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Search: Posts Made By: Torchy McFlux
Showing results 1 to 50 of 1000
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Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-05-14, 12:48 AM
Replies: 17
Views: 1,790
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I'd just get both the dropouts replaced. (They're...

I'd just get both the dropouts replaced. (They're equally fatigued, so the other one will break soon too.) Where in BC are you?
If you're near Vancouver, give Robert at Dizzy Cycles a call. He also...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-01-14, 09:31 PM
Replies: 27
Views: 11,717
Posted By Torchy McFlux

The best way to seal that gap between the spindle...

The best way to seal that gap between the spindle and cups (without replacing the whole bottom bracket with a cartridge-type) is to replace the cups with some that have rubber seals built-in, like...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-01-14, 09:13 PM
Replies: 18
Views: 3,578
Posted By Torchy McFlux

1) Well, unless there is a metal sleeve bonded to...

1) Well, unless there is a metal sleeve bonded to the inside of the carbon steerer, the probability of it failing under load has definitely increased.
2) Nope.
3) Nope.

As far as I'm concerned,...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-01-14, 08:02 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 2,815
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Looks like this? 409420 I would forget...

Looks like this?

409420

I would forget about trying some sketchy conversion and just use the proper parts.
Replacement sealed bearings are easy to find and relatively cheap. I see that Phil...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
10-01-14, 04:44 AM
Replies: 7
Views: 765
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Those front derailleur mounts have been welded on...

Those front derailleur mounts have been welded on incorrectly and Focus' quality control must have missed it. Definitely contact the seller you got them from, or Focus directly.
If you got the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-23-14, 12:04 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 2,903
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Your small and mid-rings look worn-out to me....

Your small and mid-rings look worn-out to me. Replacing the crank with a Shimano Tourney (28/38/48 - for 6/7/8-speed drivetrains) is what I'd recommend. They go for about $30, last time I checked....
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-22-14, 11:46 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 2,003
Posted By Torchy McFlux

The majority of a bent tube's steel will be under...

The majority of a bent tube's steel will be under a certain amount of tension due to it being out of alignment with how it was originally formed - like a spring being stretched or compressed. It's...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-22-14, 07:37 PM
Replies: 4
Views: 2,174
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Would just like to say that a slight amount of...

Would just like to say that a slight amount of axle movement in a hub when the wheel isn't installed is actually ideal. Once the wheel is in the frame/fork and the skewer is tightened, it compresses...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-22-14, 07:26 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 2,903
Posted By Torchy McFlux

A photo of your existing drivetrain would help...

A photo of your existing drivetrain would help here.
Changing the chain and cassette at the same time is smart and common practice, but unless your chain was extremely stretched out, you can often...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-22-14, 07:06 PM
Replies: 10
Views: 2,003
Posted By Torchy McFlux

You could accomplish the same thing by removing...

You could accomplish the same thing by removing the right crankarm, lying on your back in front of the upright bike, putting the balls of your feet onto the bottom bracket shell, and pulling on the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-22-14, 06:55 PM
Replies: 25
Views: 13,908
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I don't like steel wool or sandpaper due to the...

I don't like steel wool or sandpaper due to the metal fibers and grit that can be left behind. Just one gets imbedded in a brake pad and it's a problem.
I'm a fan of ScotchBrite or equivalent. Wrap...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-18-14, 08:02 PM
Replies: 1
Views: 682
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Huh? You installed the left side before the...

Huh? You installed the left side before the right, and now it won't unscrew? Sounds like you stripped the threads. You'll need to push it from the right side with a screwdriver handle or something...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-18-14, 07:47 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 1,399
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Most thumbshifters are designed to clamp to a...

Most thumbshifters are designed to clamp to a 22.2mm bar, not the 24/25.4/26mm that most older drop bars are. If they use a steel band-type mount, you can usually get away with it - and there are...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
09-17-14, 02:22 PM
Replies: 12
Views: 1,288
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I'd say early-to-mid-1980's department store bike...

I'd say early-to-mid-1980's department store bike (Sears maybe) that someone has put far more time and money into than I would have. Wheels, saddle, and pedals aren't original, of course.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 02:05 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 1,719
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I wasn't sure about this. Thanks for clarifying.

I wasn't sure about this. Thanks for clarifying.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 02:01 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 936
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Just replace your stem with one that has more...

Just replace your stem with one that has more rise. The one you have looks like it's only 7 degrees. 35 degree stems in a variety of reaches are very common. Adjustable ones too, if you don't mind...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
09-17-14, 11:17 AM
Replies: 12
Views: 9,308
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I worked at a shop that sold these back in the...

I worked at a shop that sold these back in the late '80s. The Columbo was not the top of the line, and I don't remember it having fully chromed stays like that. Could this one be a repaint? That...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 10:49 AM
Replies: 22
Views: 5,822
Posted By Torchy McFlux

That's pretty shoddy considering the price of...

