Random Bike Tips and Advice
Discussion
Thought I'd start a thread (could be stickied?) where we can all post a few tips and advice that could help riders? Keep the thread purely for advice, ie not too much chat and it'll be a useful resource.
I'll start with the innertube mudguard. Just cut a bit of innertube to the length between the fork brace and the crown. Zip tie in place and it'll stop water splashing up in your face.
It's such a good idea that it was copied by a company who commercially make one!
I'll start with the innertube mudguard. Just cut a bit of innertube to the length between the fork brace and the crown. Zip tie in place and it'll stop water splashing up in your face.
It's such a good idea that it was copied by a company who commercially make one!
mat205125 said:
I've got some sparco mud flat material in the garage left over from doing the rally car. Might go a bit flash and use that with coloured cable ties 
Does it actually make a difference? What about then the going gets sticky-muddy?
I've always failed to be convinced that that mod actually works - crud catchers yes, but those, apart from looking well pikey, it just seems to be in the worng place for any effectiveness.Does it actually make a difference? What about then the going gets sticky-muddy?
What I have seen, is the same idea used on the rear shocks - effectively covering the rear shock from mud - I can get behind that idea...
Still looks pikey though and nothing a stick can't sort...
besides, I go too fast for the mud to stick...
neil_bolton said:
I've always failed to be convinced that that mod actually works - crud catchers yes, but those, apart from looking well pikey, it just seems to be in the worng place for any effectiveness.
Agreed, in that the majority of cr4p hits your face after it flies past the downtube (which a crudcatcher or similar sorts) but after commuting in the p155ing rain the last few weeks, I can attest that a fair bit of crud can loop off the top of the wheel and back into your face, especially when there's a headwind. I guess the inner tube trick will reduce this a little bit but not entirely. Certainly on its own (i.e. no crudcatcher) it'll be next to useless.
Won't stay put on my Trek Y bike due to the shape of the cable stops.Moose. said:
Ok, how about this:
Small cable ties used stop the rubber XTR cable plugs from sliding along the cable Although I've not actually found anyone else with this problem yet.....
Ooh sneaky - happens to me too... Small cable ties used stop the rubber XTR cable plugs from sliding along the cable
Although I've not actually found anyone else with this problem yet.....
Although - think of the weight!
I did like Sam Hill's bike setup where they use motorbike petrol tubing to go over the outer cabling on his DH bike along its entire length - I'd assume to keep the shite out...
neil_bolton said:
Moose. said:
I did like Sam Hill's bike setup where they use motorbike petrol tubing to go over the outer cabling on his DH bike along its entire length - I'd assume to keep the shite out...
i dont think its the entire length if you look at pictures. it seems to be from the BB backwards, probably because the gear cable runs along the top of the chainstay and gets bitchslapped to death by the chain. the tubing keeps it running quiet and saves the cable from being ruined. the other idea they use which everyone loves is the moto foam stuff or the stuff that stops fuel surge in the tanks in all the corners of the frame to stop the mud getting in them.neil_bolton said:
I've always failed to be convinced that that mod actually works - crud catchers yes, but those, apart from looking well pikey, it just seems to be in the worng place for any effectiveness.
Its not pretty, I'll agree. But after first seeing it being done in France a few years ago we gave it a try after a lot of rain. Surprisingly it works very very well. Keeps most of the mud out of your face and helps keep goggles clear.
here is my tip:
do NOT crash your bike.
It may be funny when you see other people doing so but if this happens to you it will HURT.
please see the following examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9ZeaFgDsf0
do NOT crash your bike.
It may be funny when you see other people doing so but if this happens to you it will HURT.
please see the following examples: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9ZeaFgDsf0
mat205125 said:
I always used a playing card and a clothes peg on the seat stay.
If you were lucky (or not depending on your stance with these things) and you had a Raleigh Grifter, you could bend back the mudguard flap at the end, and make the same noise.However, this only worked for a limited peroid until you wore it out.
Or smacked your nuts on the crossbar having had the Sturmey Archer gears slip again...
Edited by neil_bolton on Friday 18th January 12:02
Gassing Station | Pedal Powered | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff