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

Photo B: as chain comes off middle ring and heads back towards rear derailleur, it rotates clockwise.

Photo C: chain is snagged by tab in XT big chainring before being carried into chainstay of bike.

Photo D: closeup of XT large chainring with tabs that are catching chain during middle ring downshift

Fix: if you are experiencing shiftsuck on your bike, there are two fixes. First, minimize your pedaling pressure during downshifts, and try and anticipate shifts as early as possible on the trails. Mechanically, a strategic filing down of the edges of the outer chainring tabs will reduce or eliminate the occurence of shiftsuck.

Mitch Graham
BioWheels
Cincinnati

]]> http://bykology.biowheels.com/2008/06/27/biowheels-mtb-tech-anatomy-of-shiftsuck/feed/ http://bykology.biowheels.com/2008/05/19/chain-lube-creeping-toward-10000-a-barrel/ http://bykology.biowheels.com/2008/05/19/chain-lube-creeping-toward-10000-a-barrel/#comments Mon, 19 May 2008 15:45:48 +0000 Joe Bellante Abstractions http://bykology.biowheels.com/2008/05/19/chain-lube-creeping-toward-10000-a-barrel/ I just looked up at the TV and there was another story on CNN Headline News about how oil has reached another record high price per barrel.. Eeek!

My crain is brampin’ right now. Okay. Focus. Focus. How much would a barrel of Finish Line cost? (picture a hamster running on a squeaky drum-treadmill between my ears)

At the rate of $7 for 120ml Finish Line, you’d pay $58.33 for a liter of Finish Line. If Finish Line were available by the barrel, 159 liters, you would pay $9274.47 for a barrel-full of slippery happy bike goodness. Holy crapoli!

Oh you want gallons? You are so not Euro. Send back that Quick Step team kit right now! For the metric system snubbing general public, Finish Line chain-lube costs $224/gallon.

($224 per Gallon)

Sorry…didn’t mean to make you paranoid about the drops you left on the garage floor. Cuz, foodreference.com says there are 46080 drops in a gallon.

Didn’t think I’d take it this far did you?

At the rate of $224/gallon, every drop of finish line you accidentally drip on the garage floor costs you .00486 dollars. Pretty much, every two missed drips, is a penny (bloop) down the drain.

So, how much does it cost to lube your bike’s chain? This is maddening I know. But, I can’t stop. I must see this to the end.

There are 116 links in an uncut 2006 Dura Ace 7800 Chain (according to Shimano’s website), A drop of Finish Line costs .00486 dollars. So, it costs 56 cents worth of Finish Line to lube an entire chain.

But, most chains are cut down a few links you say. I say, I’ll leave it up to you to count the friggin’ links in your chain without losing your place and your mind. I may be going overboard, but I’m not goin’ to the bottom. Roughly, on the typical fully geared road or mountain bike, you could say it costs 50 cents to lube your chain with Finish Line.

So the next time your forgetful cycling buddy asks, “do you have any chainlube?” What will you say?

I say…what goes around comes around. I’ll gladly share my Finish Line, but you’ll have to wait for me to get it out of my safe deposit box.

This is a republish from the Joe Biker Blog on AOL. For more click here: http://journals.aol.com/joejoebiker/joebiker/

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

The bicycle, believe it or not, has historically been the vehicle of not only people trying to get from one place to another, but also one of societal change. With the advent of the mass production of the bicycle, individuals have enjoyed for years the same freedoms we feel today on two wheels. Cyclists championed the development of our original roadway system. The emancipation of women concurred with their use of the bicycle to empower their organization of protest. Professional sports was first challenged by the racially oppressed in 1862 with Marshall “Major” Taylor causing the greatest equality argument of his time, this was a first step toward the Civil rights movement. Today the world over the bicycle continues to shape our planet by empowering people of developing nations to travel without the need for expensive oil-based fuel. You get the idea. Now how do YOU fit into the grand scheme of societal change?

