the 'there's no such thing as a stupid question' bike maintenance thread

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120888148#Comment_120888148

There's sealed bearings in that headset, so I would rank that as an easy job, with the caveat that I've no idea what your DIY or mechanical skillset is 😁.

Personally, I'd have no qualms about attempting that job.

Park Tool YouTube channel is the usual go to for service videos, but there's plenty of them online, including some older GCN Tech videos, I think.

Mr. Cats

Great stuff! My willingness to give it a bash far exceeds my mechanical skills but over time the gap closes a bit. Will order the bearings set and give a go. Thanks!

monkeyslayer

Im thinking of going for an 11-30t intead of my usual 28t cassette, I'd usually measure the chain off the old one, wondering how many extra links should I add for the 30t? Is there a way of calculating it (front is a 52 36 if this info is of any use, medium cage also)

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120892171#Comment_120892171

If its Shimano, probably none unless the rear derailleur looks stretched while in the 28t. I'd add one in to cover myself but possibly unnecessary.

Mr. Cats

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120892171#Comment_120892171

I’ve found this video helpful in the past using the big-big method

https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing

07Lapierre

Are you adding new links to your existing/old chain? IMO, that’s not a good idea. If you’re buying a new cassette you should also buy a new chain. Put the chain on the largest chainring and the largest sprocket. Then once you fit the chain, the derailleur jockey wheels should be pulled slightly forward.

monkeyslayer

Thanks guys, yep, usually measured new chain off the old chain and cut, I'm gonna cut it to the same length I reckon, rear derailleur doesn't look overstretched on its current set up i don't want the chain bouncing around on the lower cogs if it's too long.

JMcL

I used the big/big method from a GCN video https://www.globalcyclingnetwork.com/video/how-to-calculate-the-correct-chain-length-road-bike-maintenance

I think the one I watched had Simon rather that Dan, but the principal is the same

Basically thread the new chain through the front derailleur, skip the rear, and over the big sprocket/large ring. Pull it tight and add an extra link (making sure to take account of how you're joining them)

DaveyDave

Is there any difference between Shimano MTB cranks? Looking at a cheap power meter for the MTB, are all non drive side axles the same or is there any differences to be aware of? It's Deore XT 12 speed. Are road cranks the same axle? My cranks are Orbea's own brand, if road cranks are the same axle as MTB then I can test fit the crank arm, if not I'll just scrap the whole idea as I'm not buying Deore cranks too.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120921977#Comment_120921977

I don't know the Orbea cranks but provided they are rip off Shimano hollowtech, they will be fine, make sure you measure cranklength and if there is a major change in Q factor (despite what some experts tell you, a small one will make no difference). Can you take a picture of the non drive side where it attaches to the bottom bracket?

Frank11

My current set up is: 11 speed 50/34 MA and 11-25t. Derailleur is RD-6800 short cage (ss).

I want to change the cassette for some easier climbing (tour de beara, 120km route). Would I notice a big difference in a 11-30t or maybe 11-32t?

The problem is the short cage won’t fit a 30t or 32t. The recommended max is 28t. Is there any way to extend the cage?

I cannot find shimano medium or long cage places to replace the short ones. I have seen a derailleur hanging plate extension like the wolf tooth. Will this do the job? 

Frank11

Thanks, I was trying to keep the cost down but I think this will be the way to go.

Klopp

Can someone recommend a good start-up Bike Maintenance kit where I can pick one up online? I find I don't have the tools for minor problems, and have left my bike in for repairs for bits i feel i could do myself

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120939608#Comment_120939608

Bike kits like this one from Decathlon can be found on lots of bike shop websites, Amazon etc.

However, they tend to be pricey for what's in them. If you already have screwdrivers and Allen keys, I always found the best way to put a tool kit together was to buy the tools as and when a job requires them.

Changing your cassette. Buy the chain whip and cassette tool. You now have them for future jobs. Pretty soon you'll have a decent kit put together

G1032

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120937816#Comment_120937816

You'd ride up a vertical wall with a 34/28 so consider changing just the cassette

magicbastarder

them's fighting words. i've 34/28 as my granny gear and have wished for easier..

DaveyDave

*cries in 34/32*

loyatemu

deleted

MangleBadger

So just back with my bike from a holiday in Lake Garda. Taking my bike out of travel case and putting it back together. The back wheel is now not spinning freely when the thru axle is tightened. I'm in no doubt the bearings could probably use a service but the wheel was fine on my spins, it seems to spin fine forward but when I spin it backwards it is very stiff and sticky.

Any ideas?

Idleater

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120982828#Comment_120982828

Brakes rubbing?

Tyres seated correctly?

Cetyl Palmitate

Someone needs to combine a turbo trainer with a wheel truing jig. 2 jobs done with one device.

It wouldnt take much work to add a couple of adjustable arms for the truing. They could even be removable!

MangleBadger

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120982844#Comment_120982844

Mounted the wheel with no disc rotor. Made no difference to it.

I think it has to be something in the hub / bearing caps as it is fine until the axle is tightened.

Roberto_gas

Folks i have a very basic question...can i replace a worn KMC X11 EL chain with a standard X11 ? Also do people like SRAM alternatives for this or KMC is the best ? Thanks in advance.

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121046698#Comment_121046698

Firstly, yes you can. I don't find much of a difference unless you are a pro racer. I always use Shimano Chains in recent years but never had any issues with SRAM or KMC in the past.

Roberto_gas

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121047607#Comment_121047607

did not know i can use SRAM 11 speed CHAIN on shimano 105…did i understand it correctly thanks

Plastik

11s chains are all interchangeable across all manufacturers. A few of my bikes here are running Sram11 chains on Shimano11 cassettes on otherwise Campag11 groupsets.

Macy0161

Cheap/ Ali Press Fit Bottom Bracket tools - steer well clear or ok for very occasional use?

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050408#Comment_121050408

Can you link to it?

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/121050408#Comment_121050408

I got one for 35euro a few years ago, it's simpler and less to it than a Park Tools one but has worked well on a few BBs so far and has been lent to a few people over the years

jethrothe2nd

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/120715596#Comment_120715596

Well just an update on this after all the sound advice received here. I decided I couldn't live with it as it was, so duly had it assessed by Trek. Their opinion was that it was not a manufacturing fault and would not cover it under warranty and offered me 20% of the price of a new frame. A new frame would have cost more or less the same as I paid for the full bike at the time. I've since had it sorted by CarbonTec (splendid job too) for a grand total of €360.