[CP1]

"55byrdman55" wrote

Sorry if this has already been answered, but I could not find it in the forums.

I have a Kona Cowan, it came with an 8 speed cassette and a single chainring. Recently I changed to a 9 speed chainring set, I am pretty sure the teeth sizes matches up, but my chain has snapped 2 times(it is a good chain…well, was) it is an 8 speed chain. Every time I peddle the chain makes a popping noise, eventually leading to it snapping. I cant use all my gears because the chain rubs up against the front derailer, I have taken it to the shop for realignment and everything, but the chain still snaps. Is this because of my gear sets or possibly my chain? Would like to not have to buy anymore parts if I dont have to. Any help would be awesome!

To make it more clear per say, a 8-speed chain is a slight bit wider than a 9-speed chain thus why it is popping around on the rear cogs (gears) and chain-wheel (chain-ring or sprocket). 10-speed chains are even smaller than the 9-speed chains. You really need to invest in a 9-speed chain, as this will help you alleviate any more chain/drive-train issues that you are incurring.

Also, did you get the 9-speed cassette and chain-ring new or used? If you got it used, it may be worn down a bit which would also help with the chain/drive-train issues you are having.

The Sram PC-951 and PC-971 are the best of the more cost effective chains, but the Sram PC-991 is the toughest chain on the market (not the PC-991 hollow pin), though a bit more pricey than the others, however, not by much though. I have been shredding on them for years and never had one break, even through brutal conditions and riding… 😆 😄

[CP1]

"slipfinger" wrote

I think you’re doing the right thing by tinkering with this one and replacing the odd part that needs to be replaced.
Just ride the crap out of it and have fun.
You said you’re young, once you have this bike up and riding start saving your money and buy the bike you really want once you’ve saved enough.

Definitely +++1 …. 😄

[CP1]

"General_Eggs" wrote

This leads to my question: Are the dustcovers and these foam padding things actually necessary? Or would it not be a horrible thing to just cut them off? It’s a coil fork. See pic:

The parts I’m talking about are labeled.
[img]**SNIP**[/img]

No, you do not need these "fork dust boots" by no means, as there are many forks without these. In fact, it is kind of rare to see these used anymore with the exception of the older generation forks such as this one you posted. They actually can be a nuisance in the long run.

As per the bumpers between the two crowns, yes, you will need them if running a dual or triple crown, as they protect the frame from damage when fully turning the dual or triple crown forks, With dual or triple crown forks, you are limited with your turn ratio compared to a single crown fork.

That is an old fork to really dump any money into, but if you are a tinkering kind of fellow or gal, then why not. Have fun with your new found project…. 😉 😄

[CP1]

"delphinide" wrote

I think there are a lot filthier things in those hotel rooms than a little bike dirt (blacklight anyone?). If I go to a biking destination spot I would fully expect a hotel to accommodate my bike, even if it is locking it up in storage if I cannot put it in my vehicle (hard to do if you rent a Ford Festiva). Otherwise, I will happily give my money to a hotel that wants it. That being said, I am very careful with anything like that I want to bring in a room; it’s not cool to make housecleaning staff who make less than minimum wage clean up after a bunch of punks…precisely the people who have been setting a poor example for the rest of us.

+1 …. 😆

[CP1]

"mtbgreg1" wrote

I just rode on the road in the wind and rain today 😼

Better than on the trails like I have seen in pictures of you before. 😉

Spin or ride the road if it is wet, no need in fingering mother earth for natural occurrences that man has brought on… 😆

[CP1]

"GimmeAraise" wrote

[quote="jwh321":2qwa2mk5]

Is this a trend? Anyone else have trouble bringing their bikes into a hotel room?

Yes this is normal, I work for CBMR Hotels here in Crested Butte. We started implementing this policy after many people would bang up walls with there bikes and even clean the bikes in the tubs! dirty stuff! Especially here where biking in the summer has just blown up in the past few years![/quote:2qwa2mk5]
Not yet, but I am very careful and use common sense when I do to alleviate any marks, damage, or any other issues in regards to what ‘GimmieAraise’ mentioned. Who the hell would clean or wash their damn bikes in a motel/hotel room/shower/tub?!?!?!? 😮 That is just insane and totally retarded…. 😆 😆 😏

