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Search: Posts Made By: sweeks
Showing results 1 to 50 of 1000
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Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-24-24, 08:53 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

I saw a guy on a Century riding a mountain bike...

I saw a guy on a Century riding a mountain bike without a saddle. Standing the whole way. :twitchy:
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-24-24, 08:46 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

I had the same problem on both my Dahons and the...

I had the same problem on both my Dahons and the Tern, all of which had the aluminum sleeve. My hypothesis is that the stress breaker holes at the bottom of the seat tube slots were too small...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-24-24, 08:08 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

One man's Novelty is another man's Staple. :D ...

One man's Novelty is another man's Staple. :D
I've been commuting on folders for over 20 years (~25,000 miles), and have done two Centuries on them.
Hmph... "Novelty"... Hmph. :lol:

(H/T:...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-24-24, 06:14 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

This is my point of view, also based on...

This is my point of view, also based on experience. I have addressed creaking from the seatpost in exactly the same way you describe.
I'm in the process of building up another folder with the same...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-24-24, 06:04 AM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

Sorry for the confusion. We got a little...

Sorry for the confusion. We got a little off-topic onto folding bikes. The OP's bike has a much shorter seatpost....
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-23-24, 06:40 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

I completely agree; no "strawman" intended. I was...

I completely agree; no "strawman" intended. I was trying to explain why greasing a 6" seat tube on a frequently moved 2' seatpost is not a practical solution.

EDIT: I see the previous post. Feel...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-23-24, 05:18 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

On a folder, the seatpost goes up and down... a...

On a folder, the seatpost goes up and down... a lot, if the bike is used for commuting. For example, my folder's seat is re-positioned 4 times a day, 5 days a week. Grease anywhere would soon be...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-23-24, 03:35 PM
Replies: 51
Views: 828
Posted By sweeks

That seatpost does not look greased; if it is,...

That seatpost does not look greased; if it is, it's a very thin layer and very recently done. :innocent:
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-13-24, 08:21 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 515
Posted By sweeks

The first service is probably the most important,...

The first service is probably the most important, as that's probably where most of the wearing-in has occurred.

I've been doing the "dip", with new grease on the bearings, about once a year...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-13-24, 07:34 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 952
Posted By sweeks

Something like THIS...

Something like THIS (https://bikerepairvideos.com/nashbar-mini-bike-stand/) is inexpensive, and is handy for a lot of simple tasks such as drivetrain adjustments.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-12-24, 07:14 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 515
Posted By sweeks

From the Shimano Service Manual for the Alfine 8:...

From the Shimano Service Manual for the Alfine 8:
To maintain the product in good working order, it is recommended to have the place of purchase or a distributor carry out maintenance such as...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-12-24, 09:13 AM
Replies: 29
Views: 947
Posted By sweeks

This is fine if you're working on your own bike....

This is fine if you're working on your own bike. However, the OP suggested that he works on bikes belonging to others.
IMO, this requires a more "do it right the first time" approach; or at least...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-05-24, 06:02 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 827
Posted By sweeks

This makes sense! I tend to keep my tire pressure...

This makes sense! I tend to keep my tire pressure up, so there's less sliding around inside the tire.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-04-24, 06:39 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 33,188
Posted By sweeks

I've been using synthetic gear oil (Royal Purple...

I've been using synthetic gear oil (Royal Purple 75W-140), applied as an annual "dip", for about 10,000 miles. I recently performed this and (out of curiosity) degreased/de-oiled the gear cluster to...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
05-04-24, 06:09 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 827
Posted By sweeks

This has not been my experience. I've had no...

This has not been my experience. I've had no flats from punctures while using liners. Inner tubes are inspected every couple of years, and I've never seen any abrasions or wear in the neighborhood of...
Forum: Folding Bikes
05-04-24, 02:11 PM
Replies: 58
Views: 5,618
Posted By sweeks

"Lucas - Prince of Darkness"...

"Lucas - Prince of Darkness" (https://www.mez.co.uk/lucas.html) :D
(I have friends who own Vincent motorcycles.)
Forum: Commuting
05-04-24, 01:53 PM
Replies: 29
Views: 1,176
Posted By sweeks

These reduced my flats almost 100%. These...

These reduced my flats almost 100%.


These completed the protection. I'm riding on Chicago streets and haven't had a flat literally in years except for one caused by a valve stem debonding on an...
Forum: Folding Bikes
04-29-24, 07:36 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 402
Posted By sweeks

My Terns have a different handlepost, but I...

