BioWheels MTB Tech: Anatomy of Shiftsuck

Everyone with a mountain bike has heard of chainsuck…. how about shiftsuck?

Chainsuck can potentially stop you cold in your tracks. Excessively worn chainrings develop small burrs that effectively thicken the chainring - causing the chain to stick to theses areas and not release. The accumulation of mud on the chain and rings accentuate this condition. The suck part is your chain getting “sucked” up into your chainstay, either jamming or causing you to have to backpedal to get the chainring to release the chain.

A lesser known condition, Shiftsuck is chainsuck that occurs while downshifting from middle ring to granny, and can occur on brand-new drivetrains. Without sufficient clearance between chainrings and chainstays, shiftsuck can lead to your chain jamming into your bike’s chainstay - eventually leading to chainstay failure. Below are four photos showing the progression of shiftsuck. The first two show the underneath of the chainrings: in the photo the chainrings would be rotating backwards, and the chain is transitioning from the middle ring to granny gear.

Photo A: chain attempting to release middle ring and complete shift onto granny gear

Continue reading BioWheels MTB Tech: Anatomy of Shiftsuck…

29″ vs. 26″ wheels - does three inches make a difference?

Alright. I’m getting really tired of this. I am spending my days surfing the net, meticulously comparing every available piece of information, scouring web site, blog, pdf catalog, and mtbr review attempting to construct my next bicycle. I have been on scouring through information from 650bpalace.blogspot.com , twentynineinches.com , Indy Fab , Smoke Bikes (go local!) , Kevin Pancetti’s Custom Steel Bikes , Bianchi , Moots Bikes , Sram / Avid , Fox Forks , Shimano , GT Bikes , Thomson , ridemonkey.com , Niner, Cannondale Bikes, Easton , Gary Fisher bikes , Scott Bikes , Ellsworth , Industry9 Wheels , Salsa Cycles , and barelylegalasianteen3000.com just to name a few.

And that just makes up the ones I can remember. I have scoured the thoughts and opinions of all those that either 1- work in the bike industry 2- spend enough time writing about their time riding bikes to feel their opinion important 3- ride bikes a long way in Asheville, NC and ride at a pace close enough to mine to talk about my equivocating thoughts.

I mean, the bicycle I want has probably changed 3 times today alone. So here are my latest, narrowed down thoughts. And you know what? I would love to hear what YOU got to add to this conversation. I really just want to ride a bike that doesn’t squeak, creak, and give you the sneaking suspicion that the three solid years of unrelenting abuse combined with the less-than-timely maintenance schedule have created a situation where your bike will suddenly morph into a 7075 flailing jagged metal projectile.

1- Salsa Dos-Niner

While not a standard retail bike from Biowheels, its a QBP brand at therefore open to pretty much anyone who wants it. As Brad Kee, winner and only finisher of The Most Horrible Thing Ever has demonstrated this bike can pretty much hold up to whatever you throw at it. 29 inch wheels, Scandium tubing (light!), three in the front and one in the rear (take that however you want) to make a low suspension X-Country capable set up with the added comfort of a little softtail bounce for your ounce. Could probably drop this frame out around 27 pounds even with the big wheels and tires - very respectable, and it gives me just enough travel to not worry about comfort but not so much I’ll worry about bobbing around on the saddle

2- GT Marathon 9er

Moving up for a little more comfort; 100mm /80 mm travel with the GT I-Drive (modified, of course) set up. It has a 23″ top tube on the medium size, which is the shortest I have seen and I like that - I have long legs and arms with a very short torso. This would let me sit more over the suspension instead of behind it as I do on my current bike thanks to the 71 degree head tube and 74 degree seat tube. The bike has an LX build, but could easily rectify that with some nice upgrades to a SRAM grip-shiftin’ drive train (1:1 Rules!), Avid 7 brakes, and some Easton/ Thomson bling, which Matt has said is definitely do-able as the LX components are really moving up in the world (have you checked out the new SLX componentry? You should!). This would require me to toss the stock wheels as they are center-lock rotor set up, just another inconvenience. Basically, i’m buying the stinking frame and shelving everything except maybe the tires. Ah well. Gripes? Maybe too much plush with the 29″ tires and 7″ of suspension? That could be a lot of flex in the corners. Also, not a water bottle boss on the whole damn bike. Not one. Seriously, GT, you even list it under Cross Country. Did I mention I am 5′10″ and weight 195 pounds? I am not going to be nice to my equipment.

