This weeks Thursday Tech Tip is all about adjusting your vbrakes. Yes…its true there are still people out there that use vbrakes. In fact Priscilla’s Super Fly Motobecane has v brakes.
Check out the video on MtnBikeRidersTV.com
Popularity: 5% [?]
Archive for November, 2007
Thursday Tech Tip: V Brakes
On November - 29 - 2007
Ibex Alpine/Trophy Swap
On November - 29 - 2007
Since Priscilla progressed to her current Motobecane, the Policars were nice enough to sell me Priscilla’s Ibex Trophy. For the past 5 years or so I’ve been trying to figure out a way to get my wife into biking and, after joining this site, I found new hope. Finally my wife came to me and asked if I could find her a bike. She’s a tiny tot so RL gave us a small Ibex Alpine frame along with the Trophy. Thanks RL! Swapping the parts from frame to frame was all I had to do to finally get my wife out riding with me. Needless to say I was excited and happy to do some wrench work!
Nice bike…but a leeetle to big
I could only wish that my first bike came with components as nice as this. Sun DS-XC wheels, Truvativ Firex cranks, Avid BB mechanical disc brakes, 31.8 Truvativ XR bar and stem, the list goes on. After RL lent me a Crank and bottom bracket tool all I had to have the bike shop do was swap the headset and chain.
Half way there!
My friend Ryan came over and put on and adjusted the front and rear derailleur cables. Watching him do this was really helpful. I’m the sorriest wrench there is and Ryan was a great teacher. I’m now considering installing new cables on my Heckler by myself.
Controls…check.
I used an inexpensive cable system called Alligator that I got cheap from Pricepoint. They look nice and the housing is really sturdy. The only things I replaced were the saddle and the grips.
Sette Ergo 2 grips & WTB Speed V Gel Saddle
I wanted to make the ride as comfortable as possible for my wife so I used some ergonomic grips and a Gel saddle to soften the ride. Swapping the parts was really enjoyable. It showed me how far I’ve progressed with my mechanical knowledge, which is not a lot but it’s something. I’ve gone through several bikes of my own and always felt frustrated when I didn’t know how to install or remove something.
Ibex Alpine…wife edition
The finished bike came out looking really clean and I finally get to ride with my wife. Time for a date ride!
If you ever get a chance to buy a new frame and have to swap out parts try doing as much as you can yourself. It’s easy to use your bike shop as a crutch for your lack of know-how, but the only way you’ll learn is by doing it yourself. Or, if you’re lucky enough to have a friend who is technically minded, have them do it and watch. You’ll save money on bike repairs and, oh man, does it feel good to put all or even part of your bike together by yourself.
Popularity: 6% [?]
Carbon?
On November - 28 - 2007
I’ve always liked the look of carbon. There is just something about the weave that just looks cool. Add the fact that carbon is very light and strong and we can all see why carbon is a very highly sought after material for many riders. But with every material, there is always a downside and the downside with carbon (other than it costs quite a bit more than aluminum) is that there is always the chance for catastrophic failure.
You’ve heard of the story: some rider’s carbon handlebar fails catastrophically and sends the rider face first to a meeting with Mr. Dirt. Sadly Mr. Dirt, more often than not, wins that encounter. Or how about the carbon seatpost that snaps. If you’re still able to stay on the bike after it happens, you’re pretty lucky. Most people fall off and end up having to walk out or bike standing for the rest of the ride.
Carbon is so sensitive that many riders regularly preach that you must survey your bike’s carbon parts after every ride. If you notice any superficial damage, such as a slight scuff of the clearcoat, you should have the part checked immediately or even replaced. Yikes!
Is it just me or does all of that worry you a bit? I’ve got a ton of scratches on my handlebars and seatpost from things like installing a blinky or moving the seat higher/lower. If I had to replace or get my handlebar examined every time I scuffed it, I’d be in the poor house (wait, thats where I’m at anyway… I guess I’d be in the really, really poor house). I can’t be worrying about carbon every time I finish a ride. It’s just not practical.
The whole “catastrophic failure” thing scares me too. Granted I am a clydesdale but I wouldn’t want a component fail on me the way carbon fails. Because of this, I normally stay away from carbon and tend to worry less about weight and more about strength with my components. As much as I’d like to upgrade my handlebar and seatpost to carbon to drop some weight and for the bling/coolness factor, but the failure stories scare this clyde.
Funny thing is, I’ve rationalized that I will use a carbon stem, cranks or even a rigid carbon fork if I had the money. I think I justify the stem and cranks because they’re not long and I reason in my mind that due to their shorter length, the carbon should be stronger. I’m also willing to try a rigid carbon fork because of carbon’s qualities. I’ve heard from many people that if you’re going to go rigid, carbon dampens the trail to make for a more comfortable ride. I’d still worry about failure though and the fork would be one area I’d check before and after each ride.
What do you think? Are you ever worried about using carbon as well? And for the clydes out there are there any carbon parts you’d use?
Popularity: 4% [?]
Win a KHS Bike!
On November - 27 - 2007
Our buddies from KHS are giving away a free bike, click here to enter the contest!
Popularity: 5% [?]
Adidas Adilibria
On November - 27 - 2007
At the 24 hours of Fullerton, I ended up winning a pair of Adidas Adilibria Sunglasses. Though they are for chicks, I gladly gave them to Priscilla since I knew she would dig the style.
I think they look great on Priscilla.
Not only can she wear them during the day running errands, but she can even wear them while she’s riding.
Here’s the specs:
* Double-Snap Nose Bridge for better height adjustment
* Flex Zones for extra flexibility
* SPX frame for lightweight durability
* Performance Insert compatible for clip-in prescription lenses
* Traction Grip temples for non-slip, stable fitProduct Description
Behind the distinctly feminine style is a highly-technical pair of sunglasses. Lightweight and flexible, an adjustable bridge to fit and shade your eyes better.
Priscilla will be putting these sunglasses through the ringer so we’ll let you know when the review is up.
Popularity: 4% [?]