My Terns have a different handlepost, but I suspect there are some similarities.
When the handlepost closes, it should feel like it's slightly "snapping" into place if it's a variation on the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-28-24, 07:49 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 783
Posted By sweeks

This is exactly right. Imagine a system with...

This is exactly right. Imagine a system with three "compound" planets (gears of different diameters and numbers of teeth). The teeth on the two diameters may not have a one-to-one correspondence. If...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-27-24, 06:49 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 783
Posted By sweeks

I read about this somewhere. Like you, I don't...

I read about this somewhere. Like you, I don't understand how something which appears to be symmetrical requires "timing". When I had the gear module off, I noticed that each of three planetary gears...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-27-24, 04:30 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 783
Posted By sweeks

The Nexus hubs I have experience with (2 each,...

The Nexus hubs I have experience with (2 each, Nexus-7 and Nexus-8) all were lubricated originally with grease. The problem with using grease to re-lubricate is that the original grease needs to be...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-27-24, 12:37 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 783
Posted By sweeks

Thanks! :-)

Thanks! :-)
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-27-24, 12:32 PM
Replies: 22
Views: 783
Posted By sweeks

Here's a Nexus-8 after rinsing the gear cluster...

Here's a Nexus-8 after rinsing the gear cluster in mineral spirits and reassembling it. The "C" clip on the axle comes off (careful! It likes to fly away!), then the bulk of the gears come off as a...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-22-24, 07:24 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 1,430
Posted By sweeks

So does steel... but less!

So does steel... but less!
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-21-24, 04:43 PM
Replies: 30
Views: 1,614
Posted By sweeks

Here's some more on the Shimano chain checker... ...

Here's some more on the Shimano chain checker...

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikeforums.net-vbulletin/2000x1504/shimano_chain_checker_in_service_e109cb3959a3d9c71ee4f3e00b0cbd797bba6bf3.jpg...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-21-24, 10:07 AM
Replies: 30
Views: 1,614
Posted By sweeks

Pursuant to my last entry (and not intending to...

Pursuant to my last entry (and not intending to start a chain-checker war)...
...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-21-24, 08:02 AM
Replies: 30
Views: 1,614
Posted By sweeks

The Shimano gauge (on the left) is positioned...

The Shimano gauge (on the left) is positioned incorrectly. The "split" end is supposed to be inserted first, then the other end is observed to see if it fits down all the way into the chain. If it...
Forum: Commuting
04-19-24, 08:26 PM
Replies: 13
Views: 858
Posted By sweeks

Here's another possibility: "Paper Shower"...

Here's another possibility: "Paper Shower" (https://bodywipecompany.com/). It was invented by one of my colleagues, Jim Bahcall. A short video describing how he came up with the idea is HERE.
(I...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-15-24, 12:16 PM
Replies: 39
Views: 1,983
Posted By sweeks

Be sure to distinguish between Compressionless...

Be sure to distinguish between Compressionless Brake Housing (https://jagwire.com/products/housing/pro-compressionless-brake-housing) and the compressionless housing used for shifting. The latter may...
Forum: Commuting
04-08-24, 07:07 PM
Replies: 31
Views: 1,648
Posted By sweeks

I've commuted solely by bike a few times over the...

I've commuted solely by bike a few times over the last 20 years or so, usually on Bike-to-Work Day. The round-trip is just shy of 100 miles, so it's not sustainable.
Most of the times I ride my...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-08-24, 05:16 AM
Replies: 28
Views: 1,415
Posted By sweeks

Yes. I can hold the bushing between thumb and...

Yes. I can hold the bushing between thumb and forefinger, and the brake arm swings independently. On the bike, the fastening bolt binds the bushing tightly' and the arm is free. I'll still grease the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
04-07-24, 03:58 PM
Replies: 28
Views: 1,415
Posted By sweeks

Some direct-pull brakes contain bushings that...

Some direct-pull brakes contain bushings that serve as pivots for the brake arms. The bushings are tightly bound by the arm mounting bolts and do not rotate, so lubrication is not necessary. I just...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-31-24, 01:40 PM
Replies: 33
Views: 1,217
Posted By sweeks

Self-fusing silicone tape is very nice. I used...

Self-fusing silicone tape is very nice. I used regular electrical tape to hold the bar wrap in place, giving me time to properly deploy the silicone tape....
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-26-24, 08:56 PM
Replies: 5
Views: 403
Posted By sweeks

I have 2 Nexus-8 hubbed wheels, and one with an...

