General bicycling thread / Urban / Commute, etc. [Archive] - BARF

xgambit

07-16-2008, 03:22 PM

ok so if i have questions about bicycle riding which thread should i ask it in?

i ride a mountain bike with street tires and i only ride for commute or for hooliganizing around the city; neither sounds like road biking or mountain biking. is there a hybrid bicycle riding thread somewhere?

MrCrash

07-16-2008, 03:34 PM

No hybrid thread, but feel free to ask away - I can change the thread title to reflect it if you want. What's the question?

xgambit

07-16-2008, 03:49 PM

oh hey mike! i have a lot of questions :cry

i broke my rear wheel jumping up a curb last night. so i bought a new rear wheel. i have 6 gears in the back now and the new one can do 6 to 7 gears. i dont know if i can just pop those gears onto the new wheels's rear hub. i just guessed on the size too ( all i know is mine is 26" by 1.75) are the widths of the rear wheel at the hub or skewer standard sized?

also, im using my GF's commuter bike to get to work. its a jamis commuter 2.0 with skinny tires and wheels. can i jump curbs and stuff with it? apart from heavy ass downhill bikes, can i do that with any bicycles?

also, the plastic tube around the cable that goes to the rear derailleur ripped open. i cant find just the tube. so i bought a mountain bike brake cable set that has 2 tubes and the cables and the little metal end things. can i use that as the shifting cable?

see i told you i had alot of questions :later

Baptistro

07-16-2008, 04:19 PM

The housing for the deraileur cable is different if I recall correctly, so my first response would be no, they are not interchangeable.

If you bought the same width rim, it should be compatible with your old rear wheel, the hub width can vary from bike to bike, but generally due to use criteria (wider for some downhill mtb setups, etc.). Wheel should be fine. You can change out the cassette yourself, but will need the right tools to do so, in this case, a chain whip, and a lock ring tool.

This is probably a rigid bike (no suspension), so the skinny tires and thin rims will actually not be designed for hard hits. I am assuming the you hit the rear wheel on the edge of the curbing to mess up the wheel. You might want to learn to bunny-hop or at least lighten the rear wheel to more easily climb curbs without causing damage. If you maintain your wheels, you should be able to jump up and off of smaller hits, but you will want to try to avoid hitting any hard edges.

bike_girl

07-16-2008, 04:22 PM

also, im using my GF's commuter bike to get to work. its a jamis commuter 2.0 with skinny tires and wheels. can i jump curbs and stuff with it? apart from heavy ass downhill bikes, can i do that with any bicycles?

i wouldnt recommend jumping curbs on any bike that doesnt have big knobby tires and smaller wheels on it. the jamis commuter, IIRC has 700x32c wheels/tires out of the factory, which is more road-oriented. unless you want to true the rim all the time or break spokes (especially if you are heavy), i would say don't jump curbs at all.

im a road biker and when i absolutely need to go down a curb, i do it really slowly while squeezing the front brake to minimize impact once the tire hits the street. ive never broken a spoke or bent a rim, but then again i weigh a whopping 125lbs.

besides, why do you need to jump curbs? you shouldnt be riding on the sidewalk anyway :p

xgambit

07-16-2008, 04:27 PM

checklist

find another tube. i hope performancebikes will take the brake cables back :(

buy chain whip
buy lock ring tool

learn to bunny hop.

i just bought clipless pedals and shoes. cant install them now sinc ei broke my bike :cry but ill try to learn how to bunny hop.

thanks a bunch!

xgambit

07-16-2008, 04:29 PM

ibesides, why do you need to jump curbs? you shouldnt be riding on the sidewalk anyway :p

i did say that i enjoy 'hooliganizing' around the city :p

Roadstergal

07-16-2008, 04:49 PM

I have a 'cross bike with 700c wheels that's fine for hopping curbs, but they're 'cross wheels with 'cross tires - wider rims with wider, knobbier tires. For dedicated hopping, I'd say keep the pressures a little lower. ;)

I'd be all over a 'hybrid' thread.

xgambit

07-16-2008, 04:50 PM

adds to list

look into cross wheels

Roadstergal

07-16-2008, 04:54 PM

Some of the more dedicated road bikes have clearance issues with the wider cyclocross tires, so that's something to look out for.

Baptistro

07-16-2008, 05:29 PM

Chess, with the money you would put into a set of cross wheels and all the other stuff you are looking to do, you'd probably be better off just buying a used hardtail or a 29r.

