Some dumb questions after my first bike ride

[themosquitoking]

I don't know because my bike doesn't have them but i imagine the lever should be in the position where the brakes are closest to the wheel when riding, if they rub against the wheel in this position they probably need adjusting/relaxing until they don't.

 

[billy1561]

Ok just to confirm - the quick release lever shouldn't be disengaged all the time then? When my bike arrived the lever was pressed down and the brakes were tight but the wheels were rubbing on the brakes so I pulled the levers and they don't rub anymore. Was this wrong?

P.s sorry for repetition of ignorance...

The small lever next to the brakes we are talking about here. The quick release is on the wheel either side of the hub in the middle.
what you have done by releasing the small lever is perfectly fine so long as when you squeeze the brakes they still stop the bike.

 

[billy1561]

View: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o9oA_D394I0

This is the lever to adjust the position of the pads shown here mate. Fully open to take the wheel off after releasing the centre skewer. Fully closed or close to for correct braking.

 

[voodoochilli]

The small lever next to the brakes we are talking about here. The quick release is on the wheel either side of the hub in the middle.
what you have done by releasing the small lever is perfectly fine so long as when you squeeze the brakes they still stop the bike.

Thanks!

 

[Asa Post]

Ok just to confirm - the quick release lever shouldn't be disengaged all the time then? When my bike arrived the lever was pressed down and the brakes were tight but the wheels were rubbing on the brakes so I pulled the levers and they don't rub anymore. Was this wrong?

P.s sorry for repetition of ignorance...

It's not wrong at all. Wheels are made with different rim widths, just like they are made with different diameters. At the risk of causing more confusion, this site explains it in great detail - scroll down to the sub-heading "Width Considerations". The 'quick release lever' you are referring to doesn't just let you get the wheel out of the frame, it also lets you set the brakes up for different rim sizes.
I use two pairs of wheels on my road bike. One set has narrow rims and needs the adjuster to be all the way down. The other is wider, and the adjuster needs to be about half-way up.
If the brakes work efficiently, the setting you are using is correct for your wheels.

 

[billy1561]

Thanks!

No problem

 

[Typhon]

I like the T3 saddle and it second nature with the pedals now. I think it's down to what you are used to in the end.
Sorry I'm not much use am I ?

I agree Brian, I've used the T3 saddle for 7 months now and it's always been comfortable as long as I'm wearing padded bib tights/shorts. I also liked the toe clips a lot, with trainers they worked great but ultimately nothing is a substitute for SPDs in terms of feeling connected to the bike. I've fitted those exact pedals to my MTB though and continue to use them.

 

[Richard Ball]

I need to get flat pedals! Too many wobbles at the lights!

 

[youngoldbloke]

Don't forget there is also a cable adjuster just above the brake release lever that allows you to compensate for wear to the blocks. (For those of you with Campag brakes you will find the caliper release on the shifters - it's a little metal 'button' just above the lever hinge pin. Pull the brake lever minimally and you can push the pin across).

 

[voodoochilli]

Got it all sorted now, thanks everyone. Plus, shorts in the post. I even managed to get all the gears to work...a few of them kept slipping or wouldn't engage. They all work just fine now, although on the very top gear there is an ever so slight rattle as the chain just about rubs on the front derailer. It's very minor and I can live with it an no amount of adjustment will change it.

Also, I had some fun with Strava today and beat my personal best which was fun. Sorry, kind of off topic, but does anyone know how to get these segments to show up in the search? Other people's seem to show up, but not mine, although I can see them if I choose a particular ride I went on.

 

[Onthedrops]

I need to get flat pedals! Too many wobbles at the lights!

What about these Richard? Best of both worlds! Clip in one side. platform the other so you can ride in trainers etc.

 

[matthat]

When I picked up my Triban I bought the middle-range padded shorts from Decath (£19.99). I wear them under trackies and they're very comfy.

Hey good to see Fatcyclist a newbie giving advice out straight away!! You soon get the bug and share your knowledge and experiences with others!! Was only reading your 1st thread earlier about purchasing your triban!!

 

[Widge]

Hey good to see Fatcyclist a newbie giving advice out straight away!! You soon get the bug and share your knowledge and experiences with others!! Was only reading your 1st thread earlier about purchasing your triban!!

We will never now be safe from the advice of n00b Triban 3 owners............we they are taking over the world I tellz ya!!

(Bunch of Cheap-skate Dollar-dodgers with their Muddy Fox Pants and funny Aldi hats!...... )

 

[fatCyclist]

I'm in no real position to offer advice as a noob, merely sharing which shorts I bought in case it might be useful

 

[Widge]

Yeah...I know, fC.......................................I'm just pullin' yer plonker!

Best

w

(nearly-n00b Triban owner and fully paid up member of TTOC)