First ride, and some questions

Colin Swan said:

Second question here - what pump do people recommend? The one I borrowed, was a really old one,
and it struggled to get pressure in the tyre.

All the good ones are floor standing, and as such, way too big to take on a ride with you. The
smaller ones are an emergency compromise. Preferably get one of each. Your LBS should be able to
advise you.

Quoted message said:

All in all a good ride - roll on the next one.

Excellent, glad you enjoyed it.

Quoted message said:

Last question - What tools do people recommend? Is it worth getting one of the all-in-one gizmos
(if so, which one), or is it better getting individual tools?

Same as above. For home, it's best to have the proper tools, whereas on the trail, having something
compact and light is best. I take out a Topeak Alien and a Victorinox multi-tool.

--
a.m-b FAQ: t-online.deambfaq.htmOpen ↗

b.bmx FAQ: t-online.debmx faq.htmOpen ↗

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Colin Swan said:

Second question here - what pump do people recommend? The one I borrowed, was a really old one,
and it struggled to get pressure in the tyre.

All the good ones are floor standing, and as such, way too big to take on a ride with you. The
smaller ones are an emergency compromise. Preferably get one of each. Your LBS should be able to
advise you.

I liked bringing a CO2 type. Much smaller, and compact, even with extra CO2. Very fast as well.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

All in all a good ride - roll on the next one.

Excellent, glad you enjoyed it.

I think he's hooked.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Last question - What tools do people recommend? Is it worth getting one of the all-in-one gizmos
(if so, which one), or is it better getting individual tools?

Same as above. For home, it's best to have the proper tools, whereas on the trail, having
something compact and light is best. I take out a Topeak Alien and a Victorinox multi-tool.

Thanks for the tip.

voodoo said:

Quoted message said:

All the good ones are floor standing, and as such, way too big to take on a ride with you. The
smaller ones are an emergency compromise. Preferably get one of each. Your LBS should be able to
advise you.

I liked bringing a CO2 type. Much smaller, and compact, even with extra CO2. Very fast as well.

They're fine for racing or shorter rides, but I think they're more of a liability on long rides.
Because they're disposable, you have to work out how many cartridges you're going to take.
Miscalculate, and / or have a bad day with punctures and you're in trouble.

--
a.m-b FAQ: t-online.deambfaq.htmOpen ↗

b.bmx FAQ: t-online.debmx faq.htmOpen ↗

"Colin Swan" <colin AT nildram DOT net> wrote in message
"]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Did a gentle group ride on Saturday, some road, some canal path, a little (downhill) bridleway -
about 25 miles, with a varied group. First bit of off-road for my new Rockhopper, and I'm really
enjoying
it.

It only gets better from here!

Quoted message said:

Which brings me to my first question - how is it best to centre up the calipers? I suspect it is a
case of loosening the bolts slightly, then applying the brake and tightening up - am I right? I
did the rear just by feel.

With Hayes and Avid calipers, yes. Others require shims to adjust.

Quoted message said:

Anyway, out on the ride, and it now feels like it's rolling free, so I'm happy (although I don't
think I did the bolts up tight enough as I had to redo the caliper adjustment during the ride).
Weather was good, bright and sunny, but not too hot, and I didn't get off and walk once, even on
the steep bits. Riding along a grassy canal path, it started to feel really weird at the front,
but it wasn't until I'd stopped, I found that the front tyre was flat. My first puncture whilst
out on a ride, ever. A thorn had gone right through the tread! Fortunately, someone had a repair
kit, so we were soon back on our way.

Second question here - what pump do people recommend? The one I borrowed, was a really old one,
and it struggled to get pressure in the tyre.

I have a Blackburn Mammoth Twin Head pump. It pumps fast and I don't have to fiddle with the
internals on the trail to switch between presta and schrader. I also recommend carrying it in your
Camelbak (or other pack). I used to mount them on the frame and found they didn't last as long
because crud got inside them. (I also kept forgetting it when I switched bikes).

Quoted message said:

All in all a good ride - roll on the next one.

Last question - What tools do people recommend? Is it worth getting one of the all-in-one gizmos
(if so, which one), or is it better getting individual tools?

I carry a folding hex key set, a chain tool, a spoke wrench and tire levers. I've found the
all-in-one tools don't always fit or reach all the fasteners on my bike. The newer ones like the
Alien are better designed.

Mike

Michael Dart said:

Quoted message said:

Which brings me to my first question - how is it best to centre up the calipers? I suspect it is
a case of loosening the bolts slightly, then applying the brake and tightening up - am I right? I
did the rear just by feel.

With Hayes and Avid calipers, yes. Others require shims to adjust.

Mine are Shimano M525 hydraulic, and the side-to-side adjustment is by slotted mounting holes. I'll
try aligning the front one tonight by clamping it on and tightening up.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Second question here - what pump do people recommend? The one I borrowed, was a really old one,
and it struggled to get pressure in the tyre.

