Caring for my new Surly, and proper locking technique
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Caring for my new Surly, and proper locking technique
I just got a Surly Cross Check, and I'm completely in love. I was commuting on a dinky hybrid before, and now I have a commuter that is actually fun to ride. I hope to do tours on it in the future as well. I hate shopping (bike shopping is difficult for me because I know what I want but am short so my options are limited), and I want this bike to last forever. Unfortunately, bike parking at my work sucks. I'm trying to improve this, but currently I have to lock up outside in the elements.
Issue 1: Security. Because I love this bike, I"m currently using two U-locks, but the type of bike rack we have limits my locking options. I attached a picture of how I locked it today -- I have one u-lock through one seatstay and the bike rack, and one through the seat tube, my back tire, and the bike rack. Is there a better way to secure my bike, given this type of rack? (I do know that my front tire is unsecured, and am actually kind of intentionally doing that to test the safety of the area. There ARE cameras and occasional security guards around, we're not in the best area but it's also not a high bike theft area. I left the front wheel of my dinky hybrid unsecured for a full year without anyone ever messing with it).
Issue 2: Rust. Clearly bikes get rained on sometimes. I actually kept my dinky hybrid and plan to ride it on really bad weather days -- when there's salt on the ground, or when the day is just a washout. However I live in an area where basically all summer long there is a 30-40% chance of storms from 3-6 pm. I'm not going to not ride my new bike when this happens, and Surlys are workhorses so I assume they can handle the elements. But I AM a little worried about the steel rusting. Is this reasonable or no?? Is FrameSaver worth it? My mechanic (my husband) is groaning about taking the bike entirely apart to apply it and says it can cause some seatpost slip, but I DONT want this bike to rust. Also, how do you know if there's water inside and you need to hang it upside down to dry out? This is my first steel bike so I'm not really familiar with proper, reasonable care.
Issue 1: Security. Because I love this bike, I"m currently using two U-locks, but the type of bike rack we have limits my locking options. I attached a picture of how I locked it today -- I have one u-lock through one seatstay and the bike rack, and one through the seat tube, my back tire, and the bike rack. Is there a better way to secure my bike, given this type of rack? (I do know that my front tire is unsecured, and am actually kind of intentionally doing that to test the safety of the area. There ARE cameras and occasional security guards around, we're not in the best area but it's also not a high bike theft area. I left the front wheel of my dinky hybrid unsecured for a full year without anyone ever messing with it).
Issue 2: Rust. Clearly bikes get rained on sometimes. I actually kept my dinky hybrid and plan to ride it on really bad weather days -- when there's salt on the ground, or when the day is just a washout. However I live in an area where basically all summer long there is a 30-40% chance of storms from 3-6 pm. I'm not going to not ride my new bike when this happens, and Surlys are workhorses so I assume they can handle the elements. But I AM a little worried about the steel rusting. Is this reasonable or no?? Is FrameSaver worth it? My mechanic (my husband) is groaning about taking the bike entirely apart to apply it and says it can cause some seatpost slip, but I DONT want this bike to rust. Also, how do you know if there's water inside and you need to hang it upside down to dry out? This is my first steel bike so I'm not really familiar with proper, reasonable care.
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You're not going to listen to your mechanic on this, are you? I'm thinking he needs to coat the inside of the frame and cook you dinner, .
I wouldn't leave the front wheel unlocked to check out the "security." I would use a cable and run that through the front wheel and the u lock.
A bike left outside will get more beat up than one left inside. I would get in the habit of cleaning the bike regularly. It's a good thing to do in any case since that way you catch any mechanicals before they become serious. It will also allow you to keep on top of any rust issues as they develop.
I wouldn't leave the front wheel unlocked to check out the "security." I would use a cable and run that through the front wheel and the u lock.
A bike left outside will get more beat up than one left inside. I would get in the habit of cleaning the bike regularly. It's a good thing to do in any case since that way you catch any mechanicals before they become serious. It will also allow you to keep on top of any rust issues as they develop.
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Well honestly this is largely due to laziness. I found it sort of annoying to deal with the cable every day (maybe because the one we use is too long). That said, I feel like it's not really that big of a deal if just the front wheel gets stolen? It might actually help me get my work to allow me to bring my bike inside, which is what I want!
