Carerra Subway 1 repair/s.

[embarcadero]

Excellent.
With any luck they'll get delivered over the weekend so I can give it a whirl. I'm pretty sure I'm good to go regarding tools for the BB removal. It's actually the chain removal which I might have a wrangle with? Again, I have the chain removal tool, so I should be ok!

Is there a type of grease/oil I should adhere to the chain (and other chains in general)? I'll admit I usually give them a squirt of WD40...but not entirely sure that's recommended?

Many thanks.

 

[Tim Hall]

Grease/oil for chains is normally kept in a big can of worms.

But more seriously, I'd avoid WD40, it's not particularly/very/at all oil like. Opinions range from specialist bike chain lube to chain saw oil, via three in one. Apply sparingly, whatever it is you go for. And I'd steer away from grease/wax for bike chains.

 

[embarcadero]

Thanks everyone.
Gave this an attempt yesterday.
Removing the bottom bracket was a bit of a mare. It was tight beyond anything I've ever come across before (aside from a locked circular saw screw once!).
Utterly struggling to turn it, I kept doubting I was turning it incorrectly (but nope, according to general wisdom and the linked provided on this thread, I was at least struggling in the right direction). The trouble is the shallow depth of the grooves on the BB cup (?). Hernia inducing.
Contemplated picking up a ratchet set (I should really own a set anyway). In the end I attached my largest wrench to the BB removal tool and gave the end of the wrench a series of 'thwacks' with a hammer. This, thankfully, made the cup give way and I was able to remove both sides.

The new BB cartridge (the UN26) had a plastic cup which I was a little concerned about (should I have been?) but once fitted and tightened it all seemed well.
Crank/pedals back on and it now works a treat. The missus certainly noted the smoother ride (it was 'clunking' pre fix in all fairness).

On the other Carerra, the chain removal/refit was pretty straight forward too. Didn't really need to shorten the chain, and fitted with the two clips (rather than fitting new pin in). Ran through the gears (bike stationary) and chain seemed fine. I did notice when I flipped the chain onto the big chainring (on the crank...excuse the lack of correct terminology!) the chain became stuck/jammed. Sorted it and didn't manage to replicate it, so perhaps it was the join on the chain that wasn't fully secured...not sure. I'll keep an eye on it - any possible culprits for this happening?

Might have been ideal time to fit a new cassette too? Can't see any particular issues with the current one, but then again I'm not 100% what I should be looking for.
I'll also try and pick up some recommended bike lube this week - I'll ditch the WD40!

I next have to re do my gears (left hand side). The cable needs replacing but I've since noticed part of it has broken off. I'll create a new thread with pictures for that one. Not particularly urgent as I can still use the gears (just not switching the large/small chain ring).

Thanks again for the help folks. Possibly a good start for me to look into bike mechanics a little further!

 

[embarcadero]

H folks.
Bit of a boo boo! I was convinced the chain was the correct size (placed chain on each of the largest cogs), but I noticed tonight that it's a tad too long (it's catching on itself - might explain why it got stuck the other day). I've attached a picture - the carerra at the back is where the rear derailleur (correct part?) should be. The bike in front is the bike with the new chain. There's about a 45 degree difference (the rear derailleur needs shifting, by shortening the chain, 45 degrees up).

As this is a KMC chain, is possible to take the chain connectors out (push them without damaging) or would they need cutting, removing then new one's placed in (following the shortening of the chain)?

Rear derailleurs

• embarcadero
• 10 Jun 2015

Many thanks!

 

[jay clock]

I had a Subway One about 10 years ago. Made the mistake of selling it. Amazingly good all rounder.

 

[Tim Hall]

H folks.
Bit of a boo boo! I was convinced the chain was the correct size (placed chain on each of the largest cogs), but I noticed tonight that it's a tad too long (it's catching on itself - might explain why it got stuck the other day). I've attached a picture - the carerra at the back is where the rear derailleur (correct part?) should be. The bike in front is the bike with the new chain. There's about a 45 degree difference (the rear derailleur needs shifting, by shortening the chain, 45 degrees up).

As this is a KMC chain, is possible to take the chain connectors out (push them without damaging) or would they need cutting, removing then new one's placed in (following the shortening of the chain)?

Rear derailleurs

• embarcadero
• 10 Jun 2015

Many thanks!

Assuming the two bikes are in the same gear, then yes, it does look like the chain is too long. You can shorten it by splitting at the chain connector, removing a link (you've got a chain tool I hope) then rejoining. A quick Google for KMC missing links suggests that some are reuseable and some aren't. Hopefully you've got the former.

 

[embarcadero]

^^ Aye, I got the two above for around £50 each (had a bit of a cross country trek to pick them up) and I've got a Subway 2. For the price, I'm really pleased with them (pretty light too). I don't really have the experience to compare them to much in all fairness, but as you say a fine all rounder.

If I can successfully fix the niggles, then I think we've done ok (these two are for the other half and one of my daughters...used for the occasional ride/poodle!).

Just spotted a park tool to remove these links, but it's almost the cost of a new chain. Anyway of doing this by hand (pinch pliers?).

Cheers.

 

[embarcadero]

Hi Tim - yes, I've got the chain tool remover - it's the KMC connector I might struggle with removing (mention on my post above about the park tool).

These are the links I have on the chain:

Might give it a whirl with some pliers I have, or try and devise a 'pinch' mechanism from anything I can find in my tool shed!
Probably need to remove 4-5 links I think...

Cheers.

 

[jay clock]

Hi Tim - yes, I've got the chain tool remover - it's the KMC connector I might struggle with removing (mention on my post above about the park tool).

These are the links I have on the chain:

Might give it a whirl with some pliers I have, or try and devise a 'pinch' mechanism from anything I can find in my tool shed!
Probably need to remove 4-5 links I think...

Cheers.

I use Wipperman chains. I twist the chain into a Z shape around the link and find it works easily by hand

 

[adamhearn]

I've recently purchased a set of chain link pliers but have previously [struggled] with just hands and some harsh language. It's a new chain so shouldn't be too hard to pull apart at the link; an old mucky chain is a different ball game

There are a number of ways to size a chain, check out Park Tool's guide for details. Then a tip for the future, measure the new chain against the old before fitting.

 

[embarcadero]

Twas indeed a bit tricky.
All my pliers (like my fingers) were too fat to fit in the chain, however my kitchen scissors worked perfectly!
Took around 6 links out, refitted and all seems well
Interesting to read that some take their chains off (this way) every few weeks to clean.

Will definitely measure the old chain next time!

Thanks again.