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

Miklos · 15-10-2018 9:24am

TychoCaine wrote: »

Not really for a number of reasons, but the main one is a 10s chain is too wide for an 11s cassette and will snag/rub on the next cog inboard.

Thanks! I’ll swap the cassette out so.

setanta74 · 15-10-2018 10:16am

Any tips on how to get your tube to fit evenly inside a very tight tyre? Got new tyre a few months back fitted in the bike shop. Got puncture last week when I ploughed into a pot hole at the back of a small group (they never called it but I take full responsibility).

Changed out tube with a lot of difficulty. The tyre was supertight around the rim. End result was a tyre bulge that led to a bumpy ride home.
So at the weekend I took out the tube again and tried my best to get an even fit with no bumps. Again it was difficult getting tyre back off and on again. Now no matter what I try I cant seem to get the tyre fitting evenly around the rim and it rises slightly in one area no matter how many times I try to smooth out the tube and fit the tyre correctly. Its driving me nuts.

The rim doesn't seem to be damaged in any way. I just want my wheel perfect again. What am I doing wrong?

EDit · 15-10-2018 10:43am

Decided to change handlebars on road bike. Any suggestions what to use on parts where Alu stem meets Alu bars and also on stem bolts?

I already have fiber grip (seems more for carbon fittings) and anti-seize (seems more for pedals and drivetrain components), but can easily pick up other stuff if needed.

Thanks

CrowdedHouse · 15-10-2018 10:53am

Canyon recommend Loctite blue threadlock on the stem bolts and a dab of the carbon paste on the face of the stem won't do any harm either.

07Lapierre · 15-10-2018 10:55am

EDit wrote: »

Decided to change handlebars on road bike. Any suggestions what to use on parts where Alu stem meets Alu bars and also on stem bolts?

I already have fiber grip (seems more for carbon fittings) and anti-seize (seems more for pedals and drivetrain components), but can easily pick up other stuff if needed.

Thanks

General purpose/multi purpose grease.

CramCycle · 15-10-2018 11:50am

setanta74 wrote: »

Any tips on how to get your tube to fit evenly inside a very tight tyre? Got new tyre a few months back fitted in the bike shop. Got puncture last week when I ploughed into a pot hole at the back of a small group (they never called it but I take full responsibility).

Changed out tube with a lot of difficulty. The tyre was supertight around the rim. End result was a tyre bulge that led to a bumpy ride home.
So at the weekend I took out the tube again and tried my best to get an even fit with no bumps. Again it was difficult getting tyre back off and on again. Now no matter what I try I cant seem to get the tyre fitting evenly around the rim and it rises slightly in one area no matter how many times I try to smooth out the tube and fit the tyre correctly. Its driving me nuts.

Could you slightly iunflate the tube before pushing it in to place, I found that helps on occasion. the tube could just be faulty though.

EDit wrote: »

Decided to change handlebars on road bike. Any suggestions what to use on parts where Alu stem meets Alu bars and also on stem bolts?

I already have fiber grip (seems more for carbon fittings) and anti-seize (seems more for pedals and drivetrain components), but can easily pick up other stuff if needed.

Thanks

Nothing for the Alu bar meeting stem, maybe a dab of grease on the stem bolts and sin

magicbastarder · 15-10-2018 11:54am

setanta74 wrote: »

Changed out tube with a lot of difficulty. The tyre was supertight around the rim. End result was a tyre bulge that led to a bumpy ride home.
So at the weekend I took out the tube again and tried my best to get an even fit with no bumps. Again it was difficult getting tyre back off and on again. Now no matter what I try I cant seem to get the tyre fitting evenly around the rim and it rises slightly in one area no matter how many times I try to smooth out the tube and fit the tyre correctly. Its driving me nuts.

try soapy water - it might lubricate the bead enough to allow it to slide into place and seat properly. has worked a couple of times for me.

07Lapierre · 15-10-2018 2:35pm

setanta74 wrote: »

Any tips on how to get your tube to fit evenly inside a very tight tyre?

Ensure the tube is inflated (just enough to hold its shape) before you fit it. As you pull the tyre on, the air pressure in the tube increases, so deflate the tube bit by bit as you fit the tyre. When you get to the last bit of tyre, the tube should still have enough air in it that it still hold its shape and pull the tyre onto the rim. this ensures the tube is not pinched between the tyre and the wheel rim.

setanta74 · 15-10-2018 3:20pm

Thanks folks. I will try a different tube first and then if no joy move onto the soapy water. Already did the partial inflation but didn't try deflating it a bit again so will give them all a go. I know the tube is a cheap Halfords one so maybe its just a dud.