I do not blame these motels/hotels implementing policies such as ‘GimmieAraise’ mentioned, and I to bring my bike/bikes in rooms myself, but I have respect and use common sense and leave the room as I checked in (with exception of normal room usage). However, the thought of cleaning a bike in any motel/hotel room is just retarded by far, or even storing a bike in a motel/hotel room tub or flipping furniture not belonging to them or having permission to do so is just no common sense. My family rents apartments and we would never deal with abuse as such to our property. In the long run, this falls under common sense and ethics which many have shortage of these days… 😆 .. 😏

Looking at the picture above reminds me of this.. 😆

[CP1]

"dgaddis" wrote

I did a race on Saturday, the Friday night before we stayed at a nearby hotel. Five of us crammed into one room…and all the bikes came with us. We had to get a little creative since we needed room for the bikes and an air matress, but we made it work. We flipped a small table upside down and put a few bikes on it, and put one in the shower. 😃 We put everything back the way we found it before we left. No harm done.

😮 😮 😮 😮 😮 😮 …. 😏

[CP1]

If you have a front or back porch (screened in or not), just take the spinner outside and spin away. This is what I do (among others) from time to time, especially during my rehab back to riding again. That’s is much better than being in front of any boob tube… 😆

[CP1]

"dgaddis" wrote

I’m the same height and I like a long top tube, so I ride a large for most companies. I like being stretched out. I’m just doing go-fast XC riding though, not freeride type stuff.

I was speaking of FR/DH disciplined riding, not laid forward XC discipline riding, thus why FR/DH was mentioned, not XC. Large bikes are clumsy with FR/DH unless you are a big guy, and obviously he is not (height that is…lol). As per weight, yes, large frame bikes are typically built stronger than medium frame bikes, and the taller and especially heavier the rider is, a more large frame would help in the landing scenario.

Ride both sizes, buy the one that feels best.

Yes, I agree with your sentiments here. Do try both. However, there are medium size frames with longer top-tubes as well. 😉

[CP1]

If they are not bi-directional tires (will be stamped/marked on tires), then mount them in the like direction (front/rear). If you need more traction in the rear or you get slippage, then turn the the other way if you feel that will help, but really don’t seeing that as any real advantage though if they are not bi-directional tires. As per rolling resistance, it is really a moot thing, as there will not be that much difference that you will positively feel to have any effect on your pedaling. As long as you are not getting any slippage, and getting positive grip how you are running them, by all means stick with it bro. 😄

Some good all around tires that are cheaper are the WTB Velociraptors. The rear tire is bi-directional and work well in all types of terrain.

[CP1]

"Stl_Greaser" wrote

Agreed! Granted this forum seems a lot better then some that I have been on that half of the posts are bashing one thing or an other!

Jeez, MTBR and PinkBike chime in here…. 😆 😆 😆

Yep, that’s what I always tell them, shut up, get off the computer, and go ride… 😉

Most of the time it is just kids thinking they are more than what they assume they are or trying to make a mark in the world in a false and misleading manner. The rest, just think they are above all…."Cyber Bullies!!!"

Yep…."Shut up and go ride for goodness sake!" 😄

[CP1]

"Gdb49" wrote

Sales guy is legit, I was planning on buying a bike anyways. It was not an atempt to jack me. Not much loss in manueverability with a jump from 17.5 to 18.5 and the weight back would be nice for big drops and steep stuff, which is what I like to ride. I’m 5’10" so 18.5 is not much of a stretch. Just tinkering with the idea and knew I’d get some good advice on this site.

Being your height is 5’10", what is your weight? Weight has a big factor in frame size as well, especially in FR discipline riding. I am 6′ and weigh in at around 210 and all my FR/DH bikes are medium frame bikes which usually fall into a 17" to 18" frame size. I will say this, it is much harder to maneuver or throw tricks with a larger frame, and a larger frame is kinda of clumsy on step-downs (ledge drops to trans or flat). I do not see why a 18.5" would change it much, as this is just the seat-stay measurement. What you need to be concerned about is the top-tube length change and chain-stay length. A 1/2" is not much, but a 1" change is a big difference in FR/DH, especially with the chain-stay.

[CP1]

Hey bro, you still going to the Big O area tomorrow (02/11)?

[CP1]

"ebjr" wrote

Sounds good.
BTW, how do these trails compare to Alafia, Carter or Balm Boyette? The reviews seem a bit mixed.