3- IF custom 27.5 (650b) Steel Deluxe

It would be a step into a new world on many levels, but the cost of the frame, the hard-to-find wheel goods, and the fact that I traded in my last hardtail because beat me up after long rides makes me a little wary. I am a much better rider now, but it still makes me a little nervy to get rid of all the butt-side bounce if it is going to hurt the day after. I like instant gratification when it comes to pain.

4- Ellsworth Truth / Scott Spark 20

Two fantastical magical mountain machines, both capable of climbing like goats and look almost as pretty as they ride. But the Scott requires pivot overhauls every 6 months by the shop to stay in warranty (3 years) and the ellsworth frames are notoriously dent-able due to the same thing that makes them so great to ride, really thin tubing. I like to dent things. I mean, you should see my current bike. They both are really made for someone who buys XL shorts because he’s 6′5″, not because riding your bike has given you thighs nearly as big as your waist. These make the list because I am still a little leery about giving up the granny gear, quick acceleration, and torsional stiffness a 26″ wheel definitely offers over a 29 or 650b wheel. I also like tubeless. And yes, crossmax and stans are tubeless now at 29″, but I’ve seen a particular rider peel his front tire off his rim right in front of me too frequently to make that option feel really good at this point. And I will NOT run a Hutchinson Python UST in Pisgah National Forest. No No No.

So here’s your challenge: What do I do? Help me choose! I will weigh all opinions given, and if there is yet another bike Biowheels can offer me that would help me 1- maximize my love of the trail, and 2- give me the tools to finish some 6+ hour MTB races without stopping to sob halfway up Curtis Creek Rd (in that order!). Oh, and 3- look attractive to members of the opposite sex when the bike is sitting on top of me after a crash. Let’s put that as priority #2.

So as I said, give me your input, your two cents, your ever so well informed and constructed opinion and see what I end up with!

Wesley Miller

BioWheels’ featured 2008 Cannondale Mtb’s

Cannondale has once again stepped up it’s offerings with the 2008 line. They have challenged the rest of the industry to keep up with them, and few companies can. First and foremost Cannondale is STILL producing the Rush frames in the US, and they are hand made one at a time.

BioWheels-Asheville has been a Cannondale dealer for just over a year, but it only took us a few months to realize what Cannondale has in the Rush. What they have is the only widely available all mountain bike built in this country. The also have a part spec that’s hard to beat!

We will be stocking and recommending two of the Rush models for 2008.

First we’ll introduce the 2008 Cannondale Rush5z. With this model you get the hand made frame paired with a fork from THE name is suspension, Fox Racing Shox. The Fox F120 RL is the perfect match for this rig. You also score a Fox RP2 rear shock. All this with Shimano/WTB wheels, SRAM shifting, and Avid Juicy hydraulic brakes! Come in and take a look today.

We will also feature the Rush 6z for those looking for the same frame, ride qualities, and Made in the USA quality at a more affordable price. The Rush 6z gets you a rock solid Rock Shox Recon fork, Manitou shock, Shimano/WTB wheels, and SRAM shifting. Don’t miss this value!

2008 Bianchi Sok 29er

I don’t want to make a blanket statement about 29ers, but I will say I am converted! Wow! I now have three solid rides on my Sok and things are just getting better and better. My first ride was the well known Laurel -> Pilot loop in Pisgah. The Pilot Rock trail is a technical, steep, rocky, switchback filled descent with a massive rock garden towards the end, and I was able to clean the trail from beginning to end! I had never rocked the trail like this before I hopped on the big wheels!

The Sok has a large wheelbase, nice tight responsive cockpit, and rather high standover. The bike feels big until you get in the saddle and then you’ll feel right at home. I upgraded my ride with a Easton EC90 seatpost, EA70 stem, Monkeylite carbon bars, and King headset. Even without these upgrades the bike is VERY well spec’d with a killer SRAM based component group. All this for only $1800!!

