Bike Forums

Bike Forums (https://www.bikeforums.net/forum.php)
-   General Cycling Discussion (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/)
-   -   Just bought new Trek FX2, looking for some advice (https://www.bikeforums.net/general-cycling-discussion/1246240-just-bought-new-trek-fx2-looking-some-advice.html)

77record 02-03-22 09:40 AM

Just bought new Trek FX2, looking for some advice
 
I had another thread asking about my vintage bike, a 1977 Raleigh Record. The forum is not letting me post the link to it.

I just bought a Trek FX2 Disc, having a bit of luck. I had decided on that model after a lot of research and to my amazement, found one locally in my size. I had thought I'd have to order one and wait months for it to come in. I've only ridden it around the block so far, but it feels good. I just have to make a few tweaks on the seat position etc. So I could use a few suggestions...

1) I bought a basic Bontrager bottle cage, but it's just a hair too small for my Klean Kanteen. Can someone recommend a cage that will hold that well? It's just over 3" in diameter.

2) I won't ride without a mirror. I prefer a good sized bar mount, not an end mount. The bar is 32mm in the center, but is 22mm out near the shifter. Suggestions?

3) What is a good chain oil to use? I know there are a million opinions about this. But just a general recommendation of something decent would be appreciated.

Thanks.

Moisture 02-03-22 09:46 AM

I was also riding a vintage road bike before opting for an FX3. As I continue to improve my physical conditioning, I found that the riding position was too upright for my taste and sold the bike before eventually getting a drop bar gravel bike.

I had a great experience with the FX while I rode it regularly. It handled rides with heavy loads rather well and is considerably designed/ specced out for riders looking for something comfortable while still being on the sporty side.

As for chain oil, I like WD40 for bikes. Make sure to use a wire brush and rags to keep the chain regularly clean and free of rust before spraying on some oil.

Enjoy your new ride!

seypat 02-03-22 10:03 AM

There are plenty of threads debating chain oil type. Google is your friend. I think most of the cyclists that are really into cycling, the serious cyclists, wax their chain. They're also very enthusiastic about the process and like to talk about it. :D

Iride01 02-03-22 10:08 AM

1) That might take some of your own experimenting since I don't think what you are using is an actual bike bottle or bidon. A bottle and cage need to fit securely, otherwise when you hit a decent bump your bottle/bottles might bounce out of them and cause you all kinds of possible grief.

2) Never used a mirror myself in over 50 years of cycling. So I have no idea what to recommend.

3) Any oil that says it is for bicycle chains and many that don't specify them. If you do use the WD40 product, make sure to get the one that is specifically made for chains and not just the original WD40. Though the original is great for cleaning road tar off and getting really gunky grease removed.

freeranger 02-03-22 10:38 AM

Is the bottle cage metal or plastic? If plastic and is much too tight (needs to fit securely so the bottle doesn't pop out), you could try putting it in some hot water and "spreading" it just a little.
Tons of mirrors available. So do a search for bicycle mirrors to see which one you like.
Chain lube--lots of options there also. I saw a recommendation for WD-40. I think they do make a version for chain lube-never used it though. Don't use regular ole WD-40. I use it to clean grease OFF of parts, then re-lube. Also good if you get grease on your skin-try putting some grease on yourself, then put some regular WD on a rag-can wipe the grease right off! There are chain lubes with teflon in them. Some advertised as being wax based (such as White Lightning). Some advertised as being better for riding trails that might be wet, one I've used is thicker and seems very "oily"-it held dirt so I would clean off after using it (don't use it much now). You may need to experiment with chain lube to see which you like. There are also "recipes" on the web if you want to make your own. Enjoy the new bike!

77record 02-03-22 11:37 AM


Originally Posted by freeranger (Post 22397370)
Is the bottle cage metal or plastic?

​​​​​
Tons of mirrors available. So do a search for bicycle mirrors to see which one you like.

