Random Shot of the Bike

This was a random shot taken a week ago of my bike at the station.

MTB Maintainence

Got my skins in the mail couple of days ago. The compression shorts by skins are really good.


The weather today here has been pretty bad, its too misty and cold for me to cycle back from work today. So a friend from work decided to give me a lift back home. I am happy I decided no to cycle home as I firstly didn't have enough layers and secondly the road was hardly visible.

I am yet to buy the tools and de-greaser and lube to carry out a maintenance. Although my bike really needs a good clean.

Recently I found this video on youtube that gave me an idea of how I could clean my bike.

*Note : NEVER EVER USE A HIGH PRESSURE SPRAY ON YOUR BIKE! (it will spoil the bearings)

Things you will need :

1. Rags (3) / Paper - Towels
2. Brushes 
3. De-Greaser 
4. Chain Lube 
5. Multipurpose - Spray cleaner 

Start by spraying the multi purpose cleaner on one of the rags and start wiping down your bike. (This is the quickest and easiest way, although dried mud is sometimes hard to clean out).
Use the Brushes to clean hard to reach areas.

Next step is to clean the chain. Set the rear tyre above ground. So that when you move the pedal the rear wheel moves. Spray the de-greaser onto a clean rag. Turn the pedals while holding the chain with the de-greaser cloth. After a few oscillations, use another clean cloth to lube up the chain. Using the same method as de-greasing.

I have yet to try this method out, but I will this week as my bike really needs a good clean.


Well thats all for now.

Thank you for reading.

My Bike and I

First of all I would like to apologise for not having any posts recently, I have been busy with work and I'm in the midst of preparing for the re-opening of University for the new semester. Looking forward to going back to Uni after a long break. Although I have been working pretty hard to get the bike up and running throughout the holidays. I will try to update the blog at least once a week at a minimum.

Had a random in the train today come up to me today and said I had a nice ride. The feeling is so good.

I am currently awaiting for the shipment of 3 items from ChainReactionCycles. A hoodie, pair of skins compressions and another headlight for my bike. I am pretty keen to cycle in the night over the next few days. Night cycling seems more peaceful, however recently the weather in Melbourne hasn't been very good. Its been either raining or just really cold. I don't have enough layers or thermals to be cycling long distances in the rain.

Definitely need to get a pair of water resistant pants or pants covers. I'm always getting my work pants dirty these past few shifts when I ride to the train station. My stamina is currently slowly improving however my legs get tired really quick. I still wonder if I could put in the effort to cycle a few laps around the lake near my apartment to get my stamina up.

Really sorry that I haven't updated any pictures yet, I kind of broke my phone this time round and need to get it fixed soon. My camera is still down to.

I would like to get some advice, on how should I maintain my bike? What should I do regularly?
What kind of lube to use on the chains and How could I solve the front derailleur shifting problem?
How do I clean the bike? What do I use (just soap and water?)? Are there specific products to use to clean bikes or are there any DIY Methods to this?




Hope to get some advise from you guys soon.

Cheers~!

Gloves and Leg warmers

First thing to take not is to never cycle during winter without proper cycling base layers. Never use cotton base layers as they trap the sweat and when you speed up or the wind blows you are going to freeze. The possibility of hypothermia may set in.

I had to cycle home from work yesterday, didn't make the same mistake the as the same time. However, I did take a wrong left turn and ended up climbing 2-3 hills eventually. This was basically because I've never really cycled through those routes before.

Bought a set of BBB gloves and leg warmers at YarraValleyCycles yesterday. Eventually though of getting compression instead but they didn't have any on stock. I chose the leg warmers instead of a full length compression/thermal pants because eventually during summer when I want to cycle I would have to get another pair of shorts. So this was I could just remove the warmers and use the pants for summer.

Tried the gloves and warmers yesterday and they are really very comfortable. I still do get a little strain and pain from cycling on the joint of my thumb and palm. My hands for some reason feel very week in the morning. Is there something I am doing wrong that could be causing this ? I am really not sure.

I used my Singapore Armed Forces military issued gore-tex jacket to ride last night which I never knew was wind and water proof. Helped keep me dry all the way even though it started raining towards the end of my forty-five minute journey.

The front derailleur still does not shift very smoothly, and the bike even though with regular wiping down is really dirty. Probably would need to carry out maintenance soon.

Temporary lights

Bought an led light to be seen on yhe road. Cost me $20 from my local bike shop in Lilydale- Yarra Valley Cycles. Its been an interesting day rode my bike to the bank and shops. Now I'm on my way to catch up with a friend. I really have to start cycling longer distances to work up my stamina.