I am riding better than ever on this bike. The Easton ultralite frame is stiff and responsive, and even better when paired with the Rock Shox Reba SL fork. The frame is also built with horizontal dropouts for an easy single speed conversion.
BioWheels-Asheville will be stocking the Sok in the geared and single-speed versions. We’ll give you a free bottle cage if you can tell us what Sok means!!

If you ride trails, you want a Maverick.

has come to both BioWheels stores. “Everything in Moderation - Even Moderation” is a great phrase that explains their philosophy. It is hard to imagine that any one bike can stand out so boldly in the clutter of available trail bikes. The Maverick approach is to put the rider in complete control of the rig, not follow form or material limitiations. The result is a 27-34 lb (wheels & parts making the mass difference) trail bike that is perhaps the ultimate cushy, yet capable ride. Perfect for the Super-D course, 50-miles backcountry, or a casual ride for achey ol’ bones.

Having walked the line between XC & trail (freeride) bike for many years, I was blown away when I got on the ML8. I took it up some of my favorite climbs, and bombed it down some of the greatest down’s in WNC. After 90 minutes, I knew I’d have to order one. The next week I took it to DuPont, SF, for 4 hours of fast-rolling XC with big hucks. WOW. It pedals so well in out, or hovering on the saddle. Surprisingly, the DUC 32 fork has some torsional flex in the parking lot, but firms up in its travel. Moreover the inverted-oversized fork has a unique plushness & low mass to it. Yes, it is very easy to ‘manual’. The ground clearance is exceptional, making it just about ideal in a rock garden with downed trees. Whatever challenges you, the ML8 will have you looking conquering ‘that section’ with new-found confidence… just don’t hesitate!

Up the hills, the fork drops about 2 inches & firms up with the turn of a knob. This gives the bike an acceptable position for even the steepest climbs. The rear-end is going to deliver the best traction you’ve had since youir first trip to Moab.

When you order your Maverick dont’ forget the Speedball seatpost. Flick the switch, and the saddle is out of way. Your collarbones will last longer if you learn to drop your saddle in gnarly situations. Oh yeah, their name registry supports personalization of your Maverick. I named mine “Beefy”.-mj

The Maverick ML8 is Amazing!

“This past week I had a chance to ride a sweet steed from Maverick called the ML8. So much bike!! Earlier in the week Kevin from Suspension Experts came by with some demo bikes from Maverick. My initial thought on seeing them was something between ‘those are too heavy’ and ‘too much travel for the trail’. Wow, was I wrong!The ML8, as it turns out, may be the ideal Pisgah trail bike. It will roll over anything, but I was able to keep up with the hardtail crowd on the climbs! Sure, you have to work a bit harder to get the 29-30lb bike up the trail, but it’s not a XC race bike! From trail to all-mountain to even a Super-D…the ML8 is one sweet ride!

The ML8 excels in the descents with plush & controlled 6″ of travel in the front and relaxed angles throughout. The Speedball seatpost allows the seat height to be adjusted on the fly with a simple lever. Some Maverick models now are even spec’d with a remote seat height adjustment controlled from the handlebar. Maverick’s forks are all equipped with a climbing mode adjustment which allows the fork to be dialed down and harnessed for decent power transfer.

Overall, overall the ML8 is premier trail bike that can make any rider better. There’s much more to discuss about the ML8 but one really needs to see and ride these bikes! BioWheels has a complete demo fleet of Mavericks ready to go! Come and see us about a demo ride.

29-ers are here to stay

One of the biggest stories to hit the mountain bike market the last few years is the surging big-wheeled bike – the 29er. The larger circumference tire swallows up small to medium size roots, rocks, and bumps – allowing the rider more control and comfort. On the flip side, the larger wheels also offer more rotating weight, so accelerations are a bit harder to come by. So is the trade-off worth it? That’s up to the rider to decide, but we feel it is.

The lack of selection of 29ers has been the biggest impediment to the growth of the bikes up to this point. The big manufacturers have taken the wait and see approach up to this point, giving the smaller guys lots of business building big-wheeled bikes for riders. Now that more than a few manufacturers are sticking their collective toes in the 29er water this year, many more models are lining the shops for riders to try out for the first time. Many of these riders are seeing the light, and making the switch over to the big wheels after the test ride.

