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

magicbastarder

is there a simple list of chemicals which you should not get near disc brake pads? i.e. would even something like a detergent cause issues with contamination; i was wondering as i was cleaning the bike earlier if i can be overcautious in cleaning the bike near the brakes.

any tips on looking after a steel frame? my latest purchase has mountings for racks and also a couple of unthreaded holes - should i tape those up to keep water out, or leave them uncovered to let the water out should it get in?

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iamtony

Cee-Jay-Cee wrote: »

Petrol is a great for cleaning chains. Just re-lube it once cleaned and dry.

I don't have petrol to hand. The mower is electric unfortunately.

iamtony

magicbastarder wrote: »

i use white spirits, or petrol, maybe twice a year on my chain (depends on how dirty it is) to strip it completely. that involves taking the chain off and soaking it for a day or two though. after, i usually use the muc off wet after it dries, as you need something gloopy rather than light to get between the rollers, after.

Ah yeah I'm with you. I'm looking for a quick fix to just get the dirt off my chain. I've one of those tools you attach to the chain with the brushes and you normally pour some of the solution in. It's alternatives to the solution I'm after. I have a bottle of eco friendly bike cleaner I might try some on that unless there's some reason I shouldnt?

Cee-Jay-Cee

Petrol is a great for cleaning chains. Just re-lube it once cleaned and dry.

magicbastarder

i use white spirits, or petrol, maybe twice a year on my chain (depends on how dirty it is) to strip it completely. that involves taking the chain off and soaking it for a day or two though. after, i usually use the muc off wet after it dries, as you need something gloopy rather than light to get between the rollers, after.

iamtony

magicbastarder wrote: »

what do you usually put in it?
white spirits will clean a chain, but will strip it bare.

I was using the solution that came with it. No idea what it was. Will White spirits strip it bare in a good way:pac: I'd rather something like washing up liquid but without the salt. Wd40 maybe?

magicbastarder

what do you usually put in it?
white spirits will clean a chain, but will strip it bare.

iamtony

Heya lads, I've no solution left to put in my chain cleaning tool what can I use as a substitute?

woody33

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

Is there a problem with the existing saddle? (You don't mention anything in your post).

To tell the truth, it's fine, I'd just like something a bit more comfy. Quite a while since I've had such a narrow-gauge saddle, maybe I should spend more time with it. :cool:

Wishbone Ash

woody33 wrote: »

.....but I don't know if it would make much of a difference. Hmm, what do you think? Thanks.

Is there a problem with the existing saddle? (You don't mention anything in your post).

woody33

Felt MTB Q200 2012 saddle, opinions?

My new-to-me Felt Q200 is from 2012 or so, I'm having fun bombing around within my 2K radius, urban and country roads mostly. Anyway, it's equipped with the original "Felt mountain design low side profile look w/ comfort fit top, double-density base, satin steel rails", is anyone familiar with it? I'm toying with the idea of getting a Charge Spoon, or something else fairly inexpensive, but I don't know if it would make much of a difference. Hmm, what do you think? Thanks.

magicbastarder

cletus wrote: »

Perhaps, but I don't know what any of that means

keeping the original stem would mean that you'd be reaching as far forward as the bike was originally designed, only when you were holding on to the top of the bars. if you reached forward onto the hoods, or into the drops, you'd be more stretched out than the person who designed the bike would have intended, and the steering might feel slow and heavy. if you have the original stem, no harm in experimenting with it?

cletus

Yeah, that was the general sentiment all right, but like I said, I thought that might be more relevant on newer style mountain bikes.

Is there a easy way to figure out the stem length I might need?

Wishbone Ash

cletus wrote: »

Perhaps, but I don't know what any of that means

Fitting standard drops will mean a longer reach as the frame was designed for straight bars which are closer to the rider.

cletus

magicbastarder wrote: »

i assume they are referring to drop bars having a forward throw on the hoods, that straight bars won't?

Perhaps, but I don't know what any of that means

magicbastarder

i assume they are referring to drop bars having a forward throw on the hoods, that straight bars won't?

cletus

So, I've been thinking of putting drop bars on this frame when (re)building. It's a hard tail mountain bike, circa 2006.

I was idly flicking through various forums looking for info on doing a handlebar swap like that, and most posters were suggesting that a really short stem is required when putting drops on a mountain bike.

I couldn't be sure, but I got the impression that they were talking about newer bikes, which would have (I think) quite a different geometry to the frame in the picture.

Can anyone shed any light on the subject for me?

saccades

CramCycle wrote: »

Have to replace the headset on my Track Bike. Easy enough and can get it here: https://www.dolan-bikes.com/alpina-36x45-headset/

Anyone got recommendations for alternative brands, looking specifically for one that has a reputation for lasting a long time.

Hope or cane creek

crosstownk

saccades wrote: »

Expert cycles are open and will do repair work.

Sorted. Thanks.

CramCycle

Have to replace the headset on my Track Bike. Easy enough and can get it here: https://www.dolan-bikes.com/alpina-36x45-headset/

Anyone got recommendations for alternative brands, looking specifically for one that has a reputation for lasting a long time.

crosstownk

saccades wrote: »

Expert cycles are open and will do repair work.

I’ll give them a call. Within my 2km.

Thanks.

saccades

Expert cycles are open and will do repair work.

crosstownk

Tony04 wrote: »

Is it because you have the wrong tool? Is it because you tightened too much ?or is it because you didn't put any grease or too much threadlocker in when you installed it?

You could try heating the threads with a lighter/ hairdryer to make it come off easier although be careful of the paint.

The plastic adapter is damaged now so I don’t have any tool to attempt your suggestions.

I put grease on the threads but that was four years and over 25,000km ago. Maybe I tightened it too much. In any case, it’s still stuck/seized.

I’ll order the socket that Type 17 posted. That’s my best option at the moment.

Thanks for all the replies.

Tony04

Is it because you have the wrong tool? Is it because you tightened too much ?or is it because you didn't put any grease or too much threadlocker in when you installed it?

You could try heating the threads with a lighter/ hairdryer to make it come off easier although be careful of the paint.

crosstownk

Type 17 wrote: »

Looks like this Park Tool one fits.

It's widely available online for about €25

Nice one. I think I’ll order that even if it’s something I’ll just use once.

Type 17

Looks like this Park Tool one fits.

It's widely available online for about €25

crosstownk

magicbastarder wrote: »

why not? they might be glad of the business.

Their website states that they are closed and are only carrying out emergency repairs for essential workers by prior arrangement. That’s OK. I can wait if I have to.

As for how tightly it was installed - I only have myself to blame.

magicbastarder

worth mentioning - had a similar BB replaced in my LBS last year, the factory fitted one, and they were telling me in the shop when i picked up the bike that it took two of them with an extra long wrench to get the old one off.
there was some comment about the chap in the factory who puts them in never having to worry about taking them out.

magicbastarder

crosstownk wrote: »

I’m not an essential worker so I’m not even gonna ask them.

why not? they might be glad of the business.

crosstownk

cletus wrote: »

Could you take a picture of the BB. Or a couple of them

Here you go.

cletus

Could you take a picture of the BB. Or a couple of them