I've been considering cycling for a charity event in October. Its a charity ride of 200KM which goes for 2 days,, my responsibilities include raising funds and Training for the event. I am not very confident to ride that far but i am keen. Another thing stopping me is the ability to raise $2500 minimum. Not sure what is going to happen if I cant raise the minimum. At present there are about 50 spots left for cyclist. I am still thinking about it. 3 months of intense Training will be really good for me though.

Front Derailleur Problem

As predicted by many forum members, my front derailleur is starting to give me problem.

The shifting on the first day was smooth but today, sometimes it couldn't shift to 1 it could only do 2 and sometimes 3. What should I do to rectify this problem?

Is this due to compatibility issues with the shifter or could something else be causing a problem ?

This week I will have to purchase a new headlight for the bike, as the old one just broke again even with all the tape that held it up for the past two days. Also need to get base layers and maybe a new jacket to cycle in.

Will be looking around and posting links to several stores about the new products I am going to purchase next week. The post's will be on cycling apparel for winter in Melbourne. I've been doing research on what will be needed and based on the experience in the last post I've learnt my lesson never to cycle with cotton base layers.

The cotton base layer holds the sweat and when the wind blow or when cycling downhill the chills are horrible.

The hunt for parts is now over and now I begin the hunt for apparel and accessories.

The First Ride

On the way back from YarraValleyCycles today after picking my bike up. I decided to go to the supermarket with my friend who decided to tag along. We ended up at the supermarket and I realized I needed my front lights on my bike to work at night because I had to ride to work. 

Decided to ride up home check the battery size and come back down. By the time I got back my friend had finished his shopping. I was out of breath by the time I reached the top of the hill which leads to my student accomodation. Time to cut down on the smokes. 

The first ride was really smooth. Enjoyed going downhill the most though. 

Eventually I decided I was going to ride to work the train station, didn't really know the route even though I checked it out on a map. My iPhone's LCD smashed on my birthday last sunday just after an overnight shift. So that wasn't a very reliable option. Nevertheless it felt great cycling from the station to work which only lasted ten minutes. However, I dropped my bike. Parked it wrongly and the front light broke. Managed to fix it after my shift with a bunch of sticky tape it's holding pretty well but kind of looks a little dodgy. In a week or two I may decided to get a new one. 

The ride home was the most tiring. The road down had a total of 8-9 vertical hills. This was the only road I knew how to ride back even though there are about 3 more alternative routes. Definitely have to check those out. I may have got off and walked uphill about 3 times. My boots may have played a part as they are very heavy. I did have lighter shoes but needed to know how it felt to learn for myself. Lesson learnt no more boots while cycling long distance. 

The trip home by driving is about 10 minutes however it took me 45 minutes to reach home. 

It would be great if I could get some tips of how I could build my stamina to cycling uphill. I do have a spare cassette which I could use which has a better gear ratio. 

Looking forward to my morning commute to work in a few hours. If anything interesting does happen. It's sure to be on this blog within a few hours. 

Completed the build

Jut got the bike back from YarraValleyCycles at 4 pm. Purchased a helmet and a lock for my bike too .

$59 for the helmet and $20 for the BBB lock.

Since it is my first mountain bike with a front suspension I could feel the difference riding it home from the supermarket today.

I'm going to fit the lights in to ride later tonight.

Will be riding the bike to commute from work later tonight.

BBB Combination Lock 

Lazer 

My finished Bike 

I would like to thank everyone who has helped me in this build, particularly the guys on Rotorburn.com , BicycleNetworkAustralia and YarraValleyCycles. Thank you for all your support and help with the build. 

This does not mean it is the end of this blog though. 

I will be posting updates on my rides and upgrades or even simple maintenance updates. Look forward to seeing more people supporting the blog. Thank you all once again! 

Cheers!

Cabling Brakes and Gears

Today as much as I tried to gear the bike up and replace the cables. I really could not figure it out. So I had to get my LBS to help me out with it.

Other than that problem everything else on the bike is fixed and pretty much 90% completed.

It will be ready tomorrow at 4PM.

Didn't really trust myself that much to re-cable the breaks and gears. I have to ride back from work tomorrow, so need it done asap. I'll post some pictures up tomorrow.



P.s. I didn't give up, I still want to learn how to re-cable the brakes and gears. This is the only set back holding me from riding home from work tomorrow ;)

Build Update

This is how the bike looks so far. Have not installed the brakes and rotors. The bike still has to be geared up. Will probably take care if that tomorrow.


