Jake the Snake 2006 BB

[RupertWY]

Hi,

Am pretty happy with my JTS but have a couple of questions to anyone.

My BB creaks quite a bit after only 4 months of usage, slips on rare occasions as well with not really heavy usage either. It did it very rarely from the beginning as well. Is it buggered or is it just not set right. If it's buggered l don't mind paying a little bit extra for a really strong and good quality one. Does anyone have any ideas of some good BB's that are compatible with the JTS 2006.

Also, does anyone find the JTS hasn't enough gearing for a long hard hill on the open road or l am just being a poofter. I would ideally prefer a front chainring with 50/34 or 48/34. Anyone know any good quality rings for the JTS.

One last thing. The front Derailleur. Does anyone find it doesen't work very well. I've had it adjusted but it still sometimes doesen't hook up to the top ring or vice-versa?

Other than that, l love my Jake!

Rupert.

[StankApe]

Rupes, my JTS bottom bracket was creaky...I tightened it, the noise went away for a week then returned, so I took it back to the shop. They stripped it and reassembled it. The BB is factory installed and in the words of the mechanic "there were a few things I wouldn't have done". Bike is fine now.
I had FD issues that resolved with adjustment. Your shop should be able to advise on chainrings :)

[AkAk2000]

Rupert,

Yeah, gearing on the 2006 JTS is definitely for the fit rider. Unfortunately, the Truvative Elita has a 130mm BCD (bolt circle diameter), which means you can't go any lower than a 38 tooth chainring. If you want to go down to 34/36 territory, you'll have to install a compact crankset ($$), plus probably a new bottom bracket. I think Truvativ now makes a compact.

However, you can install up to a 12/28 cassette, which should give you about a a 12% higher gear at the top side. Pricepoint.com has some for about $60. I'm thinking of going this route.

You might want to periodically check your spokes. My JTS came with defective/rotten spokes (bad alloy), which ended up rusting and breaking. I had to completely rebuild my wheels.

Enjoy the ride.