the_mikey
Legendary Member
- Location
- South Gloucestershire
Patched a tube on the folding bike rear wheel, found a thorn through the schwalbe citizen tyre. Maybe it's time for Marathon plus.
What Have You Fettled Today?
- Thread starter threebikesmcginty
- Start date
Page may contain affiliate links. Please see terms for details.
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
I am currently slowly restoring a 1981 Schwinn Voyageur, washing parts before the ball game, which my Vikings lost to the Cleveland Browns. I also replaced my handlebars with wider ones for this bicycle, and am currently planning paint removal for Wednesday. It was spray painted and a bit rusty when I got it, but it rides wonderfully and is almost a perfect size
Linford
Guest
Picked up a twist and go Aprillia scooter (125 4T) from North London at the weekend as a slow burning restoration project.
Gave it a bit of a clean yesterday with some degreaser and jetwash in preperation for stripping it down, and then got it elevated to get a bit of air underneath it so I can work on it. Transmission has a few issues, so I've got to decide whether to stick with it, and sink some money in to get it right, or see if I can source an engine off bigger CC scoot to bung in there without breaking the bank.
They don't make pasting tables like they used too
Gave it a bit of a clean yesterday with some degreaser and jetwash in preperation for stripping it down, and then got it elevated to get a bit of air underneath it so I can work on it. Transmission has a few issues, so I've got to decide whether to stick with it, and sink some money in to get it right, or see if I can source an engine off bigger CC scoot to bung in there without breaking the bank.
They don't make pasting tables like they used too
Sons friend called round and said "could I borrow a pump please"
Anyway half an hour later.I pumped up his tyres to their correct pressures.
Turned an orange stiff chain into a smooth running mechanism that was a greyish colour.
Adjusted the one brake so it hit the rim and actually worked(it is a bmx after all).
Adjusted the wheel so that the now smooth running chain was where it should be rather than at a strange angle.
Oh and cleaned all the crap off the frame.
The result was a happy youth with a bike that he said looked and rode like new.
Result.
Now needs a bike that he can sit on without folding himself in half(he's 6 foot)
Anyway half an hour later.I pumped up his tyres to their correct pressures.
Turned an orange stiff chain into a smooth running mechanism that was a greyish colour.
Adjusted the one brake so it hit the rim and actually worked(it is a bmx after all).
Adjusted the wheel so that the now smooth running chain was where it should be rather than at a strange angle.
Oh and cleaned all the crap off the frame.
The result was a happy youth with a bike that he said looked and rode like new.
Result.
Now needs a bike that he can sit on without folding himself in half(he's 6 foot)
Gravity Aided
Legendary Member
- Location
- Land of Lincoln
Saw a fellow like that today, 6ft+ on a 53cm frame and loose maes bars, looked like he was riding a BMX.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Last night was a 'this needs doing' moment. Son was home and thumping his pedal, wife had phoned already. "Blah blah why won't you buy me a new bike for school" (this is a second hand well used Ridgeback as he has a £330 bike for weekends - new bike for school - no chance). N+1 he had at 11. 
Anyway, after the tantrums have stopped, we get to the point that the BB is making those awful cracking sounds - "Told you about it last year" - My calm "No ticking gears aren't BB problems" went of deaf ears. Off he stormed.
Stripped BB, thought balls can't be bothered with old loose bearing BB's, went to Decathlon - not one BB in stock. Got home looked at existing BB, cleaned it completely. Bearings smooth and shiny, Axel no pitting, no corrosion, check cups and the same. Bonus. Re-grease with finish line, and clean out the rubber seals and all good to go. The BB hasn't been touched at all before we bought it, so was quite impressed.
Tonight, was a quick strip clean and rebuild of the headset components on the Fixed. Getting a couple of tick noises when giving it beans on the bars (I hate clicks and ticks) - it's usually the spring compression washer, so cleaned it, took off the blackened 'burring' you get on alloy components, did the same with the steerer tube, greased and back together. Should be quiet for a long time now.
Anyway, after the tantrums have stopped, we get to the point that the BB is making those awful cracking sounds - "Told you about it last year" - My calm "No ticking gears aren't BB problems" went of deaf ears. Off he stormed.
Stripped BB, thought balls can't be bothered with old loose bearing BB's, went to Decathlon - not one BB in stock. Got home looked at existing BB, cleaned it completely. Bearings smooth and shiny, Axel no pitting, no corrosion, check cups and the same. Bonus. Re-grease with finish line, and clean out the rubber seals and all good to go. The BB hasn't been touched at all before we bought it, so was quite impressed.
Tonight, was a quick strip clean and rebuild of the headset components on the Fixed. Getting a couple of tick noises when giving it beans on the bars (I hate clicks and ticks) - it's usually the spring compression washer, so cleaned it, took off the blackened 'burring' you get on alloy components, did the same with the steerer tube, greased and back together. Should be quiet for a long time now.
marknotgeorge
Hol den Vorschlaghammer!
- Location
- Derby.
Fitted one new front (without dynamo) and one trued rear wheel to the Monaco. Mickled the chain while I was at it, and I'll fiddle with the gears tomorrow when I can see to get the bike stand out of the shed.
Update: I changed the BB because it was creaking like crazy. It was very rough and notchy. The new BB dramatically improved things but I still had creaking. I have now cleaned and greased the seat post and fittings and the steerer tube and stem joint and the stem/handlebar joint. I now have a silent bike again!
mrandmrspoves
Middle aged bald git.
- Location
- Narfuk
Was out cycling last Sunday with three new companions one of whose bicycle was making a clicking sound with each pedal revolution when on the largest chain ring. Swapping to the middle chain ring sorted it for a while but then it reappeared. Close inspection showed teeth damaged on both chain rings so I said I would fix it for her. After scouring eBay for some bargains I got two good rings for £42 and fitted them today. Fiddly job getting the middle chain ring bolts in place because the teeth on the smaller ring blocked their access - but managed eventually. Was thinking it might have been easier to take the crank off - but thought it easier not to. Once installed a quick spin demonstrated that the clicking was still present. I had checked the bottom bracket and all had seemed smooth but today I detected just a little bit of play so out came the crank extractor. Then I discovered that I hadn't taken a large enough spanner or 1/2 inch drive with me to undo it - so out to my car where I have a 1/2 inch drive breaker bar...put the crank remover on the crank and it came undone in my hand... cause of clicking found and crank now installed nice and tight. In all my years of repairing bicycles I have never found a bottom bracket so loose it could be undone by hand. I have met many that moved mm by mm with me using a massive flat edge adjustable spanner and considerable effort. All in all I prefer them loose.