The folks at BioWheels Cincinnati are in the midst of stocking the floor with as many 29ers as they can get their hands on. Jamis has introduced 2 models for the 2007 season, the Dakota and the Exile. We also recently became the exclusive dealer for Niner bikes, the industry’s first and only line of bikes dealing only with the big wheels. Up to this year, we were building up custom Independent Fabrication Deluxe steel and titanium hardtails in 29” wheels to the tune of about 10 a year. The majority of the staff and shop racers have switched from 26” hardtails and full-suspension bikes to hardtail 29ers to tackle the Ohio Valley’s singletrack with.

We chose Niner bikes this year for their unparalleled dedication to the 29″ bikes. It’s all they make. Hardtail frames in scandium, steel, and double-butted aluminum. Single-speed or geared. And now, full-suspension with the hot Rip 9 frame. We’ve got a single-speed steel Sir 9 built up on the floor for you to take out for a spin.

Find out why so many are making the switch to big wheels for yourself - get on down to BioWheels and take a test ride!

Is you kid a mountain biker at heart?

Glory days are here indeed. When our daughter turned 7, we asked her if she thought she might want to give mountain biking a try. She replied with a resounding ‘yes’. Being the owners of a bike shop and avid riders to boot, that was certainly music to our ears. We promptly brought her home a new Jamis fester so she would be properly outfitted for the task. The Fester is a great bike for young beginners, with its hand brakes and 6 gears; it really helps prepare a child for more serious riding. (We sell some of the best kids mountain bikes that exist.)Our first venture was out to Bent Creek where we rode the very family friendly homestead trail. She had a blast and blew us away with her natural ability and confidence. She really wanted this and you could see the determination all over her face.Our next adventure was in the North Mills area where we found some incredibly kid friendly trail. The fall colors were in peak. There was plenty of flat trail for fast fun and some beginner technical material for a challenge. Watching the look on your child’s face when they are out on the trail and feeling really good about their accomplishments is priceless.

There will always be moments when your child falls, or is unsuccessful at an obstacle, but when handled with a positive outlook and a little humility, it’s easy enough to turn that frown upside down. Just tell them you just learned how to get over logs like that last year. And there’s nothing wrong with falling or walking your bike, you’ll be doing that no matter how good you get.

This is a fantastic opportunity for family bonding. What better way to spend time together than out in these beautiful mountains, sharing one of life’s greatest joys—the bicycle.

enjoy the pics from our old website.

Single Speed 101

“Ride to the gear” became my no-geared mantra during Knobscorcher.  The Tsali, NC, race course, with its gently undulating loops, was the perfect place to take out my recently reincarnated ti-hardtail. The event opened my eyes to the appeal of the singlespeed riding subculture. For many reasons, Singlespeeding is what has been missing in my cycling. Many years of off-road riding in all its disciplines, ten’s of thousands of commutes, ‘cross and road races have one thing in common… Gears, gears, gears.

Gears are definitely the Achilles Heel of today’s performance bicycles. When they work, we’re happily cranking along. When they skip, we are unhappy and often cursing at them, or the people perceived as possibly responsible for our transmission woes. When it comes to maintenance and replacement, We’ve all been fed-up with dirty cables, bent derailleurs and hangers, and worn-out chains and cassettes. Honestly, the bulk of Bio Wheels Service Dept revenue comes from gear issues. So what happens when you take those gears away?

Top 5 things you lose when you say no to gears:
1) a couple pounds, if you run affordable parts now.
2) that whackity, whack!
3) the option to take climbs “at your pace”
4) an excuse to stay at the shop (basement or local) listening to music your baby don’t like while working on your bike
5) respect for riders whining about their gears.

Top 5 things gained by single-ating;
1) the lightest bike you’ve ridden in a long time
2) a perfectly quiet ride
3) new respect for long climbs
4) time to take your sweetie out to listen to their favorite music
5) ability to trail-fix into a single speed, and still set the pace on your next group ride.

Things you’ll need to make this happen:

• Now that you have a sweet dual suspension, that hardtail on the hook will do nicely.
• a Surly singleator, unless you have horizontal dropouts
• a freehub cassette spacer conversion kit, or a new rear wheel built on Surly Hub.
• If your bike has a crappy old fork with an outdated 1″ steerer tube, do not fret. Bio Wheels can order you a Marzocchi  (85mm only) to retro-fit your old frame.