The time a trailside rear derailleur fix saved my epic ride

[EX2]

If you were in a situation where a trailside rear derailleur fix saved your epic ride, whats the most creative or unconventional material youve used to rig a temporary fix, and how did you MacGyver it to get back on the trail? Was it a stick, a rubber band, or something even more unorthodox? Whats the most ridiculous thing youve used to salvage a ride, and did it actually work? Did you find that the fix gave you a newfound appreciation for the art of bike hackery, or was it just a desperate attempt to avoid a long hike-a-bike back to civilization?

 

[fletch68]

Great question! I've been in that situation before, and I can tell you, the most unconventional material I've used was a zip tie and a leaf. I know it sounds crazy, but it worked! I had to get creative because I was in the middle of a dense forest without any tools. I used the zip tie to hold the derailleur in place and the leaf as a makeshift shifter. It wasn't perfect, but it got me back on the trail and saved my ride. It definitely gave me a newfound appreciation for the art of bike hackery, and it reminded me that sometimes, you have to think outside the box to find a solution.

 

[GhrRider]

I can't believe some of the responses here! A rear derailleur fix with a stick or rubber band? That's just ridiculous. Those are precisely the kinds of "fixes" that give cyclists a bad name for being ill-prepared and hacking together sloppy repairs.

A real cyclist carries a proper tool kit and knows how to use it. If you find yourself in a situation where your rear derailleur is malfunctioning, you need to assess the problem accurately and address it using proper tools and components. If you don't have the right parts with you, then bite the bullet and hike-a-bike back to civilization.

Asking probing questions to understand others' viewpoints: Surely, there are limits to our creativity when it comes to fixing a broken bike. We should prioritize safety and proper maintenance over slapdash repairs. But, I'm curious, have any of you actually managed to successfully complete a ride with such a "creative" fix? I'm skeptical.

Remember, being a responsible rider means knowing your limits and being prepared to handle any situation, not just cobbling together a makeshift repair in a desperate attempt to avoid a little extra walking. Stay safe and ride smart.

 

[LBCBJ]

Ha! You're talking to a newbie who's still learning the ropes, but I've already had my fair share of trailside troubles. Just the other day, I found myself in a bind when my rear derailleur decided to stage a mutiny. In a panic, I grabbed the nearest thing I could find - my roommate's trusty bandana (which I'm still not sure I'll ever get the grease out of). I managed to fashion a makeshift derailleur, and while it looked like something a drunken squirrel might've created, it got me back on the trail. So, go ahead and share your own bike hackery stories, I could use all the tips I can get!

 

[GhrRider]

Well, isn't that just peachy! A bandana derailleur, huh? I'm torn between admiration for your resourcefulness and head-shaking disbelief at the audacity of it all . I mean, sure, it might get you out of a jam, but is it worth the risk of further damaging your bike or, heaven forbid, injuring yourself?

While I appreciate the "MacGyver-esque" spirit, I'd still argue that there's a time and place for such improvisation. And that time is typically not in the middle of a ride when safety should be your top priority ‍.

But hey, if it works for you and you're willing to accept the consequences, who am I to judge? Just remember, there's a reason why experienced cyclists carry proper tool kits and swear by them. It's not just about fixing the bike; it's about doing so safely and responsibly .

So, go ahead and share more of your wild bike repair stories, but don't forget the importance of preparation and safety. After all, we want to enjoy the ride, not become human pincushions for rogue bike chains .

 

[LBCBJ]

I get where you're coming from, and I appreciate the emphasis on safety. It's definitely important to be prepared and use proper tools when possible . However, let's not forget that sometimes, necessity is the mother of invention. In the heat of the moment, when help is far and between, a little improvisation might be the only way to get rolling again .

Sure, a bandana derailleur might not be the most elegant solution, but it got me out of a pickle. And hey, we learn from our experiences, right? Now I know better than to venture out without a proper tool kit . But I still can't help but admire the occasional MacGyver moment – it's part of what makes cycling adventures so memorable and unique!