This looks like the bike you are talking about:

http://campusbikeshop.com/merchant/975/images/large/Jamis07Commuter2.jpg

Or if it is your girlfriend's bike perhaps it is this one:

http://www.jamisbikes.com/usa/bikes/07_bikes/images/07_COMMUTER2_L.jpg

The specs say this is a 700c wheelset on these bikes. Are you sure you have 26" wheels? The stock specs say otherwise, and if you bought a 26" wheel, it will not fit.

I'm not sure if your bike and the GF's bike are different, but your posts are a bit unclear.

Did you bust your rear wheel on a 26" bike, and are riding around on the GF's 700cc bike while you're getting it fixed? :confused

xgambit

07-16-2008, 05:34 PM

Chess, with the money you would put into a set of cross wheels and all the other stuff you are looking to do, you'd probably be better off just buying a used hardtail or a 29r.

ya i know!
i went and bought a cheap ass steel lugged frame mountain bike from god knows when and ive already spent more than double what i paid for it upgrading the damn thing and its still not even done yet!

ive got that internal struggle between starting over and getting something else, and staying the course since since ive doen so much to it already.

damn these hobbies! damn them!

Baptistro

07-16-2008, 05:49 PM

I've got a bunch of stuff you can have for free for your bike. Don't bother getting a new mtb for city duty.

If you can return your wheel, go ahead and do it. I don't know what you paid for the wheel, but you might as well get a full TerraMax wheelset from Performance for right around $100. I also have a 10% off coupon you can have. I'm running that wheelset on my xc race bike, and have had no problems thus far.

I've got some worn knobbies that would probably be perfect for city duty that you can have as well, I've also got 7 and 8 speed twistgrip setups with derailleurs you can have that would go with your bike.

You should bring the bike over to G's one night and I can meet you there with parts. Just PM bicyclemech and see when he's available.

xgambit

07-16-2008, 05:56 PM

jeebus cripes bap, why are you so nice?! you're setting me up for a banning arent you! :x

i busted the wheel on my 26" MTB. since its broken im using the GF's bike. the wheels are safe on her bike for now. i did change her bars though to flat MTB and somehow screwed up the shifting as it doesnt go into all the gears now.

i looked at the wheels at perfbikes and all i saw were like one $60 or so for one wheel.

i really need my bike so last night i just went and bought this to replace it. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000C1927E

i already bought a front wheel a couple weeks back in anticipation of new forks ( im a disc brake whore :blush )

thanks for now. i dont think i need any parts yet, but i know im gonna have more questions. im gonna go buy those tools from perfbikes tonight.

Baptistro

07-16-2008, 06:05 PM

I've got a Manitou Axel 4" travel fork that is disc and cantilever compatible, come pick it up, I'll bring it in to work in the city. It's definitely a starter fork, and not blingy enough to attract attention. As far as disc brakes for the back, that may not be possible on your frame unless it has disc mounts built in already on the left rear seatstay.

I've got shit to give away, I just need takers :p

BTW, when you say you busted the wheel, what broke? Can you post pics?

Also, the reason you cannot shift properly on the GF's bike after changing out the bars is that the tension on the shift cables has been changed. Nothing a derailleur adjustment would not fix. Lots of people here can help you with that.

xgambit

07-16-2008, 08:19 PM

:wow

holy shit! i'll take it!!!! :teeth

ya, im gonna have to learn how to adjust the derailler when i install the new wheel. that's when im gonna do the tube.

xgambit

07-16-2008, 08:31 PM

the rim and a couple of spokes is/are bent

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n210/chessm/07162008001.jpg

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n210/chessm/07162008.jpg

Baptistro

07-16-2008, 09:39 PM

Bang the rim back in shape, tighten the spokes, true the wheel and see if it will hold air. You might be able to use that as a spare, and it'll give you practice working on wheels.

:wow

holy shit! i'll take it!!!! :teeth

ya, im gonna have to learn how to adjust the derailler when i install the new wheel. that's when im gonna do the tube.

I'll bring it in to work tomorrow, but I'm off at 1:30 for a doctor's appointment. If you can swing by before noon, you can come get it. I'll PM you the work address. Otherwise, swing by on Friday between 8:30 and 4:30.

xgambit

07-17-2008, 01:17 AM

i cant get it before noon but ill come and get it on friday.

thnaks bap! ill watch for the PM :thumbup

xgambit

07-18-2008, 02:39 PM

Thanks BAP! you rock! you can ban me anytime!

