Bolt Check-----"Bearings"
So all you boys who enjoy your full suspension bikes, I hope you are of sound mind to maintain your trusty steeds. We all know how proper maintenance and cleaning can not only extend the life of your bike and its parts but it can also extend the life of the jackass who is piloting it. Lube the chain, run proper air pressure, bolt check, bolt check, bolt check. Have you seen the unfortunate soul trailside, cursing the heavens of the horrible bad luck that has been bestowed upon him by the cycling gods as the twisted metal of bike lies at his feet? If you haven’t, it’s probably because that has been you on more than one occasion.
This rant is not to school you on the art of bicycle maintenance but to shed light on a PIVOTAL part of full suspension bicycle operation. Bearings, yeah you read that right, bearings are some of the most inexpensive parts on your 6-G rig. Small and inconspicuous they are what give us the ability to travel over the terrain we do. They provide a fluid movement for the swingarm, linkages, fork, cranks, pedals, hubs and so on. That smooth operation that you may take for granted gets a lot of abuse. Mud, water, violent crashes and your “heavier than you” friend all play a role in killing your bearings. Buck up! There is good news for you. They are easily replaceable a local shop or yourself can perform the task. Shops will usually charge you a nominal fee for the labor. I am a big fan of “cutting my own steak” if you do it once you will never forget, it’s like riding a bike. You measure the outer diameter, the inner diameter and the thickness. You go visit your local friendly bicycle shop and say “Hello, I would like to order these small parts for my high performance mountain bicycle.” They will gladly order them for you along with a bearing extractor. You will take these parts home and you will replace them yourself. You will smile in satisfaction as the sense of accomplishment covers you like a warm blanket. I tell you no lie. Now go, get out a here. Take care of the bike and you won’t have to hike.
This rant is not to school you on the art of bicycle maintenance but to shed light on a PIVOTAL part of full suspension bicycle operation. Bearings, yeah you read that right, bearings are some of the most inexpensive parts on your 6-G rig. Small and inconspicuous they are what give us the ability to travel over the terrain we do. They provide a fluid movement for the swingarm, linkages, fork, cranks, pedals, hubs and so on. That smooth operation that you may take for granted gets a lot of abuse. Mud, water, violent crashes and your “heavier than you” friend all play a role in killing your bearings. Buck up! There is good news for you. They are easily replaceable a local shop or yourself can perform the task. Shops will usually charge you a nominal fee for the labor. I am a big fan of “cutting my own steak” if you do it once you will never forget, it’s like riding a bike. You measure the outer diameter, the inner diameter and the thickness. You go visit your local friendly bicycle shop and say “Hello, I would like to order these small parts for my high performance mountain bicycle.” They will gladly order them for you along with a bearing extractor. You will take these parts home and you will replace them yourself. You will smile in satisfaction as the sense of accomplishment covers you like a warm blanket. I tell you no lie. Now go, get out a here. Take care of the bike and you won’t have to hike.
posted by Evolution at 2/13/2007
0 Comments:
Post a Comment
<< Home