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Then get the right length cable. This is really easy to do and buying a new wheel is no fun and expensive. But yes inside is better and if this is part of your guerrilla tactics for changing the attitude at work, go for it.
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bikemig is right on with the cable option, doesn't need to be heavy duty at all, no one would mess with it unless you have very expensive wheels. keeping the hybrid as a fair weather ride is a good idea, framesaver is needed now if you will be riding outside in the rain regularly, otherwise you could probably wait till the spring or a year afterwards. Framesaver is only for inside rust, for surface rust keep the frame clean and touch up the deep scratches which penetrate the paint
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Your second u-lock really isn't doing anything. Just use one through the frame and rear wheel, and use the cable to attach the front wheel to the u-lock.
As far as care, I ride an aluminum frame, so water doesn't hurt it, but as long as you take care of any scrapes in the paint, the steel should be well-protected from water. I wouldn't store it outside in a downpour, but it should be fine with a simple toweling-off after a light rain. When riding in the winter with road salt, just wipe it down when you get home to prevent any corrosion. Fenders will help keep the grime off of the frame.
As far as care, I ride an aluminum frame, so water doesn't hurt it, but as long as you take care of any scrapes in the paint, the steel should be well-protected from water. I wouldn't store it outside in a downpour, but it should be fine with a simple toweling-off after a light rain. When riding in the winter with road salt, just wipe it down when you get home to prevent any corrosion. Fenders will help keep the grime off of the frame.
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Well, its slowing down a thief, right? From what I understand bike thiefs tend to go for the easy score, and sawing apart two u-locks isn't easy.
#8
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I have 3 Surlys, all durable and very versatile. So take one u lock and hobble the bike. Take off the front wheel and place it next to the rear wheel. Put the lock through both wheels, the frame and the bike stand. Works well. And leave the lock @ work, don't need to carry it around.
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Long time cross check (along with a few surly's) owner here, and BTW I love the color of your new bike.
Here is what I would do based on your questions and concerns: Definitely treat the frame with frame saver it's worth it for the piece of mind in your conditions. Get a locking front skewer for the front wheel or replace the axle with a solid axle and use bolts or security bolts. Leave a U-lock on the rack at work then when locking the bike, put the U-lock through the rear wheel inside the rear triangle around the rim and seat tube and then to the rack.
To summarize - You've reduced the risk of rust inside the frame, Your bike and wheels are secure, and you can travel with less stuff (locks). Now go ride the crap out of it.
Here is what I would do based on your questions and concerns: Definitely treat the frame with frame saver it's worth it for the piece of mind in your conditions. Get a locking front skewer for the front wheel or replace the axle with a solid axle and use bolts or security bolts. Leave a U-lock on the rack at work then when locking the bike, put the U-lock through the rear wheel inside the rear triangle around the rim and seat tube and then to the rack.
To summarize - You've reduced the risk of rust inside the frame, Your bike and wheels are secure, and you can travel with less stuff (locks). Now go ride the crap out of it.
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While I love the green CC I got last December, I knew a new color was coming since it'd been the 2nd year for the green. Man, I love that orange so much i almost want to sell my current CC and get a new one in a slightly smaller frame. (I'm short too - 5'5" - so I know your pain).
As for locking, these guys pretty much covered all your options.
You can't bring it inside?
As for locking, these guys pretty much covered all your options.
You can't bring it inside?
#11
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While you are treating the frame, make sure there is a drain hole at the lowest point of the bottom bracket shell to let water out. If necessary you can drill one while you have the bike apart to apply frame saver. From experience with cyclocross bikes with and without drain holes it does make a difference.
Also make sure you stay on top of chain cleaning and lubrication and periodically clean the rims and brake pads. I know somebody who wore out a rim from winter commuting with lots of sand on the roads.
Also make sure you stay on top of chain cleaning and lubrication and periodically clean the rims and brake pads. I know somebody who wore out a rim from winter commuting with lots of sand on the roads.
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While I love the green CC I got last December, I knew a new color was coming since it'd been the 2nd year for the green. Man, I love that orange so much i almost want to sell my current CC and get a new one in a slightly smaller frame. (I'm short too - 5'5" - so I know your pain).
As for locking, these guys pretty much covered all your options.
You can't bring it inside?
