[stig]

So, question...

Was hangin' out with a couple friends today and went on my bike. Noticed a couple things.

-It's not too fond about shifting the front ratios (had to hold it to get anywhere near 3rd)

-When I laid it down there was water dripping out of the frame

-The brakes (front and back) are making the most horrible noise I've ever h eard from that thing.

Last night I washed it and oiled the hell out of it. Anything I can do? I figure the water will evaporate out of the frame and I'll oild it again, but what about the brakes?

 

[Topher]

Stop riding it through lakes.

 

[CycM17]

So, question...

Was hangin' out with a couple friends today and went on my bike. Noticed a couple things.

-It's not too fond about shifting the front ratios (had to hold it to get anywhere near 3rd)

-When I laid it down there was water dripping out of the frame

-The brakes (front and back) are making the most horrible noise I've ever h eard from that thing.

Last night I washed it and oiled the hell out of it. Anything I can do? I figure the water will evaporate out of the frame and I'll oild it again, but what about the brakes?

I would also say stop riding through lakes.

As far as the front shifting goes, its probably just a matter of lubing the cable or a slight cable adjustment. From past pics, your bike seems to be always dirty. The key to crisp shifting is a clean and well maintained drivetrain. Always.

Take the seat out, turn the frame upside down, and let the water drain out. This usually works.

As for the brakes, they squeak when out of alignment, or the pads are unevenly worn. If the rim is dirty, take a scotch brite pad and wipe them down to get off all the brake dust/grime that probably is on there.

Also be careful "oiling" the bike. A small $5 bottle of chain lube or tri-flow can go a long way on your drivetrain parts. lots of people use wd-40 for 'lube' but thats no good. generic grease does nothing but attract sand and shit that will wear down your chain... etc. etc. you probably know all this so i'll stop here.

 

[stig]

I would also say stop riding through lakes.

As far as the front shifting goes, its probably just a matter of lubing the cable or a slight cable adjustment. From past pics, your bike seems to be always dirty. The key to crisp shifting is a clean and well maintained drivetrain. Always.

Take the seat out, turn the frame upside down, and let the water drain out. This usually works.

As for the brakes, they squeak when out of alignment, or the pads are unevenly worn. If the rim is dirty, take a scotch brite pad and wipe them down to get off all the brake dust/grime that probably is on there.

Also be careful "oiling" the bike. A small $5 bottle of chain lube or tri-flow can go a long way on your drivetrain parts. lots of people use wd-40 for 'lube' but thats no good. generic grease does nothing but attract sand and shit that will wear down your chain... etc. etc. you probably know all this so i'll stop here.

I use of penetrating oil.

I'll go take the seat out when I finish typing this.

I wouldn't be suprised if the pads were unevely worn, but this is starting today. Wasn't a sign of it yesterday. There is crap on the rims that I've never managed to get off.

I'll look into the cable when it's dry (or when it's upside down) and it's not the first time it's happened, sometimes they can be really picky (probably more along the lines of the cable adjustment).

Also, I didn't want to ride it through the water but couldn't see a way around.

 

[SilverAeroGuy]

When I laid it down there was water dripping out of the frame

Your frame has little holes for just that, draining water &it looks like its doing its job. Check the ends of the chain and seat stays. Hanging the bike overnight so water flows towards & out of those holes should work.

The brakes (front and back) are making the most horrible noise I've ever h eard from that thing.

if'n yur pads ain't worn through just toe 'em in very slightly & the noise'll be gone.

 

[stig]

Well, a few good stops and the brakes have pretty much quieted down. The frame is dry. I think the derailer is out of whack a bit, I'll have a look tomorrow.

Did a yard test with the shifter while I was tweaking the brakes. Downshifting from 3-2 it dropped into first. That was a lot of fun seeing as I haven't put the seat back on.. On the upshifts, if I shift once it makes a ticking noice, and when I hit it a second time it goes into gear.

 

[Palmer]

No yellow though. Black sidewalls.



x2 to what everyone else said.

Clean that shit!

 

[mcrowley]

x3 you have to clean your bike off after every ride, especially if its getting covered with serious mud/grime.

 

[stig]

No yellow though. Black sidewalls.



x2 to what everyone else said.

Clean that shit!

Do want! Bet that'd solve a problem or two

And yes, I cleaned it the other night but apparently didn't do a very good job so I'm gonna do it again.. like.. now.

 

[bozs13]

So Palmer...you work at a Bicycle Shop?

 

[stig]

Small Changes

Did a little bit for the visuals today..

And

..have become..

..and a total after shot:

Also, I found this.. what should I do to keep it from rusting?? Doesn't clear nailpolish work, or something along those lines?

 

[dan-the-kid]

Maybe clear nail polish would work, why you got some????

Just go to a hardware store or a auto parts store and get some red touch up paint, that will hold.

 

[stig]

Maybe clear nail polish would work, why you got some????

Just go to a hardware store or a auto parts store and get some red touch up paint, that will hold.

Meh, I tried touching up the paint before... the scratches look better

I don't have any myself, but I'm sure I can find some

 

[Azrael]

I would probably buy a can of duplicolor or similar clear coat.