New to cycling

[galaxy xr8]

Thanks mate, any recommendations on brand of lube etc, I think of the top of my head I had the RocknRoll stuff ?, it's up in the shed but I can't remember if this was the stuff I've got or not.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Thanks mate, any recommendations on brand of lube etc, I think of the top of my head I had the RocknRoll stuff ?, it's up in the shed but I can't remember if this was the stuff I've got or not.

SQUIRT

Water based liquid wax lube. Designed more for off road than on so should suit you perfectly.

Otherwise RocknRoll used to be ok from memory.

[prydey]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Ok guys, I'm in need of some advice on cleaning/maintenance equipment. My bike (Giant Trance advanced Pro 1 29er, 2019) and I've just purchased a Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2, '22, for my son, I also have my wife's Trance Intrigue Advanced pro 0, I'm looking for recommendations on the best gear to clean the cassette and chain and etc.
Any thoughts ?.


On another note, why is it that I can't get an accurate reading (let alone any reading) when trying to inflate the tyres using my air compressor or Milwaukee air inflator ?, I use the little gold adaptor on the Presta valves but I have no idea on how much pressure is in the tyres, do I need to purchase a foot pump ?, are they the only way to read correct pressures ?.

Cheers.

As mentioned above, I use SQUIRT lube, which doesn't require cleaning the chain between applications. Just wipe it down and reapply.

If the chain does get dirty and need cleaning I remove it from the bike and shake it in an old milk bottle with turps or metho. Let it dry fully then re fit (quick links are meant to be single use but i re use them) and re lube.

I lube by putting a drop on each link, rather than squirting while rotating the chain.

And yes, use a track pump. I have a topeak joe blow https://www.mtbdirect.com.au/product...oor-pump-black

[galaxy xr8]

Thanks guys, our bikes get very dusty as we ride off the beaten track (dusty tracks) and mountainous terrain.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by prydey

As mentioned above, I use SQUIRT lube, which doesn't require cleaning the chain between applications. Just wipe it down and reapply.

If the chain does get dirty and need cleaning I remove it from the bike and shake it in an old milk bottle with turps or metho. Let it dry fully then re fit (quick links are meant to be single use but i re use them) and re lube.

I lube by putting a drop on each link, rather than squirting while rotating the chain.

And yes, use a track pump. I have a topeak joe blow https://www.mtbdirect.com.au/product...oor-pump-black

Geeze, I had forgotten the old water / milk bottle, shake it up trick.
Works a treat.

Anyone here remember the super expensive Rohloff chains.
They were like jewelry. Swapped between 2 so I would never get them dirty.
Did last well though.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Ok guys, I'm in need of some advice on cleaning/maintenance equipment. My bike (Giant Trance advanced Pro 1 29er, 2019) and I've just purchased a Giant Trance X Advanced Pro 29 2, '22, for my son, I also have my wife's Trance Intrigue Advanced pro 0, I'm looking for recommendations on the best gear to clean the cassette and chain and etc.
Any thoughts ?.


On another note, why is it that I can't get an accurate reading (let alone any reading) when trying to inflate the tyres using my air compressor or Milwaukee air inflator ?, I use the little gold adaptor on the Presta valves but I have no idea on how much pressure is in the tyres, do I need to purchase a foot pump ?, are they the only way to read correct pressures ?.

Cheers.

Yeah a foot/track pump will be the best way to get a good reading on tyre pressure. Or a decent pressure gauge.
Just be mindful if the bikes are set up tube less, most regular track pumps wont bead a tubeless tyre (ive managed to with my giant pump) although if they are tubeless can top up via the valve if needed without breaking the bead.

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Thanks mate, any recommendations on brand of lube etc, I think of the top of my head I had the RocknRoll stuff ?, it's up in the shed but I can't remember if this was the stuff I've got or not.

We use worth degreaser at work, works pretty well. But another good one i use at home is Muc Off Bio Degreaser. Also a good chain cleaner device is a good idea.

As for lube, another vote for Squirt, we also use this at work. Also another vote for Muc Off dry lube.

[galaxy xr8]

Can brake cleaner/degreaser be used on the chain ?.

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Can brake cleaner/degreaser be used on the chain ?.

We dont use brake cleaner on drivetrains (wouldnt hurt it i wouldnt think). But yeah no hassles using degreaser, used a few different brands over the years. When using degreaser i try to minimise contact with brake rotors/pads (again not a big issue).

[prydey]

So back in July i finally picked up my new bike. Those following along would remember I had back surgery in July 2022.

Getting back on thy bike was short lived, possibly mostly due to my own impatience. Thinking that exercise would be good for me I went straight back to commuting 3-4 days a week. Lasted just over 2 weeks before I had to give the bike up again. Just did too much too soon and combined with the constant struggles at work, ended up feeling like back to square one. So last ride outdoors was Aug 14th.

So long story short and after weeks of physio (and some enforced rest a month ago after covid finally got me) I am now keen to get back on the bike. I've done about 10 indoor trainer sessions and pull up ok afterwards, as long as I leave a day or so in between.

