New Bike, Need some tips on how to keep it shiny

jayoo

My new bike

:pac:http://www.specialized.com/gb/en/bc/SBCBkModel.jsp?spid=38435&eid=107
(or at least i think its this one, was 350Euro, got 15euro bike lock free)

Was hoping that work would bring in the bike scheme. but nope, so did a bit of impulse buying.

just wondering

On this bike you can turn the shocks on and off, is it harmful to always have them on when cylcing? will it weaken them?

Can anyone suggest a very good lock, or a type of lock, at the moment i have a combination lock, got it free with the bike, would like a proper lock though.

is there any special bike chain oil that i can purchase?

Can anyone recommend some lights that i can prehaps get in argos?????

uberpixie

jayoo wrote: »

On this bike you can turn the shocks on and off, is it harmful to always have them on when cylcing? will it weaken them?

The reason you have the lockout to turn off the shock: for road cycling, if the shock is on it will reduce your top speed and you have to use up more energy cycling because the shock will compress slightly as you are peddling.

jayoo wrote: »

Can anyone suggest a very good lock, or a type of lock, at the moment i have a combination lock, got it free with the bike, would like a proper lock though.

Have a look at kryptonite ulocks locks, also consider that you have quick releases on your saddle and your wheels...

Would advise x1 ulock x1 saddle loop cable and x1 thick loop cable for you front and back wheels. (you lock the cables with the ulock and ensure the ulock also has your bike locked to something stationary.)

Cable loops are only a deterrent to prevent some random creamer stealing your wheels and saddle for fun, they don't stand up to serious abuse.

Alternatively you can get a large ulock, remove the front wheel, place the front wheel beside your rear wheel and pass a ulock through the frame and both wheels when locking the bike to something stationary.

jayoo wrote: »

Can anyone recommend some lights that i can prehaps get in argos?????

For city riding any cheap set of leds will be fine.

Do you intend going off road at any stage? The bike you have would be more suited to off road that city riding.

kenmc

uberpixie wrote: »

For city riding any cheap set of leds will be fine legally sufficient

However, if you want drivers to notice you, get something like
this or this for the back (or better still, one of each) and one of these for the front. Lights are not something you want to skimp on, especially if it is wet as well as dark, when visibility is terrible and drivers are agitated and can't see properly out of fogged up windows..

blorg

Shock- keep it locked out (off) for road riding, turn it on if you are going off road. You would generally lock it out going uphill off road also.

Chain lube- Finish Line Wet Lube or any equivalent chain-specific wet lube in your local bike shop.

Lights- don't buy them in Argos. For the back, the Smart 1/2 watt LED. For the front, I use a high-power torch myself but if it is just for city riding you could get away with less. This set would be a great choice at a great price and will be really bright (have to buy today, offer ends midnight tonight.)

blorg

BTW I hope you are planning on bringing that off road and mucking it up. To an extent you can let a bike get a bit mucky as long as you keep the drivetrain immaculate, this can keep it good to cycle while not looking new to thieves. Your bike is a white mountain bike so forget any thoughts right now of keeping it shiny, that just is not going to happen

A €15 combination lock will not be sufficient if you are locking the bike in public for any length of time, as uberpixie suggests best go for TWO different types of lock (U Lock and good cable lock) as that way a thief will need two sets of tools to steal your bike and is more likely just to go for an easier target.

jayoo

Thank so much for the info guys, answered all my questions. :pac: