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Poor Product GlideFlex Issue

Old 02-05-14, 02:51 PM
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Poor Product GlideFlex Issue

Got a TerraCycle GlideFlex, installed it reversed so I could ride at my usual 12 degree seat angle, tightened it enough to hold my handlebar steady in place while riding. It stripped out at about 300 miles of use. Now it just flops to full bottom. Anybody ever have this problem?
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Old 02-05-14, 04:04 PM
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I was informed by TerraCycle that the tapped Glide flex hole is NOT intended to "fix" the angle, but only to preload the delryn washer to give some drag. Since I also wanted to fix the angle on the Glide Flex that I used (reversed) on my daughter's lowracer, I was told by TerraCycle to use a longer bolt and a nylock nut on the end. (They supplied me both at no charge). Works as advertised- but I did tell them what I wanted to do.Can't complain that it doesn't work if you don't use it like it was intended- and without telling them what you wanted .


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Old 02-06-14, 07:50 AM
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Thanks for the reply. I did tell them exactly how I was to use it & was told there was enough tension to hold on its own. Also they're sending the nyloc as well. Glad to hear that solved it for you. Hope the nyloc works as well for me.
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Old 02-06-14, 08:40 AM
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I've got GlideFlexes installed on my M5 and my Baron, both in the reversed orientation. What I did was drill and tap in the appropriate spot to take an M5x1/2" bolt that acts as a stop.



BTW, I think the thread title is misleading. The problem isn't a poor product, it's that you've installed it in a way that went outside its intended use. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing Terracycle come up with a Glide-Flex that was specifically designed for reversed application.
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Old 02-06-14, 11:42 AM
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Originally Posted by BlazingPedals
I've got GlideFlexes installed on my M5 and my Baron, both in the reversed orientation. What I did was drill and tap in the appropriate spot to take an M5x1/2" bolt that acts as a stop.



BTW, I think the thread title is misleading. The problem isn't a poor product, it's that you've installed it in a way that went outside its intended use. That said, I wouldn't mind seeing Terracycle come up with a Glide-Flex that was specifically designed for reversed application.
Great idea & pic to illustrate. Truly appreciate your effort & solution. Reason for the thread title is that I was told by TerraCycle that it would hold up installed in reverse fashion.

Thanks again.
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Old 02-07-14, 11:53 AM
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Yeah, the problem with reversing it is, it leaves you with no stop. Even if you increase the friction, there's still no stop. I rode with no stop once. It was very distracting and a bit tiring to have to hold the bars up off my lap.
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Old 02-07-14, 02:16 PM
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Well about the first 300 miles it held by itself just fine. I wasn't pulling down on the handlebar but I wasn't having to hold it up either. If the nyloc nut doesn't hold up I'm definitely going with your bolt idea.
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Old 02-10-14, 10:56 AM
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Originally Posted by BacchettaCA2.0
Well about the first 300 miles it held by itself just fine. I wasn't pulling down on the handlebar but I wasn't having to hold it up either. If the nyloc nut doesn't hold up I'm definitely going with your bolt idea.
It's held for 3 seasons on the daughter's Sunset w/o a stop, just the nyloc. Should be fine.
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Old 02-10-14, 12:04 PM
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They sent the nyloc, I installed it. As long as I don't swing the mast straight up in a 90 degree position, it holds great. But as soon as I stand it upright to get off the bike it loosens. Have retighten it every time I dismount. Back to the old drawing board.
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Old 02-10-14, 02:15 PM
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Originally Posted by BacchettaCA2.0
They sent the nyloc, I installed it. As long as I don't swing the mast straight up in a 90 degree position, it holds great. But as soon as I stand it upright to get off the bike it loosens. Have retighten it every time I dismount. Back to the old drawing board.
Instead of a nyloc, try double nutting. That way you can fix the tension and then tighten the jam nut to hold it.
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Old 02-12-14, 09:24 AM
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You're right. Double nut, also made double sure, went ahead and tapped in a bottom stop bolt. Appreciate everyone's input.
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Old 02-12-14, 09:37 AM
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Originally Posted by BacchettaCA2.0
You're right. Double nut, also made double sure, went ahead and tapped in a bottom stop bolt. Appreciate everyone's input.
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