Questions RE: handle bar width, maintenance etc

jozi

So I just got my new bike, a Carrara Kraken LTD, and set about changing a few things.

Put on some new tires, reflectors of, swapping brake levers over etc

Noticed the handle bars are extremely wide. Would it be quite normal to chop a bit of the end to make them narrower? I've done it before with the BMW cause they came nice and wide to :rolleyes: I was thinking 3-4cm either side so my arms stretch out straight-ish and not to the sides.

The handle bars are the swoopy type and they are now set so they are nearer the saddle. Is there a recommended sort of angle for them or what feels comfortable for the rider?

Lastly, What usually gets checked over and replaced as a service? I've always done everything with any bike I've had in the past and will continue to do so. Was thinking, re-greasing/replacing of bearings in headset and hubs, oiling derailers, checking everything is still nice and tight. At what sort of time/distance intervals should I be doing this? Better to change chain more often than not?

I think thats all the questions I can think of for now. Hopefully will get to enjoy the bike properly and for a long time

kona

jozi wrote: »

So I just got my new bike, a Carrara Kraken LTD, and set about changing a few things.

Put on some new tires, reflectors of, swapping brake levers over etc

Noticed the handle bars are extremely wide. Would it be quite normal to chop a bit of the end to make them narrower? I've done it before with the BMW cause they came nice and wide to :rolleyes: I was thinking 3-4cm either side so my arms stretch out straight-ish and not to the sides.

The handle bars are the swoopy type and they are now set so they are nearer the saddle. Is there a recommended sort of angle for them or what feels comfortable for the rider?

Lastly, What usually gets checked over and replaced as a service? I've always done everything with any bike I've had in the past and will continue to do so. Was thinking, re-greasing/replacing of bearings in headset and hubs, oiling derailers, checking everything is still nice and tight. At what sort of time/distance intervals should I be doing this? Better to change chain more often than not?

I think thats all the questions I can think of for now. Hopefully will get to enjoy the bike properly and for a long time

Before you chop chop, make sure the bars are the same thinkness, some get thicker in the middle. If this is the case that they are bigger in the middle, your stuck to only taking a small amount off as your gears and brakes wont slide up.

You pretty much have the service nailed, just tighten anything thats loose and adjust the gears and brakes.

Changing chains and cassettes and oiling and service intervals depends on use. The cleaner your chain is the longer it will last. If you are particularly careful you *could* get 3 chains to a cassette.

Handle bar angle is just rider prefrence, usually have the slop on the bar facing you ever so slightly.

jozi

Before you chop chop, make sure the bars are the same thinkness

That they are not. Pushed the gear lever over as far as it would, grip up against it to see whats left and chopped a bit of, with some room to chop more if i want.

You pretty much have the service nailed, just tighten anything thats loose and adjust the gears and brakes.

Would you replace bearing everytime you service the bike, before they wear and form tracks in the cups or replace the cups with bearings.

So chain and cassett can last a good while then.

Handle bar angle is just rider prefrence, usually have the slop on the bar facing you ever so slightly.

More or less what I have, slight slope towards me.

I read a little bit of the manual for the shocks (yes, I actually read part of a manual :eek: ) and they have service intervals at certain stages. Something you would do yourself or pay someone to do it? (changing oil, lubricating spring)

kona

jozi wrote: »

Would you replace bearing everytime you service the bike, before they wear and form tracks in the cups or replace the cups with bearings.

Nope, maybe every year or so, It depends on use, and how often you service the bike. Most people only replace bearings when they are totally shot, which is too late. Use a good quality teflon grease, finish line is great.

jozi wrote: »

I read a little bit of the manual for the shocks (yes, I actually read part of a manual :eek: ) and they have service intervals at certain stages. Something you would do yourself or pay someone to do it? (changing oil, lubricating spring)

You can do it yourself, but you may need special tools, what forks are they? I know my marzocchis are real easy to service. Youd prob do a oil/bushing service for e30 and a hour of your time.
Id do it myself, Ive heard some shocking stories about a well known Bike shop in Dublin, and fork service. Its not too hard.

jozi

They are a rock shock dart 2.

I had a crank fitted once cause i didn't have time to do it myself (on the bmw) came loose after a week because it was bent, they never noticed it in the shop :rolleyes:

I prefer doing all these kind of things myself, I'm the same with the car.

Once a year isn't to bad. (means I should be doing the girlfriends bike soon)