Category Archives: Headset

Specialized Sirrus and Genesis Day One

Finally, a Specialized Bicycles Sirrus Comp that was in need of some TLC, and a Genesis Bikes Day One with a busted spoke. The Spesh had maybe been left a little longer than strictly wise as it needed a service, accompanied by a headset service and a new FULL SPEED AHEAD bottom bracket. The Genesis on the other hand broke a spoke on its back wheel (equipped with Shimano-MTB Alfine 8 speed hub). So, new spoke fitted, and the wheel trued up meant its owner could use it again.

Bianchi and Specialized

Wee catch up time. I do like a bit of Italian style, and this Bianchi Nirone 7 delivers in spades. Full Campagnolo Srl groupset, including wheels weren’t the problem. A graunchy headset was. Full strip down, bearings cleaned, degreased and re-lubed and everything put back together again. The steering is now much improved, and less of a struggle too! The Specialized Bicycles Ariel needed some tweakery round its gears and brakes. The A relatively new purchase, but having missed its free 6 week service, it needed some adjustments to ensure it felt factory fresh once more.

Mountain Bikes (and related)

A quick catch-up of what’s been going on at Andy’s Bike Clinic this week. A very spangly Saracen Mantra built up from a box for its new owner. It’s destined to be completing the West Highland Way at some point this year; it’s sure to be up to the job. Shimano-MTB groupset along with Shimano-MTB hydraulic disc brakes and a SR Suntour Inc. fork means the components are sound. Next up, a Giant Talon. Nice Shimano-MTB XT groupset fitted, but it did need a KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain, a full front hub service and some new pads all round. The Giant bikes Yukon needed some fairly major surgery; a replacement KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain, hub adjustments, wheels truing and a general service. The Cube Bikes Curve was in a bit of a state; the steering was completely seized. This was traced to a poorly adjusted headset that had allowed water ingress and consequent rusting to the steerer tube. All parts removed, a brand new FSA headset and cups fitted, and this is one bike that now turns right AND left. Imagine that! Finally, a Revolution Pathfinder that sees almost constant use on unmade roads irrespective of the weather and suffers because of it. Replacement Sturmey-Archer (SunRace) freewheel, KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain, Fibrax Limited cables, Raleigh Bicycles brake pads and a service means it can keep on clogging along.

Various 6

Finally, three bikes that needed some much needed bits and bobs. The Cannondale CAAD10 is soon to venture to hillier terrain, so needed a wider ratio cassette fitting. A little hamstrung by the short cage Shimano Road 105 rear derailleur, a Shimano Road Ultegra cassette was snugged on (30T low gear!) The Boardman Team on the other hand had no problem going, but stopping was an issue. Off went the old rear pads and on went some SRAM MTB pads to take care of stopping duties. Whilst it was in, it was treated to a new KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain and a headset adjustment to get rid of that sickening play. Finally, we love Frog Bikes – the lightweight kids’ bike, but this one had an issue with the front brake caliper. So, off with the old and on with the new Tektro brake and all was well again.

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Various 2

Next up we have a brand new Giant ATX…fresh out the box. Literally. After adjusting all the components correctly (both gears and mechanical disc brakes were WAY out), it was ready to start its career as a coach’s bike for the West Lothian Clarion Cycling Club. First outing at Beecraigs Mountain Bike Trails proved it’s up to the task.
 
The Trek XTC arrived with THE WIDEST bars I’ve ever ridden. I’ve got arms like a chimp and I was struggling. The bars weren’t the issue though; the brakes were. Hydraulic brakes are great when they work but can take some diagnosis when things go awry. Subtle adjustments to the front, and the same for the rear (along with the extraction of a teensy bit of hydraulic fluid) meant lever feel was good, as was stopping power. I suspect moisture may have got in to the rear hose at some point, causing expansion which pushed the pistons out. All good now though.
 
A Raleigh Bicycles Monchique up next. This bike has sentimental value to its owner, and whilst it needed a fair bit of investment, the end product is a cracking wee bike. New rear wheel, Sturmey-Archer (SunRace) freewheel, KMC Chain USA chain, new Schwalbe tires (official) Range Cruiser tyres and Fibrax Limited cabling means its owner can now (safely) keep up with her kids.
 
A Cube LTD that needed new stoppers having worn out a pair of Clarks items. Shimano MTB XT hydraulics were measured, shortened, fitted and adjusted. The modulation on these is awesome, and they don’t cost the earth.
 
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Specialized Sirrus Pro

Time for a quick catch-up. This Specialized Sirrus Pro was picked up as a gift, though it needed a little work to get it truly roadworthy once more. New Schwalbe tires (official) Blizzard tyres, a replacement sealed cartridge headset, plus a KMC Chain USA 9spd chain and it was as good as new. Just look at the state of that old headset!

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