Riding a bike:
· Is physically healthy and sets an example of health for others in our society
· Is good for the local and international environment by reducing the impact of carbon based fuel use
· Reduces automobile traffic and congestion
· Brings people together for common happiness and enjoyment

It is this final point that we can personally use to affect our world on the local level.

To expand on the significance of common happiness and enjoyment while riding, we at BIOWHEELS propose the following riding philosophy to spread happiness and enjoyment while riding a bicycle (these are adapted from the teachings of a guy some called the Buddha):

WHILE RIDING A BICYCLE…

• LOVE:  An intention and capacity to offer joy and happiness, while riding a bicycle. We LOVE our bikes. We LOVE each other. We LOVE our planet! Smile. Share your joy and happiness and just be… here… now… while riding a bicycle!
• COMPASSION: The intention and capacity to relieve and transform suffering and to lighten sorrows, while riding a bicycle. You are transforming your personal suffering by relieving your stress and being good to your body.  At the same time you are relieving the stress on the planet. How noble an act! Lighten the sorrows of those we share the road with, namely automobile drivers by being COMPASSIONATE to the fellow human beings behind the wheel of that car trying to pass you as you ride. This applies to other riders and users of the outdoors. If you were them, how would you feel? What would the right thing to do be in that situation? Just try to identify with the human-ness of each other, respectfully, while riding a bicycle.
• JOY: True love, while riding a bicycle always brings joy to us and to those we love. Wave to the motorist with a smile in your heart as they pass you. Say a kind word as you ride with each other, or pass another rider or hiker on the trail, or someone walking along the roadside. This joy that you have is infectious and will encourage others to be kind to you, while riding a bicycle.
• EQUANIMITY: The wisdom of equality. Nonattachment, nondiscrimination, even-mindedness and “letting go” while riding a bicycle. This is the toughest one of all for us in our country. Our society has emphasized individuality to the point of isolation and arrogance. Your “right” to be where you are on your bike is actually EQUAL, yes, EQUAL to the person in the car on the road or sharing the trail with you while riding a bicycle. There is, in actuality, an enormous world with enough space for all of us. We get in to trouble when we try to “claim” that space and time as “ours” and “not theirs” at certain moments in time. Sometimes we feel certain rules of the road and the trail, brought into effect by our elected government for the safety of ALL people, do not apply to us while riding a bicycle. Mutual compassion and respect can then disappear. Be aware. This division is where a good bit of mutual frustration develops. Try to keep this EQUANIMITY in mind when you go out for your ride. Dissolve the division on your end. Let go of your assumptions of superiority and self-importance. We are all interconnected, do not discriminate yourself from other two-wheeled brethren, those in cars or those on foot.  Be an example while riding a bicycle. Obey the law; share the road and trail, and BE NICE while riding a bicycle.

If we all can just try to remember some of these points while riding a bicycle, we can earn the respect of our non-riding peers instead of demanding it. We will make our area a better place to live through an example of what health and happiness can accomplish. We can make our planet breath a little easier by reducing pollution and making more people smile. We can share our knowledge with those new to riding in a respectful, open, atmosphere of improvement and encouragement. With these goals in mind, all rules of our group rides will be based in this riding philosophy.

Chad Schoenauer BIOWHEELS ride leader

ENJOY YOUR RIDE!

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!

By Wesley A Miller, Esq.

Waking up at 5:30 AM to my dog stepping on my testicles

Gaining my senses to realize it was actually 6:00

Skipping coffee to catch the 6:30 bus

Sharing a seat with a man with obvious hygiene resource inequities

Shouting at the bus driver as he attempted to drive off with my Road Bike on the rack

Arriving at work. Period.

Finding my first client wasn’t until 8 AM, and no one bothered to call me.

Receiving none of the ice cream cake because I had a lunch meeting without food.