Chain lube--lots of options there also. I saw a recommendation for WD-40. I think they do make a version for chain lube-never used it though. Don't use regular ole WD-40. I use it to clean grease OFF of parts, then re-lube. Also good if you get grease on your skin-try putting some grease on yourself, then put some regular WD on a rag-can wipe the grease right off! There are chain lubes with teflon in them. Some advertised as being wax based (such as White Lightning). Some advertised as being better for riding trails that might be wet, one I've used is thicker and seems very "oily"-it held dirt so I would clean off after using it (don't use it much now). You may need to experiment with chain lube to see which you like. There are also "recipes" on the web if you want to make your own. Enjoy the new bike!

The cage is metal. I'd be able to bend it a little but the bottom of the cage i just under 3" so the bottle doesn't seat.

I started a mirror search... I think I've found a couple of possibilities.

I've been using Tri Flow oil on someone's recommendation and it seems good. It has Teflon in it, but is not specifically a chain oil so I might look around.


Originally Posted by seypat (Post 22397317)
They're also very enthusiastic about the process and like to talk about it. :D

.

I've noticed that. 😄

Thanks all for the info and the well wishes on the bike. The weather here is rain/sleet/snow/cold for the next few days, but I'll be out when the road dries. I could be waiting a while!

John Valuk 02-03-22 02:41 PM


Originally Posted by 77record (Post 22397283)
1) I bought a basic Bontrager bottle cage, but it's just a hair too small for my Klean Kanteen. Can someone recommend a cage that will hold that well? It's just over 3" in diameter.

Depending on the size of Klean Kanteen, the King Cage Iris might work.


Originally Posted by 77record (Post 22397283)
2) I won't ride without a mirror. I prefer a good sized bar mount, not an end mount. The bar is 32mm in the center, but is 22mm out near the shifter. Suggestions?

Hafny offers a bunch of different mirrors, including several styles that attach to handlebars.

frogman 02-03-22 02:55 PM


Originally Posted by seypat (Post 22397317)
There are plenty of threads debating chain oil type. Google is your friend. I think most of the cyclists that are really into cycling, the serious cyclists, wax their chain. They're also very enthusiastic about the process and like to talk about it. :D


Serious cyclists use wax and most cyclsits use wax ? Not true. It is just the opposite.
Ok to suggest waxing, but don't exaggerate..............

77record 02-03-22 03:01 PM


Originally Posted by John Valuk (Post 22397696)
Depending on the size of Klean Kanteen, the King Cage Iris might work.
Hafny offers a bunch of different mirrors, including several styles that attach to handlebars.

I'll check that out. I've been checking out the Hafny mirrors, they might have something for me.

seypat 02-03-22 03:02 PM


Originally Posted by frogman (Post 22397709)
Serious cyclists use wax and most cyclsits use wax ? Not true. It is just the opposite.
Ok to suggest waxing, but don't exaggerate..............

There's a reason I chose those words. Some humor there, but it's up to the reader to figure it out.

Edit: I also didn't say most cyclists. I said,

most of the cyclists that are really into cycling, the serious cyclists
That's different than most cyclists.

77record 02-03-22 04:06 PM

Yup. I've been in and out of some bike forums and groups. I'm "older" now and just want to enjoy myself without too much pain! :)

wolfchild 02-03-22 04:29 PM


Originally Posted by seypat (Post 22397317)
I think most of the cyclists that are really into cycling, the serious cyclists, wax their chain.

Serious cyclists also wax their legs and remove all the hair.

dedhed 02-03-22 05:43 PM

Triflow is fine on your chain, especially if you already have it.

On mirrors - Urban commuting I don't ride without a mirror, in fact look in it as much as ahead. I won't recommend a particular one but get one with a true glass mirror, not plastic and any pivots should be re-tightenable not a rivet.

Bottle cage - Take the bottle into your LBS and see what they have that it fits securely into. They also make (sell?) their own.
https://www.kleankanteen.com/product...uick-cage-64oz

veganbikes 02-03-22 09:29 PM

If you want a lube opinion I like a wax based bicycle lube. Beyond that find whatever works for you.

Mirrycle makes decent mirrors so that would be one to look at as dedhed made good points on adjustablilty and repairability. The Ortlieb mirror (which I believe is actually made by D&D Oberlanda and not marked officially as ortlieb) is really lightweight and a good mirror.

