General Bike Thread (Desiderata, Questions, Pics)

[sugarbutch]

I'm surprised the bottom bracket was done so quickly. Tropical living, I guess...

 

[smittycl]

As I approached my 1 year anniversary with the Domane with about 2300 miles and while still under warranty, I took her to the shop for a pro maintenance session. Got a "level 2" service covering all the usual wear and tear stuff but also replaced the bottom bracket and got an ultegra chain. Tech said my shifting looks good so sprockets are still ok.

When the handed it back to me he said "it's like new" and, wow, I didn't realize how much little play had trickled in everywhere over time that was now suddenly gone. Shifting is back to feeling precise and brakes with new pads are biting hard and fast.

All told it was about $300 but feels worth it. I had done some basic maintenance on my previous bikes but hadn't touched the Domane for fear of messing it up. I will likely man up and do some of the maintenance on her this year to being that bill down next time around.

I just had the Level 2 done in Dual Sport and it is like getting a new bike. Domane up next.

 

[razl]

I'm surprised the bottom bracket was done so quickly. Tropical living, I guess...

The tech said it was heading south but would likely be fine for another 3-6months'ish (seat of the pants guess given it's progress so far). So not really necessary yet, but worth doing now to save another trip in.

 

[smittycl]

The tech said it was heading south but would likely be fine for another 3-6months'ish (seat of the pants guess given it's progress so far). So not really necessary yet, but worth doing now to save another trip in.

I like to have mine tip-top for the riding the season as I tend to ride them hard and not do much maintenance myself.

 

[HRoi]

The tech said it was heading south but would likely be fine for another 3-6months'ish (seat of the pants guess given it's progress so far). So not really necessary yet, but worth doing now to save another trip in.

Do you wash your bike/drivetrain often? I was recently scolded by my LBS for washing every other long ride (which ends up being weekly) - they said I’ll end up needing a new bottom bracket prematurely. But I can’t stand the grime that accumulates on our streets and in our weather

 

[smittycl]

Do you wash your bike/drivetrain often? I was recently scolded by my LBS for washing every other long ride (which ends up being weekly) - they said I’ll end up needing a new bottom bracket prematurely. But I can’t stand the grime that accumulates on our streets and in our weather

I live in an apartment and don't even have access to a hose. Sometime the building next to ours leaves one connected and I can hose the grime off. I kind of miss my garage.

 

[razl]

Do you wash your bike/drivetrain often? I was recently scolded by my LBS for washing every other long ride (which ends up being weekly) - they said I’ll end up needing a new bottom bracket prematurely. But I can’t stand the grime that accumulates on our streets and in our weather

Good call + yes! I ride 45 miles a week and it almost always gets a good bath and detailing at the end of the week. I'm good about drying it quickly and not forcing water in anywhere but I'm sure it still finds its way around. Here in central Florida there's a good amount of sand grit in our soil and grime and I can't stand the idea of leaving it on the bike any longer than necessary. Plus I'm addicted to the look of a clean chain. If that means a new BB every year, I guess sign me up!

 

[razl]

I like to have mine tip-top for the riding the season as I tend to ride them hard and not do much maintenance myself.

I live in an apartment and don't even have access to a hose. Sometime the building next to ours leaves one connected and I can hose the grime off. I kind of miss my garage.

Ugh, that would kill me not being able to keep her spiffy. Then again, y'all up north have to deal with snow + salt grime for 1/5 of the year in general and that's a whole 'nother level of mess.

 

[otc]

Garden sprayer works.

Can mix in a little rinseless wash too.

 

[razl]

Garden sprayer works.

Can mix in a little rinseless wash too.

That's all I use, and on the gentle "shower" mode.

 

[smittycl]

Another great ride on both days this stiflingly hot weekend. Lots of ice in the CamelBak and one beer stop. I love cycling in DC. Next up are some longer trail rides moving toward a Century ride sooner than later.

 

[smittycl]

Bicycles Have Evolved. Have We?

From the velocipede to the ten-speed, biking innovations brought riders freedom. But in a world built for cars, life behind handlebars is both charmed and dangerous.

www.newyorker.com

 

[smittycl]

Wash DC made the list!

7 Great Biking Cities (and Which Trails to Ride) (Published 2022)

There’s no better way to zip through a new city than on two wheels. Here are some routes to try, from riverside jaunts to mountain climbs.

www.nytimes.com

 

[HRoi]

Wife has been down with Covid but I keep testing negative. So I decided to test out whether I was sick in a more practical way. Seem to have passed for the most part:

 

[sugarbutch]

40 miles and less than 200 feet?!