The pictures were taken with my iphone4.

Wheels assembeled

Managed to get the wheels and tyres all assembled today.

At first I did it wrong and thought the tyres were too big. I tried my spares first. These were donated by eastie.

This video helped with fixing up the tyre's and tubes on Mountain Bike Maintenance : Install a Bicycle Tire


I did however manage to get tyres from my LBS too for $60 both.

I don't have bolts for the rotors, so will have to pay my LBS a visit tomorrow or on Wednesday to get the bolts. 

Hopefully I can ride by Wednesday . 

Bottom Bracket Installed

Today I recieved my package from
CRC and installed the bottom bracket.

It wasn't hard to figure out how it was done. The instructions were really easy to follow too.

Build Update

Today I got at least this first hurdle of choosing the right fork for the bike. After a visit to YarraValleyCycles the parts I got from them settled this one problem. Got a few extras with the store credit too, which I covered in an earlier post.

Before visiting YarraValleyCycles to see if I would still need anymore spacers and I realized that I indeed needed to get one or two extras.

This is the before shot of the front assembled.

After putting one more spacer.

Anyway this are the latest pictures of my build.

I'm guessing my CRC order will be here by Monday or Tuesday. This is weird but I did not pay for DHL shipping but I received a notification saying they shipped it via DHL. Hope it arrives soon those are the last parts I need to finish up the build.

I have not fitted the tubes into the tyre's and rim's yet, still waiting for the tyre levers from CRC to arrive. Ordered a few bike specific tools.

Hoping the bike is going to be ridable by Wednesday by the latest.


Latest problem :

I am kind of clueless on how to place my shifters. I do have pictures of them in my earlier post. They are the SRAM X0 shifters. How would they be placed on the handlebars with the JetBlack Grips?

My New Fork and the Exchange

Today I decided I should just pay my LBS a visit to see if I could get store credit for the fork I purchased last Wednesday. They were more than happy to exchange for other items. Spent $100 on the forks, so I got these items for that $100. Also exchanged my tubes for presta valve tubes.

Jetblack lock on Grips
TIOGA presta tubes
Spacers
TL 5.0 rear light (for night riding)

Thank you, YarraValleyCycles for the help!

A friend of mine from Rotorburn dropped off a RockShocx Dart fork, brand spanking new and two tyres. Thanks for the fork and tyre's eastie.

Rotors Got Here

Received a pair of Avid G3 rotors in the mail yesterday but could not upload the pics in time due to work.

They are brand new 160mm rotors which I plan to use.

Within the next few days I've got to go down to my LBS and get my fork changed.

Problems Part 2

Fork : 

The Marzocchi 1998 Bomber forks use a different size bolts. The IS system was changed in 2000 and the forks are from 1998 so in that time they have changed the IS bolts to the forks.

A forum member asked me to measure the distance of the holes, which sort of made me question what the difference could be. As soon as I put the measuring tape just beside the holes and compare it is clear that the Marzocchi fork's disc brake bracket is smaller. 

The distance between the two hole : (rough estimation based on measuring tape)

Marzocchi 1998 Bombers - 3.57cm 

RockShox Metro : 3.9cm-4cm

Tubes : 

As I thought, it has been confirmed that I bought the wrong tubes. The valve of the tube could not fit into the rim. Did some online research on different types of valves on bicycle tubes. 

There are two main types of valves : 

Image by Bikeexchange.com.au 

Differences in Valves 

Presta : 

• Valve size : 6mm
• For high pressure use
• Easier Pumping Capabilities 
• No Spring in valve
• Smaller Size

Schrader : 

Also used in cars, motorcycles and other vehicles.

• Valve Size : 8mm 
• For low pressure use 
• Spring valve
• Larger size 

*For more in-depth information on the valves, please check the reference list at the bottom for links. 

Need to get new tubes with Presta valves. Honestly I never knew such valves existed. 

References :

Bike Tubes, <http://www.bikeexchange.com.au/article/tubes>, viewed 12 July 2012

Presta vs Schrader valves by Jobst Brandt, <http://sheldonbrown.com/brandt/presta-schrader.html>, viewed 12 July 2012

Presta valve, <http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Presta_valve>, viewed 12 July 2012

Problems

I'm not really liking the look of the bike at the moment. The silver fork and the design of it makes the whole bike look weird. I am thinking of going back to my LBS next Wednesday and trading the fork for something with a higher travel. At least minimum 100mm. Didn't get the other Marzocchi they had because I honestly couldn't afford it at this point of time.


