Folks,
Just getting back into riding a bike for exercise, and have a couple of
questions regarding setup. Bike in question is a Giant AC 06.
1) What tyre pressue should I be running the tyres at? I am riding almost
solely on dirt tracks around the property, and tyres are Kenda Bluegroove 26
x 2.5. They are quite soft & spongey by the feel of them, so I am inclined
to increase tyre pressue to around 45-50psi(They came with 20psi in them
from the dealer). If I leave them too soft, they will most likely last a few
days before the first puncture. Is this the right pressure? Too low or too
high??
2) These Kenda tyres seem to be a bit light/sparse in the tread to last long
out here(outback QLD), and I suspect I am going to have a [censored] of a time
with thorns between the lugs. Are there any reccommended brand/models that
have a more extensive pattern of lugs on the tyre? The tyres are 26x2.5,
which seem a bit less common to find; most online stores dont seem to stock
them. I see there is a Syncros Point & chute tyre that might be more the go,
as well as a DMR Moto R/T tyre thatmight also suit. Any thoughts on either
of these?
3) Rear shock preload on this bike is set by an adjustment collar on the
spring. On motorbikes, you either use a C-spanner, or spanner if they have
flat sides on the adjustment collar. On this one, it is round, with a bit
of a rough surface. Best guess is something like multi-grips or vise-grips,
but both of these are going to chew the surface up somewhat. Is there a
tool for this, or are the multigrips the go?? I see the Fox rear (Coil)
shocks are fitted with what look to be adjust. collar that uses a tool of
some sort.
4) Is there an adjustment to set the preload on the front fork shocks
(Manitou Stance Blunt 150mm)? I wondered if there was a preload setting
under the hex nuts on the very top of each fork, but arent game to take them
off without knowing what I am doing. I also dont understand how the rebound
dampening adjust seems to be on one shock only? Is there an equalisation
tube between the shocks? I've searched the Manitou site, as well as general
searchs for 'how-to' info on setting up the front forks, but nothing usefull
shows up so far. I've even read the (pretty sparse) manual!! If anyone can
point me at an online resource that gives me the basics; I would be more
than grateful.
5) Anyone got a good way to fast-track a broken collarbone?? Bike turned up
3 days after I flipped my motorbike while mustering. I am doomed to
spending the next 3 or so weeks looking at this bike sitting on the
verandah. Ahhh well, it has allowed me time to get some odds & ends for it
to set it up to suit me before I take it out.
All these questions; so little time (actually another 3 weeks at least).
Dealer is 350kms away, so it's a bit tricky to run the bike back to him to
do the setup for me.
Any thoughts or suggestion gratefully received.
Cheers,
Rod.......Out Back