Category Archives: Case Studies

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.

Workhorses

Now a couple of oldie but goodies. These bikes are what the term ‘workhorse’ was invented for. A Condor Bike that wasn’t flying as it should (see what I did there?) as the chain had snapped. KMC Chain Europe B.V. to the rescue, and whilst it was in, it was also treated to a full set of Fibrax Limited cables. Nice. The Carrera Bikes Karkinos needed a new Shimano Road Claris front mech, along with a Shimano Road bottom bracket, cassette and a KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain. Topping it off was a set of new Raleigh Bicycles brake pads fore and aft.

Assorted Gear Hangers

Time for a wee catch-up. First off, it’s all been about gear hangers these past few weeks. You know, those small pieces of alloy that form a bridge between your frame and the bike’s rear derailleur. Important things gear hangers. If your rear mech takes a whack, the gear hanger’s designed to bend (up to a point) thus protecting the frame and hopefully minimising damage to your derailleur. This lot all had that in common (unfortunately, the Specialized Bicycles Pitch needed a new hanger as well). I’ve included a couple of pictures of the Focus Bikes Izalco Pro’s rear derailleur which appeared to have overshot its’ low stop and ended up in a right pickle. Easing the low stop off saw the spring compress (nearly taking my hand off) and it once again resembled a rear mech (phew!)

Various 5

Quick catch-up with some bikes that have come through the workshop. First up, an Edinburgh Bicycle Cooperative Cuillin that needed replacement Fibrax Limited brake cables, pads and a service. The SRAM road equipped Boardman Bikes Pro was in for an Annual Service, a replacement Shimano Road cassette and KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain. Boom! Finally, the rarely seen Nikishi needed new brake pads, a replacement Shimano Cycling cassette and KMC Chain Europe B.V. chain.

Specialized Secteur

Extensive work required to this Specialized Secteur. A replacement rear wheel (with Shimano Road Tiagra hub), a Shimano Road cassette, extensive Fibrax Limited replacement cabling and the mother of all service. Hitting the road after a year or so in a damp garage.

Various 4

Quick catch-up time. A Giant Avail in for a service and a bit of headset tweakery; an Edinburgh Bicycle Coast in need of a new Raleigh tyre, a service, some Fibrax Limited cabling goodness and Raleigh pads; an Edinburgh Chorus that needed a service and a front hub service (replacement bearings courtesy of the guys and gals at Weldtite); and finally a Canyon that had been forgotten in the shed for over a year and needed some TLC.

Various 3

Quick catch-up time; a Trek which came off second best in a major ‘off’ and needed a new front brake assembly. a b’Twin that had its rear mech implode on it and needed a replacement, a Ridgeback that needed a long overdue service along with new chain and pads, a Revolution Cadence that needed some Fibrax Limited cabling goodness (brake and gear) along with a new front mech and finally a Specialized Rockhopper that was in dire need of new front pads.

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.

Various

Long time, no see. Well, it’s been another couple of busy weeks here at Andy’s Bike Clinic, so here’s a whistle stop tour of what’s been through the doors.

Voodoo Hoodoo in need of a new chain, cassette, Fibrax Limited gear cable, rear hub service and a general check-up.

A GT Paloma whose chain went SNAP! So on went a spanking new KMC Chain USA chain.

A Giant Terrago which needed some work in order to pop its mountain biking cherry at Beecraigs Mountain Bike Trails. Interim Service plus a full headset service and bearing renewal and it was ready for anything.

Another Giant…an XTC this time. An Interim Service, drivetrain clean, hydraulic brake adjustment and a replacement rear tube. Done.

A Scott Sub that had braking issues; virtually no pad material left on either set of brakes had it in need of some braking goodness. Replacement Shimano Cycling pads at the front, and a brand new Shimano MTB Deore lever and caliper meant this is one bike that now stops as well as it goes.

A lovely Cube which needed some Shimano Road pedals fitted and various components correctly torqued. With a carbon frame and components this nice, you don’t want to take any chances!

Finally there’s another Cube…this time it’s an Agree. New Shimano Road RS010 rear wheel, replacement cassette and chain. Boom!

b’Twin Triban

A b’Twin Triban now. A service, front hub service and replacement Raleigh Bicycles pads and its owner was blown away by the improvements in performance.