An added problem, the tube valves would not fit into the rims because the slot it too small. Would have to exchange the tubes if possible. Just emailed my LBS, hopefully I hear from them soon.



Here are some pictures.

The Bomber fork and the RockShox Brake Mounts

The frame with the New RockShox fork Installed

The Valve that would not fit. 

New fork and bike update

Sorry about the picture earlier, I put the bomber fork in the wrong position when I shot it. The image below was the best I could do with my iPhone and the lighting in my room.


Also a picture of my bike. I need more spacers now because of the steerer tubes length. Its the smaller things that have been setting me back.

Pretty stressed..

Well thats all for now, got to get ready for my shift at work.

Cheers!

New Fork

Went down to Yarra Valley cycles today. Its my LBS. Went in to get a few parts and ended up with a new fork because the cps bolts wouldn't fit into the marzocchi ones. A new fork was out of my budget, but managed to get this at AUD100.

I also got the same tyres in my earlier post, two for $60.

Forks and Wheelset Just got Here!

After an anxious wait over the weekend, because I forgot to check the mail on campus last Friday due to work commitments. Also the stressful atmosphere at my campus due to its announcement of its closure in July 2013. None of the staff, faculty or students knew about this until it was announced in the news. Which is really unfair, the university was still taking students in for next semester which starts in August. The campus will shut with effect of 1st July 2013.


Anyways, I received the wheels and the fork. The fork is in remarkably really good condition they are a set of Marzocchi 1998 Bombers. After figuring out how the headset actually works I decided to fit in the crown race which I though I did not not have. After 10-15 minutes of research and another 10 minutes of fixing this is what I have.

Finally Figured how to fix it up

If you notice there is a half inch gap from the headset to the clamp, I need spacers.

 The 1/2 inch Gap

I I would like to apologize for the bad quality of the images, my digital camera just broke and I used my iPhone 4 to take these pictures at the best resolution I could. I don't want to have to cut the steerer tube, then I would have to install the star nut. Also would these spacers fit? FSA Spacer Carbon

Here are the wheels that I have acquired, they are brand new.

Novatechn D811SB QR Front, D*12SB QR Rear Hubs, DT Swiss Spokes with aluminium nipples, Alex XD Lite Rims with Bike ribbon tape.

Do take note the Cassette is not fixed in yet (I haven't ordered the tools yet)

Novatech Hub

The build is coming along really well so far, I just have to put in the order for the bottom bracket, tools and cranks this Wednesday. I really want to finish this build ASAP and start riding.

I'm planning to go down to my local LBS- YarraValleyCycles and get the tubes, tyre's, and brake pads sometime this week too.

Well thats all for now..




But before I end this post I would like to give a Special Thanks to : 
Bentnose from BicycleNetworkAustralia , for donating his 1998 Marzocchi Bomber's to my build.
I would also like to thank MTB Wannabe from Rotorburn forums for the wheel set.

Build update

Only managed to fix the seat clamp in today. For some reason the Front Derailleur cant be tightened.

Here are some pictures, realised the screw for the FD is pretty short. What should I do?

Tried pushing it together and that didn't work either. Also tried taking oit the spacers but even that made it too loose.


P.s if this post turns out badly I'm sorry I'm using the blogger app to upload this post on my iphone.

Frame and Brakes are Finally Here !

Finally I got the frame in the mail today. Literally rolled out of bed and went up to my uni to get the frame. Here are some pictures of the frame and parts that came with it.

Bars, saddles, seat post, seat post clamp, frame, headset and stem clamp AUD$200 (used but good as new) Special Thanks To : johno71 (Rotorburn) & eastie (Rotorburn)

Avid BB7 Brakes - Donated By eastie from RotorBurn.com
Condition : As good as new if you ask me 

The Frame : On-One Inbred 26er

On-One Saddle 

FSA Headset

No all I need to get is rotors and the Shimano crankset. I will have to order these things in next week.
The forks are still on the way in the mail.

Really can't wait to start riding.


Problems Faced 

I am kind of not sure what kind of Rotors I should get with these specifications. There are a wide range of rotors from 160mm - 200mm++ … pretty clueless at this moment. Is it recommended to buy used rotors? 

Would love your help in this overcoming this problem.   

These are the specifications of the wheels I have just bought off Rotorburn.

Novatech D811SB qr/D812SB Qr rear, Hubs, DT Swiss Comp spokes with aluminium nipples, Alex XD Lite Rims , Bike ribbon tape

Just Recieved Three Packages in The Mail

I just received three packages in the mail today. Parts and tools for my build have arrived.

