Why Proper Lubrication Is Crucial In Mountain Bike Maintenance
More and more people are getting into mountain biking. Very few people, though, properly maintain their bikes. One of the most important aspects of mountain bike maintenance is lubrication. Keeping your bike's moving parts well-lubricated will help keep your bike in top shape for a long time. Failing to keep your bike properly lubed will lead to a shortened lifespan for your bike and its parts.
The most basic advice to heed when it comes to keeping your bike lubed, is that if there's a moving part, it needs to be lubricated. There are some parts which are best left to the experts. It's unlikely that you'll want to pull the bearings out of your headset or from inside the front crankshaft or hubs, but there are plenty of parts which are easy to access and which appreciate a regular and thorough lubing.
When purchasing lube for your bike, it's advised to buy a product specifically designed for bikes. They're perfectly formulated for the specific needs of bicycles. These lubricants typically come in drip or spray dispensers.
Now take a look at your mountain bike's derailleurs. If you're having trouble with shifting gears, then there's a good chance your derailleurs need some lubrication. In case you don't know, the derailleur is the part that moves the chain from gear to gear. Wherever there's a movable point on the derailleur, apply lubricant. This includes the little adjustment barrel. Some lube there will keep it from rusting and making it impossible to adjust.
Turn your bike upside down, move the pedals and shift gears. Wherever you see the derailleur moving and exposing sections, add some lubricant. Don't overdo it, though. Wipe up any excess drips.
Another important place to apply lube is the chain. A well-lubricated chain will last a long time and it will shift from gear to gear easier. Either turn the bike upside down or mount it on a rack if you have one, and slowly crank the pedals. As the chain cycles around, apply lubricant by either spraying it or dripping it on. Wipe off any lubricant which accidentally lands on the frame or anywhere else.
The pedals can also use a regular application of lubricant. Of course you don't want to put any on the pedal grips unless you have cartoon capers in mind, but you do want to apply some to where they attach to the cranks.
It may surprise you to hear that the brakes require lubrication. You don't want to get any grease on the brake shoes, though! Keep the lube away from the rims, too. Where you do want to apply lubricant is on the pivot points where the brakes move. Wherever there's a moving joint or metal on metal, you want to apply lubricant. The brake levers themselves can use some lube, too. Again, you'll want to apply it on the pivot points on the levers and not the lever itself.
A well-lubricated mountain bike will last longer than one that's neglected. It'll ride nicer, too. Remember to regularly lubricate the parts you can easily access and talk to your local bike shop about further mountain bike maintenance.
D-15 Derailleur Hanger – Fits: Specialized Epic Stumpjumper Hardrock Enduro FSR
SPECIALIZED:
2005-Hardrock sport, Enduro comp,
2002-2004 Enduro FSR/SX,
2003-2004 S-works epic FSR,
2003-2004 S-works enduro FSR,
2003-2004 Epic,
2003-2004 S-works HT,
2003-2004 Stumpjumper HT,
2004 Hardrock (aggro),
2003-2004 Stumpjumper FSR,
2004 Rockhopper HT,
2004 Hotrock A1 FS,
2001 Hotrock A1 FSR. Please compare the picture to the hanger you have on your bike in order to find the right one.
Derailleur Hanger Fits: Specialized ’02 Rockhopper Mtn, ’97-’04 Crossroads A-1, ’00-’04 Expedition, ’03-’04 Big Hit Single Pivot
Fits: Specialized '02 Rockhopper Mtn, '97-'04 Crossroads A-1, '00-'04 Expedition, '03-'04 Big Hit Single Pivot
Please check picture to see if it looks like the hanger you need.
D-38 Derailleur Hanger – Fits: Specialized Allez Tarmac S-works Road Bikes
Fits SPECIALIZED models:
2003-2004 Allez,
2003-2004 S-Works E5 Aerotec Road,
2003-2004 Sequoia,
2003-2004 Sirus,
2004 S-works tarmac,
2004 Roubaix,
2004 Dolce,
Please compare the hanger you have on your bike to the picture, to choose the right one.
GMC Denali Road Bike
Mens GMC Denali Light weight aluminum road bike has a 21 speed Shimano derailleur. ~ For any service questions contact Kent at 1-800-451-KENT (5368), EST.,for replacement parts, repair kits, tools and warranty information.