07Lapierre · 15-10-2018 4:05pm

setanta74 wrote: »

Thanks folks. I will try a different tube first and then if no joy move onto the soapy water. Already did the partial inflation but didn't try deflating it a bit again so will give them all a go. I know the tube is a cheap Halfords one so maybe its just a dud.

Make sure you push the valve up into the tyre too... if you don't the tyre sits on top of the tube and it makes it very difficult to get the last bit of tyre onto the rim. this will also give you the "Bulge" you describe in your OP.

Type 17 · 15-10-2018 5:36pm

If the tyre has a steel bead (ie: not a folding tyre), it can end up slightly distorted from using tyre levers to remove it previously (especially if it's a tight fit on the rim) - this can lead to high/low spots.
If it always happens in the same area of the tyre, remove it from the rim and gently re-shape the bead to fit the rim better.

Other issues can be (as mentioned above) poor seating around the valve, over-inflation of the tube, using too wide a tube for the tyre or even poorly fitted or cheap (too thick) rim tape.

c.p.w.g.w · 16-10-2018 9:40am

Adjusting saddle tilt.

Trying to adjust my saddle tilt, I'd like the nose to be slightly tilted downwards. But I can't seem to get it beyond level.

I have included a picture of my seat post, I can't find any videos online that use the same searpost, saddle fitting as mine

CramCycle · 16-10-2018 9:52am

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Adjusting saddle tilt.

Trying to adjust my saddle tilt, I'd like the nose to be slightly tilted downwards. But I can't seem to get it beyond level.

I have included a picture of my seat post, I can't find any videos online that use the same searpost, saddle fitting as mine

Possibly groves holding it, make sure it is very loose and you pull up the bottom of the clamp away from the seatpost. It looks like you are moving the top of the clamp but not the bottom.

magicbastarder · 16-10-2018 9:56am

yep, there's two adjustments - sliding the saddle forwards and backwards inside the clamp, which will have a minor effect on the seat tilt, and as CramCycle mentions, moving the clamp itself - in the photo above, the clamp assembly (to and bottom plate, and bolt) should be able to pivot forward (counter clockwise in that photo), levelling the seat.

c.p.w.g.w · 16-10-2018 11:04am

magicbastarder wrote: »

yep, there's two adjustments - sliding the saddle forwards and backwards inside the clamp, which will have a minor effect on the seat tilt, and as CramCycle mentions, moving the clamp itself - in the photo above, the clamp assembly (to and bottom plate, and bolt) should be able to pivot forward (counter clockwise in that photo), levelling the seat.

Bottom part of clamp is fixed to seatpost I think. Can't remember seeing a bolt. Well check when I get home later. The tilt is fine out on the road, it's just on the turbo I am having issues

CramCycle · 16-10-2018 11:09am

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

Bottom part of clamp is fixed to seatpost I think. Can't remember seeing a bolt. Well check when I get home later. The tilt is fine out on the road, it's just on the turbo I am having issues

It shouldn't be if it is what I think it is. Loosen the bolts till they are almost about to fall out. You should be able to lift the bottom part of the clamp up. It may need a tap if its not been done in awhile, but looking at that pic, if you can't slide the clamp, then you won't be able to adjust the tilt.

c.p.w.g.w · 16-10-2018 8:44pm

CramCycle wrote: »

It shouldn't be if it is what I think it is. Loosen the bolts till they are almost about to fall out. You should be able to lift the bottom part of the clamp up. It may need a tap if its not been done in awhile, but looking at that pic, if you can't slide the clamp, then you won't be able to adjust the tilt.

You were correct. Got the saddle sorted, very much appreciated. I won't lie to you, i was losing sleep over it last night...My head was wrecked:eek:

CramCycle · 17-10-2018 10:30am

c.p.w.g.w wrote: »

You were correct.

What is rare is wonderful.

Wishbone Ash · 18-10-2018 6:10pm

I seem to be getting less and less distance from KMC chains on my single speed commuter. Changed it again today and was surprised to see it had only lasted 1,000kms. I thought it was bad when I was getting 3-4,000kms per chain.

I would have thought a heavy single speed chain which does not have to move laterally would last much longer (considering I get about 5,000kms out of the 10 speed chains on the other bikes).

The commuter bike has full mudguards and mudflaps fitted all year round, and the chain is lubed regularly (albeit not degreased as often as the normal road chains).

Type 17 · 18-10-2018 6:20pm

Is the chain-line exactly straight? - otherwise it's like cross-chaining all the time

Wishbone Ash · 18-10-2018 7:00pm

Type 17 wrote: »

Is the chain-line exactly straight? - otherwise it's like cross-chaining all the time

To the naked eye it appears in a straight line. (The rear wheel has just just reached the end of it's life so perhaps there's a connection?).

triggermortis · 18-10-2018 7:26pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

To the naked eye it appears in a straight line. (The rear wheel has just just reached the end of it's life so perhaps there's a connection?).

