What Have You Fettled Today?

[KuroSan]

Replaced rear brake hose, couldn't find any evidence of a leak on the old hose as I suspected so hoping a fresh hose will resolve whatever it is that's letting air into the system!
While the bike is up on the stand I'm also investigating why my gears really don't like staying in 9th....

 

[Gwylan]

Yesterday an apprentice and I fitted some Alhonga hydraulic brakes on a used bike. This was an experiment to see if the cheaper brakes mean we can repair more bikes with disc brakes.

We will be recommending Tektro in future.

The mention of Tektro might get some reaction.
Not my favourite but they are what I've got. So I'll put up with them.
Learned a lot about hydraulics brakes in my few years using them.

 

[Elybazza61]

Replaced rear brake hose, couldn't find any evidence of a leak on the old hose as I suspected so hoping a fresh hose will resolve whatever it is that's letting air into the system!
While the bike is up on the stand I'm also investigating why my gears really don't like staying in 9th....

It may be an internal leak in the reservoir in the shifter, have seen that befor;also can get an air leak in the calliper.

 

[KuroSan]

It may be an internal leak in the reservoir in the shifter, have seen that befor;also can get an air leak in the calliper.

That's a good point, didn't think to check that as it's still quite new. I'll see how it behaves over the next few days now the new hose is on, if it still does it then it's level 2 fettling time!

 

[sevenfourate]

Some cross-bike fettling this Evening…..

Had no new Stainless Bolts last night; for my new cages going on the Carrera 🙄 So waited - got some from work today; and after cleaning / lubing the threads on the frame bosses: slapped the cages on:

And got 32 sets of Stainless pins (Bolts) and and nuts ready for the new Pedals going on the Skyway 24” Cruiser. And swapped out the Blackened pins:

…..in return for some 2mm longer Stainless Steel versions ❤️

 

[richardfm]

A friend of mine brought round his son's new to him bike for me to give the once over. He said the wheels needed a bit of truing but otherwise was OK.
The bike is an Apollo Slant. I have no idea how old it is but it had a quill stem, adjustable bottom bracket and 3x7 drive train, so must be quite old.
However, it was in practically new condition, it must have been dry stored in a garage, there were cobwebs.
Anyway I set about checking it over.
The headset was loose, the hub bearings were tight, both derailleurs needed adjustment, the tyres needed some air.
I trued the wheels then set about adjusting the brakes (v brakes).
And there, I met a problem I have never seen before. Even with the brake blocks away from the rim there was a funny clicking noise when I span the front wheel.
It turned out to be tiny bits of rubber sticking out from the tyre very near the rim (the nibs you get on new tyres). They were hitting the brake blocks.
I had to pick them all off by hand to get a nice quietly spinning wheel.

 

[C R]

Even with the brake blocks away from the rim there was a funny clicking noise when I span the front wheel.
It turned out to be tiny bits of rubber sticking out from the tyre very near the rim (the nibs you get on new tyres).

That seems to be a very common source of clicking judging by how many times I've seen it mentioned in this very thread.

 

[DCLane]

The bike is an Apollo Slant. I have no idea how old it is but it had a quill stem, adjustable bottom bracket and 3x7 drive train, so must be quite old.
However, it was in practically new condition, it must have been dry stored in a garage, there were cobwebs.

Available currently with a quill stem - https://www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/apollo-slant-mountain-bike---l-frame-287187.html

It might not be very old at all.

 

[Ming the Merciless]

Fixed a tubeless puncture with a rubber plug

 

[KuroSan]

Re-adjusted gears so they're behaving again now, still too soon to know if the brake hose has worked yet, it was taking a week or so to start getting spongey so I'll have to wait and see.

 

[C R]

Available currently with a quill stem - https://www.halfords.com/bikes/mountain-bikes/apollo-slant-mountain-bike---l-frame-287187.html

It might not be very old at all.

Most "entry" level models of that kind have quill stems and adjustable square taper bottom brackets.

 

[Andy in Germany]

In the city centre workshop at the moment. So far I've tightened some cable disc brakes, replaced a tube, and checked some gears.

 

[sevenfourate]

That seems to be a very common source of clicking judging by how many times I've seen it mentioned in this very thread.

Yes ! Standard on anything running fat(ter) tyres ‘close to the mark’. Those mold spews / flash on the tyres from the manufacturing process - rubbing on forks, stays or brake calipers. I’ve spent a while removing them before with side-cutters or pliers too……

 

[Elybazza61]

Had a look at the Helium yesterday to try and source where the occasional clunking sound is coming from, bounced the bike on the floor a few times and got it to make the clunking noise and it sounded like it was at the rear of the bike.

So popped the seat-post off and the clamp was a bit looser than it should be and had a dry mix of grease and dirt inside, also the battery holder was loose in the post so think it may have been moving enough to loosen it.

Gave the seat post a good clean and check, there is a bit of damage to the lacquer but no signs of cracking inside so should be ok, cleaned the inside of the tube and redid the carbon paste plus battery properly in the post and collar bolt torqued.

Will give it a spin today and try and ride it over some speed bumps to see if it's cured it.

 

[Gunk]

The mention of Tektro might get some reaction.
Not my favourite but they are what I've got. So I'll put up with them.
Learned a lot about hydraulics brakes in my few years using them.

Tektro stuff is fine plus they do a ton of stuff that fits older frames such as nutted dual pivot calipers and modern brake levers which aren’t Brifters.