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Simple questions

Old 07-11-05, 04:58 PM
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Simple questions

Hi everybody. I've been reading these forums for a little bit but this is my first post. I'm 13 years old in ohio and am trying to get into bikes as more than transportation. Just a couple days ago, I purchased a Raleigh Passage 4.0, the 06 model of their C40. Its so new it isnt on raleigh's website yet. Other than riding it home from my LBS (Century Cycles), I've only ridden it around the block. It is my first "real" bike and I really enjoy riding it. Like I mentioned earlier, I'm trying to get in to cycling with my dad. One question I have is about the bike. When i ride up and down curbs, there is a sort of clicking sound. I'm pretty sure it is the rear derailleur bouncing a bit. Is this bad for the bike? Could it break? I'm not really jumping off cliffs with it just curbs and the like. Also, what are some simple things i could do to maintain the bike? I would like to mention that I have heard many things about front suspension being heavier than its worth. At the moment, I am not willing to purchase a rigid fork because of my budget, the fact that it is noticeably more comfortable IMO, and because weight isnt a critical factor in my cycling experience right now. My final question for now is about helmets. I am in need of a new one and would like your opinion. What is a decent helmet that is fairly cheap? Thanks.
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Old 07-12-05, 01:59 AM
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First ... the derailleur: any hybrid ought to be built well enough to take the beating you'll give it going over curbs and rough roads. Check to make sure nothing seems to be wrong with the derailleur. See if you can find out what's causing the noise. If you're worried about it, take it back to the shop and have them check it.

Second ... maintenance: keep it reasonably clean and dry. Lube the moving parts (chain, hubs, et cetera, but keep lube clear of the rims, so it can't interfere with the brakes). Check bolts to make sure nothing is loose. There's a decent checklist of basic things here: https://www.transport.qld.gov.au/qt/L...ainingyourbike

Third ... front suspension: this is entirely a matter of opinion. Some people love it. Some people hate it. Some people don't care. I'm of the opinion that the weight outweighs the benefits. But if it makes your ride more comfortable, there's no orthodoxy that says you have to use a rigid fork.

Fourth ... helmets: generally speaking, helmets are helmets. Even the cheap ones you'll find on the shelf at your local department store chain are usually well designed enough to protect you. I rode BMX in my younger years and I have an affinity for Bell, but that's really just brand loyalty.
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Old 07-12-05, 10:44 AM
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Thanks, that was really helpful. I dont think anything is really wrong with the derailleur im probably just being paranoid. About the lube, what should i use? I will check out that link later. Again, thanks.
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Old 07-13-05, 05:34 AM
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About the lube, what should i use?
I use Triflow.

I guarantee your LBS (which by the way is a good one) I am from Youngstown, and I have been to the one in Rocky River. I first clean the chain with Simple Green you can get it at Home Depot, I rinse that off with water. Then I hold a rag between the chain and the wheel, and spray a little, move the chain and spray a little more. Do this until you have the whole chain sprayed, and leave it for about five minutes so the Triflow can push the water out of the chain. Then wipe it off with a dry rag. The stuff is great. If the chain gets real bad I do the above, and scrub the chain with an old toothbrush. I also scrub the rear sprockets with a sprocket brush. The LBS will have one and they are cheep.

The owner’s manual will have a maintenance schedule you can follow. If they don’t ask the guys at the LBS, they will set you up. Get to be friends with these guys, and you will learn a lot. Who knows if you spend enough time there you might get a job with them in the future.

Good luck, and ride hard.
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Old 07-13-05, 07:52 AM
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I think jumping curbs is bad for any bike. It will degrade bearings and bend axles. I've had to replace my rear axle and bearing cones on my mountain bike because of unnecessary curb-jumping... sure, it was only $10, (it would have been a great deal more money if I had to pay someone to work on the wheel for me), but still, I discovered the damage while I had the rear hub all apart while repacking the bearings, so I lost the use of the bike for a few days while I waited for the parts to come to the bike shop... so, I'm not doing any curb-jumping anymore. And, the axles and cones are holding up fine now.
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Old 07-13-05, 05:36 PM
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Thanks everybody, another question about the lube. Do you do it weekly or monthly or what?
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Old 07-13-05, 07:55 PM
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Depends on how often you ride. I don't lube my chain often enough, maybe only every 100-200 miles or so, but definitely after riding in the rain. Of course, if pedaling feels rough, or the chain skips or grinds, then that's a clear sign that it's time to lube.

I started off with a $25 Bell helmet (marked down from $50), and I liked it just fine. After just a year and a half, and many hours baking in the back of my car, the plastic shell pretty much broke down and yellowed. Some of the padding inside came unglued, so the pieces kept falling out, so I replaced it with a $25 Giro helmet (also marked down from $50). The Giro's tend to have a bit more padding and are a bit more comfortable, but it depends on the specific model you get. Any helmet is better than none, of course.
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Old 07-14-05, 08:20 AM
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Thanks everybody, another question about the lube. Do you do it weekly or monthly or what?
I clean my chain every time it looks fuzzy, but I don’t use any maintenance schedule. Keep an eye on it, you will know when it is time.
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Old 07-14-05, 09:50 AM
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Ok thanks. I already got a helmet, the Giro Indicator and its quite comfy although i havent used it while riding yet.
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Old 07-15-05, 05:34 AM
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the Giro Indicator
That is the one my 15 year old got, he loves it. He took the visor off, because he didn’t think it looked cool (15 it’s all about looks) Good choice. Not pricy, but does the job well as long as you wear it every time.
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Old 07-15-05, 03:18 PM
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Haha, I actually like the visor.
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Old 07-15-05, 03:32 PM
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Originally Posted by DeerPark
Haha, I actually like the visor.
Good for you, so do I.
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