Comparing my plight with that of Milton from “Office Space”

Eating a mealy golden delicious apple instead

Having a client that was just a special shade of crazy

Inspecting my Scott CR1 to find my rear tire at 75 PSI

Freezing blisters on my hands because my CO2 trigger dethreaded

Admitting that as of this morning I weighed198 pounds naked as a jaybird

Seeing my ex-girlfriend cruise up beside me as I roll out of the office parking lot

But wait, there’s more!:

Pedaling up to find the barriers up on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Time-trialing the 1100 feet to the gap in 22:30; not great, not bad

Seeing only two other pedal-pushers the entire time

Noting that both are Biowheels Racing Teammates

Screaming down Elk Mountain Scenic Highway faster than I should have with a flat tire

Accomplishing this without careening off the side of the mountain

Logging another 29 beautiful, solitary miles

Living to tell about it. So I am

Part 1

Part 2

BioWheels is excited to feature Cervelo as our premier road bicycle vendor! They have been leading their class in the road & time trial markets based on lightweight, strong and aerodynamic design that is backed by the world’s #1 ranked road race team (Team CSC) and the winningest triathlon brand in Ironman hisory (over 30 wins).

Cervelo was founded in 1995 by two engineers who continue to own & manage the company today. Cervelo is a group of people who love cycling while having a commitment to engineering that is unmatched in the cycling industry. Quite simply, Cervelo is building the best bicycles on the planet. This is evident not only in their commitment to product testing and engineering but in the fact that Cervelo extends a lifetime warranty on every one of their frames!

If you’re looking for the ultimate road bike, you need to consider the Cervelo Soloist Carbon or the Cervelo R3. New for 2008 is the Cervelo RS. This bike is designed with the same performance of the R3 with a taller headtube for a more upright riding position. For value-oriented performance, you should see what Bicycling Magazine calls “The best $2000 complete road bike” - the Cervelo Soloist Team.

If you want to shave minutes off your time trial or bike split, then you should know that no other bike model is more tested or proven aerodynamically than the Cervelo P3 Carbon. Cervelo is by far the most-raced TT bike in the world and the benchmark by which all other manufacturers are rated.

BioWheels is the only shop in Western NC that Cervelo deems worthy of their reputation. The complete Cervelo line is represented in our Asheville, NC store. Come in to look at one for yourself!

The US is very proud of our greatest bike company, Cannondale, and BioWheels is proud to represent Cannondale! They have been hand building world-class racing bikes with American talent since 1971, and they were the American originators of large-scale bicycle racing sponsorship on the road & dirt. Cannondale’s Regional Manager, Charles Stanley, puts it this way:

“We are a company of innovation and setting trends. We were the 1^st American bike company to sponsor a European team (Saeco) and race in the Tour de France. We also set the trend for big-budget mountain bike teams with Volvo/Cannondale. We have brought unknown riders to the forefront of the sport. Mario Cippolini, Missy Giove, Alison Syder, Anne Caroline Chaunson, and Tinker Jaurez, to name a few…Our research and development department is testing well above industry standards to insure that the bikes and the parts we put on them will exceed all racer and customers expectations. Whether you ride road or mountain you will be faster on a Cannondale. That is our purpose!”

You owe it to yourself to check out one of these bikes:

On the road, the Cannondale Synapse series bikes are built for comfort while still light, making them well-suited for training in the mountains. Many BioWheels racers utilize the Cannondale CAAD9 bikes for their stiffness & lightweight. The cutting edge Cannondale SystemSix technology melds an alluminum rear triangle with carbon main tubes - “The result is the lightest, stiffest, most explosive bike we’ve ever made”. The Cannondale SuperSix is the full-carbon result of 20 years of pro peloton racing!