In terms of Kleen Canteens they are great for carrying around everywhere but they aren't a great cycling bottle. I don't want a bottle I cannot squeeze and really I don't want a bottle on the bike that isn't a Camelbak Podium insulated bottle. However I do really like Portland Design Works various bird and other animal themed cages as you can bend the wings a little and I have in the past carried my Klean Canteen but still after using Camelbaks I wouldn't swap back.

Sardines 02-06-22 12:20 PM

Having just dealt with MANY issues setting up the FX6 for my kid, I think I can help with a few of your items.
1. Klean Kanteen's insulated 27oz is 73mm/2.9" in diameter. I've found my old adjustable Topeak Modula Cage works well with them. The rubber molding on the cage stops rattling. If you are a weight weenie, then there are titanium bottle cages that are 20ish g which work well on Aliexpress. That's what I installed on my bikes, but also a little rubbers to stop the rattling.

2. It depends on where you want the mirror. All my flat bar bikes work very well the relatively cheap but effective Hafny Stainless steel lens bar end mirrors which can fold or collapse on impact, should you hit something. I do use a helmet mirror on my road bike.

3. Lubes really depend on the conditions you ride in typically. Some lubes do well keeping dirt out, but wash away very quickly when wet. The lubes that do well in the wet, tend to also attract dirt a little more. If you do your own maintenance and want an easier to clean chain and less work, I would suggest waxing is the way to go. For the bikes that aren't belt driven in my home, I have 2 chains waxed and ready to go, and once I want to clean the bike, I just switch chains after cleaning, then clean and wax the old chain.




Originally Posted by 77record (Post 22397283)
I had another thread asking about my vintage bike, a 1977 Raleigh Record. The forum is not letting me post the link to it.

I just bought a Trek FX2 Disc, having a bit of luck. I had decided on that model after a lot of research and to my amazement, found one locally in my size. I had thought I'd have to order one and wait months for it to come in. I've only ridden it around the block so far, but it feels good. I just have to make a few tweaks on the seat position etc. So I could use a few suggestions...

1) I bought a basic Bontrager bottle cage, but it's just a hair too small for my Klean Kanteen. Can someone recommend a cage that will hold that well? It's just over 3" in diameter.

2) I won't ride without a mirror. I prefer a good sized bar mount, not an end mount. The bar is 32mm in the center, but is 22mm out near the shifter. Suggestions?

3) What is a good chain oil to use? I know there are a million opinions about this. But just a general recommendation of something decent would be appreciated.

Thanks.


77record 02-06-22 01:10 PM

Thanks for the useful info, Sardines. With the cage recommendation, I've found a couple possibilities. I think I'll try the Topeak Modular 2.

I have Bontrager Satellite City grips with closed ends. Is there any reason I can't just cut the ends off for an end mirror?

Sardines 02-06-22 10:26 PM

Sorry, I wasn't familiar with the FX2 so I though it had the standard 22.2mm bars. I'm only familiar with the silly non-industry standard Isozone handlebars from the FX6, which means you have 3 choices:
1. Get the bar end adapters from Bontrager to allow you to get clamp style mirrors at the ends, The choice of mirrors will open up more if you do that, but it's added expense, weight and bulk.
2. Get the Mirrycle LTD mirrors made for the Isozone bars, as someone else mentioned. This mirror extends forward and isn't collapsible but works. My kid didn't like the mirror though, having experience with my Hafny mirror setup.
3. Change the handlebar to a Carbon one and have industry standard ends. It takes about 100g off the bars, have more compliance to absorb vibrations (like what the isozone is trying to do), and you can get them in widths that suit your build. My kid needed a L for the FX but the handlebar came out to be 680mm wide with those isozone grips. I put my old CF 600mm bar on the FX and installed the Hafny mirrors on both sides, something that is crucial for city riding.

Cutting the bar isn't an option, cos you could end up with a shorter bar than you are comfortable riding with. I believe that Isozone indent is at least 4" into the bar. Cutting out that portion would leave you with a very short bar.

