How Was Your Commute Today?

[Melalvai]

rubysoho, It is a simple fix but the simplest fixes are daunting to a novice, whether it is bike repairs or anything else! I had to rescue my daughter one day when her chain slipped and she couldn't get it back on. Although it turned out that it had gotten stuck, which can make it very difficult to put back on.

I have two recommendations. First, at home, put your bike into its lowest gear. Then take the chain off the sprocket (as it would be if it had slipped). Then put it back. Use a rag to handle it so your hands aren't as greasy. After my daughter got stuck, I took the chain off at home and had her put it back on, so that she'd know how next time.

Second, carry a rag with you, so if it slips on the road you don't get quite as greasy.

In the event it does get stuck, I've used various tools to pry it out, if I can't pull it out. I'm sure it's not good on the chain, but I replace it every 1500 miles anyway. Probably the pliers on my leatherman has been most useful in getting it out.

[redrhodie]

Perfect weather for shorts today. Finally! I took the long way in this morning because I had extra time due to a wicked tail wind.

Stopped in the lbs after work, where they just happened to have a Moots set up in my size; even the saddle was the perfect height. Seems like destiny (or they were expecting me). I'm not falling for it, but I did test ride it. Lucky for me, I hated the saddle! Had they thought to put an An Atomica on it, I may be looking for a new apartment with more bike storage. The saddle gave me an out, canceling out all the yummy details of the ride with an annoying belch. Nice bike, though.

[rubysoho]

rubysoho, It is a simple fix but the simplest fixes are daunting to a novice, whether it is bike repairs or anything else! I had to rescue my daughter one day when her chain slipped and she couldn't get it back on. Although it turned out that it had gotten stuck, which can make it very difficult to put back on.

I have two recommendations. First, at home, put your bike into its lowest gear. Then take the chain off the sprocket (as it would be if it had slipped). Then put it back. Use a rag to handle it so your hands aren't as greasy. After my daughter got stuck, I took the chain off at home and had her put it back on, so that she'd know how next time.

Second, carry a rag with you, so if it slips on the road you don't get quite as greasy.

In the event it does get stuck, I've used various tools to pry it out, if I can't pull it out. I'm sure it's not good on the chain, but I replace it every 1500 miles anyway. Probably the pliers on my leatherman has been most useful in getting it out.

Thanks!

[Kerry1976]

Today was my first commute in the rain. Thanks to all the great advice here, it was pretty straightforward. The only problem I had was that I can't seem to get my front fender (installed last weekend) tightened enough to stay in place. It got all wobbly and darn near came off the bike.I had to stop midway through just to tighten it by hand enough to get to work and then it was as loose again by the time I got to work. Will stop by my LBS and see if they can tighten it or fix it if I didn't install correctly.