Obviously, it's time for a new bike then

CramCycle · 18-10-2018 7:36pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I seem to be getting less and less distance from KMC chains on my single speed commuter. Changed it again today and was surprised to see it had only lasted 1,000kms. I thought it was bad when I was getting 3-4,000kms per chain.

I would have thought a heavy single speed chain which does not have to move laterally would last much longer (considering I get about 5,000kms out of the 10 speed chains on the other bikes).

The commuter bike has full mudguards and mudflaps fitted all year round, and the chain is lubed regularly (albeit not degreased as often as the normal road chains).

Haven't much on my Fixed gear but my last chain lasted a few years of racing and daily commuting and barely looked touched. Think it was KMC. Got north of 20000km on it.

saccades · 18-10-2018 11:32pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I seem to be getting less and less distance from KMC chains on my single speed commuter. Changed it again today and was surprised to see it had only lasted 1,000kms. I thought it was bad when I was getting 3-4,000kms per chain.

I would have thought a heavy single speed chain which does not have to move laterally would last much longer (considering I get about 5,000kms out of the 10 speed chains on the other bikes).

The commuter bike has full mudguards and mudflaps fitted all year round, and the chain is lubed regularly (albeit not degreased as often as the normal road chains).

What exactly do you mean by less distance?

SS is so cheap you run it into the ground, no pissing about with a chain checker.

I used whipperman chains, both on my flipflop SS and igh (Mtb & CX thing), less then a tenner and lasted 20k plus.

Wishbone Ash · 19-10-2018 4:51pm

saccades wrote: »

What exactly do you mean by less distance?

I thought what I meant was quite obvious - i.e that the chain seems to require changing more frequently than before. It has only done 1,000kms since I last changed it.

saccades wrote:

.....SS is so cheap you run it into the ground, no pissing about with a chain checker..

I'd prefer not to have it snap during a ride or when out of the saddle. Not a pleasant experience, hence the reason I change it when the chain checker indicates that it requires changing. Perhaps I'm being over cautious.

comanche_cor · 23-10-2018 12:36pm

Bottom bracket has started to squeak on the daily commute bike - Giant Defy. The bike was parked up in the garage for a week while I was away with work - was silent up till then. Is this a case of simply removing the bottom bracket and greasing up?

Not sure why it has started - bike was serviced 6 months ago (with bottom bracket removed). I don't feel any signs of wear, anything I should be checking? It is possible that it got damp and rusted - I thought that the bottom bracket was a sealed unit though?

dahat · 23-10-2018 1:34pm

I have a Look pedal, the chromo axle type that feels rough so decided to try service it yesterday.

All went as per YouTube but when put back together with the washers etc in place it is till rough, almost like the inner bearings habe no grease maybe???

One thing though when the pedal is reassembled without the washers the pedal is as normal, no roughness etc.

Any ideas? I'm no mechanic of any description so doing this is like a near adventure for me!!!

Thud · 23-10-2018 5:08pm

The bearings could be damaged or you may be over tightening, are they sealed or loose?

dahat · 23-10-2018 6:39pm

Thud wrote: »

The bearings could be damaged or you may be over tightening, are they sealed or loose?

Sealed bearings, they felt as rough before taking the axle out.

saccades · 23-10-2018 7:44pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

I thought what I meant was quite obvious - i.e that the chain seems to require changing more frequently than before. It has only done 1,000kms since I last changed it.

I'd prefer not to have it snap during a ride or when out of the saddle. Not a pleasant experience, hence the reason I change it when the chain checker indicates that it requires changing. Perhaps I'm being over cautious.

Sorry, it was to clarify how do you know it is no longer fit for purpose? Which you answered in your next line or so.

I think you are being too precious, you do not need to change the chain regularly to save the expensively ramped cassette and chain rings, because they are on geared bikes.

A SS chain is way stronger than a geared chain as it doesn't have to be built to be able to move up and down the gears. If it mates up to the sprocket and ring who cares?

All the power is directed along the strongest length so long as your chain line is correct so there is no slip there is no snapping.

I've had 7 years on my mtb before I swapped as I wanted a black 32t instead of the grey 30t ring. Not because the chain had gone.

The pompino did 23k commuting to work before I sold it to get a more practical gravel bike. The bloke who bought it off me 5 years ago still rides it as is on his commute.

Paul_Mc1988 · 23-10-2018 7:46pm

dahat wrote:

Sealed bearings, they felt as rough before taking the axle out.

Moisture can sometimes penetrate the seal if it has moved slightly but its unlikely. Is it possible to buy a new bearing. If they are cheap it might be worth a try.

mloc123 · 23-10-2018 8:02pm

Odd one today... Chain jumped off the chainring when I shifted gears on the rear.

