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Search: Posts Made By: cpach
Showing results 1 to 50 of 1000
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Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-19-24, 12:49 AM
Replies: 36
Views: 1,371
Posted By cpach

I think the idea that young kids do better with...

I think the idea that young kids do better with coaster brakes is antiquated and disproven. My 3 year old has mastered hand brakes. Hand brakes actually make it easier for kids to learn to start...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
07-21-24, 10:03 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 823
Posted By cpach

As mentioned above, the issue is the front...

As mentioned above, the issue is the front derailleur. You could use an ird alpina d front derailleur, or another 3x road front derailleur, preferably one designed for smaller chainrings. A lot of...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
07-02-24, 12:12 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 739
Posted By cpach

This is a normal thing sram brakes do, which is...

This is a normal thing sram brakes do, which is why most shops have lever rebuild kits for common sram brakes stocked for service. I had a personal bike out of service during the pandemic with parts...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
07-01-24, 01:28 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 473
Posted By cpach

BB creak on PF systems is mostly a problem of...

BB creak on PF systems is mostly a problem of poor tolerances, so if it’s been creak free you don’t need a special BB.

You can also have a good shop ream/face your BB if you want extra piece of...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
07-01-24, 01:22 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 739
Posted By cpach

No, the pistons really should advance with pad...

No, the pistons really should advance with pad wear. Assuming they are actually well bled, my best guess is that the master cylinder piston is sticking and needs replacement. When they stick they...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-23-24, 07:13 PM
Replies: 26
Views: 1,514
Posted By cpach

I’m a working mechanic, and the majority of my...

I’m a working mechanic, and the majority of my tools at work are Park. They’re almost always professional quality and are price competitive for professional tools—some things they do better than...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-04-24, 11:38 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 592
Posted By cpach

I've done it once. It was kinda a fun challenge....

I've done it once. It was kinda a fun challenge. It's not the end of the world, I just think it's of limited benefit. But hey, I just charge by the hour so it's not my money...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-04-24, 12:23 AM
Replies: 11
Views: 592
Posted By cpach

UST doesn't mean a lack of rim tape. UST defines...

UST doesn't mean a lack of rim tape. UST defines a rim bead set shape (which is not particularly unique, honestly) and also included tires that required no sealant (but everyone used with sealant),...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-02-24, 01:42 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 721
Posted By cpach

I’ve been kinda underwhelmed with the Praxis wave...

I’ve been kinda underwhelmed with the Praxis wave rings those ship with. They’re supposed to retain similarly to narrow wide, but it seems like they do it worse. So maybe try a different chainring....
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-26-24, 01:15 AM
Replies: 44
Views: 2,694
Posted By cpach

For perspective, I'm a career mechanic. I get...

For perspective, I'm a career mechanic. I get tipped somewhat infrequently. I don't consider it a normal expectation in my region, but it's nice sometimes. I prefer this to jobs where it's either a...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-13-24, 09:37 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 1,708
Posted By cpach

As a pro mechanic: We use insanely expensive...

As a pro mechanic:
We use insanely expensive EVT clamps specifically because they will clamp to less exposed post allowing us to clamp to the seat post without raising it more of the time, improving...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-11-24, 12:28 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 459
Posted By cpach

Were the rims you failed to set up intended to be...

Were the rims you failed to set up intended to be tubeless compatible? If not, the bead seat is likely to not be as secure. The Bontrager strips are contoured fairly specifically to fit their rim...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-27-24, 01:19 AM
Replies: 21
Views: 1,369
Posted By cpach

I have generally positive feelings about Treks,...

I have generally positive feelings about Treks, but BB90 was one of their worst ideas ever. Thank goodness they're basically retiring it. I don't really recommend anything aside from quality bearings...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-19-24, 11:40 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 823
Posted By cpach

They're OK wheels, though not especially light or...

They're OK wheels, though not especially light or aerodynamic. They tend to hold up OK. Replacement spokes are a PITA to source, but it's possible. There are online sources, and a lot shops will have...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-11-24, 11:03 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 2,691
Posted By cpach

For what it's worth, it's actually pretty...

For what it's worth, it's actually pretty possible that Trek would warranty that as a lifetime frame replacement if you can provide proof of purchase, as someone who's worked at a Trek shop. Would...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-04-24, 11:55 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 1,027
Posted By cpach

I'm not really a fan of pushing hanger extenders...

I'm not really a fan of pushing hanger extenders very far. While they reposition the derailleur, they don't fundamentally change it's geometry and make shifting worse on the small cogs.

It'd...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-16-24, 10:47 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,360
Posted By cpach

You can sometimes get good results building up...