Baptistro

07-18-2008, 03:13 PM

no worries Chess :thumbup

xgambit

07-24-2008, 01:20 AM

HOLY HELL CHRIST! taking the gaddamn cassette off the goddam wheel is a pain in the ASS!

Baptistro

07-24-2008, 11:48 AM

HOLY HELL CHRIST! taking the gaddamn cassette off the goddam wheel is a pain in the ASS!

:confused

You have the right tools, it should take all of 2 minutes

xgambit

07-24-2008, 02:24 PM

:confused

You have the right tools, it should take all of 2 minutes

dood that thing would not budge! i looked online for videos on how to use the tools and i got them on there right. the thing was just stuck.

i got it eventually, but man that was a pain.

i started looking online for maybe just buying another cassette then i decided to give it one more try and finally, hot damn!

the black wheel looks nice though :teeth

next up will be the forks :thumbup

Dante

08-03-2008, 11:49 PM

forks.. got the same problem. who know how to work on em?

xgambit

08-05-2008, 05:51 PM

forks.. got the same problem. who know how to work on em?

what's wrong with your forks exactly?

Dante

08-05-2008, 09:12 PM

its a fox talas, and its sagging. you know how to work on this?

MrCrash

08-07-2008, 10:47 PM

its a fox talas, and its sagging. you know how to work on this?

Have you tried a high pressure shock pump to increase the air preload?

monkeyneck

08-11-2008, 05:05 PM

Oh man, how'd I miss this thread?

I ride an Electra Sparker Special to work, basically an aluminum-framed cruiser with a Nexus 3 speed rear end and a coaster brake. I've added some gnarly BMX pedals to it, and I'm thinking of putting a fork with a triple clamp and disc mount on there, so I can have a front brake. I'm also planning on getting some more "cafe style" bars, the big cruiser bars are way too relaxed for me, and too wide for lane splitting. Yes, I split lanes on my bike. :twofinger

I miss hopping curbs and all that; before I bought this bike (which I love) I was riding a a beat up old Kona with Bomber forks around the city. My commute is short, like 18 blocks, and I don't really NEED a more aggressive bike, but I find myself running the stopwatch on my phone, timing my commute, and the cruiser is definitely not fast. I ride around town with my girlfriend in the evenings, to the grocery store, out to dinner, movies, etc, and she has a cruiser, so I need the cruiser to slow me down for that stuff. I keep thinking I should pick up a decent mountain bike and put some slicks on it, etc, for more fun riding. Maybe.

Question - Can I replace the 3 speed Nexus with one one of the 7 or 8 speed ones? And what is this "roller brake" I keep seeing? Coaster brakes blow.

Dante

08-13-2008, 12:57 PM

Have you tried a high pressure shock pump to increase the air preload?

yep done that. i even put 10 psi over my weight spec. i think this fork need some surgery.

Dante

08-16-2008, 01:00 AM

found some place that work on suspension. i'll be shipping mine on monday

Garage Works http://www.garageworkssuspension.com/
Hippie Tech http://www.hippiesuspension.com/hippietechsuspension/
Shockspital http://www.shockspital.com/
Suspension Experts http://www.mtbsuspensionexperts.com/

Baptistro

08-18-2008, 02:43 PM

Question - Can I replace the 3 speed Nexus with one one of the 7 or 8 speed ones? And what is this "roller brake" I keep seeing? Coaster brakes blow.

It will depend on rear axle width, and the ability to hang a rear deraileur off your frame. If it a wheel and cassette will fit, and you can hang a deraileur, I don;t see why you can't make the conversion. You will, however, have to get a new rear wheel, cassette, deraileur, shifter, and cables.

Never mind. I read that incorrectly. I have no idea if the 3 speed hub is interchangeable for the 7 or 8 speed hubs. Sorry, can't help you there.

monkeyneck

08-18-2008, 02:56 PM

Haha! Well, thank you. It turns out those 7/8 speed hubs are crazy 'spensive. I decided to leave my cruiser cruise-y, for lazy evening rides 'round town. I bought a Cannondale Quick 4 yesterday for commuting. Nothing super special, really, but it feels nice and light and, well... quick, with a carbon fork and 700c wheels. Got it at the Mike's Bikes mega-sale for $499. I was really lusting after some more expensive bikes with disc brakes, but eventually did the "smart" thing and got the inexpensive Quick 4, since it's strictly a commuter, and will likely be subject to lots of abuse.

