Most-Serviceable Components
01-03-14 | 04:24 PM
#26
Mechanic/Tourist
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,522
Likes: 12
From: Syracuse, NY
Bikes: 2008 Novara Randonee - love it. Previous bikes:Motobecane Mirage, 1972 Moto Grand Jubilee (my fave), Jackson Rake 16, 1983 C'dale ST500.
I used to commute 5 miles in all weather, and even some in the winter, in Michigan. I protected the bottom bearing of the headset very simply with a short length of inner tube, greased on the inside and fit over the bottom cup before assembly. Once the headset was assembled I simply fit it down over the entire bottom bearing assembly. I protected the hubs with silicone seal by forming a ring to cover the locknut and cone and tapered out to the face of the dustcap (no sealed mechanism units in those days. I could easily remove and re-install the seals as needed, and they were very effective. O-rings protected the BB fairly well.
01-03-14 | 05:16 PM
#27
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 143
Likes: 0
Well, it was more that the top bearing was still very serviceable - so I imagine if I'd protected the bottom bearing assembly better, it'd still be rolling today. 10 years is a fantastic run for a bearing, yes - but 20 would have been even better!
01-05-14 | 05:04 PM
#28
cycle-dog spot
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 1,538
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
Bikes: Look, Niner, Ellsworth, Norco, Litespeed
Long time wet weather commuter.
The only component change that made a significant diff was going to disc brakes.
Everything else lasts for a long time with very modest care.
The only component change that made a significant diff was going to disc brakes.
Everything else lasts for a long time with very modest care.
01-06-14 | 08:22 AM
#29
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 8,954
Likes: 388
From: NE Indiana
Bikes: 2020 Masi Giramondo 700c; 2013 Lynskey Peloton; 1992 Giant Rincon; 1989 Dawes needs parts; 1985 Trek 660; 1985 Fuji Club; 1984 Schwinn Voyager; 1984 Miyata 612; 1977 Raleigh Competition GS
Most reliable all weather performance comes from keeping things simple like getting a Shimano Nexus Inter 3 or if you have steep hills the Nexus Inter 7 speed hub but this is more expensive of course. These hubs are sealed to keep out everything that can be thrown at it and are maintenance free. You will probably need a chain tensioner if you decide to go this route or jerry rig the current rear derailleur as a tensioner by adjusting the stop on the derailleur to keep the chain on the sprocket then remove the cable.
Then go with disk brakes in the front, even though their not as reliable over the long haul they do work better in mucky weather, but since the Nexus hub uses a coaster brake which is unaffected in mucky weather you may not need to go the expense of doing disk in the front.
Also Lizard Skins sells a neoprene headset seal the goes around the outside of the headset, I use one on my all weather bike and they only cost $4 or so.
Stay with the fenders, they keep the bike cleaner.
If the hub is too expensive all you can do is to use wet lube and clean and relube the chain after every mucky ride.
Then go with disk brakes in the front, even though their not as reliable over the long haul they do work better in mucky weather, but since the Nexus hub uses a coaster brake which is unaffected in mucky weather you may not need to go the expense of doing disk in the front.
Also Lizard Skins sells a neoprene headset seal the goes around the outside of the headset, I use one on my all weather bike and they only cost $4 or so.
Stay with the fenders, they keep the bike cleaner.
If the hub is too expensive all you can do is to use wet lube and clean and relube the chain after every mucky ride.
