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

Roadtoad

Wahoo Roam v2 or v1:

I'm looking at buying a used V2. Seller lives about 10km from my friend (abroad), but he will not post.

If my non sporty friend buys it for me, how can I advise her to confirm it's a v2, not a v1?

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123170928#Comment_123170928

Main buttons are up, rather than recessed IIRC

Roadtoad

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123171064#Comment_123171064

Yes, thanks.

And USB-C, everyone can spot that!

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123171146#Comment_123171146

Slightly more obvious ,

Nigzcurran

Hoping someone can help me with this please, I've just picked up a mountain bike and I'd prefer a more upright riding position if possible. I'll include a screenshot of the current set up and maybe someone can advise what I need to do to change it? Thanks.

cletus

Can you include a photo of the bike?

Nigzcurran

Sorry is this ok?

Nigzcurran

A few more

Nigzcurran

Sorry about the crappy pics, I just used the ones off the ad

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123178159#Comment_123178159

There is no good advice without seeing you on the bike but the simplest ones are shorter stem, move the stem up a spacer if possible, bring the saddle forward. No guarantee without seeing if the bike actually fits you and where the issues are.

Nigzcurran

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123178615#Comment_123178615

Cheers yep good point. I'm hoping a shorter stem with maybe a better angle might help. There are a load on adverts but I just need to figure out which one will fit my bike. It's only for going on spins with the young fella so not too important

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123178729#Comment_123178729

In that case, something like this:

https://www.decathlon.ie/p/335279-275971-318-mm-11-8-60-80-100-mm-stem-black.html

or

https://www.decathlon.ie/p/197913-53777-mountain-bike-stem-11-8-60-70mm-7-318-black.html

A slightly steeper angle will also help but just be aware, steering will be more twitchy with the shorter stem

Nigzcurran

Thanks I hadn't thought of checking that store, what about something with this kind of angle? Too much?

magicbastarder

my first impression from the pic is that the bars are already a decent height above the saddle - or is that the saddle height you cycle with?

one thing to bear in mind is that the bars look quite wide, maybe it might be worth addressing bar width first?

Nigzcurran

Yep the bars are really wide. I would definitely like them a lot narrower. Saddle is higher now. I only took it out for a quick spin today for the first time. Can I cut the handlebar myself with a grinder if I measure and mark it correctly or am I better off buying a new one?

CramCycle

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123179038#Comment_123179038

Too long, you'll end up with lower back pain as you'll have to reach forward more. Angle is fine but way too long.

Work on getting seat height right first as well.

Move the saddle forward as well.

Lift the bars above the final spacer (provided there is still stem to fully clamp.

Not sure I'd cut the bars as, while it makes a difference, it won't be much and I presume this might be used as a MTB on occasion?

Nigzcurran

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123179185#Comment_123179185

I definitely won't ever be going off road on it. I just needed a bike for going out with my son for a spin now that the weather is getting slightly better and got the bike for a good price. Would have preferred a hybrid type bike but didn't have a great budget! I'll get back out on it tomorrow and try get the saddle adjusted properly and see how it feels. I'll upload a pic of it then. Thanks

magicbastarder

cutting the bars is easy; i've not used a grinder to do it, just a hacksaw. they're 95% certain to be aluminium so easy enought to cut through. main faff is getting the grips off and then back on again. and obviously, it's easier to remove the length than it is to put back on, so maybe no more than 2cm at a time, trimming from each end.

as Cram mentioned, it won't make a huge difference to how upright you feel but you'll feel less splayed out.

traco

Make sure you move and position the brakes and shifters before you cut anything as sometimes the shape of the bar restricts how far they can slide and maintain an angle that is usuable.

Nigzcurran

Thanks I cut 20mm off each end and replaced everything back on without any issues, slid the seat forward to the max point allowed so I'll take the bike out over the weekend and see how it goes

romperstomper

I have a frame, 2 wheels (8 speed) and a stem. It will be hooked up to a stationary (turbo) trainer. Where could I get a cheapo 2nd groupset? Assume bottom bracket will need to be purchased new

nicksnikita

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123192579#Comment_123192579

I have a groupset that might suit.
I’ve sent you a message.

monkeysnapper

I have a cannondale topstone 4 for 12 months which has microshift advent X with cable disk brakes.....

I'd love to change groupset to maybe GRX with hydraulic brakes.. . But looking out there seems mabe a bit expensive....

Any advice as brakes are terrible and just not happy with groupset in whole....

TThanks

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123200179#Comment_123200179

https://www.alltricks.com/F-32743-etriers-de-frein/P-361572-trp_road_brake_caliper_hy_rd_post_mount_black

These cable actuated hydraulic calipers often get suggested as good midway between cable and full hydraulic.

I've no experience of them myself, but they are on my list for a cheaper bike of mine

magicbastarder

Yeah, I have those on my genesis. They do the job, but still don't feel as 'crisp' as the hydraulic brakes on my 22 year old mountain bike.

monkeysnapper

Thanks for that..... I can't see anywhere that says they are compatible with micro shift levers?

But thanks.... that's given me some options to look into...

cletus

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/123200889#Comment_123200889

Anything I've seen online says the TRP's are designed for short pull brake levers.

Also according to the internet, Microshift brake levers are short pull.

JMcL

Like MB I have Hy/Rds on my bike as well. They work grand. They were getting a bit spongy a couple of years ago, but bleeding them sorted things out nicely.

nialljf

I'm trying to install a new freehub body on my rear wheel (Vision Team 35), but I can't remove the old one.

I've removed the end caps from both sides, but I'm not sure if the axle needs to be removed before the old freehub body comes off. I've added photos of the wheel with the old part attached and of the new part showing the pawls. Does anyone know how to get this part off the wheel?

PXL_20250225_093959818.jpg

PXL_20250225_094017793.jpg

cletus

@nialljf Is there an allen key slot down the middle of freehub on the wheel?