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Have you considered an adjustable headset? https://canecreek.com/product/angleset/
Okay, so Mike’s is no longer an authorized Specialized dealer, thus they can’t support warranty repairs, etc. Based on the email, there is some suspicious business going on internally with Mike’s ownership and/or Specialized. Tough call…
Spec a cassette to fit a Shimano HG freewheel. I know Box makes wide range 9-speed cassettes. https://boxcomponents.com/products/box-three-prime-9-e-bike-cassette?variant=37304575918247¤cy=USD&utm_medium=product_sync&utm_source=google&utm_content=sag_organic&utm_campaign=sag_organic&utm_campaign=gs-2020-10-07&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAjwhOyJBhA4EiwAEcJdcaplWohmhq9RqA9SePpsTOd0Mhjyq5EgPkjc8DWvbtgZQHgxlVVFJhoCbc4QAvD_BwE
Your rear derailleur most likely will interfere with cogs larger than 40 teeth. Spec a derailleur to accommodate the max cog size on the new cassette. https://www.jensonusa.com/Derailleurs?MultiValueDriveTrainSpeed=9+Speed
To remove/install your cassette, you’ll need a Park Tool Fr-5.2 https://www.google.com/search?q=shimano+cassette+removal+tool&oq=shimano+cassette+&aqs=chrome.1.69i57j0i512l4.10219j0j7&client=ms-android-google&sourceid=chrome-mobile&ie=UTF-8#scso=_nzw7Yf-9NYmKxc8P4-qfsAI11:0
I would consider upgrading your 32-tooth chainring as well, depending on the offset. The correct offset ensures your chainring sits in the middle of the cassette, rather than being biased to high or low cogs. Since I don’t know what your offset is now, I can’t make a recommendation.
Also, you may want to add a chain guide if you keep the current chainring. I assume it’s not a narrow-wide tooth, which helps chain retention and reduces chain dropping.
Enjoy upgrading your bike!
Correction: this is a size XL, not a L.
Ooh, yeah, that’s unfortunate. I’ve melted a tire with my exhaust. Lesson learned.
You could mount an aluminum heat shield an inch or two away from the wheel cup. You can make it classy with a machine shop built piece, or go DIY with a home improvement sourced aluminum plate. Or, if you happen to have an expired license plate, that would suffice!
Not too much cause for concern at this point, Chris. More than likely the bank won’t pick up the financed balance until you’ve taken delivery of the bike. Also, once you do take delivery, the bank financing your loan may receive it at the very beginning or end of their month (not necessarily the calendar month). This may cause a ‘delay’ in processing the loan, which could be up to six weeks, depending on their workflow.
I lose about 10-15% of my screen to the pop-ups on my Android phone.
I echo Bike Here’s comments. Non-tubeless rims are more difficult to setup, especially narrower rims with a taller profile (deeper well). Another tip: spray soapy water along the bead before inflating. The lubricating solution helps evenly distribute the bead along the rim.
This is a great forum topic! First off, I’d like to call attention to the term ‘diversity’. From what or whom are we attempting to diversify? When we say “we” want to diversify, is that “we” white people? Just a thought. Dr. Robin DiAngelo authored a book called White Fragility outlining how white people can be more diverse. Look into it. My responses:
1. How can we make cycling culture feel more welcoming and inclusive for people who are currently underrepresented therein?
Take risks by getting outside of your comfort zone. Invite POCs (that’s people of culture) out for a ride. Let them ride your bike (not your klunker). Make it a point to welcome everyone, not just those you think might be interested. Talk with them along the ride, after the ride, go out for an adult malt carbonated beverage. Listen. A lot.
2. How do we support role models for girls and women, people of color, queer folks, older riders, younger riders, and other less represented groups?
I search for stories about people who don’t look like me (middle-aged white male, no lycra). In the last couple of years the magazine periodical MountainFlyer has shifted their stories towards the youth and women. I’ve enjoyed the change! We need more publications and sites like this to bring attention to all riders. And we as readers need to comment on the author’s efforts to bring us these stories. Sure, it takes more effort for publishers, journalists, authors, and contributors to find subjects and stories that aren’t mainstream, but that’s the point.
3. How can we make the sport more affordable, and remove or lower the economic barriers to entry?
All bikes are fun to ride! Some more than others. I prefer to read reviews about sub-$1000 bikes because the articles tend to focus on riding, rather than nitpicking the build, HTA, or obscure tech. Affordable bikes are out there! Many LBS have a few used bikes they are more than happy to part with. But you have to ask. My favorite are bicycle co-ops. These are gold mines for new bikers looking for amazing deals and builders who need hard-to-find parts. Co-ops almost always have education programs that teach safe riding and maintenance. For youths, co-ops typically have a build-a-bike program where kids can learn how to build or repair a bike of there choosing from a used warehouse before riding it home, usually for free.
4. What are some of the ways you will introduce cycling to communities where there may not be a safe place to ride?
I read a book called Bikenomics authored by Elly Blue that can speak to this question. Advocacy is a daunting task, especially where there is none. Find out from the local or city council some statistics on ridership within the locale. It may not exist, so the first step might be working to petition for a small section of trail, sharrow, bike lane, or path to raise awareness. Paint is inexpensive, and bringing awareness with a bike lane on a less traveled street will enable riders to feel safer knowing their local government is looking out for them. And businesses can install bike staples (those hoops outside stores to secure your bike) by their storefront to alleviate parking issues. There are many more ideas in this book.
5. How can we hold businesses accountable, and ask them to support and welcome a more diverse workforce and clientele?
A wise man once told me that most people vote with their feet, and then their dollar. Support businesses that support these causes. And exercise caution when it’s just an ad campaign. This is difficult in areas that have few race demographics or are geographically isolated. It’s easy to identify when a LBS is supporting it’s demographic. This isn’t the case with a major manufacturer. We can’t look through the window! It’s up to customers to inquire about their practices, to identify what they are doing to be inclusive. Larger companies need to open up, literally, to their clientele. A good way for them to do so is through demos, expos, and supporting emerging cycling communities. Deeds, not words.
Bottom line is to research, research, and research! We already spend too MUCH time researching bikes, reading about race results, longing for a backcountry bikepacking experience…most of which we barely act on. Take some of that time to branch out to find local advocacy groups, look into companies’ practices and messaging, and most of all, get people riding. Ride somewhere you haven’t ridden, that you wouldn’t consider riding, because if you can’t, how can you expect others to even meet you halfway?
Trails in Northern Virginia are open. However, the local advocacy group, Maryland Off Road Enthusiasts (MORE), has advised riders to cease riding for the time being. I have volunteered on trail work days with MORE, and support their recommendation to stay off the trails primarily because the trails can’t be maintained during this period. An exception to open trail networks is Fountainhead Regional Park, which closed their MTB-only network.
Tough call. If you have access to a LBS you trust, ask their opinion. Keep in mind their motives. Send a pic of the damage to Transition–another option.
Being steel, I would ride that frame. Definitely not if the construction were carbon. Would possibly ride if it were aluminum. My current aluminum frame has many smaller dents and scrapes. Honestly, it’s a MTB and exposed to some pretty harsh conditions and dare I say abuse.
