So i checked and the tire looks like it has lost its original shape and twisted on itself. Very odd. Even when deflated you can see the torsion in the ruber... im perplexed by thisnsince its not a new tire.

There is nothing left but to call schwalbe.

Yeah, just contact them directly. They're probably going to need pics and some numbers from the inside of the tire to help them determine when it was manufactured and they'll most likely just send you a replacement.

I like threads like this. I've been doing a lot of searches on this forum (so much info) but still feel hesitant about starting new threads...I would consider myself a bike enthusiasts but find myself learning/questioning things every day after messing around with fixed gear.

Few random questions...

-I have an 07/08 Bianchi Pista...not sure of the exact year. It has SRAM Truativ Tuoro cranks. My past bikes had 80's tri-color 105 (road) and XT (mb) cranks...for some reason, the cranks just felt more solid. Maybe it's in my head but these feel cheap.
My longtime goal is to replace the cranks with Records....short term, I've been eying craigslist for used setups or if I do go new, something similar to IRD Defiants.
I'm not sure what type of BB setup the stock 06/07 Pista's use. Is it a standard 110 square taper...and what common modern cranksets will work? The BB sounds/feels smooth but I'm not sure about the model/longevity. If I do need to replace the bottom bracket, I'll most likely hold off on a new crankset until I do the full the Campy cranks/BB all at once.

-My headset is making a few creaking/grinding noises....I was most likely going to go with a Crane Creek 40. I notices a few FSA's on your website that are in the similar price range (like the Orbit X)....any thoughts/recommendations with one over the other?

Thanks a lot.

Your Pista has an English-threaded shell like the vast majority of frames on the market. The spindle type/length you use will always depend on the crankset, never the frame. Campy Record will use a 11mm ISO spindle and IRD Defiant uses a 110mm JIS.

I happen to like the Orbit X much better than the Cane Creek 40-series (which is why you don't see the CC 40 on our site).

Scrod, have you used the Phil Wood portable grease gun? If yes, do you recommend it?

Hey, Scrod. Bike tech told me, "You should really get some pedal washers on there." Others say they're not necessary. What say you?

I use it almost every day. It's not 100% necessary but it's cool to have.

I usually use them. They let you get your pedals on real tight without digging into your crank arm.

Slightly trivial....any idea when you're going to have black caleido tape back in stock?

We got some Friday. I'm pretty sure Angie is updating the online inventory this afternoon.

Scord, help me out here. I need a new U-lock.
I see that kryptonites' mini u-locks are quite popular... do you have much experience with them. Are they enough to get front wheel and frame tied up?

which U-lock realy is worth my money... ?

if it helps i lock my bike just about everywhere (downtown, bars, shopping), but i do owne a heavy duty chain for longer duration lock ups. its simply too heavy for everyday usage

thanks

Scrod,

Which headset is nicer? The specs for my Wabi says FSA Orbit X, but the bike came with a Tange Seiki Technoglide instead. Just based on the looks and browsing the Tange Seiki catalogue, it looks like the threadless 1 1/8" Technoglide Classic TG36.

Not Scrod - but have a regular Kryptonite and a mini OnGuard. I struggle to get my front wheel and frame locked to a pole with it, depends on what I am locking to. The regular Kryptonite, no problem. I figure you are going more on size than brand correct?

100% correct. it just seems like Kryptonite is the go to u-lock brand... maybe its great marketing maybe its quality products... not sure

But yeah that's what i've heard. it's manageable but hard with a mini-u. ill probably go with a normal size.

The question remains, which one?

It's definitely hard with the mini-5 that I have but suspect the mini 7 would allow for that.

They're both pretty much the same in overall quality.

I've been using the same Krypto Mini-5 for years. Before that I had another Mini-5 but "lost" it after hurling it at a car that nearly hit me.

I like your style!

Were you wearing corpse paint? I hope so, because that would make that tale so much better.

i have a fugghedaboudit one which iirc is slightly bigger than the mini 5 and im not getting more than a wheel or a frame tube locked to anything

one of my harley buddies carries a 1 pound ballpeen hammer with half the handle sawed off, a leather loop drilled into the end and spraypainted flat black in his front pocket for such occasions

perfect for sideview mirrors and head/tail lights

dirt cheap at harbor freight if he were to "lose it" :innocent:

:roflmao2: that's the second best use for a bike lock. hahah

i like getting new gear.

thanks to all of you

I like my OnGuard a little more than the Kryptonite to be honest. The locking mechanism seems a bit more well thought out and put together. Might just be me.

I very rarely leave my bike locked up out of sight. Most of the bars, restaurants, etc. I hang out at either have a doorman I know really well who keeps a good eye on **** or lets me bring my bike inside. Some places even let Angie & I park our mopeds inside. :lol:

Hey Scrod,

How much of a difference is there in the sound and loudness of the Crane E-Ne copper and aluminum bells ?

Also, keep in mind what bikeyou have. If it's thick aero tubing, you're gonna have a hard time just getting a lock around the headtube.

Yes off course, i have a heavy abus chain for my more expensive and larger tubed bikes. The U-lock is for the #kilott :)
i always try to lock it as close as possible to where i am.


The mopeds in the bar is hilarious @srcod hahah.

You forgot the "tt" in #kilott

edited the post ha. for the stats

It's pretty much what you'd expect. The brass & copper are a little brighter sounding. Angie has a black alloy one on her Vig and it still sounds nice though.

dear scrods,

i need to start selling some ****.

how much does it generally cost you to ship a set of wheels (normal wheels, not the ****ing monster truck wheels you sent me last) with usps?

i doubt you go into the PO and do it there, do you use an online service to labels and quotes?

sincerely,

guy with too much ****.