Iron Horse Victory 3.0 Adult Road Bike
Road bikes--also known as racing bikes--are designed to go as fast as possible, and this one is no exception. The Victory 3.0 from Iron Horse features a lightweight, semi-compact road frame with a 1.12-inch integrated head tube that will increase acceleration and minimize vibrations in the seat. The bike also offers a carbon fork with an alloy steerer, which provides excellent aerodynamics, quick handling, and a smooth ride. Other details include alloy hubs, Tektro road brakes, Shimano componentry, and a Shimano Tiagra gear system that operates with precision indexing to help make molehills out of mountains. pbSpecifications/bbrulliFrame: Semi-compact, butted alloy road frame with carbon fiber seat stay and 1-1/8-inch integrated headtube liFork: Carbon with alloy steerer liHandlebar: Alloy 201408, 31.8mm clamp liStem: 3T, THE4 liHeadset: FSA IS-3 liBB: FSA Megaexo liCrank: FSA Gossamer liRings: 50/36T alloy steel liPedals: NIL liChain: KMC OX10 liSaddle: Selle Italia XR liSeatpost: 2014 alloy liFront hub: Alloy QR, 32H liRear hub: Alloy QR, 32H liFront derailleur: FSA energy, 31.8 clamp liRear derailleur: Shimano 105 liShifter: Shimano 105 STI liCassette: Shimano 105, 11/25T, 10-speed liBrakes: Tektro road liBrake lever: Shimano 105 STI liRim: Mavic CXP22 liSpoke: 14/15G black liTires: Vittoria Zaffiro, 26TPI, folding bead 700x23 liColor: Satin brown liWeight: 19.9 pounds /ulpstrongfont color=CC6600BIGAmazon.com Bicycle Buying Guide/BIG/font/strongbrbrstrongFinding the Right Bike/strongbr To really enjoy cycling, it's important to find a bicycle that works for you. Here are some things to keep in mind when you're in the market for a new bike:pstrongThe Right Ride/strongbr In general, bikes are broken down into three major categories:ullistrongRoad and Racing Bikes/strong--As a general rule, road and racing are built for speed and longer distances on paved surfaces. Thinner tires, lightweight 29-inch (700c) wheels, and drop bars that allow for a more aerodynamic position are the norm. Most road bikes, regardless of price, offer many gears for tackling both hilly and flat terrain. listrongMountain Bikes/strong--With their larger tires, hill-friendly gearing, and upright position, mountain bikes are very popular for all types of riding, both on pavement and off. Mountain bikes that are designed specifically for rugged trail use typically feature a suspension fork. Some may have rear suspension, as well. A quick change of the tires on any mountain bike--even one that you use regularly on trails--adds to its versatility and makes it a worthy street machine. listrongComfort/Cruiser Bikes/strong--For tooling around on bike paths, light trails, or for cruising a quiet beach-side lane, comfort/cruiser bikes are the ticket. With a super-relaxed riding position, padded seats, and limited or no gearing, these bikes are made for enjoying the scenery and having fun with the family. /ulpstrongThe Right Price/strongbr A bike's price boils down to three essentials: frame materials, bike weight, and component quality and durability.ullistrongEntry-level/strong--You'll find a wide range of comfort and cruiser bikes in this category, as well as some lower-end mountain bikes and road bikes. Most will have steel frames and components that are designed to last for several years with frequent use. listrongMid-range/strong--Bikes in this range may feature a lighter aluminum frame with mid-range components that keep performing after miles of use. If you're looking for a quality bike that is relatively lightweight and will stand up to abuse, this is the "sweet spot." Most serious commuter and touring bikes fall into this category, as do mid-range mountain bikes with a decent front suspension. listrongHigh-end/strong--Racers and serious enthusiasts who expect lightweight, high-performance components will want to stick to this category. For road bikes, exotic frame materials (carbon fiber, titanium) and ultralightweight components can add thousands to the price tag. Mountain bikes in this class often feature advanced front and rear suspension technology, as well as components designed to handle lots of rugged trail action./ulpstrongThe Right Size/strongbr Fit is crucial for comfort, control, and proper power and endurance on a bike. Here are some basic bike fit tips:ullistrongStand-over Height/strong--To find out if a bike's overall height fits your body, measure your inseam. Next, determine how much clearance you'll need between your crotch and the top tube of the bike. For a mountain bike, you'll want three to five inches of clearance. A road bike should offer between one and two inches of clearance, while a commuter bike should have two to four inches. Compare the stand-over height for a given bike to your measurements (inseam + clearance) to determine the right bike height. listrongTop Tube Length/strong--You can measure your torso to get a good estimate of proper top tube length. First, make a fist and extend your arm. Measure from the center of your fist to the end of your collarbone (the part that intersects your shoulder). Next, measure your torso by placing a book against your crotch with the spine facing up. Measure from the spine to the bottom of your throat (the spot between your collarbones). Finally, add the two measurements (arm length + torso length), divide the number in half, and subtract six inches. This is your approximate top tube length. Compare this number to a bike's posted top tube length. You can allow for about two inches longer or shorter, as most bikes can be adjusted via stem length/height and saddle fore/aft position to make fine adjustments to the fit. listrongBikes for Women/strong--Proportionally, women tend to have a shorter torso and longer legs than men. Bike makers design women's bikes that offer a shorter top tube and many comfort/cruiser bikes built for women may also provide more stand-over clearance. /ulpstrongThe Right Accessories/strongbr When you make a bike purchase, don't forget these crucial add-ons:ulliHelmet (this is a must!) liSeat pack liLock liHydration pack, or water bottle and bottle cage liSpare tubes liPortable bike pump liGloves /ulp
GMC Denali Women’s Road Bike (20″/50cm Frame)
Ladies GMC Denali Light weight aluminum 19.5" road bike with Shimano 21 speed derailleur ~ For any service questions contact Kent at 1-800-KENT (5368) for replacement parts, repair kits, tools and warranty information, (or) www.services@kentbicycles.com