No Ruddy Idea But Here Goes.

[Serge]

There's a nice helpful sticker to make sure it's in the correct position:

However, problems.

A little difficult to see, but it's fully tightened and is still a little wobbly. Some form of spacer is required (no doubt it had one and I've dropped it). More bodging required methinks.

 

[Serge]

This may be a silly question but, here goes. Are there different sized derailleurs for different sized seatposts?

 

[jowwy]

This may be a silly question but, here goes. Are there different sized derailleurs for different sized seatposts?

Yes

 

[roadrash]

three most common sizes are 28.6mm , 32mm and 35mm
wrap a strip of paper round the tube , measure the length and times it by 3.14 to give the diameter you need

(shamelessly pinched from elsewhere on interwebby thing)

 

[Milkfloat]

It's been enjoyable so far but I can now understand why Halford's staff always look so miserable. And I have the benefit of alcohol.

Based on my local store, the staff are on something a lot more potent than alcohol.

 

[Serge]

Yes

Bugger! And there's me thinking I'd thought of everything. I need to fabricate some sort of boot around the seat tube then.

I think that's one for the morning. Any tips gratefully received.

 

[Serge]

three most common sizes are 28.6mm , 32mm and 35mm
wrap a strip of paper round the tube , measure the length and times it by 3.14 to give the diameter you need

(shamelessly pinched from elsewhere on interwebby thing)

3.141579 is a little more accurate if I remember correctly.

 

[roadrash]

would a piece of innertube do it

 

[Serge]

The blinkin' chain, I knew it was going to be tricky. How the hell do you fit it with just the two hands?

My version:

Then using my tweezers (normally used for the rather hirsute ears) I managed to position the pin in the chain tool while painfully trying to tighten it up one handed.

I also managed to drop the damned (dark grey) pin four times onto this floor:

I'd have had more luck trying to find a bloody chameleon.

Anyway, once again, perseverance triumphed:

Now tell me how you're meant to do it.

 

[Serge]

would a piece of innertube do it

It already has a rubber seal so I'll probably need something a little stiffer for that to fit around. I'm currently cogitating over yet another beer and ciggy, I'm sure something will come to me.

Ive just had a look on my order and it does state the seat tube diameter. As a complete amateur I completely missed it. It's one of those things that the more experienced among us would have picked up. Oh well, I did say you could all learn from my mistakes. You live and learn.

 

[SkipdiverJohn]

three most common sizes are 28.6mm , 32mm and 35mm

I've never given this any thought. Being a steel bike owner, I just assumed all seat tubes would be the same size!

 

[roadrash]

I've never given this any thought. Being a steel bike owner, I just assumed all seat tubes would be the same size!

every days a school day here on cyclechat

 

[Milkfloat]

The blinkin' chain, I knew it was going to be tricky. How the hell do you fit it with just the two hands?

My version ......
Now tell me how you're meant to do it.

A bit of bent coat hanger/old spoke.

 

[Serge]

I've never given this any thought. Being a steel bike owner, I just assumed all seat tubes would be the same size!

Me too! The amount of different combinations is mind blowing.

Off the top of my head I remember the rear wheel was suitable for nine speed so I went for 3 x 9. That meant I had to have a crank length of 123mm (if I remember correctly). So I bought the chainset and BB that matched those measurements. Never bloody occurred to me that I'd have to measure the diameter of the seat tube.

Worst case scenario, I have to buy a new front derailleur. Hopefully I can find a suitable bodge though, I have a couple of ideas (anything to avoid me having to remove that damned chain again!).

It is kind of fun learning on the hoof though.

 

[Serge]

A bit of bent coat hanger/old spoke.

View attachment 426414

Ah nuts! Blinking obvious when you see that. Great piece of advice, thanks.