Wrenching and bike maintenance Archives - Page 9 of 10

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|

Shifting Trends

There seems to be a rising trend in shifting performance: more is better. While it's very true that Jens once said “more is better” he WAS talking about coffee at the time, not cogs or batteries. But with the leak of Shimano's Dura Ace 9000 spec sheet, we see that the market is once again forcing change upon us, this time in the form of 11 cogs. Campagnolo has been doing it for quite a few years already, but is there really any benefit other than being able to say “this one goes to 11?” Judging by information released today about SRAM's 2012 Red group, not everyone is buying into the claim that “more is better.”

Fact or fiction?

There are plenty of myths surrounding 11 speed drivetrains. When they first came out, people claimed that you could have lower gears, tighter gears, weaker chains, shorter component lifespan and incompatibility with current systems. Basically, everything that could be said about a new technology was said. But in reality, what ended up being true and not true, and is 11 speed really better than 10?

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The Basic Road Tool Kit

Nothing kills a ride faster than a mechanical. From the ubiquitous flat tire to a slipping seat post, the worst thing in the world is being stuck in the middle of nowhere without the basic tools you need to get home. That being said, carrying a few simple tools can make the difference between walking home in cleats and gliding into your driveway with a smile on your face.

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Building Cyclocross Barriers

With the turning of the calendar into September, the road race season is winding down and the cyclocross season is revving up. For those not in the know, a brief description would read like this: Cyclocross: A bunch of road racers on modified road bikes (bikes with big tires and cantilever brakes) racing on a closed, obstacle filled course in mud, rain, snow and every other element. Suffice to say, a cyclocross bike is a pretty specific piece of equipment (which I'll cover in a future post), and cyclocross itself requires a specific set of skills, most notably the ability to clear obstacles on the race course. Finding those obstacles around your local dirt roads can be a challenge though, so you're best bet is to make a few of your own to practice with. Reading on will show you just how simple (and cheap) it can be to make effective, durable barriers that you can take with you to any park or field and practice your skills.

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Drivetrain Love: Fifteen Minute Quick Cleaning

The old saying goes “cleanliness is next to godliness.” That's true whether you're talking about your hair or your drivetrain. But when most people think of cleaning their drivetrain, they probably conjure up images of greasy hands and clothes, pricey chain cleaners, removing the chain and components to get in the crevices, and time spent relubing afterwards. Not so! A quick cleaning can be done in 15 minutes, and keep your drivetrain sparkling and extend its life in the process.

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