Quoted message said:

I have a Blackburn Mammoth Twin Head pump. It pumps fast and I don't have to fiddle with the
internals on the trail to switch between presta and schrader. I also recommend carrying it in your
Camelbak (or other pack). I used to mount them on the frame and found they didn't last as long
because crud got inside them. (I also kept forgetting it when I switched bikes).

I'll look out for one of those then. It was a pain, as I have never had a puncture before, in all
the miles I did on my old bike.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Last question - What tools do people recommend? Is it worth getting one of the all-in-one gizmos
(if so, which one), or is it better getting individual tools?

I carry a folding hex key set, a chain tool, a spoke wrench and tire levers. I've found the
all-in-one tools don't always fit or reach all the fasteners on my bike. The newer ones like the
Alien are better designed.

The Alien again - that's 2 mentions now :-)

Cheers.

Regards,

Colin Swan Nildram Operations

voodoo said:

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

Colin Swan said:

Second question here - what pump do people recommend? The one I borrowed, was a really old one,
and it struggled to get pressure in the tyre.

All the good ones are floor standing, and as such, way too big to take on a ride with you. The
smaller ones are an emergency compromise. Preferably get one of each. Your LBS should be able to
advise you.

I liked bringing a CO2 type. Much smaller, and compact, even with extra CO2. Very fast as well.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

All in all a good ride - roll on the next one.

Excellent, glad you enjoyed it.

I think he's hooked.

That I am - although it may have sounded like this was my first time on an MTB, which it isn't. I've
just replaced my much loved Marin Hawk Hill, with what I hope is a better bike (and passed the Marin
to my wife). First impressions suggest that it is a better bike...

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Last question - What tools do people recommend? Is it worth getting one of the all-in-one
gizmos (if so, which one), or is it better getting individual tools?

Same as above. For home, it's best to have the proper tools, whereas on the trail, having
something compact and light is best. I take out a Topeak Alien and a Victorinox multi-tool.

I've seen mention of the Alien before, so it must be a reasonable one
- I'll take a look...

Thanks for the info

Regards,

Colin Swan Nildram Operations

Quoted message said:

The Alien again - that's 2 mentions now :-)

I have the Alien too. Great tool and have used it on many occasions:
- when my saddle came loose and had to tighten it up
- when my stem bolts came loose and had to tighten them up
- used a few times to adjust the derailleur when my chain wouldn't change gears
- it has a tyre lever (which is nice to have as a spare)

The Alien is a more capable tool than I am a rider...

--
...meandering mule...

Quoted message said:

Last question - What tools do people recommend? Is it worth getting one of the all-in-one gizmos
(if so, which one), or is it better getting individual tools?

My multi-tool was one my best buys (Topeak Alien). Any new pump will do in my opinion. Also
remember a first aid kit, tire repair patches, spare tube, and what most people forget to
mention....[censored] chain pins if you need them.

You seem to be quite handy but a little bike repair book can be handy too.

And finally..a new bike will always require more tuning and adjustments than one that has
been worn in.

Enjoy

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

voodoo said:

Quoted message said:

All the good ones are floor standing, and as such, way too big to take on a ride with you. The
smaller ones are an emergency compromise. Preferably get one of each. Your LBS should be able to
advise you.

I liked bringing a CO2 type. Much smaller, and compact, even with extra

CO2.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Very fast as well.

They're fine for racing or shorter rides, but I think they're more of a liability on long rides.
Because they're disposable, you have to work out how many cartridges you're going to take.
Miscalculate, and / or have a bad day with punctures and you're in trouble.

I've not had many flats in the past, and not sure if it's due to terrain in the region, or just
plain luck. One time I did run out of CO2, because it kept blowing the stupid 'glueless' patches off
the tube. My next ride, I had real glue and patches to fix flats, as well as a new tube. My gear
sure has gotten others out of a bind in the past.

Colin Swan <colin AT nildram DOT net> wrote in message
news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

Michael Dart said:

I carry a folding hex key set, a chain tool, a spoke wrench and tire levers. I've found the
all-in-one tools don't always fit or reach all the fasteners on my bike. The newer ones like the
Alien are better designed.

The Alien again - that's 2 mentions now :-)

The alien and other bicycle multitools are a friggin joke, especially if you have to break a chain
or get some torque on n eight millimeter crank bolt.

Try this: parktool.comPPM 2.shtmlOpen ↗

JD

JD said:

The alien and other bicycle multitools are a friggin joke, especially if you have to break a chain
or get some torque on n eight millimeter crank bolt.

Why the hell would you want to get torque on an 8mm bolt with an Alien? Properly installing your
cranks should be done at home with a long 8mm, but the Alien will help you get home. The chain tool
works well in my (limited) experience.

Quoted message said:

Try this: parktool.comPPM 2.shtmlOpen ↗

And the 8mm allen key is where...?

From: bomba <[email hidden]> Newsgroups: alt.mountain-bike Subject: Re: First ride, and some
questions Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2003 20:45:28 +0200 Message-ID:
<[email hidden]>

JD said:

Quoted message said:

The alien and other bicycle multitools are a friggin joke,

especially

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

if you have to break a chain or get some torque on an eight

millimeter

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

crank bolt.