On the dirt, the Cannondale Scalpel XC race bike is redesigned for 2008 - “More travel, lighter, stiffer”. the Cannondale Rush is a great endurance racing & riding machine. The Cannondale Prophet is an ideal do-it-all rig for the trails of Western NC and beyond. with full-suspension mountain bikes starting at just $1379 for 2008, you just need to chose how much travel you want. Their hard tails are still among the best in the business. From the race-ready Cannondale Taurine, to the awesome Cannondale 29′er Caffeine series, it’s obvious that this company has figured out some things!

BioWheels-Asheville has access to Cannondale’s entire line of handbuilt bikes, but we focus our inventory on the best for WNC. Stop by for a test ride. We usually have a demo bike available.

Now as an employee of BioWheels I have a vast selection of bikes to choose from and once I waved a sad goodbye to my ‘cross bike I had the funds to pull the trigger on a true road bike. As you might guess I spent a lot of time researching what bike would be best for me and my budget. I was pleasantly surprised to find that a Cannondale Synapse was well within my grasp and after weeks of deliberation I finally decided on a Synapse 3. I have owned 4 Cannondale mountain bikes so having a bit of brand familiarity was nice when venturing into virtually unknown waters.

The appearance of this bike is stealthy, a “raw carbon” finish with some grey and silver highlights makes for a sexy looking bicycle, it’s also worth noting that the bike comes in a vivid red as well. Looks aside after the first ride on this bike I knew I had made the right decision. The Synapse 3 is a full carbon road bike and the vibration dampening properties of said carbon became apparent instantly on my first descent down Elk Mountain Scenic Highway, a route known for it’s chattering effects on speedy cyclists. Power transfer is not an issue and within the first few pedal strokes it almost felt like I was cheating. Coming from an aluminum frame to a full carbon frame is certainly going to feel a lot differently for anyone but even compared to other all carbon rides I test rode the Synapse still feels snappy and a little more forgiving than the average racer’s carbon choice.

I won’t get into the Cannondale specific mumbo jumbo too much, their SAVE (Synapse Active Vibration Elimination) technology is certainly a marketing term to be certain, but I can say this much, IT WORKS! One quick point of interest is that their SAVE chain stays are taken almost directly from their off road counterpart, the Scalpel.

While I’m still honing in my on-road skills I certainly feel a lot more comfortable on this bike than my old aluminum ride. With a slightly longer than average wheel base descending on the steep stuff is confidence inspiring. While the Synapse is not marketed as a race bike, it could easily be set up as one as climbing and sprinting is of course a non-issue on this machine. I removed a large headset spacer that comes stock on the bike to create a more aggressive position and after doing so it’s easy to see why a Synapse could be set up for riders of varying styles.

While a great frame is the foundation to a great ride, components play a vital role in the overall ride quality. So what do you get for your money here? Well after seeing what came spec’d on this bike I was sold. Mavic Aksium wheels take up the rolling duty. The drive train is composed of Ultegra dérailleurs, Ultegra STI shifting and braking, and a Shimano non-series compact crank set takes the job of attaching your pedal choice to the bike. There is a triple crank set option for this particular model as well. While the rest of the build is made up with Cannondale branded parts, (which I might add are just fine), Cannondale did a wonderful job with spec’ing this bike and I’ve only felt the need to change the saddle and add a slightly different stem. The bottom line is that you’re getting a full carbon frame and a full Ultegra / Mavic kit for just over $2000. Not a bad deal at all.

Another huge selling point is Cannondale’s lifetime frame warantee, and for a full carbon frame this is considered to go above and beyond what most other manufacturers offer. Perhaps you’re already a dedicated roadie who’s looking for that perfect century bike, an enthusiast who’s ready for a carbon ride without breaking the bank, or just like me, a mountain biker with a need for superb ride quality and efficiency for your on-road training adventures. In either case look no further, the Cannondale Synapse line is for you. For more information on all 2008 Cannondale products please visit the cannondale website or better yet just stop in and talk to one of our knowledgeable sales staff. We still have a couple of left over 2007 models on sale looking for that perfect new home. -Ian B