You can sometimes get good results building up the rim bed on a standard clincher rim with relatively low tensions (<40psi). Its still usually a bad idea. Roads tubeless really, really needs to be...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-10-24, 01:27 AM
Replies: 47
Views: 2,869
Posted By cpach

105 works totally fine, but you can feel the...

105 works totally fine, but you can feel the difference, particularly in shifter feel, as you step up to Ultegra, and another, more gentle, step up to Dura Ace. If you mix and match things, probably...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-06-24, 02:30 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 493
Posted By cpach

Try it out and see. On my personal bike, I have a...

Try it out and see. On my personal bike, I have a Shimano Metrea front derailleur (I built it before GRX was available, and Metrea is designed around a 46/30 crank) and had to replace the cable...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-06-24, 02:25 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 598
Posted By cpach

That really sucks. I wouldn't ride a suspension...

That really sucks. I wouldn't ride a suspension fork with bent dropouts. The fork lowers can be replaced without replacing the whole fork. It's around $250USD. It's a relatively easy service--should...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
02-05-24, 06:01 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 754
Posted By cpach

Makes sense. I pretty exclusively use spokes with...

Makes sense. I pretty exclusively use spokes with either 2.0 or 2.13mm elbows and 2.0 threads for those reasons.

I don't really end up prioritizing weight often anyways, though my personal road...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
02-05-24, 12:47 PM
Replies: 16
Views: 754
Posted By cpach

Related point — do you think there’s any...

Related point — do you think there’s any practical downside to thinner spokes rear ds? Tensile strength is fine on 1.5mm sections well past what you’d sanely need. I mostly use 1.8mm sections DS...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
02-05-24, 01:35 AM
Replies: 18
Views: 2,946
Posted By cpach

For what it's worth, next time you work on your...

For what it's worth, next time you work on your brakes try extending the pistons, cleaning them, lubricating them with mineral oil, and then pressing them back in before bleeding. Double check that...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
02-05-24, 01:27 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 754
Posted By cpach

For what it's worth, you've had me convinced and...

For what it's worth, you've had me convinced and this has been common practice for me for the last few years. Last nice wheel I built was rear wheel for loaded touring, 2.3/1.5/2.0 NDS 2.3/1.8/2.0 DS...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
01-19-24, 12:00 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 594
Posted By cpach

While I usually specify some kind of butted...

While I usually specify some kind of butted spokes except when price is a major concern, your needs are really pretty conservative. You should be fine with straight gauge spokes. As mentioned above,...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
01-18-24, 11:55 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 7,655
Posted By cpach

This is a specific case where it makes some...

This is a specific case where it makes some sense! Look into the Ratio Components kits. https://ratiotechnology.com/product/2x12sh-upgrade-kit/ would probably be the best option for you--the kits to...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
01-18-24, 11:50 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 2,425
Posted By cpach

So essentially, no, you cannot swap to a...

So essentially, no, you cannot swap to a different freehub body without having the wheel entirely rebuilt around a new hub.

However, it's probably worth trying changing the lubricants used in the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
01-16-24, 12:53 AM
Replies: 30
Views: 4,002
Posted By cpach

Any reasonably name brand bearing will be fine,...

Any reasonably name brand bearing will be fine, but probably the best are bearing brands like NTN, SKF, NSK, ***, etc, many of which are manufactured in Japan. Ceramic mostly does not outperform high...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
11-30-23, 11:53 AM
Replies: 74
Views: 4,508
Posted By cpach

I wouldn’t care. I like picky customers who are...

I wouldn’t care. I like picky customers who are sane—I can meet high standards and picky customers can give me an opportunity to impress—I just need to be really clear with my communication!

...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
11-02-23, 11:04 PM
Replies: 23
Views: 2,070
Posted By cpach

That sounds fine. You're losing out,...

That sounds fine. You're losing out, theoretically, to wider rims at those tire widths, but it's probably no big deal, and obviously tubeless isn't an option if that was something you think you might...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-24-23, 12:06 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 738
Posted By cpach

8mm drill extension. Screw that stupid blue knob.

8mm drill extension. Screw that stupid blue knob.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-24-23, 12:03 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 620
Posted By cpach

I just have needle attachments on retail bike...

I just have needle attachments on retail bike lube bottles. No particular reason to be sparing here--I wipe down the whole rim when I'm done anyways. Works fine. But nice tools are certainly nice.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-23-23, 11:58 PM
Replies: 17
Views: 1,152
Posted By cpach

You can put nearly any crank in a BSA bottom...