Dumba answered:

Quoted message said:

Why the hell would you want to get torque on an 8mm bolt with an Alien?

You wouldn't because you have no choice. It can't be done withn that POS.

Quoted message said:

Properly installing your cranks should be done at home with a long 8mm, but the Alien will help
you get home.

Ever hear the saying "[censored] happens"? I've rescued many a doof who kept having to stop and try and
retighten a crankbolt with some [censored] multi-tool. Where do you ride, Mars? The difference between
"get you home" and fix the problem with a quality tool on the trail can make the difference between
salvaging a good ride, or stopping every mile or so to refix your bike.

Quoted message said:

The chain tool works well in my (limited) experience.

The Mini Chain Brute works much better in my (vast) experience.

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Try this: parktool.comPPM 2.shtmlOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

And the 8mm allen key is where...?

If it were up your bum with your head, you might have seen it. Maybe a BIG picture will help you:
parktool.comMT 1BIG.jpgOpen ↗

JD

JD said:

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

Try this: parktool.comPPM 2.shtmlOpen ↗

Quoted message said:

And the 8mm allen key is where...?

If it were up your bum with your head, you might have seen it. Maybe a BIG picture will help you:
parktool.comMT 1BIG.jpgOpen ↗

I'll get me coat...

works fine for me.....i have used it for years now

mark

"bomba" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

JD said:

The alien and other bicycle multitools are a friggin joke, especially if you have to break a
chain or get some torque on n eight millimeter crank bolt.

Why the hell would you want to get torque on an 8mm bolt with an Alien? Properly installing your
cranks should be done at home with a long 8mm, but the Alien will help you get home. The chain
tool works well in my (limited) experience.

Quoted message said:

Try this: parktool.comPPM 2.shtmlOpen ↗

And the 8mm allen key is where...?

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

From: bomba <[email hidden]> Newsgroups: alt.mountain-bike Subject: Re: First ride, and
some questions Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2003 20:45:28 +0200 Message-ID:
<[email hidden]>

JD said:

Quoted message said:

The alien and other bicycle multitools are a friggin joke,

especially

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

if you have to break a chain or get some torque on an eight

millimeter

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

crank bolt.

Dumba answered:

Quoted message said:

Why the hell would you want to get torque on an 8mm bolt with an Alien?

Quoted message said:

And the 8mm allen key is where...?

If it were up your bum with your head, you might have seen it. Maybe a BIG picture will help you:
parktool.comMT 1BIG.jpgOpen ↗

Who peed in your cornflakes Jer? That was very uncalled for. Besides I seriously doubt you'd get 45
foot/lbs on that MT-1.

Mike

"Michael Dart" <[email hidden]> wrote in message news:<[email hidden]>...

Quoted message said:

"JD" <[email hidden]> wrote in message "]news:[email hidden]...

Quoted message said:

From: bomba <[email hidden]> Newsgroups: alt.mountain-bike Subject: Re: First ride, and
some questions Date: Mon, 18 Aug 2003 20:45:28 +0200 Message-ID:
<[email hidden]>

JD said:

> The alien and other bicycle multitools are a friggin joke,

especially

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> if you have to break a chain or get some torque on an eight

millimeter

Quoted message said:

Quoted message said:

> crank bolt.

Dumba answered:

Quoted message said:

Why the hell would you want to get torque on an 8mm bolt with an Alien?

Quoted message said:

And the 8mm allen key is where...?

If it were up your bum with your head, you might have seen it. Maybe a BIG picture will help
you: parktool.comMT 1BIG.jpgOpen ↗

Who peed in your cornflakes Jer? That was very uncalled for. Besides I seriously doubt you'd get
45 foot/lbs on that MT-1.

[censored] Darth. The 8mm on that MT-1 just might get that torque, but always get more torque than any
crappy multitool.

JD

Quoted message said:

Who peed in your cornflakes Jer? That was very uncalled for. Besides I seriously doubt you'd get
45 foot/lbs on that MT-1.

Mike

LOL... I don't have anything against bomba, but that was one of JD's funniest posts in a looooong
time. I'm still chuckling over it. heheh, pics and everything.

-John Morgan

On Mon, 18 Aug 2003 11:22:18 +0100, Colin Swan <colin AT nildram DOT

net said:

Did a gentle group ride on Saturday, some road, some canal path, a little (downhill) bridleway
- about 25 miles, with a varied group. First bit of off-road for my new Rockhopper, and I'm
really enjoying
it. Thought I'd post some experiences, as someone out there may find them interesting and/or
useful...

Forgot to mention the most amusing thing...

Since I've had the bike, I never felt that the saddle was high enough. It sounds bizzare, but no
matter how high I set it, I always felt too low. It was only on a rough surface that I figured it
out, as I realised that I was in fact sinking. That's right, the seatpost clamp was loose! A quick
tighten, and now it certainly feels high enough.

I think it was going down gradually on the road, so I didn't notice it happening, if anyone thinks
I'm perhaps a bit simple :-)

Regards,

Colin Swan Nildram Operations