newbie question

[bcipam]

Do you understand what "trimming" is? Sometimes a bike is in a "half-gear" and needs to be trimmed. Using your shifters, click it slightly or move it into another gear and see if the problem doesn't go away.

Trimming seems to be a common "newbie" problem. If you don't still understand, ask the bike shop to explain properly.

[Trek420]

bcipam,

can you trim with Shimano? thought only Campy does that?

uk,

good place to start here with basics of cleaning and bike lube

http://forums.teamestrogen.com/showt...highlight=lube


and here

http://www.teamestrogen.com/articles/asa_happy.asp

take care of your bike, it'll take care of you.

[bcipam]

Never ridden with Campy - only Shimano and yes I can trim although I think it may not work as well with lower end components. I ride with Ultegra and Dura Ace.

[uk elephant]

thank you all for helping out!

I did clean the bike when I got in today, though not very thoroughly I must admit as I don't have all the proper supplies. I'll get that sorted, and ask the neighbour about using the garden hose and then give the bike a thorough clean on the week-end.

I'll check out the chain etc as suggested tomorrow when it's light out again and I'm on a short ride to work. Hopefully I won't find anything too seriously wrong. I'll let you know how it goes.

Thank you again!!!

[bcipam]

EEEKKKK!!!! No hose, no water.

If the bike is really muddy, let the mud dry and using an old paint brush, brush it off. Water can get into the bottom brackets and other places where it's unwanted and cause havoc. Use a rag and sweep off as much dirt as possible. You can use something like Pledge (spray furniture oil) to help clean the bike but best a clean rag, some good lube such as Pedro's or Pro Link, a old paint brush, and just old fashion elbow grease. Make sure after the bike is cleaned, that you lube everything up nice. Again I would suggest something like Pro Link or Pedro's Dry. Make sure you wipe off all the excess lube. You can use Q-Tips to get into small, dirty places if necessary. Just trust me on this, no water on your bike and it will thank you!!!!

[SadieKate]

UK has a cross bike so it isn't as delicate as the average road bike. Though I will very gently clean my road bikes with a hose about once a year. The mountain bikes get washed like this regularly.

UK, be sure you don't use any pressure from the hose and don't aim it at any openings like the seat post collar, headset, bottle cage bolts, bottom bracket, etc. This is one time when dribbling is good. Be sure you get every thing bone dry (bring it in the house if necessary or use an hairdryer) and grease really well after.

http://www.parktool.com/repair/readhowto.asp?id=14
http://www.bicycling.com/article/0,3...ategory_id=365

Trek420, Shimano shifters will trim a couple clicks (I think only on the smaller of the 2 rings on a triple). Campy, as you know, has a lot of minute trim clicks.

UK, this thread got me to thinking. Could you be cross gearing? Do you have a triple or a double crankset on that bike?

www.parktool.com has loads of good info.

[Trek420]

UK, when Sadiekate says to grease the bike we mean bike specicic lubericant, not WD40, motor oil, canola oil.

Rule of thumb don't lube the bike without cleaning first, don't clean it without lube after.

I keep a bucket with my supplies; citrus degreaser, shop rags, stiff wire brush, park chain cleaning tool...what else is in here? A clean lubed bike runs better, lasts longer, saves you $$....

"Trek420, Shimano shifters will trim a couple clicks (I think only on the smaller of the 2 rings on a triple). Campy, as you know, has a lot of minute trim clicks."

Yep, Campy has lots of little cliques, oops clicks

[Trek420]

thanks bcipam for posting "EEEKKKK!!!! No hose, no water "

Exactly what I was thinking while I worked

OK, gotta go pick up Bikeless's bike, whew glad the TE gals intervened before UK took the bike through the drive through car wash

[SadieKate]

If UK is riding her bike in all kinds of weather the way she describes, she cannot clean the bike without water and cleaner. Too much gunk comes of the road. If she's taking it off pavement, it'll get even dirtier. We're not talking the normal road grime most of us get on our road bikes. Her chain needs more than a wipe down.

Lube on the chainstay, spilled energy drink, chain cleaner, road oil, mud -- it will not come completely clean with a brush and elbow grease and you'll have to be very careful not to scratch your bike with this approach. You have to at least use a very damp rag.

Pro mechanics everywhere recommend it. Here's more. Pro mechanics are known to spend all night washing bikes for the next day's race.
http://www.bikesportmichigan.com/bikes/prevent.shtml

In their instructions, Park Tool shows washing an old school steel Bottecchia. If that bike can handle it, a modern sealed bearing aluminum Specialized can handle it.