You can put nearly any crank in a BSA bottom bracket shell. Don't worry about reusing your existing bottom bracket. What's actually important to know is what the rest of the drivetrain is. Given the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-23-23, 11:52 PM
Replies: 62
Views: 3,859
Posted By cpach

Sucks you're not getting helped with this. Roll...

Sucks you're not getting helped with this. Roll this in my shop and I'd at least give a shot seeing if I could align the fork because it sounds fun. For help with stuff like this, honestly, find a...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-23-23, 11:31 PM
Replies: 99
Views: 6,795
Posted By cpach

Also, I think one of the biggest frustrations is...

Also, I think one of the biggest frustrations is that the quality of service at shops is really inconsistent because none of the attempts (in the US at least) to regularly certify mechanics to some...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-23-23, 11:15 PM
Replies: 37
Views: 2,460
Posted By cpach

Honestly, just find a bike shop that'll do this...

Honestly, just find a bike shop that'll do this work. I wouldn't mind doing this--customers can try for whatever riding position they like, I'm happy to make that happen so long as it's mechanically...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-21-23, 12:46 AM
Replies: 99
Views: 6,795
Posted By cpach

This is mostly on point for me, although I really...

This is mostly on point for me, although I really endeavor to be pleasant, clear, and anti-elitist with customers. One of my favorite things is that, as one of very few mechanics in an area with a...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-05-23, 05:27 PM
Replies: 21
Views: 815
Posted By cpach

I had a fitting on the DOT kit fail and spray...

I had a fitting on the DOT kit fail and spray fluidin my eye. Good thing for the eye wash station!
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-05-23, 03:34 PM
Replies: 21
Views: 815
Posted By cpach

Just get the Shimano oil, or if you'd prefer, the...

Just get the Shimano oil, or if you'd prefer, the Finish Line stuff. While other oils are likely to work, the total cost is pretty low and it's worth it not to play experiments with your braking...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-30-23, 01:08 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 1,364
Posted By cpach

Pro mechanic here... There's absolutely no way...

Pro mechanic here...
There's absolutely no way you'll save money hand building wheels for basic rental coaster brake bikes. You should get reasonably competent at overhauling the hubs, truing...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-30-23, 12:56 AM
Replies: 3
Views: 597
Posted By cpach

The most difficult part would be getting the...

The most difficult part would be getting the bearing out, since there's probably very little access to the back of the bearing. I would use a blind bearing extractor....
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-26-23, 07:39 PM
Replies: 44
Views: 2,598
Posted By cpach

Unless you are attached to keeping the frame...

Unless you are attached to keeping the frame original I’d see what local shops would charge to cold set the frame and align the dropouts/hanger. I’d probably charge about 30 mins labor for this, in...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-16-23, 12:39 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 1,151
Posted By cpach

How remote are you going to be? I think people...

How remote are you going to be? I think people overthink this often, and hydraulic brakes are likely to be just fine. I'm a mechanic so maybe my comfort is somewhat higher, but I wouldn't hesitate to...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-07-23, 05:28 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 909
Posted By cpach

85/hr, so about $7, given the retainers cost a...

85/hr, so about $7, given the retainers cost a couple dollars. If it’s vintage campy record or dura ace or whatever then, sure, loose bearings.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-05-23, 08:35 PM
Replies: 19
Views: 909
Posted By cpach

The loose bearings will perform marginally better...

The loose bearings will perform marginally better anyways. I’ll do so in a pinch but having to charge fair labor rates I usually do the retainer because it’s the better value for my customers.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-05-23, 07:08 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,715
Posted By cpach

Many local mechanics could likely do it,...

Many local mechanics could likely do it, particularly if it really just needs new dust wipers and oil (I service old Marzocchi forks like this semi regularly), but the expert on these is...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-29-23, 08:49 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 610
Posted By cpach

OP has I-spec EV compatible brake levers. His...

OP has I-spec EV compatible brake levers. His shifters happen to be standard band mount.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-29-23, 12:10 AM
Replies: 16
Views: 778
Posted By cpach

That sounds like a good deal, TBH. That's as nice...

That sounds like a good deal, TBH. That's as nice of a workhorse stand as any assuming you don't regularly work on fat bike wheels with locknut spacing >175mm.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-29-23, 12:00 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 1,540
Posted By cpach

+1 on the Topeak Morph series. They're really...

+1 on the Topeak Morph series. They're really excellent if you're willing to carry something slightly bulkier/heavier to get a roadside pump that actually #(*$&ing works. And I'll bet you check your...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-28-23, 11:53 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 610
Posted By cpach

The OP's mounting is normal. Current generation...

The OP's mounting is normal. Current generation I-Spec EV levers move the clamp location inboard on the lever body and are intended to mount the shifter in between the support bracket and the clamp....
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