing

As winter gives way to spring, riders are storing their trainers and heading outside to ride on their favorite roads once again. Spring is also the time in which many people consider upgrades to their bike, and one discussion I've seen relatively frequently is the “compact vs standard crankset” question. Apparently, choosing crankset gearing is one of those things that people have a hard time deciding upon. They post to forums, newsgroups, and Facebook groups, asking for an opinion on which crankset gearing their friends use.

Why not figure out which crankset gearing works best for you?

What are the benefits of each? Which type of gearing should you use? Let's explore the question of choosing crankset gearing and help you figure it out.

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Tags: drivetrain, riding, road bike, wrenching|

Dura Ace 9000 Spy Photos

Hot on the heels of some released Dura Ace 9000 information, photos have been appearing on the web of a one Alex Dowsett's Pinarello Dogma 2 kitted out in prototype Dura Ace 9000 mechanical parts. Apparently Nieuwsblad was the perfect testing ground for such new parts, as they were also spied on Carlos Barredo's spare Giant on the team car. Interestingly, they were the only two bikes to be seen with the new 11 speed variant, which is surprising given the supposed Fall 2012 release date and the number of pros riding Shimano transmissions for the early classics. The spy shots show levers, brakes and rear cluster/derailleur, all relatively unmarked/branded/finished, which is typical for prototype parts, so speculation remains as to the finish and aesthetics. Anyway, enough posturing, let's get a look at the photos.

Looking at the shifters, they certainly look to be mimicking the current Campy line and (new) SRAM Red shifters:

Two more photos after the break.

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Tags: components, drivetrain, road bike, wrenching|

Garmin Sensor Mounting

A few posts on various forums have popped up recently about the poor design of the Garmin GSC-10 speed/cadence sensor. One of the issues that people have been having is the method of attachment for the sensor itself, and some have had problems with sensors falling into the spokes and being destroyed. There must be some way to prevent this, right?

Garmin's method of attachment is a pair of simple zip ties. The sensor is (supposedly) prevented from rotating around by a small rubberized strip on the bottom of the sensor itself. While this typically works just fine, if the zip ties are not snugged down as tight as they can get or if you have chainstays that are oddly shaped, there may not be enough friction to keep it from rattling loose (especially on rough or unpaved roads.) While some people have rectified the problem by drilling small pilot holes in the chainstays and the bottom of the sensor case and screwing the sensor to the chainstay. For those of you who aren't in the business of taking a drill to your multi-thousand dollar frame there's a simple solution that costs nothing more than a few scraps of old bartape.

By simply strapping a couple scraps of bartape to the chainstay under the zip ties, the zip ties can be tightened up enough to keep the sensor from moving around. Not only does the bar tape prevent the ties from slipping, they also compress and provide extra pressure on the zip ties, ensuring they stay tight. This will allow the sensor to be positioned more precisely, prevent the speed sensor arm from being ripped off by the spokes and prevent the entire unit from rattling loose and falling into the spinning spokes.

Who ever though something so simple could be so effective (and get scraps out of the garage.)

Tags: bike, drivetrain, wrenching|

New SRAM Red

SRAM has been leaking photos and details of their redesigned flagship Red group steadily over the past few weeks. Here's the teaser we've seen:

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Tags: bike, drivetrain, news, SRAM|

Winter (Bike) Refreshments

[dc]P[/dc]art of the problem with the winter/off season is that most cyclists suffer from withdrawal. There's a dearth of riding outside in the fresh air, sunshine is distinctly lacking, our well earned tan lines are fading, people are missing their mid-ride social stops with their buddies and miles are generally of the long, steady distance and are performed on a trainer. While some take to the sofa to put on their winter weight (much like a hibernating bear,) some take to online forums to discuss the latest news and gadgetry and some hit the slopes or the gym to get their endorphin fix, you CAN spend time with your bike and not hate it. This time spent can be of the intimate type (get your mind out of the gutter) that will let you appreciate your bike more when the time comes to climb back on and shed those accumulated winter pounds.

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Tags: bike, drivetrain, Motivation, wrenching|