PEPPE’S TECH TIPS
Pepe is a 2 year old Labradoodle who has spent all his life assisting in the shop.
He is a fast learner and eager to share his knowledge, so read on we both hope it helps.
He can’t type so we’ve agreed that I will take dictation and add a tip fortnightly.
#5 Handle Bar Height
As the travel on front suspension increases so does the front end height which can detract from both your climbing and cornering efficiency.
A low or no rise head-stem or the removal of head-stem spacers will improve your climbing position. By doing this more weight will be transferred to the front wheel thus improving your cornering performance.
#4 Pad Wear
Just received a reminder from Pep that it’s time for the next tip.
Brake pad wear, this is important. Every so often remove your wheels and check the pads for wear. If there is less than 1mm thickness of pad remaining on the backing plate it is time for new pads. Don’t wait for brake screech get in before metal on metal damage to the disc.
#3 Regular Checks
Trail riding, lots of fun but hard on bikes. Pepe says that you should check the following straight after each long ride or just prior the next. Spoke tension, hubs for looseness, headset adjustment and that there is no play in your crank set & bottom bracket assembly.
Trail riding is hard on the bike so look out for excessive wear or looseness on any part of your trail bike.
#2 Tyre Choice
Very personal things tyres, what’s good for your trail riding may be totally wrong for others.
If you ride mainly hard rocky trails check out tyres with a fast rolling tread closely spaced.
If your in loose condition a tyre with a more open tread pattern will help dig into the surface for a better more controlled feel.
#1 Chain Wear
You change the oil in the car so why not consider your bike chain?
Depending on your style of riding and conditions your MTB chain will last around 1000 Kilometres
Riding on a worn chain will speed up the wear on your cassettes and chain rings,so get into your bike shop and have the chain checked for wear regularly. Don’t be Penny wise & Pound free chains are far cheaper than chain rings & cassettes.