As for locking, these guys pretty much covered all your options.
You can't bring it inside?
Security guards won't let me bring it in -- I work in a federal building, so overwrought security -- I'm doing what I can to get it changed.
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I don't understand the 2 u locks in the back. The one through the seat tube, back tire, and the bike rack is good. Move the other one that's not really doing anything to the front wheel and secure that if it fits.
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Ha, at first I was not at all sold on the orange, but it is definitely growing on me. Especially with the Orioles in the postseason Hoping I can one day refer to this as my 'world series bike.'
Security guards won't let me bring it in -- I work in a federal building, so overwrought security -- I'm doing what I can to get it changed.
Security guards won't let me bring it in -- I work in a federal building, so overwrought security -- I'm doing what I can to get it changed.
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Is there a covered garage? I know of one group that had to deal with an anti bike workplace. They got a beater van with a secure welded rack inside and just parked it in the garage. All 6 had a key and a secure dry place to lock their bikes. So federal building, any fed. transportation initiatives? Health plan benefits for exercise? Any covered garage space for a bike rack? Squeaky wheel?
I tried talking to the security guards about letting me lock it in the foyer before, but they are afraid of getting in trouble, and don't respect that a bike isn't a toy that can be left out in the rain.
ETA: No covered garage -- just some a parking lot, with a sidewalk bike rack, in a strip mall.
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If you don't want to carry a second lock or cable,you could use locking skewers. Pinhead/OnGuard and Pitlock work good. Just remember to carry the key with you for flats.
Framesaver is a good idea for steel bikes that are going to be left outside. If you're going to be riding another bike when it's raining or there's salt on the road(all winter around here),you can prolly get away with just using it inside the seat and head tubes.
Framesaver is a good idea for steel bikes that are going to be left outside. If you're going to be riding another bike when it's raining or there's salt on the road(all winter around here),you can prolly get away with just using it inside the seat and head tubes.
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First ulock through the frame, anchor and rear wheel.
Second securing the front wheel to the frame.
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I would use one U lock through both seatstays (that secures the rear wheel too) and for the front wheel, either U lock to the frame or rack, or a medium duty chain to frame and rack, or locking skewers (Pitlock, Pinhead, etc - the type that requires a special shaped bit to open). My son locks his bike at high school using U lock and chain.
The "theoretical" advantage of U lock and chain is that the thief has to defeat two types of locks which may require carrying different tools. Leave one of these (whichever is harder to carry) locked to the rack. It may be easier to lock up to the leg of the rack, than to the loops.
For the frame, in addition to Framesaver and drilling a drain hole in the bottom bracket shell, remember to pull and regrease the seatpost annually. A piece of tape will mark the post's position.
The maintenance required by daily riding in frequent rain will be mostly chain cleaning/lubrication. Whenever the chain is noisy, I would wipe it down with a rag, and use a viscous, persistent lube. I ride daily in the rain in Portland OR, and my favorite is Chain-L, which you can buy direct if the LBS won't carry it. It lasts longer than other lubes I've tried.
I recommend fenders, the longer the better. They will keep the bike and you much cleaner. Rain is one thing, the gritty dirty crud thrown up from the road is another.
The "theoretical" advantage of U lock and chain is that the thief has to defeat two types of locks which may require carrying different tools. Leave one of these (whichever is harder to carry) locked to the rack. It may be easier to lock up to the leg of the rack, than to the loops.
For the frame, in addition to Framesaver and drilling a drain hole in the bottom bracket shell, remember to pull and regrease the seatpost annually. A piece of tape will mark the post's position.
The maintenance required by daily riding in frequent rain will be mostly chain cleaning/lubrication. Whenever the chain is noisy, I would wipe it down with a rag, and use a viscous, persistent lube. I ride daily in the rain in Portland OR, and my favorite is Chain-L, which you can buy direct if the LBS won't carry it. It lasts longer than other lubes I've tried.
I recommend fenders, the longer the better. They will keep the bike and you much cleaner. Rain is one thing, the gritty dirty crud thrown up from the road is another.
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You shouldn't have to drill a hole in the bottom bracket shell for the frame saver to run as it has hole in it for the screw that holds the cable guides on the bottom. Remove the guide before you apply the frame saver and replace it after it's dryed.
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