Bike Gallery

[thirtytwospokes]

This could be because the gearing is big chainring/big cluster cog, which is not the gear of choice. I usually use gearing such that the big half of the cluster is on the smaller chainring, and the smaller half of the cluster is on the big chainring ie 17-23/39 and 11-15/53 to avoid stretching the chain and derailleur.

Whoops I didn't know this... I was using big chain ring with large cluster pretty consistently on the flats on the 100 km ride on Sunday.
So in that case whats a good combo to use on the flats? Say if you wanted to maintain 30km at high cadence? (I was using the big-big previously)

Big-to-big and little-to-little is called 'cross-chaining'. It's best to avoid these two extreme gears. I'd mainly avoid them because they're often a bit noisy (the chain might rub on the front derailleur cage). Putting the chain on both the largest sprocket and chainring bike forces the chain to engage or leave each at the most extreme angle possible, which (in theory) stresses the links. I wouldn't say you have to avoid it completely, but I'd avoid cross-chaining for prolonged periods. There's just no need.

On modern road bikes you've got so many gears to choose from that there's no need to cross-chain. If you find yourself needing to be in the big-big combination, shift your front chainring down and go up a couple of gears at the back. You'll find a similar gear easily enough.

FWIW, I think your chain length looks fine. You've got enough length there that the big-big combination isn't locking up your rear derailleur. Most of us don't often see a photo of a bike in the big-big combo, which is perhaps why it's raised a few eyebrows.

[Shard]

If you look at shard's Surly the same thing has happened, and that is on the same gear as well.

I have a habit of downshifting when I know i"m going to stop to 2nd or 3rd gear before jumping up to 5-6 at cruise speed after takeoff.

One of those habits that's hard to break, I pretty much leave it in 3rd on the front unless i'm climbing, I figure taking off from 2nd or 3rd largest and then switching after a few rotations won't matter too much (I think?).

[plasmapuff]

Thanks for the input guys. I think it is just because I was noobishly cross chaining at the time.

Further replies here.

Sorry for logging up the gallery thread with my mech questions once again.

Julian

[visuca]

[sittingbison]

this is my mountain bike kitted out 1.3inch slicks for commuting. I have decided to name my bikes after snakes, this one is christened "the krait"

[bowie]

Well i put some wheels on the 600 today and took it for its first proper ride after the accident.

Nothing well off. and the smaller 27 x 1" wheels fit in the frame so much better then the 27 1/4" wheels i was using previously. And OMGosh are the light!!!

The bike weights bugger all now *does the happy dance* And looks hot as from a distance with the cream sidewalls

[brauluver]

Is that rear tyre fitted correctly...ie tread pattern for rotation direction?

[bowie]

good call..

i had not noticed until you pointed it out.. It does look to be on backwards.

[azzurribike]

oops , That was the ride to christen it... Garmin edge 705 fun gizmo

[lukas]

Nice R3.. they look like the same pedals as mine too. What fork is that? Easton?

[azzurribike]

Keo sprint pedals and Easton EC90 superlite forks. It is great ride.

Cause I have shocked myself when I updated the cost of all the bits if I was to replace, just investigated my contents Insurance. Its basically covered anywhere its locked up.

BUT while I am riding it nope. Anyone have info on insurance whilst riding cause Doh! (stupid insurance companies) where is the risk when...I'm riding.

[lukas]

Keo sprint pedals and Easton EC90 superlite forks. It is great ride.

Yep.. same pedals.

I've got the 3t fork.. and yeah... seriously sweet ride.

[steellife]

New bike is finally built after me looking at the frame on the wall for two months - poor photography but sweet ride!!
http://i440.photobucket.com/albums/qq129/juliendavey/newbikebuild002.jpg
Thanks to kalgrm and mountgower (where are you these days cobber?) for assistance with components.
build includes:
Moser M85 steel/carbon frame (around 2002 vintage)
Centaur 2008 carbon/alloy groupset
USE Alien seat post with selle italia trans am C2 saddle
KCMC scandium bars with profile cobra carbon stem
Mavic CXP33 rims with Record 32h hubs and Schwalbe Ultremo tyres

Bike was ably put together by KD cycles in Rockingham - thanks for the help guys

[jacksparrow]

here is a flick of my mate's kenevans. This bike was bought off a guy who used to ride it on his dairy farm to milk the cows in the early morning and evening. Apparently it was given to him by a professional rider who rode it in the Melbourne to Warrnambool. Anyway, it's had a fresh powdecoat, repro kenevans decals, campy melbourne 56 rims, dura ace cranks plus some other neat bits and bobs. It's a daily driver!

[sittingbison]

here is my kenevans 1992 Reynolds 708 - just been refurbished with Campy Centaur gruppo, Mavic ksyrium wheelset and Vittoria Open Corsa Evo CX tyres. I had it repainted in 1999 by Aldo at Quantum Cycles - it was originally lime and yellow with purple and burgundy fade outs

I was born in the year of the snake, so I christened her "rattlesnake"

[Shard]

mmm shiny. Hope my bike looks as good as that in 10 years!

[prawza]

wow that Kenevans is hot!

[HAKS]

my new dualie

absolutely eats up the trails

[tatt2]

Heres my 07 OCR...has 561 shimano wheels, 105 front and rear derailuer, on order.... chain, new 10 speed cassette12/27, compact crank 34/50,bottom bracket, 105 sti shifters,and $600 less in the pocket

[bowie]

here is a flick of my mate's kenevans. This bike was bought off a guy who used to ride it on his dairy farm to milk the cows

San Marco Sadle is like porn

[sittingbison]

I always had to make do with a Turbo, the Rolls was WAAYYYYyyyy out of range (I were a lad but)

[bowie]

I had one given to me the other day.

Idiot flat mate installed some carbon gell crap thing onto his Giant.

I didn't complain but rather complimented him on his ultra light weight arrangement

[sittingbison]

...I didn't complain but rather complimented him on his ultra light weight arrangement...

I'm impressed, a VERY cunning plan indeed

[bish]

Here's my commuter. 95 Diamondback Response. Was my first real mountain bike and is still going strong.

It's now wearing 1.25" slicks, just the big ring on the front and is a whole lot of fun!



This is my Rocky Mountain Switch for when I feel like playing in the dirt and rocks.



I've got a vintage steel framed Viner that has just come back from the powdercoaters being built up with new 105 gear - should be nice

[kilroy]

Here's my beast. 2002 carbon fibre Trek 5200 with dura-ace 10spd and some Ksyrium SL's.