What are the biggest wastes of time in bike maintenance?
#101
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the grinding sound was horrifying. never again will i ride on a "factory grease" chain even around the block.
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#106
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1) in nice summer conditions around 400km. Could go for longer but I want to try to keep wear to a minimum.
In bad winter conditions around 150km. So with three chains in rotation I'll be waxing once a month.
if the 150km seems short, in those conditions the need to relube with a drip lube was between 20-40km.
2) no idea yet. The websites actually studying this stuff claim around 15000km per chain. We haven't put those kinds of distances on chains yet since every bike has multiple chains. However none of the chains are even close to indication 0.5% wear. Also we too have not had to swap cassettes /drivetrains since starting waxing which is refreshing.
Wax getting gummy depends on the wax. Fully refined paraffin doesn't get gummy. If you add oils or some other softeners, it will but it'll also work worse. You really shouldn't do that. Some drip waxes can get gummy maybe? I don't have that much experience with those.
#107
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Yes, adding air on a schedule is ridiculous. Add air based on pressure, not the, whether hourly or annually. If the tires need air, add air.
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I recently had tasks that required a bearing press (PF bottom bracket and freehub bearing replacement), so I bought the tool. I also needed to align a bent derailleur hanger, so I bought that tool, too. I checked the hangers on all my bikes, and every one needed at least a little tweak. I love how smooth and quick shifting is when everything is aligned correctly. I enjoy having an excuse to buy new tools.
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#113
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Chain lubing shouldn't be a complex chemistry experiment. Here are 4 simple easy to follow steps to successful chain lubing / cleaning.
Step 1....Wipe the dirty chain with a rag. You can use a little bit of solvent of your choice or rubbing alcohol.
Step 2....Put a drop of oil in each individual link'
Step 3....Spin the cranks to distribute the oil through the whole chain
Step 4...Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.
Easy peasy, no need to remove a chain from the bike, no need to mix and boil dangerous chemicals and risk an explosion and fire.
Step 1....Wipe the dirty chain with a rag. You can use a little bit of solvent of your choice or rubbing alcohol.
Step 2....Put a drop of oil in each individual link'
Step 3....Spin the cranks to distribute the oil through the whole chain
Step 4...Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.
Easy peasy, no need to remove a chain from the bike, no need to mix and boil dangerous chemicals and risk an explosion and fire.
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#117
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Chain lubing shouldn't be a complex chemistry experiment. Here are 4 simple easy to follow steps to successful chain lubing / cleaning.
Step 1....Wipe the dirty chain with a rag. You can use a little bit of solvent of your choice or rubbing alcohol.
Step 2....Put a drop of oil in each individual link'
Step 3....Spin the cranks to distribute the oil through the whole chain
Step 4...Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.
Easy peasy, no need to remove a chain from the bike, no need to mix and boil dangerous chemicals and risk an explosion and fire.
Step 1....Wipe the dirty chain with a rag. You can use a little bit of solvent of your choice or rubbing alcohol.
Step 2....Put a drop of oil in each individual link'
Step 3....Spin the cranks to distribute the oil through the whole chain
Step 4...Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.
Easy peasy, no need to remove a chain from the bike, no need to mix and boil dangerous chemicals and risk an explosion and fire.
#118
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Chain lubing shouldn't be a complex chemistry experiment. Here are 4 simple easy to follow steps to successful chain lubing / cleaning.
Step 1....Wipe the dirty chain with a rag. You can use a little bit of solvent of your choice or rubbing alcohol.
Step 2....Put a drop of oil in each individual link'
Step 3....Spin the cranks to distribute the oil through the whole chain
Step 4...Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.
Easy peasy, no need to remove a chain from the bike, no need to mix and boil dangerous chemicals and risk an explosion and fire.
Step 1....Wipe the dirty chain with a rag. You can use a little bit of solvent of your choice or rubbing alcohol.
Step 2....Put a drop of oil in each individual link'
Step 3....Spin the cranks to distribute the oil through the whole chain
Step 4...Wipe off any excess oil with a rag.
Easy peasy, no need to remove a chain from the bike, no need to mix and boil dangerous chemicals and risk an explosion and fire.
If I'm getting into a deeper cleaning of my bike, however, I'll take the chain off and give it a swirl in a bath of cleaner, rinse it off, dry it off, and then lube it up. Quick links have made that process significantly easier...until I start dropping quick link pieces.
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#119
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#120
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Obviously latex tubes are beyond hopeless. Mine all have thousands, maybe millions of slow leaks. (I've never counted them. They're too small to see without a microscope. But I am sure that mechanic cleaning the chain "the Sheldon Way" has that number.)
#121
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There is no such thing as ‘a waste of time’ in bicycle maintenance. On the contrary, bike repair can be likened to a holy and mystical experience because it requires patience, attention to detail, and a deep understanding of its mechanical functions. Sufficient study and practice will result in a form of nirvana where you and the bicycle become one as it performs smoothly and efficiently.
Additionally bike maintenance can be almost meditative or therapeutic, providing a sense of calm and focus. Like any activity that requires skill and practice, bicycle maintenance can lead to a more fulfilled sense of self. It ain’t no waste.
Additionally bike maintenance can be almost meditative or therapeutic, providing a sense of calm and focus. Like any activity that requires skill and practice, bicycle maintenance can lead to a more fulfilled sense of self. It ain’t no waste.
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#122
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Imo, conflating washing with maintenance. Its not at all the same thing, but many seem to think washing the bike + chain lube = maintenance, forgetting actual maintenance is more a mechanics type job. - replacing worn parts, opening bearings, bleeding brakes etc. Washing does next to nothing and the chemicals might even be detrimental if they find their way into bearings, the freehub, pivots etc.
#123
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Imo, conflating washing with maintenance. Its not at all the same thing, but many seem to think washing the bike + chain lube = maintenance, forgetting actual maintenance is more a mechanics type job. - replacing worn parts, opening bearings, bleeding brakes etc. Washing does next to nothing and the chemicals might even be detrimental if they find their way into bearings, the freehub, pivots etc.
#124
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Imo, conflating washing with maintenance. Its not at all the same thing, but many seem to think washing the bike + chain lube = maintenance, forgetting actual maintenance is more a mechanics type job. - replacing worn parts, opening bearings, bleeding brakes etc. Washing does next to nothing and the chemicals might even be detrimental if they find their way into bearings, the freehub, pivots etc.
- clean
- inspect
- detect
- correct
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#125
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Oh, I think its time for a disagreement!
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