That's pretty shoddy considering the price of those saddles. Threadlocking compound on the bolts should be done during assembly. It's ridiculous that they don't bother.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 10:43 AM
Replies: 14
Views: 6,917
Posted By Torchy McFlux

This. Seriously, you can pick up a brand new...

This.
Seriously, you can pick up a brand new aluminum straight post for less than $10. Shimming makes sense if you have some special post you want to use (like a suspension seatpost) but otherwise...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 10:32 AM
Replies: 5
Views: 828
Posted By Torchy McFlux

1) 170mm cranks used to be a "universal" size for...

1) 170mm cranks used to be a "universal" size for everyone except the very tall and very small. What makes you think you need something larger?
2) An '82 Grandis would be considered a nice vintage...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 10:11 AM
Replies: 34
Views: 5,629
Posted By Torchy McFlux

The frame and fork were designed around 700c...

The frame and fork were designed around 700c wheels - there's absolutely no good reason for putting 27" on there. You'll just reduce clearance for tire and fenders, and make it difficult to get the...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 10:05 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 1,921
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I wouldn't necessarily jump to that conclusion....

I wouldn't necessarily jump to that conclusion. The mechanic messed up by not noticing the source of the problem, but a bottom bracket that's unscrewing itself is pretty rare and quick gear...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 09:57 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 1,719
Posted By Torchy McFlux

If she struggles with a 38/27 gear, she's going...

If she struggles with a 38/27 gear, she's going to need to invest a bit money to get something lower. I agree with the triple suggestions. That means she'll need a new bottom bracket, crankset, front...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-17-14, 09:47 AM
Replies: 27
Views: 1,921
Posted By Torchy McFlux

What cny-bikeman said. You'll probably need a new...

What cny-bikeman said. You'll probably need a new cartridge bottom bracket if it managed to do this on its own.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-14-14, 10:01 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 2,526
Posted By Torchy McFlux

:roflmao2:

:roflmao2:
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-14-14, 09:40 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 2,526
Posted By Torchy McFlux

And I've personally repaired severely dented...

And I've personally repaired severely dented steel tubes and had them last for more than a decade of further use. CF is not "easily repaired". Once again, it sounds like you've been fed a line by a...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-14-14, 09:22 AM
Replies: 32
Views: 2,526
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I'd respect your point of view if you weren't...

I'd respect your point of view if you weren't completely wrong.
The thinness of lightweight steel can be shocking (0.5mm in the middle of a toptube, for example) but the characteristics of steel...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-11-14, 12:25 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 705
Posted By Torchy McFlux

A new hanger mounted to a bent dropout is still a...

A new hanger mounted to a bent dropout is still a problem. And just because you managed to make a damaged and cobbled-together derailleur work well enough with a worn cassette doesn't mean it's going...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-11-14, 12:14 AM
Replies: 6
Views: 705
Posted By Torchy McFlux

You can't expect perfect shifting from a damaged...

You can't expect perfect shifting from a damaged Franken-derailleur.
Have the alignment of your frame's hanger checked with a professional tool, and replace the entire rear derailleur with a new one.
Forum: Classic & Vintage
09-10-14, 12:39 PM
Replies: 15
Views: 3,056
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Maillard used the same standard as Suntour on...

Maillard used the same standard as Suntour on their 2-notch freewheels, so a Park FR-2 or equivalent will work fine. The EXTREMELY key thing with using one of these though is the proper securing of...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-10-14, 12:17 PM
Replies: 20
Views: 5,652
Posted By Torchy McFlux

It sounds like you've really mixed some parts to...

It sounds like you've really mixed some parts to try and get it working. How did you figure out what bottom bracket size you consider to be ideal, and exactly what crankset are you trying to install?
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-10-14, 09:09 AM
Replies: 42
Views: 3,272
Posted By Torchy McFlux

The only benefit to more cogs in a cassette is a...

The only benefit to more cogs in a cassette is a further ability to fine tune your cadence. I personally see anything more than 8 as superfluous for anyone, but I'm an old fart now, I guess....
Forum: Classic & Vintage
09-10-14, 07:37 AM
Replies: 4
Views: 1,440
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Huffys are pretty much the lowest of the low....

Huffys are pretty much the lowest of the low. Bikes that were made as cheaply as possible to cost as little as possible. I like cheap cruisers though since they don't require much in the way of...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
09-10-14, 07:30 AM
Replies: 28
Views: 2,917
Posted By Torchy McFlux

When plastic... oh sorry, RESIN pedals require...

When plastic... oh sorry, RESIN pedals require lubrication, I remove them from the bike and chuck them in the trash. Then replace them with some only slightly more expensive alloy ones from Wellgo or...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-10-14, 07:10 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 5,652
Posted By Torchy McFlux

A Canadian Raleigh will not have an Italian...