These are all used parts and tools from Rotorburn.

The Parts and Tools I received today 2nd July 2012

SRAM X0 Shifters, Shimano Deore XT Front Derailleur, SRAM 11-34 Cassette , SRAM X0, 9 Speed Rear Derailleur 

Tools donated to the build by Steve from Rotorburn

Funn Black Souljam pedals 

SRAM Grips 

 I still have not ordered my Bottom Bracket and Cranks yet, will have to buy a few tools off ChainReactionCycles. These would be more bike specific tools such as a chain whip and a cassette tool. I'm guessing that all I would need for now.



Special Thanks To: 
I would like to thank Steve from Rotorburn, for donating his used tools and some parts. A great help on his part advising me on my build, and types of parts that I will need. Thanks so much for you help Steve.

Detailed Updated Parts Listing - Excluding Brakes

So far the search for parts has been coming along pretty well, and in these past few weeks I have learnt a great deal about mountain bikes and bicycles in general.

These are parts that I have recently purchased and waiting for them to be shipped/arrive, they should all be getting here some time next week since most of the parts are coming within Australia.

Except for the Shimano Deore M590 Chainset with BB - 170mm,22,32,44t which was bought on ChainReactionCycles.com , the rest of the parts are all from forums such as BicycleNetworkAustralia and Rotorburn.



Parts List 

• One-one inbred 26er 16” frame (new)
• Seat Post(new)
• Seat Clamps(New)
• Bars (new)
• 90mm truvatic stem(new)
• Headset (new)
• On-One Saddle
• Marzocchi 1998 Bomber fork (Used)
• SRAM PG970 cassette (brand new seller bought wrong one)
• SRAM X0 9 Speed rear derailleur (used)
• SRAM X0 Twist Shifters
• Funn Souljam Pedals (used)
• Shimano XT from mech – 28.6mm clamp (used)
• Wheels : Novatech D811SB qr/D812SB Qr read, Hubs, DT Swiss Comp spokes with aluminium nipples, Alex XD Lite Rims , Bike ribbon tape (New)
• Shimano Deore M590 Chainset with BB -170mm, 22,32,44t (New)

I have not decided on which brakes I am going to get definitely its going to be a disc brake set.It would be wise to go for an Avid brake system since it comes so highly recommended by so many people in the forums that have been teaching me so much about building a mountain bike. Recently I received several offers on brakes on Rotorburn.com hopefully I get a good deal in the next two weeks.

Latest Updates - SRAM Cassette and Shimano Front Derailleur Received

Hi Guys!

I just received my first order today. Parts which I purchased off a user on Rotorburn.com 

All the items received in good condition, really fast shipping by the seller. 

(Shimano FD M750 XT Front Derailleur and SRAM PG970 12-26 Cassette)

Only problem now is that the front derailleur that I bought is not compatible with my frame. My frame (On-One Inbred 26er 16") is a front pull and the Shimano FD M750 XT isn't a front pull system. (This is what happens when I get too excited scouring for parts). Total cost of FD and Cassette was $65 free shipping.

Still waiting on my frame and other parts. 

Do all cassettes use the same tool or do sizes vary with different cassettes? (I want to get a cassette tightening tool but I'm not too sure which one to get. Eventually did look around on several sites but some say that they only work for Shimano cassettes. Would this tool work? (X-Tools Cassette Lockring Tool - ChainReactionCycles.com) 

Chainset/Crankset
Looking at getting a Chainset or Crankset below $100 and also Nukeproof pedals. I was recommended a Shimano Deore Crankset (Shimano Deore M590 Triple Chainset - ChainReactionCycles), also came across the FSA Afterburner BB30 Chainset but I'm still not sure which one would be a better choice.

Fron Derailleur
If I get the cranksets as mentioned above what kind of FD (Front Derailleur) should I go for? This is kind of confusing, should the rear and front be the same brand? How would they be compatible? What are the compatibility issues I should consider?

Rear Derailleur
As for the rear derailleur at first I was going to go with  a Shimano, but I need to try something different and reviews on SRAM products seem pretty good. I was recommended the SRAM X0 9 Speed Rear Mech - ChainReactionCycles , and considering it.

Fork
A member from the BNA forum donated a 1998 Bomber Marzocchi suspension fork. It looks pretty old school, the owner said he will remove the V-brakes before shipping. I really don't need them because the frame is a disc-brake specific frame.

Here are a few pics I received from the owner:

All I had to do was pay for shipping, which seem to be a great deal!





Well that's all the updates I have for now, hope to read your comments on these products.