Crankset is a 9 speed double but with no front derailleur (running as a 1x), I noticed afterwards that the chain slaps a little on shifting gear... enough to jump off I guess.

New chain, properly sized. Dunno how to avoid the same happening again short of running a derailleur on the front that I won't use.

dahat · 23-10-2018 8:11pm

Paul_Mc1988 wrote: »

Moisture can sometimes penetrate the seal if it has moved slightly but its unlikely. Is it possible to buy a new bearing. If they are cheap it might be worth a try.

I think I'd have to buy a new axle, it's a spare set so no mad urgency to get it. I might see can I get some grease further into the bearing tomorrow.

Wishbone Ash · 23-10-2018 9:15pm

dahat wrote: »

I think I'd have to buy a new axle, it's a spare set so no mad urgency to get it. I might see can I get some grease further into the bearing tomorrow.

In my experience. Look pedals can fail dramatically once they lose their smoothness. It has happened to me on 2 occasions while out on a ride (on one of those occasions, I had to cycle 25k home with one leg

). I now just change them when the smoothness goes.

dahat · 23-10-2018 9:51pm

Wishbone Ash wrote: »

In my experience. Look pedals can fail dramatically once they lose their smoothness. It has happened to me on 2 occasions while out on a ride (on one of those occasions, I had to cycle 25k home with one leg ). I now just change them when the smoothness goes.

After some Googling that seems to be the case. A new pair of axels would be €45 or so which wouldn't be the worst case senario.

Wishbone Ash · 23-10-2018 10:49pm

dahat wrote: »

After some Googling that seems to be the case. A new pair of axels would be €45 or so which wouldn't be the worst case senario.

Incidentally for me, the left one always seems to go before the right. I'm not sure why, but possibly because I always unclip on the left at junctions, lights etc.

c.p.w.g.w · 17-11-2018 5:19pm

Can anyone recommend something for each of the following;

1-Grease/Lube for pedals & bolts
2-Chain Lube
3-Degreaser for cleaning drivetrain

Cheers in advance

CrowdedHouse · 17-11-2018 5:39pm

For Me:

1 Park Tool Polylube

2 Muc off Dry Ceramic (note I do not intentionally ride in the rain)

3 Halfords BikeHut citrus degreaser

I'm sure there will be different suggestion but I use those.

magicbastarder · 17-11-2018 5:54pm

i find the 'no more dirty bike' stuff you sometimes see in dealz is just fine for cleaning the chain.

Weepsie · 17-11-2018 6:02pm

I like Fenwicks Foaming DeGreaser for chain and cassette. But I use whatever degreaser I have to hand anyway and a brush or cloth.

17-11-2018 6:26pm

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

3 Halfords BikeHut citrus degreaser

+1
I find it surprisingly good and it is cheap.

darconio · 17-11-2018 6:35pm

Don't wait for a black friday deal to change your brake pads...

CrowdedHouse · 17-11-2018 6:35pm

brake

Type 17 · 17-11-2018 6:48pm

darconio wrote: »

Don't wait for a black Friday deal to change your brake pads...

Given the uneven wear between the two pads, you should check whether or not one of the pistons in your calliper is seized...

darconio · 17-11-2018 8:01pm

Type 17 wrote: »

Given the uneven wear between the two pads, you should check whether or not one of the pistons in your calliper is seized...

I followed this guide to clean it up

It looks like I had a "lazy" seal (on top of the damage the "lazy" owner did to the rest of the brake system)

Type 17 · 17-11-2018 8:21pm

Good job, the Park Tool channel is one of the best on YouTube for bike maintenance.

As you fit the new pads, etc, ensure that both of the pads/pistons do actually move in and out when you pull the lever (ie: that you have actually fixed the lazy piston/seal).

silverharp · 18-11-2018 4:35pm

a basic cleaning question, is it ok to use a power washer on a bike? its an older bike, not worried about resale value but at the same time if it would cause unnecessary wear and tear or rust anywhere i dont want to accelerate the bike's demise

Type 17 · 18-11-2018 4:43pm

Don't do it - old or new bike, you'll force water into the bearing races, contaminating the grease, making it lose its lubrication properties and rusting the bearings.

Here's a six month-old rear hub that I had to service, when it began to rumble. It's very common...

CramCycle · 18-11-2018 5:11pm

Not sure on the need for a power washer, why not just use a regular garden hose pipe?

silverharp · 18-11-2018 5:49pm

CramCycle wrote: »

Not sure on the need for a power washer, why not just use a regular garden hose pipe?

i was hoping to give the bike a clean and oil up inside, i just wanted to get the grime off quickly outside, a normal hose might work but wouldnt clean the chain of grimy oil?

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

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