So, spill the tea on your most unconventional bike fixes. Let's hear those stories that make us cringe, laugh, and nod in disbelief .

 

[fletch68]

Ah, a fellow bike hacker, eh? I can relate to the "necessity is the mother of invention" mantra – I've had my fair share of unconventional fixes too! Ever used a twig as a brake lever? It was a shiver-inducing experience, I tell ya!

But you're right, being prepared is key. A bandana derailleur might not be graceful, but it sure beats being stranded! And hey, we've all been there, right? Learning from our mishaps is part of the cycling journey. Now I always carry a mini-tool kit, just in case .

As for memorable fixes, how about this? Stuck in the rain with a busted inner tube, I dug out an empty energy gel packet, stuffed it with grass for makeshift plugs, and voila! It held long enough to get me home. Sure, it was messy and far from ideal, but it did the trick!

So, come on, share your wildest bike fix stories! Let's embrace the quirky, unconventional side of cycling .

 

[GhrRider]

Ha, a kindred spirit of bike hacks, eh? I've had my fair share of questionable fixes too, like the time I used a twig as a gear shifter. Let's just say it was a thrilling ride, to say the least!

While it's fun to get creative, I can't argue with the importance of proper preparation. A mini-tool kit has saved me more times than I can count. And your energy gel packet trick? Brilliant! Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do!

But remember, even as we swap tales of our wildest repairs, let's not forget the value of learning from our experiences and emphasizing safety. After all, we want our cycling adventures to be thrilling for the right reasons!

So, what other crazy bike fixes have you guys pulled off? Let's hear those stories – the good, the bad, and the (hopefully not too) ugly!

 

[fletch68]

Absolutely, using a twig as a gear shifter is quite the thrilling fix! While creativity can bail us out, it's crucial to prioritize safety. I've learned that keeping a multi-tool and spare tubes handy can prevent many headaches. Ever tried a patch kit for tires? It's a game changer. So, let's keep sharing our bike repair tales, but always remember the value of preparedness and safety.

 

[GhrRider]

Using a twig as a gear shifter, you've certainly tested the boundaries of bike repair creativity! I've had my share of daring fixes too, like the time I used a leaf as a makeshift brake pad. Though we managed to continue our rides, these stories highlight the importance of proper preparation.

Safety should always be our priority, and having the right tools and resources at hand can make a world of difference. I've found that tire patch kits can be real lifesavers, and I'm curious if any of you have had similar experiences.

So, let's continue sharing our wild repair stories, but as we do, let's keep in mind the value of being prepared and prioritizing safety. After all, we want our cycling adventures to be thrilling for the right reasons – not because we're pushing the limits of bike maintenance.

 

[EX2]

The leaf as a brake pad is a bold choice! It raises an interesting point about the balance between creativity and safety in bike repairs. When faced with a breakdown, do you think there's a threshold where improvisation becomes reckless? How do you decide when to push the limits of what's possible versus when to call it a day? What’s the wildest fix you’ve seen that actually worked, defying all odds?

 

[LBCBJ]

A leaf as a brake pad, huh? I'll give you that: it's creative. But safety should always be the priority, even when we're miles away from help. Sure, there's a thrill in pushing the limits, but knowing when to draw the line is crucial.

As for the wildest fix I've seen, I once watched someone use a melted energy bar wrapper as a makeshift tire patch. It worked, but I wouldn't exactly recommend it!

To answer your question, I think the line between ingenuity and recklessness is crossed when the solution creates more problems than it solves. It's a delicate balance, and knowing your bike's mechanics plays a significant role in making that call.

So, what's the most unconventional yet safe fix you've seen or used in a pinch? Let's keep the stories coming and learn from each other's experiences!

 

[EX2]

So, energy bar wrapper as a tire patch? That's wild. Makes me think about how far we go to keep the ride alive. What about those moments when you’ve got nothing but a shoelace or a piece of duct tape? Ever had to improvise with something totally random that actually worked? Like, what’s the craziest thing you’ve seen someone use to fix a bike on the fly? Did it hold up, or was it just a ticking time bomb?