I have 2 Nexus-8 hubbed wheels, and one with an Alfine-11; all 20" wheels. They definitely don't spin as long as a wheel with a freehub. But much of that apparent internal resistance isn't apparent...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-23-24, 11:05 AM
Replies: 34
Views: 1,351
Posted By sweeks

Hmmm... Apart from my Alfine 11, which has worked...

Hmmm... Apart from my Alfine 11, which has worked perfectly for around 10,000 miles and whose roller clutch surfaces looked unworn when I took it apart for inspection, I have a Prius with over 90,000...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-22-24, 05:16 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 1,239
Posted By sweeks

Good point... you'd be able to rotate the axle...

Good point... you'd be able to rotate the axle and feel for interferences better if the wheel wasn't clamped in a vise. I guess the Stein tool could be released from the vise as well.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-20-24, 08:15 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 1,239
Posted By sweeks

I've got one of those too, but it just clamps the...

I've got one of those too, but it just clamps the axle. The Stein tool allows the axle to be compressed (shortened) by the quick release *while* the bearings are being adjusted. There's no quesswork...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-19-24, 07:51 PM
Replies: 32
Views: 1,239
Posted By sweeks

I used to lubricate the front wheel bearings on...

I used to lubricate the front wheel bearings on my first car (a 1973 Plymouth Duster). The factory service manual called for torquing the bearings to some point, then backing the castellated nut off...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-19-24, 05:17 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 1,239
Posted By sweeks

Hahaha... I'm not going to say I'm a "good"...

Hahaha... I'm not going to say I'm a "good" mechanic; "minimally adequate" is more like it. But several years ago I bought one of THESE (https://steintool.com/portfolio-items/hub-axle-vises/), and...
Forum: Folding Bikes
03-17-24, 08:11 AM
Replies: 52
Views: 3,348
Posted By sweeks

They look pretty ... skinny. Maybe they're...

They look pretty ... skinny. Maybe they're (folding)(bike levers), not (folding bike)(levers). :innocent:
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-10-24, 01:53 PM
Replies: 71
Views: 3,023
Posted By sweeks

I basically agree with you, but when something...

I basically agree with you, but when something that is applied to a dirty chain is claimed to "actively push contamination out of the chain", rendering a dirty chain cleaner "as you ride", it cranks...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-10-24, 10:54 AM
Replies: 71
Views: 3,023
Posted By sweeks

I remain politely skeptical of statements like...

I remain politely skeptical of statements like this.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-10-24, 08:45 AM
Replies: 36
Views: 1,060
Posted By sweeks

He means "crank axle" or "spindle". Sounds more...

He means "crank axle" or "spindle". Sounds more like an electric motor, though. :innocent:
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-09-24, 02:08 PM
Replies: 36
Views: 1,060
Posted By sweeks

Sounds like the cranks and spindle are moving as...

Sounds like the cranks and spindle are moving as a unit.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-09-24, 07:32 AM
Replies: 34
Views: 1,351
Posted By sweeks

I've used Royal Purple 75w-140 in my Alfine 11...

I've used Royal Purple 75w-140 in my Alfine 11 for around 10,000 miles with no problems. I used the Shimano oil for the first change; a kit with the necessary syringe and tube came with enough for...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
03-05-24, 07:26 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 705
Posted By sweeks

You can always do what the motorcycle racers do:...

You can always do what the motorcycle racers do: lean slightly to the inside of the curve, causing the bike to be more upright. No need to drag yur knee though! :innocent:
Forum: General Cycling Discussion
03-03-24, 08:43 PM
Replies: 136
Views: 5,408
Posted By sweeks

Yes, but I find the metal more pleasing than...

Yes, but I find the metal more pleasing than plastic. :innocent:
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
02-27-24, 09:09 PM
Replies: 123
Views: 4,787
Posted By sweeks

Carry a couple pieces of Tyvek for booting...

Carry a couple pieces of Tyvek for booting purposes. They can be dollar-bill sized if you like. Spare yourself the annoyance... and save money!
Forum: Folding Bikes
02-25-24, 10:50 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 616
Posted By sweeks

Aluminum is less amenable to straightening,...

Aluminum is less amenable to straightening, depending on the degree of bending; but straightening is possible in many cases.
How about the possibility that the hanger never gets bent? I've got 3...
Forum: Folding Bikes
02-24-24, 09:37 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 1,929
Posted By sweeks

Darn it! I wish I had known that before I did a...

Darn it! I wish I had known that before I did a couple of century rides on my folder. :innocent:
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