Anyone else find they pass by too many 'casual' cyclists with drive trains in such an awful state you worry for them a bit? Saw at least 4 people yesterday with chains so rusted it was drooping by about 5cm from where the chain should be, and the rider having to put in an almighty effort to get over any kind of incline.
Beat up drive trains
- Thread starter rliu
- Start date
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snorri
Legendary Member
- Location
- East coast, up a bit.
It's a sad reflection on the UK cycle trade who sell bikes to people without emphasising the need for a certain amount of regular maintenance effort to be applied in order to keep everything running sweetly.
The problem is not helped by advertising and the influence of sport cycling which places a bias on performance rather than low maintenance effort.
The problem is not helped by advertising and the influence of sport cycling which places a bias on performance rather than low maintenance effort.
Well in London I think a lot of it is because some people think the poorer state their bikes are in the less likely they are to be stolen, and I'm talking about commuter cyclists here who I wouldn't expect to watch much pro cycling. But I just want to stop them and say 'you can keep everything else looking crappy but you can't go round with a chain that looks like it can snap at any moment'
It's not even casual riders, passed a group this morning, the the noise form Tail End Charlie's drive train was shocking :-) Almost feel the need to carry oil with me and offer them some ...
Almost did this when a particular rider had a squeaky dry drive chain for a 3 or 4 rides running in the club. I restrained my self and he finally got around to it!
Kins
Über Member
- Location
- Ystradgynlais, S. Wales
I carry a mini 60ml bottle of Finishline chain lube in my saddle bag and have often helped people out with a bit of lube. 3 or 4 people at work with cheap commuters and sagging chains have had a bit of lube from me. Also done a bit of free maintenance during lunch just to show them how easy it is......
cyberknight
As long as I breathe, I attack.
- Location
- Land of confusion
trouble is if you start doing free lubes and repairs on other peoples bikes they come to expect it .
I don't carry it with me, but the ones at work are on top of the router ... Keeps the lube nice and warm, and it applies to the Mickled chain really well ;-)
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Dan
daSmirnov
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Horsham, UK
UK bike industry geared around "sporty mountain biking". Not sensible bikes for transport.
But saying that I use my 20 year old mountain bike, with 20 year old chain.... (stretched about 2 foot more than new) if I have to leave it anywhere public.
But saying that I use my 20 year old mountain bike, with 20 year old chain.... (stretched about 2 foot more than new) if I have to leave it anywhere public.
This is what I mean, aren't you worried that the chain's gonna snap and leave you stranded or possibly even cause injuries if you were peddaling away uphill when it happens? A thief isn't smart enough to realise if someone has replaced the chain on a grubby old bike, he's only looking at how shiny the frame is and the brand name
kevin_cambs_uk
Guru
- Location
- Near Cambridge
I was behind one guy in Cambridge who had the most massive clunking while he pedalled.
Christ it annoyed me and I only followed him 20 yards !
Christ it annoyed me and I only followed him 20 yards !
daSmirnov
Well-Known Member
- Location
- Horsham, UK
Nope I'll only go as far as a mile or two from home. Trust me the whole bike looks pretty crap not just the chain.
I see bikes like this all the time left around my local town centre, usually unlocked. I'm always very tempted to nick it, leave a note where it'll be left for them to pick up again and just take them home and give them a full service because they're so neglected. I suspect due to the nature of the owners I would likely end up with a bat wrapped around my head instead. 
SomethingLikeThat
Über Member
- Location
- South London
There is a difference between making your bike look less appealing to be stolen and it being a potential death trap that could leave you stranded though.