Hopefully over the Xmas break I'll find time to get back out for a pootle around. It's too good a bike just to sit collecting dust.

[prydey]

Regarding the indoor trainer for those who are interested.

I have a tacx flux 2. A few years back when I first got it I signed up to zwift but then cancelled and changed to fulgaz. Mainly because my wife also had a trainer and you could have 2 members on one account.

I've since gone back to one trainer so cancelled fulgaz and signed up to trainerroad. I'm a bit of a nerdy numbers guy so while there is no virtual world or video to watch, I find the time on trainerroad really good. It's just no nonsense training. Really good with training plans and techniques etc.

Alas, it's also very expensive ($30+/month)...

I came across a relatively new player called mywhoosh. This is essentially the same as zwift and it's free!

Its funded by UAE and has just partnered with UCI for 3 years. It works quite well and I've done 3 rides so far on it.

The only downside is the minimum requirement for your device are quite high. My laptop was too old so wouldn't run it but I can run it off my phone. Just not as good looking at a 5in screen.

[prydey]

Finally got back on the bike yesterday. Was great to be outdoors riding again. Took it nice and easy. I don't have a power meter (yet) and lost the crank magnet for the cadence sensor earlier in the year so it was quite liberating to just ride the bike and enjoy the scenery. A few complaints from my back but mostly it was ok. Am sore today but also did a bit of gardening yesterday as well which probably didn't help.

A gratuitous bike pic...



Only noticed after taking the pic that my saddle is a bit nose high. Should be level. Adjusted it once I got home. Need some new bottles too.

[DJM83]

Good to see you back on the bike Rob.
Went out for a pedal myself yesterday. Ebikes been gone since October, didnt ride it for about a month before. Almost all of the local trails here have been redone, most of for the better some they've tamed down a little which is fine also

Also gave the forks a service with some new seals, they hadnt been serviced since i bought the bike and were running fine but you know, just incase. No wear found anywhere
Got my Strava stats for the year, can tell when i stopped riding an ebike a little but i still kept on as much as i could.
115hrs of riding
174 active days
Longest ride 35Km
2290Km ridden. (goal originally was 2500, but dropped it to 2000)
30500m climbed
55 Personal records
5KOMS (King of the mountain)
Top 17% of all Strava users it tells me.

[Syndrome]

I did my first ride this afternoon since my body started showing negative reaction to the forced vaccinations I got in late 2021. Damn I am out of shape.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by Syndrome

I did my first ride this afternoon since my body started showing negative reaction to the forced vaccinations I got in late 2021. Damn I am out of shape.

You wouldn't want to ride around here then and I'm only walking atm.

[DJM83]

Ive been pretty lucky with flats of recent, that was until i had some new wheels built up.
2 weeks ago i hit a couple rocks, even with tyre inserts one of the hits pinched a hole in the sidewall of the tyre. So it was pretty much useless and i ruined it a little more riding home.

This week after i reluctantly fitted a new Maxxis Forekaster (New design) i managed to do the same thing yesterday, tyre survived but another decent dint in the rear.

Bit frustrated if im honest that ive managed to put a few dints in a stronger wheel. Is what it is, wheel still runs true not that it matters.
Im not a maxxis fan, but this forekaster (thin sidewall aside) is pretty bloody good. Its like a summer kinda tyre and it rolls and rolls and then some.

Ive got some Michelins ready to go on when i need to, they were my go to but were U/A for quite a while.

[Blue Ice]

Lashed out and got myself something for Xmas...


2023 Norco Fluid FS2, first crack at a dual suspension set up coming from a hardtail.








Mainly been hitting up local rail trails back home in Gippsland, looking to hit up a few new trails down the Otways / You Yangs while working away.

[roKWiz]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Ive been pretty lucky with flats of recent, that was until i had some new wheels built up.
2 weeks ago i hit a couple rocks, even with tyre inserts one of the hits pinched a hole in the sidewall of the tyre. So it was pretty much useless and i ruined it a little more riding home.
image
This week after i reluctantly fitted a new Maxxis Forekaster (New design) i managed to do the same thing yesterday, tyre survived but another decent dint in the rear.
image
Bit frustrated if im honest that ive managed to put a few dints in a stronger wheel. Is what it is, wheel still runs true not that it matters.
Im not a maxxis fan, but this forekaster (thin sidewall aside) is pretty bloody good. Its like a summer kinda tyre and it rolls and rolls and then some.

Ive got some Michelins ready to go on when i need to, they were my go to but were U/A for quite a while.

That's a bummer but rocks are a joy by comparison to some of the grasses.

I've spotted for the first time this Summer in Victoria's NE, bloody cathead grass (spiny emex) growing this side of the Murray.

Horrid stuff grows everywhere in the Newcastle / Hunter Valley region.

[DJM83]

New tyres arrived, but i might wait until i get some wear from the rear tyre i fitted last week

[Syndrome]

I rode to Jells Park last night. The damage caused by Tuesday's storm was very evident. Many fallen trees on the path and debris everywhere. I needed to dismount several times to climb over the trees. Near the Police Paddocks was the worst section.

