Archive for the 'Bicycle maintenance' category

RECALL – Apollo Radius Racer X AL Children’s Bicycle

Aushiker | March 11, 2010 8:34 pm

Apollo Bike

 

The Apollo Bicycle Co Pty Ltd has issued a recall on March 10, 2010 of the above children’s bicycle. There is no identification marks, but the recall applies to the 2008/09 and 2009/10 model year of which all units are Silver/Red as pictured.  The bikes where sold between July 2008 and December 2009.

They are being recalled as they where sold without satisfying the mandatory bicycle standard, that is they do not have a front wheel brake, a front white reflector, a red rear reflector and a warning device such as a bell.

Consumers should return the bicycle to the place of purchase to have the missing components fitted to the product at no expense.

The recall notice is available here (PDF).

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Mavic Freehub Body Maintenance Video

Aushiker | 8:11 pm

A handy maintenance video for Mavic wheel owners, including myself!  The RougeMechanic has published a video on servicing Mavic Freehubs. A handy resource for sure.

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Look 555 “Froggie” 2010 #2 Service

Aushiker | February 26, 2010 3:06 pm

Froggie, my Look 555 today received his second service for 2010 at 12,534 km, approximately 1,100 km since the last service.  I try to do regular services at 500 km intervals (winter-spring) and 1,000 km services during the summer-autumn period.  Anyway, this service consists of:

  1. Degreasing the chain using a Park’s Tool CM-5 Cyclone Chain Scrubber and Australian Export degreaser;
  2. Application of Rock and Roll Gold chain lube to the chain;
  3. Checking of chain wear with a Park Tools CC-3 Chain Wear indicator.  All is looking good at this point;
  4. Removal of the jockey wheels, greasing of the bushes and reassembly.  The BicycleTutor has a good video on doing this, showing how easy this simple service is;
  5. The rear shifter cable outer is showing signs of damage so looks like a replacement will be need soon;
  6. I went over the bike checking the bolts and screws – nothing loose which is nice to know;
  7. I finished off with a clean of the bike.

No other issues where noted. Tyre wear is okay and brake pad wear is okay.

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Chain, Chain Wear and Cassettes – Review of Experience

Aushiker | February 19, 2010 3:49 pm

Chains and cassettes being both important parts of a bicycle drive train and wearing parts of same, discussion of wear rates is common. Hence this posting is to record my experiences with my chains and cassettes.

Chain Wear Summary

I endeavour to regular service my chains by degreasing them and re-lubing them with Rock and Roll Gold chain lube. Service intervals are approximately 500 km in winter/spring and 1,000 km intervals in summer and autumn.

Chain Brand and Model

Fitted to:

Number Used

Average Mileage before replacement

Other Comments

         
Shimano CN-6600 10 speed

Look 555

1

9,606 km

Mainly dry weather riding conditions
Wipperman Connex 10s0 10 speed

Look 555

1

In use

Mainly dry weather riding conditions
Shimano CN-5600 10 speed

Giant CRX 1

1

1,874 km

All weather commuter bike
KMC X10 10 speed

Giant CRX 1

1

In use

All weather commuter bike
         
SRAM PC971 9 Speed

Surly Long Haul Trucker

1

In use

All weather commuter and touring bike
Shimano HG73 9 Speed

Giant XTC 2

1

In use

Mountain biking and off-road touring.

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Surly Long Haul Trucker Service – February 2010

Aushiker | 3:27 pm

Sir Lancelot, my Surly Long Haul Trucker received a service today at 5,721 km.  It has been 1,449 km since the last service which is a lot more than ideal. A full service history can be found here.

This service consisted of:

  1. Wiping down the chain and re-lubing with an application of Rock and Roll Gold chain lube;
  2. Checking of chain wear with a Park Tools CC-3 Chain Wear indicator.  The chain is showing wear at the 0.75 point so a new chain will be fitted at the next service;
  3. Checking the tension on all bolts and screws on Sir Lancelot. Found a couple of screws showing signs of loosening, so glad I do this;
  4. Cleaning the bike with Nu Finish Car wash with pure orange oil;
  5. Checked the 700×28C Continental Grand Prix 4-Season V tires for glass and wear. All looking good.

All looks good and I will give Sir Lancelot another work over before going on tour in April, 2010.

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