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New chain and powder day for dirt. It is amazing how much easier it is to ride up hill when you have a chain.
I have the tool, and just checked the failed chain…and …ummmm there is signficant stretch greater than .5 but less than .75. Welp, I guess I used that chain a little too long. I am somewhat surprised with the reading. I clean and check my chains often but….but …but…the dog ate my homework!
The previous time was a master link this time was a standard link. The missing link, I blame on myself. I keep the herd at close to or better than new condtion and admit I am sometimes guilty of reusing the master link when cleaning the chain. The only way I can explain the most recent failure is, bad luck or pilot error by cranking mid shift (not sure).
I suspect chain failure is slightly more common on 2×10 and 3×10 systems. It must be me, I also have a chain drop problem on a fatty. 2×10 with a brand new chain, If I am cranking on soft sand or up a steep hill, I swear the frame flexes so much the chain drops. (is that even possible?). Anyhow, the fatty is becoming a single speed or a 1×10 and I just put a new sram chain on my main ride.
I feel there are a lot of days I could get away with a 3 speed hub. I need a gear to go UP, I need a gear to go DOWN and I need a gear to get to the trail. Probalby works a lot better in my head then in actual use. It looks as if we are headed to an automatic transmission. Electirc is the first step but it is only a matter of time before shifting will happen completly automatically and in the background. At some point the all the sensors will start talking to the drive system and decide the optimal gearing based on a learning algorithm . I’m sure there will be overdrive etc.
The time before this, I was about 3 pedal strokes from the very very top of my ride with a nice roller coaster 3 mile downhill. Riding with NO CHAIN is competely different from riding and not pedaling. I highly recommend people try it sometime and actually REMOVE your chain. It makes Aaron Gwin winning run even more remarkable.
Anyhow…new chain on…ready to go.
I was about 30 feet to my rig when I snapped the chain off yesterday. I picked up the pieces and coasted the rest of the way. I just checked the chain, it wasn’t even the master link this time. 2×10 but I never use what I call illegal gears….chain angle extremes, chain is always clean Rock n Roll lube on it. I am not sure what I could be doing wrong? I just replaced the chain with a new SRAM.
I wash my bike, clean the chain, isopropyl clean front and rear shocks, seat tube and rotors after every ride, basically every moving part. It has become a zen thing and the way I wind down after a ride. It is the way I can check every part looking for anything that might be amiss. I fix any item that seems even the slightest out of place…I also re-center front and rear brakes . I have built an area outside my lab just for cleaning and maintaining bikes including a hot water hose. Hot water makes what can be an unpleasant job into a relaxing one. This is doubly true during the fall and winter. After the bike is cleaned and tuned I re-lube the chain and wipe the bike down with Maxima SC1 High Gloss Coating. The bike is back to silently perfect and looks sharp. I probably spend 45 minutes after every ride maintaining the herd. I am hard on my gear but it is all well taken care of and lasts a long time. From an engineering perspective the bike has always been a technical wonder and the modern mountain bike is no exception. Think about the tolerances in the pivot points alone…..it is just incredible. I admit it, I absolutely love taking care of my bikes. They are engineered works of art. Guilty as charged.
On big trips for multiple days, it is hard to beat a van….BUT….for short high speed one or two nighters…..the roof top looks like a PERFECT option. On our last trip to Moab there was a retired gentleman with an AutoHome own his Honda CRV and it looked super nice. It looked like it was perfect for his lifestyle. My wife and I would love to have one for super high speed fast getaways. Hey, the swell looks good in southern Oregon. I don’t feel like driving a big van for one or two days…but with a roof top tent on something like a Honda CRV….BRING IT ON! I love the idea. I think for big trips….sure pack the van with all the toys…but for ….hey, anybody wanna hit the coast for a day…. roof top… AutoHome even has a carbon version…
Link to the AutoHome Hard Shell Tent
Necessary Evil, I ride trails that aren’t super muddy but enough to be a problem. I don’t really mind the mud but It is a pain when we stop to get something to eat on the way home. I also think it is a good idea to keep mud out of dropper seat posts. Droppers fail enough as it is…why give them another excuse. I have never had a fork fail but keeping mud out of moving shiny parts seems like a good idea.
I use Troy Lee Designs KG 5450 Adult Knee / Shin Guard and love them. I can wear shorts most of the winter because the pads are warm and comfy. I have minimal problem with the pads slipping down my legs. I think knee pads, gloves and a helmet are the “least” you should wear. I wear elbow for some rides but have not found any that are comfortable or don’t get annoyingly hot. One trick I do with all my gear is that every few rides I spray pads and shoes with a little lysol spray. I also keep all my pads in a mesh laundry bag so they can easily air dry. It is great when you are camping. After a ride you can just hang your gear on your bike rack or from a tree and let it air dry. The mesh bags are super cheap and also keep your gear together.
<h1 id=”title” class=”a-size-large a-spacing-none”></h1>I would like to hear some Editor Picks for Best Cameras to take along on a ride. I would also like to hear photo tips and tricks. When I watch the video’s from GMBN I am always impressed with the way they do their videos. I especially like when Neil literally critiques himself as he rides by his other self. I don’t do a lot of video but I am going to try and figure that one out. I currently use my smart phone which is good but when I do big rides I take along a Sony Alpha 65 with a zoom lens. It is heavy but when you are surrounded by epic views like Capt Ahab, Porcupine Rim….who cares about an extra couple of pounds. Editor Picks for cameras for every budget and tips from some of the pros you guys ride with. Neil and Scott do a great job.
I am a big fan of Camelbak Lobo hydration pack. Seems to be just enough space for extra gear but not so much you overload it. I also like the idea of “always” wearing a hydration pack as basic spin protection. Full finger gloves are nice and to start with basic shorts and shirts. After a while you will start wearing shirts that fit the season, weather etc. More and more I have been wearing road bike shirts for the fit and zipper fronts. Shorts are a problem. I currently wear mostly baggy but I don’t like them. I used to race road bikes and all the extra material blowing around and getting caught on my seat drives me crazy. I wish there were some hybrid shorts with some hex padding on the hips. I used to have a pair of super cool climbing knickers I would wear mt biking and they were awesome. A little warmth and a little knee protection. Seriously, when was the last time your caves got cold. I also wear Troy Lee Designs KG5450 Shin / Knee guards. I don’t find them to be very hot and I can ride most of the winter wearing them with shorts. I like the idea of protecting my knees and they are comfortable and don’t ride up or down. I hate wearing elbow pads but talk myself into every now and then, especially on night trail rides. Helmet is a must I don’t wear a full face but have thought about it. I also use 5.10 shoes which are so freaking sticky I swear I am clipped in sometimes. I think once you get started you will tweak your clothes to your style and your environment. Having said that….at a minimum, I would say, helmet, hydration pack and full finger gloves.
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