Question For the Hard Core Cyclists

Post by **jackspratt** » September 14, 2013, 10:51 am

I bought a mid-range Merida (>TBH10k) mountain bike in Udon last year.

I have subsequently ridden >1,200km, with about a 70/30% split on/off road.

I have recently been experiencing slipping of the chain, particularly when I put any real pressure on the pedals. From looking at the rear end, it seems that some of the teeth on the smallest and second smallest of the rear cogs have worn, causing the slipping.

My question is (before I take it back to the bike shop - at the 5 way) - should such wearing occur, given the use the bike has been put to?

Post by **akwoodworker** » September 14, 2013, 11:02 am

Take it by Peter's, he will steer you right. I usually get about 3k miles off a freewheel.

Post by **jackspratt** » September 14, 2013, 1:49 pm

Thanks akw.

Bike shop it is.

Post by **Brian Davis** » September 24, 2013, 8:16 pm

I think I have the same problem with a slipping chain, but my bike is years old.

But my question is where is Peter's (bike shop?)? I'm guessing it's local to jackspratt, rather than in Udon.

Post by **jackspratt** » September 24, 2013, 8:25 pm

Nope - definitely in Udon, BD.

It is at the 5 way intersection near (behind) the Complex.

Post by **Brian Davis** » September 25, 2013, 6:29 am

Ah, think I've got the place, quite a big setup. Right on the corner - at possibly the 'longest' set of lights in Udon.

Bought a pump in there not so long ago. Guessing again, but Peter's NOT a farang?

Post by **jackspratt** » September 25, 2013, 7:50 am

Brian Davis wrote: Guessing again, but Peter's NOT a farang?

Correct.

Post by **fdimike** » September 26, 2013, 6:44 am

Peter may not be a westener but he speaks excellent english and is a cyclist as well. He is in the process of opening a new shop right next to his LA Bicycle shop at the intersection of Adunyadet and Watana Nuwong roads. I've dealt with him on a regular basis for nearly 7 years now and trust him completely.

For those of you experiencing problems with a slipping chain you need to look at how you are maintaining the bike. If you ride on dirt roads even for a short time the dirt will be picked up by the chain. The combination of chain lubricant and dirt (especially this red clay) make for an excellent grinding paste which will quickly destroy a chain and the cassette if not cleaned off. It would be wise to learn good maintenance procedures especially how to clean and lube a chain unless you like spending lots of money replacing worn out cassettes/chains on a regular basis.

I have installed a master link (quick connect link) in all my chains (I have 3 which I alternate) in order to easily remove the chain for cleaning. I use kerosene which is readily available here (nam man gaaz) to clean it and re-lube with a high quality chain lube (NOT WD-40 or anything similar). I prefer Finishline chain lube products, specifically their Ceramic chain lube. Chain lubes are normally available in two versions - one for wet weather riding and one for dry weather riding. The wet weather version is normally greasier which means it will pick up more dirt but last longer while the dry weather version is normally a wax based lube which will pick up much less dirt but not last as long especially in wet weather. Whatever lube you choose make sure it's designed for a bicycle chain. BTW: products like WD-40 are not lubricants.

The smallest 3 gears (size wise) are easily replaceable on a 9 speed Shimano cassette saving the cost of a complete cassette. Peter normally stocks those 3 small gears as they are the ones most likely to wear first.

Post by **Brian Davis** » September 26, 2013, 3:36 pm

Thanks for your help, gents, particularly about Peter. I didn’t realize the LA shop was his too.
You rather put me to shame concerning maintenance, Fdimike, but the topic is ‘hardcore cyclist’ and I don’t think I’m qualified for that. I’m not a very serious rider, just using the bike the couple of kilometers up to Phen, as an alternative to getting the car out, opening/closing gates, trying to control the dogs etc. When the mood takes me, I’ll go off for a couple of hours cycling around the villages. I have a choice of motorbikes, but my inability combined with the locals, almost guarantees a hospital visit!
So I don’t know much about correct maintenance, gears, adjustments and the like, but your help and the internet has educated me a little. I have a Diamondback, bought from a friend at least 8 years back and probably years old then. A closer look at the gears show several which are anything but ‘square and flat’ as I put it. I thought the chain and derailleur were fine, but as I lost drive today in any gear for a while (I was pedaling away like on a gym bike, going nowhere) think I best put the thing into Peter for a diagnosis and general service.
Incidentally, in case anyone is interested in a good ride (my opinion), about my only serious ride was from the Thai border into Cambodia to Siem Reap/Angkor Wat. This was before the road was improved and it was mainly a dirt road, potholes galore. I think we did well over 100 kilometers on the second day and I was very knackered in reaching Siem Reap. My mate faired better, but I had cause to lift his bike at one time, which I could do on one finger, whilst needing two hands for mine. That’s my excuse anyway. The same bike I have now. We put the bikes in a car for the return journey to the border, the hairiest I’ve ever endured. You think Thailand’s bad. We had large vehicles overtaking blindly in clouds of dust, with no idea what was coming on the narrow, 2-way dirt road. Additionally, the driver told us his shocks needed to be replaced very regularly, because of the potholes. In retrospect, an ‘experience’ and I really enjoyed going round Angkor Wat on the bike too. Beats everything temple-wise, as far as I’m concerned.

Post by **fdimike** » September 26, 2013, 4:32 pm

Brian

You may not consider yourself a hard core cyclist but I wouldn't put yourself down. Anyone who can ride that dirt road between the Thai border and Siem Reap especially with luggage is no sloutch in my book. I rode the same dirt road you describe coming from Angkor Wat back into Thailand and can attest to its difficulty. Carrying 4 panniers, and a bar bag made for a less than easy ride. I'm told the road is now paved which should make things a bit easier.

There are many different types of bicycles - racing, road, MTB, touring etc etc etc with each having different characteristics. My Surly touring bike is made from chrome moly steel and is certainly heavier than most any road bike but I can carry much more weight on my bike and for longer periods of time in comfort. So just because your bike is heavier than your friends don't thinkj it's not as good.

Maintenance is critical for anyone who rides a bicycle to include the casual rider assuming you donj't care to burn up a lot of money replacing worn chains and cassettes.

Good idea to drop it off at Peter's shop for some much needed work.

Post by **jackspratt** » October 4, 2013, 9:09 am

Dropped the bike off at Peter's, and left it with him for 2 weeks while I was away in Oz.

Picked up yesterday, all cleaned up and looking like new - damage was TBH1170:

- new Shimano 8 speed cassette TBH450

- new Shimano chain 320

- labour 400

Test drive tomorrow.

Post by **Brian Davis** » October 4, 2013, 6:38 pm

Took mine in too whilst in Udon and met Peter. Obviously easier to communicate in English, but it's clear he spent time in America and is more aware of customer care.
Very similar to Jack Spratt, work and price - mine only a 7 cassette, so used 8 and left one off. (7 not made any longer?). Brake pads and cables too. Most impressed as they sorted it in a couple of hours.
Must admit the adjustment is not quite right - jumping and not immediate pick up, but that was my fault for not 'test driving' it enough whilst about the shop. Hope, with some reading, I can carry out small adjustments myself.