[Blue Ice]

Port Campbell ride to Timboon and back after work.

[DJM83]

Ive had my current Norco Sight for 3 years today ive thought about moving it on, but i dont think i will. Its probably been the best bike ive owned (dont we all say that about the current bike we own )
Got a couple of (at least one) race/s coming up next month, back to back weekends. I raced them both a couple of years ago (the 5 stage gravity enduro event i got P2 in category, below pic). I got super nervous doing it, and probably will again. But i see it now as another time just out riding my bike, just a little more intense.


Also hoping McKayos at Falls Creek comes back this year, absolute blast the events gone by but got cancelled the last few years.

[kazawaki]

Originally Posted by DJM83

Ive had my current Norco Sight for 3 years today ive thought about moving it on, but i dont think i will. Its probably been the best bike ive owned (dont we all say that about the current bike we own )
Got a couple of (at least one) race/s coming up next month, back to back weekends. I raced them both a couple of years ago (the 5 stage gravity enduro event i got P2 in category, below pic). I got super nervous doing it, and probably will again. But i see it now as another time just out riding my bike, just a little more intense.
image

Also hoping McKayos at Falls Creek comes back this year, absolute blast the events gone by but got cancelled the last few years.

Get a Trek and you wont know yourself

[kazawaki]

Originally Posted by DJM83

We dont use brake cleaner on drivetrains (wouldnt hurt it i wouldnt think). But yeah no hassles using degreaser, used a few different brands over the years. When using degreaser i try to minimise contact with brake rotors/pads (again not a big issue).

Degreaser is a big issue if it gets on rotors or pads

[kazawaki]

Originally Posted by galaxy xr8

Can brake cleaner/degreaser be used on the chain ?.

Would you use cheap stuff on your ford ???? chain lube the best is rock and roll google the reviews

[prydey]

Originally Posted by kazawaki

Would you use cheap stuff on your ford ???? chain lube the best is rock and roll google the reviews

I don't think there is such a thing as 'the best'...

I've used SQUIRT for years and get very good chain/cassette life

[DJM83]

Originally Posted by kazawaki

Get a Trek and you wont know yourself

No.
Also working in a bike shop makes my decision easier.

Originally Posted by kazawaki

Would you use cheap stuff on your ford ???? chain lube the best is rock and roll google the reviews

Rock and Roll isnt bad, but as above. Its use what works the best for you, i also use Squirt lube and ive had great results. I dont proclaim it to be the best, nor do i with my bike brand of choice.

Ive also had degreaser on my brake rotor accidently, more than once and its never posed a problem. Brake cleaner fixed it.

[kazawaki]

Originally Posted by DJM83

No.
Also working in a bike shop makes my decision easier.




Rock and Roll isnt bad, but as above. Its use what works the best for you, i also use Squirt lube and ive had great results. I dont proclaim it to be the best, nor do i with my bike brand of choice.

Ive also had degreaser on my brake rotor accidently, more than once and its never posed a problem. Brake cleaner fixed it.

Well i have been in the bike industry for 44 years as a rep,as a wholesaler as a retailer each to there oun yes brake cleaner will fix it but why put degreaser on the rotor in the first place was my point.Experiance i was the first importer in australia to bring in a disc brake mountain bike in 1998

[DJM83]

Entered the local gravity enduro round coming up (podiumed 2 years ago in the sport category). 7 stages, that'll take a toll on the legs, liaison stages here can be tough even though i ride em all the time. That said ive ridden more kms this year than any other year at this point.
920kms
13000m Climbed.
No ebikes.
Also fitted new tyres to it, the maxxis i had on the rear, whilst it rolled well the soft tyre casing couldnt take decent hits and it showed as my rear wheel had a few dents.
Managed to lose my AXS battery cover, no idea how. Because im OCD ive ordered another.
This was the cushcore insert i pulled out, did its job to a certain extent. It does look like someone has been chewing on it

[DJM83]

“A fox is a wolf who sends flowers.” — Ruth Brown

Ive been debating a new bike for a bit, but i couldnt justify it until i seen this. It has big shoes to fill but we'll see, price was better than good also
2023 Mondraker Foxy XR Carbon.


Made a few changes to suit me like tyres/mudguard/bigger rotors. Ride wrapped it also (My first go) ill need to practice more on that topic.

Also a few pics from the last cpl weeks racin.
Point to point race cpl weeks ago. Finished 20/39. Issue with my race plate that still isnt sorted.

Last weekend 7 stage gravity enduro.
This was fun, sadly only 4 in my category.
Ended up P2


My Norco has served me well, and if the new bike isnt right it'll stay on longer.

[Syndrome]

I don't understand. Isn't regular exercise meant to make one fitter? Which means for any give activity a person's body works less to produce the same output as their efficiency increases.

So why after today's ride did the stats say I worked harder then previous ride of the identical circuit but my time was slower? And the ride prior today's showed the identical trend - my body is working harder!

Course identical. Time almost identical. Breathing and cadence almost identical. But my average heart rate and peak heart rate are higher! I am getting less fitter according to the numbers.