70sSanO 02-07-22 10:55 AM

As for lube, I’m in the depends-on-the-environment group. I’ve used a lot of different ones over the years.

I started using White Lightening Clean Ride on my mtb’s due to dusty conditions.

Since I don’t ride in inclement weather, I started using it on my road bike.

It doesn’t last as long, but I don’t have to do any real cleaning.

If I were in bad weather, I use an oil based type of lube and get better protection and longer life but more cleaning.

John

77record 02-07-22 02:56 PM

Thanks, a lot to check out.

77record 03-15-22 03:05 PM

I've made several additions to the bike and ridden a little more. The weather and my getting-older body permitting, I hope to get on two or three more rides this week.

I ended up getting a Topeak Modula 2 bottle cage that fits my SS Klean Kanteen 20 oz. perfectly. It's a 3" diameter bottle. Also got a Hafny glass bar end mirror that I'm pleased with. It was easy to install and has stayed in place so far, and no noticeable vibration, good field of view. I added an Ortlieb Ultimate Six 8.5L camera bag...it's a fantastic bag, but had I seen them in person before purchase I would have gone with the smaller 7 litre. The 8.5 holds a Nikon D3300 DSLR with 18-55 zoom lens and still has room for a 55-200 zoom with a hood, and a little room to spare. Also a Bike Hand stand for the shed came today.

Since I'll probably ride the old bike occasionally, I purchased another Cateye Velo 7 cyclometer for the Trek. Comparing the trip ODO to the biking app on my phone, just like the previous one, it's pretty far off from agreeing with the app. Today on a 7.29 mile ride, it read almost a half mile higher. I figure I can get it closer by trial and error adjusting of the tire size setting. I know it will probably never match real closely but I'd like to get it as close as I can. I've been known to forget my phone. I also moved my old Cateye TLD1100 rear light over, an amazing light that runs on two AA batteries. Long battery life and excellent side and rear visibility.

It's still a learning curve on shifting, but that'll come with time, choosing gears I want when on my routes. It's also taking time to get used to the wider bar, which at 660mm is almost twice as wide as my old one. I'm not used to so much turning movement with my hands, and it's a tighter fit squeezing through some of the places I go. The wider spread does seem easier on my shoulders and neck though, so that's a huge plus and one of the things I was hoping for upgrading.

philbob57 03-15-22 04:03 PM

I used the Tri-Flow for a year or so after it came out. The one complaint I had was that it stained whatever touched it - my hands, my legs, my socks, clothing (mine or other people's), cable locks (mine or other people's).... I started using paraffin wax in the '80s and haven't looked back.

77record 03-15-22 04:37 PM

I opted for White Lightning Clean Ride wax. So far so good. I didn't like the mess Triflow made either.

veganbikes 03-15-22 06:36 PM


Originally Posted by 77record (Post 22440323)
I opted for White Lightning Clean Ride wax. So far so good. I didn't like the mess Triflow made either.

The Triflow I found to be a good light lubricant for cables and such. However pretty much any bicycle lube is good and absolutely terrible at the same time it just depends on which person you ask.

qwaalodge 03-15-22 06:54 PM


Originally Posted by 77record (Post 22397283)
2) I won't ride without a mirror. I prefer a good sized bar mount, not an end mount. The bar is 32mm in the center, but is 22mm out near the shifter. Suggestions?
Thanks.

This is probably a great time to try a helmet mirror if you haven't tried it yet. I found it better and safer to use than bar mounted mirrors.

qwaalodge 03-15-22 07:01 PM


Originally Posted by Moisture (Post 22397288)
As for chain oil, I like WD40 for bikes. Make sure to use a wire brush and rags to keep the chain regularly clean and free of rust before spraying on some oil.

Let's be clear this is the grey can WD40 for bike chain, not the blue can WD40 all-purpose!!

The blue can all-purpose WD40 is about the worst thing you can put on the chain. It turns into thick, sticky residue after some time that will catch not only metal grinding dirt but flies too.


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 05:59 AM.


Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Use of this site indicates your consent to the Terms of Use.