Neither one compare to Alafia nor Carter, but LBE is similar to Balm though, but similar, not like it. Neither are real challenging trails, but Soldiers Creek is just plain fun for all out shredding. LBE is more XC orientated, but has elevation change, but it also has sugar sand throughout some areas as well. So far so good for Monday, as I fixed the ailing issues with my truck for now… 😆

I would prefer Soldiers Creek over LBE, but will not have enough time to ride both though. I am going to hit up our local trail here tomorrow with a few friends from Orlando. A lot of riders come from all over FL (even in your neck of the woods) to shred our local trail (GFT….short for "Grapefruit Trail"), but it has very much advanced features, especially the pro-line sections (triple blackdiamond), but there is always a way around though. Very challenging trail we have here and is in the works of getting sanctioned through the City of Palm Bay and IMBA backing. Our club link is in the FL Roll Call thread here on ST’s.

[CP1]

"gar29" wrote

Next area I want to look at is going to disk brakes. I will need to use an adapter, as the frame is not originally set up for disks. Anyone have any suggestions/experience with these?

You will first need a disc ready hub, at least a 51mm tab on the top of the rear drive side drop-out or what ‘slipfinger’ mentioned/posted. I have known people to manufacture/fabricate such things for these 51mm tabless frames (non-disc ready frames). It is possible that the frame may not accept a disc brake as well, as I am not too familiar with that specific Schwinn frame.

Anyways, the best of luck and happy trails. 😄

[CP1]

"ebjr" wrote

Looking to be there by about noon. My sister is taking an exam that can take up to 5hrs so i am hoping to ride at least a couple hours. If you could manage some time on monday that would be cool.

OK, I will let you know by Sunday. Have to work on the ole truck this weekend now. It is starting to act a bit funny now… 😆

[CP1]

Sag; this is the amount of travel used up by sitting on the bike when it is at rest, which allows the wheel to drop into bumps to give more grip and a more comfortable, controlled ride. A rider wants sag so that the suspension is active as soon as the bike’s in motion rather than only when it is being compressed by bumps. This can be changed by adjusting the preload/air pressure. Depending on your style, you may need 15 to 25% sag (XC/Trails) or up to 50% sag for downhill or freeride.

Each one of those rear shocks will have what air pressure range stamped on the shock body somewhere. Start with at least 50% to 75% of your body weight. If not, the wise thing to do is to take it to your LBS and let them set it up for you if you do not have a shock pump.

Check out this site, as this will help ya out a bit….

http://www.tftunedshox.com/TFTunedGlossary.aspx

[CP1]

The two best is either LBE (Little Big Econ or aka…"Snowhill") in the Oviedo area off of Snowhill Rd. or Soldiers Creek at Soldiers Creek Park in the Winter Springs/Sanford area, which is only like 10 to 15 minutes away from Oviedo. The LBE is pretty big with at least a total of 35 miles of trails, but has sugar sand in areas of the trail system. Soldiers Creek is only like 2.5 miles, but can be looped many times. I have always liked SC over LBE anytime, as it is more fun, and offers more fun trails features than LBE. If you get bored with SC, then just cross the road to the other side to the Environmental Center, and they have a few off-road trails and many wood bridges as well. Just keep an eye open for hikers at the Environmental Center though.

Either one of these trails are posted here on SingleTracks, and they are very easy to get to from any direction. It is possible I could make the small trip up that way to show you around, but will not be able to know more until around Sunday though if I could make it.

What time are you thinking about riding? Just remember I am still a bit out of shape, so not real fast these days…. 😆 So you would have to make a slight bit of consideration for this old man… 😆 (just kidding)

[CP1]

"nickrm" wrote

You should come ride with us sometime! Planning on Comite in Baton Rouge on Monday, but that might get changed to the trace in Mandeville to put road bikes to use (i feel like im already catching on fire for saying this)

Hahaha…I wish I could, but we have been living in FL for the past 12 years and getting ready to move to SC next month. Though I have considered moving back to LA, but we really do not want to deal with all the flooding anymore… 😆

Hey, if you like road riding, then don’t worry about others bro. Do what ya like and makes ya feel good. 😄

[CP1]

Used to live in Lafourche, LA (near Thibodaux, LA, and there was no trails in our area with exception of service roads. All the trails I new were north of Lake Pontchartrain, as every thing around us was either sugar cane, swamp or bayou’s… 😆 😆 😆

My son was born in Houma, LA in Terrebonne Perish, though we lived in Bayou L’Ourse at that time with our daughter. We moved to Lafourche shortly after my son was born.

Good to hear another crazy Louisianian around here…. 😆 😄

[Author]

Posts