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Frequency of bike problems
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 2008-08-18 11:33 AM |
Sensei  Sin City |  Subject: Frequency of bike problemsMaybe I'm hard on my equipment, or maybe I have cheap equipment, but I can't seem to get a "clean" long ride in (well, 1 out of 3 rides I have problems). It's an aero bar breaking, a crank getting stripped, flat tires (LOTS of flat tires). Maybe it's bad luck, maybe it's lack of inspection on my part prior to going out. This makes me worry about the IM and mechanical issues. Do you get plagued with mechanical issues this often? |
| 2008-08-18 11:37 AM in reply to: #1610610 |
| Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems I have only had mechanical issues with my tri bike during races! Two races, two issues. Keep your fingers crossed for me - I only have two races left in the season. At least you will be well prepared for any issues that might come up during your IM. Edited by DMW 2008-08-18 11:37 AM |
| 2008-08-18 11:37 AM in reply to: #1610610 |
Resident Curmudgeon  25290   The Road Back Gold member | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems No. Can't remember when the last mechanical issue was, other than a flat. And those are rare. Upgrades, adjustments, tinkering, sure. But no mechanical issues come to mind. |
| 2008-08-18 11:45 AM in reply to: #1610610 |
Pro 4578  Vancouver, BC | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems No not really. The occassional flat, even though they somehow seem to happen just went I roll in the door (the best place for them to happen, I guess). Sometimes my derailleur needs some adjustment, but I usually notice that or brake adjustments before I head out. So maybe 1 in 100 rides or more, I have a mechanical problem. Edited by jeng 2008-08-18 11:46 AM |
| 2008-08-18 11:53 AM in reply to: #1610610 |
Master 1848 Canandaigua | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems Last trouble was broken spoke. Month ago. Like bear clean and tinker. Cleaning is probably the best thing you do to keep things running well. Take in once a year for a tune up and thing checked. |
| 2008-08-18 11:54 AM in reply to: #1610610 |
| Fishers, IN | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems happens and it isn't at all well timed, that's my take! This is coming from a guy who rides a lot at times, rides somewhat infrequently but a lot when he does but more importantly did not have a flat for 8 years but manages to have a flat every time it is important! I have gone 8 years without a flat and had one three times in the last two weeks. How does that happen? I hit a big rock - evidently with both wheels from a construction company that decided to "rock our group ride world one evening" 5 flats between us that day! You should not have flats and you should expect to get through an IM without problems. Just some stuff you are going through. Unless you are a handy man, get your bike serviced by a reputed cycling company a couple weeks out from your big race. Ride it a few times in advance. Things should not go wrong very often, only every few thousand miles. Not every ride! Anyway, I have lost a little confidence too so hopefully we are in for some good riding now! |
| 2008-08-18 11:57 AM in reply to: #1610668 |
Sensei Sin City | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems I think I'm just having a bad streak of luck and a couple things are getting old... Plus my route is pretty rural and I have to cross cattle guards, and there is lots of rocks and debris (excuse for the flats). |
| 2008-08-18 11:59 AM in reply to: #1610610 |
Champion 7036 Sarasota, FL | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems I've only had a couple of true mechanical issues with my Cannondale when I bought it three years ago. I had my aerobars come loose on my very first ride because the LBS didn't tighten them properly (partially my fault for not checking them first). Nothing else until about a month ago when I had a chain link come apart. Fixed it well enough to limp home, but then put a new SRAM chain on. I think I average about one flat per year since I switched from the OEM Hutchinson tires to Michelins. I'm pretty fastidious about my bike maintenance, which I think is a carry over from working on my cars. Mark |
| 2008-08-18 12:02 PM in reply to: #1610610 |
Sneaky Slow 8694 Herndon, VA, | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems No, I've never had a mechanical issue, not even a flat. Stay tuned for tomorrow's post "Got my first flat today!!" |
| 2008-08-18 1:15 PM in reply to: #1610610 |
Master 1402 Cumming, Georgia | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems In regards to flats maybe try new tires. I use to have big issues with flats until I switched over to Continental Gatorskins. I think one of the problems was the old tires had a max psi of 100 and I weigh 180 lbs and I think I was getting pinch flats. Now that I got new tires and psi is at 115 (max is 120) I haven't had any issues. The only flat I had since was inflatting to 120 psi and 3/4 into the ride the temperature raised a bit and I think that caused the air pressure in the tire to raise and just pop. |
| 2008-08-18 1:21 PM in reply to: #1610955 |
| Fishers, IN | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems I think I also went to a much more expensive, lighter tire and that may be playing a role...the Michellin Pro race 2's. They might be a bit soft. |
| 2008-08-18 1:53 PM in reply to: #1610610 |
Champion 7821 Brooklyn, NY | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems Nope. (knocks wood vigorously) I’m riding a $500 bikesdirect entry level bike, sora/tiagra drivetrain, stock wheels & tires that I’ve put a couple of thousand miles on over the last two years, and I haven’t had so much as a flat tire. I ride on city streets and well-used MUP’s, and I’m a heavier rider at about 175lbs. I don’t do a ton of preventive maintenance—I just keep the chain lubed, the tires inflated, and have a tuneup once a season. |
| 2008-08-18 1:58 PM in reply to: #1611087 |
| Fishers, IN | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems Watch out, that is pretty much what I said after having gone easily 8000 miles without a flat, then I had three straight in two weeks. Word to the wise, don't ever change what is working for you. I also have changed types of tires I ride to "faster" softer tires! I am working my way back to the more durable. |
| 2008-08-18 2:00 PM in reply to: #1611100 |
Champion 7821 Brooklyn, NY | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems rc63413 - 2008-08-18 1:58 PM Watch out, that is pretty much what I said after having gone easily 8000 miles without a flat, then I had three straight in two weeks. Word to the wise, don't ever change what is working for you. I also have changed types of tires I ride to "faster" softer tires! I am working my way back to the more durable. I know. As soon as I hit submit, I thought, "I so just jinxed myself". I'd better start carrying another tube for a while. |
| 2008-08-18 2:04 PM in reply to: #1610610 |
| Iron Donkey 38643 , Wisconsin | Subject: RE: Frequency of bike problems Not this often. I'm thinking you're such a powerful guy with having a Black Belt and not realizing you are prolly chopping the aerobar as you ride. And that's what I'll stick with.  |
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