A Canadian Raleigh will not have an Italian bottom bracket. It's likely an English with a shell either slightly wider than 68mm, or 73mm (though this was more common on mountain bikes). Are the cups...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-10-14, 07:02 AM
Replies: 20
Views: 5,652
Posted By Torchy McFlux

It's impossible to differentiate a JIS spindle...

It's impossible to differentiate a JIS spindle from an ISO one by sight. The difference in the taper contact areas is very small. Just because the taper is as long as a typical JIS one doesn't...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
09-10-14, 02:17 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,464
Posted By Torchy McFlux

It's probably just not seated on the axle taper...

It's probably just not seated on the axle taper perfectly. Removing the crank arms and remounting them 90 degrees from where they were before sometimes fixes this. Otherwise, the spider of the right...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-28-14, 09:32 PM
Replies: 26
Views: 2,869
Posted By Torchy McFlux

If you want to build a set of wheels quick and...

If you want to build a set of wheels quick and dirty, get the dishing gauge. If you want to build a set of wheels that will be as strong as possible and hold their trueness, get the tensionmeter.
I...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-28-14, 09:18 PM
Replies: 14
Views: 11,067
Posted By Torchy McFlux

A specifically designed crown race remover tool...

A specifically designed crown race remover tool (like the Park CRP-2 or Stein CRR-1) is best to use. The idea of using screwdrivers and hammers on carbon forks makes me cringe. My old shop would...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
08-26-14, 10:10 PM
Replies: 9
Views: 1,006
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Looks like a 1986 model to me. By 1990,...

Looks like a 1986 model to me. By 1990, Diamondback was using a bold blocky font for their decals.
If you take a photo of the right side - so we can see the components - your questions will be much...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-22-14, 02:37 AM
Replies: 36
Views: 14,669
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I've used silicone caulking with good success. An...

I've used silicone caulking with good success. An old dental pick to remove it works well.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
08-22-14, 02:27 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 3,332
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Not as far as I know. Schraeder valves rely on...

Not as far as I know.
Schraeder valves rely on a little mechanical spring to keep them closed and air tight, so pump chucks that work with them have a cylinder or pin built-in to physically depress...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-13-14, 06:19 PM
Replies: 7
Views: 1,448
Posted By Torchy McFlux

I'm 6'3" and ride a 60cm. (I like a 59cm...

I'm 6'3" and ride a 60cm. (I like a 59cm toptube.) For a typically proportional 6' dude, I'd recommend a 58cm. On a horizontal toptube frame, less than 4" of exposed seatpost is a pretty good...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
06-13-14, 06:04 PM
Replies: 74
Views: 27,935
Posted By Torchy McFlux

You missed my point, and I'm not a hater - just...

You missed my point, and I'm not a hater - just not much of a fanboy of big corporate mass-produced brands.
Very fast, suberb handling, agile machines are available from almost every manufacturer....
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-13-14, 08:14 AM
Replies: 10
Views: 1,221
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Cheap, decent-quality V-brake levers are widely...

Cheap, decent-quality V-brake levers are widely available. It's safest to just swap out your old ones for some new compatible ones.
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-13-14, 08:03 AM
Replies: 13
Views: 2,274
Posted By Torchy McFlux

AFAIK, all Shimano stuff works on a 2:1 ratio, so...

AFAIK, all Shimano stuff works on a 2:1 ratio, so 1:1 shifters will not work with them - which explains why you have to push so hard to make it go.
Trade those X3 shifters for some SRAM Attack...
Forum: Classic & Vintage
06-13-14, 07:36 AM
Replies: 74
Views: 27,935
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Honestly, it's impossible to generalize by...

Honestly, it's impossible to generalize by country. Some of the nicest quality and some of the worst have come out of Italy - sometimes from the same manufacturer. The Italian bike industry was...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-13-14, 07:20 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 5,902
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Problem with that is the forces involved with...

Problem with that is the forces involved with disc braking would snap most modern lightweight seatstays/fork blades unless they are bulked up to distribute forces more widely. Add to that the extra...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-13-14, 07:10 AM
Replies: 9
Views: 851
Posted By Torchy McFlux

How old is the Ultegra front derailleur? Is there...

How old is the Ultegra front derailleur? Is there a part number stamped on it?
Are your chainrings spaced an appropriate amount away from the seattube? From the center of the seattube to the center...
Forum: Bicycle Mechanics
06-13-14, 07:00 AM
Replies: 15
Views: 5,902
Posted By Torchy McFlux

Rims are your braking surface, and stopping isn't...

Rims are your braking surface, and stopping isn't optional. Durability is extremely variable depending on the terrain, conditions, and mileage you ride. Wet weather and dirty roads means your rims...
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