Baptistro

08-18-2008, 03:04 PM

Besides that, that nexus 7 or 8 speed hub weighs in as much as my entire rear wheel. That's freaking crazy :wow

Congrats on the new purchase. :thumbup

monkeyneck

08-18-2008, 03:21 PM

Yeah. Although, my cruiser is something of a fat bastard anyway, in spite of the aluminum frame. It's got a three inch rear tire!

http://mikesbikes.com/images/library/large/electra_139119_08_m.jpg

insyder

08-18-2008, 04:42 PM

Baptistro

08-18-2008, 05:03 PM

I've got a cheapy smaller 24" mountain bike for my wife. We've got it mounted up to our fluid trainer but we need to swap out the knobby tire for a slick/semi-slick because of the noise.

Knobby tire size is 24x1.95. Can I put a 24x3.0 on or is it too far larger?

Anyone have any recommendations? I'm looking at this one (http://www.bicycletires.com/products/Innova_Swiftor_City_Tire.asp) so far.

edit: Hmmm... maybe this one (http://www.bicycletires.com/products/Kenda_S-5_Schwinn_24.asp) instead?

Rather than comparing tire sizes (unless you are going with a same size tire), you should look at the rim width as well as the frame clearance to see what tires will fit on the bike. The width of the rim will give you a workable range of tire sizes you can put on your bike.

Wheels come in a variety of widths, ranging from standard rims suitable for use with tires in the 26 in x 1.90 in to 2.10 in (559 x 48 to 53 mm) size, to 2.35 and 3.00 in (60 and 76 mm) widths popular with freeride and downhill bicycles.

insyder

08-18-2008, 05:20 PM

I was trying to just get as close in size as possible preferrably a narrower slick for decreased rolling resistance and noise . Not a lot of choices in the 24" rim arena, just looking for a suitable sub for trainer use.

Rim width is about 1 1/4" with about 1/4" frame clearance front and rear. It's a cheap "Magna" brand bike, so uber quality throughout.:teeth

The tire sizes I'm looking at are mainly listed in fractional measurements for width. What's the difference between the decimal width measure and the fractional? I'm assuming a 1.95 width like I have is just short of a 2" wide tire. :confused

slydrite

08-18-2008, 05:29 PM

nuthin too fancy...alum frame, carbon fork, disc brakes and 700c wheels are enough for me to go on and off road and try not to get totally embarrassed in men's catogory C cyclocross...

first trip will be labor day weeknd, just down to SC to break in the wifey on cycle touring with tents and sleeping bags and shit :teeth

obligatory crappy pic in crappy garage...

http://i35.tinypic.com/126cxp2.jpg

monkeyneck

08-18-2008, 05:36 PM

Cool bike. Is it just me, or are disc brakes on bicycles the coolest thing ever?

slydrite

08-18-2008, 05:38 PM

they're awesome for me...I fuggin hate fiddling with cable pull brakes all the time and disc brakes stop MUCH harder, especially on high speed downhills.

monkeyneck

08-18-2008, 05:43 PM

I'm sorta wishing I had gotten a new bike with discs, but all the decent bikes with discs were either way more, or had crap components, etc. But, hell, I have a car, a motorcycle, and now two bicycles... 'nother few months, maybe I'll sell the Quick and get a upgrade commute scoot with discs. Or, just buy yet another bike, and rent a storage locker.

I told my girlfriend I was going to buy a new bike every three months. I'm not sure if she thinks I'm joking or not. :laughing

Roadstergal

08-18-2008, 08:45 PM

I'm sorta wishing I had gotten a new bike with discs, but all the decent bikes with discs were either way more, or had crap components, etc.

I had gone through rather an exhaustive search to find the right cyclocross bike for me. All of the flavors of this bike had eyelets for disc brakes - except for the one that had eyelets for a rear rack. Disc brakes and a rear rack were mutually exclusive. :rant

Well, my bike is a lot lighter than Slydrite's. :twofinger And less expensive. Redline Conquest Sport. It'll see a cycle tour in two weeks, and races in another month or so. And it alternates with my motos for commuting. Well worth it.

Baptistro

08-19-2008, 12:14 PM