Bike TLC
Bike TLC
I’ve been contemplating a new MTB, but decided to give my early 90s Cannondale some maintenance TLC and a new set of tubes and tires to see if that will keep me happy for a while. She looks pretty good for her age, I think. This is from back when all Cannondale frames were made in the US.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
Re: Bike TLC
My old Cannondale MTB is in terrible shape, and is in our crawlspace somewhere. I've thought about digging it out to start riding again during this coronacation, but figured the maintenance it needs at this point probably needs a professional shop.
- JP Chestnut
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Re: Bike TLC
The problem with mountain bikes is their planned obsolescence. You almost can’t even buy tires for that rim size anymore.
- jeckyll
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Re: Bike TLC
That bike is in great shape Chris, looks like there's nothing wrong with it. Ride and enjoy
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Re: Bike TLC
Good work. No reason to get rid of that nice bike.
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- toxicavenger
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Re: Bike TLC
26? You can find them easily.JP Chestnut wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:46 amThe problem with mountain bikes is their planned obsolescence. You almost can’t even buy tires for that rim size anymore.
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- toxicavenger
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Re: Bike TLC
Chris there are few things you can do to make it perfect. First make sure the saddle,stem combo is still perfect for your fit. Second change out your brake/shifter cables. Next would be a new chain. They stretch over time and you can never get them adjusted right. Of course tires and tubes are a huge plus https://www.jensonusa.com/search?q=26%20tire
See if you have a local shop that can do a good tune up on it. Enjoy it.
See if you have a local shop that can do a good tune up on it. Enjoy it.
Website: http://smallwhitestubbies.com/
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Re: Bike TLC
I was looking for some light foldable 26s recently and the options were shockingly bad.toxicavenger wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 8:58 am26? You can find them easily.JP Chestnut wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:46 amThe problem with mountain bikes is their planned obsolescence. You almost can’t even buy tires for that rim size anymore.
Re: Bike TLC
I had no trouble finding tires for it. I bought fairly inexpensive tires, but there were a ton of more expensive options.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
Re: Bike TLC
I have a bag of new cables, but everything is working great so I’m not looking to mess with it. If something breaks, I’ll replace it.toxicavenger wrote:Chris there are few things you can do to make it perfect. First make sure the saddle,stem combo is still perfect for your fit. Second change out your brake/shifter cables. Next would be a new chain. They stretch over time and you can never get them adjusted right. Of course tires and tubes are a huge plus https://www.jensonusa.com/search?q=26%20tire
See if you have a local shop that can do a good tune up on it. Enjoy it.
I cleaned the drivetrain and have it some fresh oil. Shifting is pretty good, and being that I live in the flattest place in Earth, I don’t need to shift too often.
I’m going to order a new pair of grips and enjoy it as is for a while.
My 12 year old likes to ride it, so I may end up having to get myself something new anyway.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
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Re: Bike TLC
good grips are essential. I personally like oury grips.CGSshorty wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:08 amI have a bag of new cables, but everything is working great so I’m not looking to mess with it. If something breaks, I’ll replace it.toxicavenger wrote:Chris there are few things you can do to make it perfect. First make sure the saddle,stem combo is still perfect for your fit. Second change out your brake/shifter cables. Next would be a new chain. They stretch over time and you can never get them adjusted right. Of course tires and tubes are a huge plus https://www.jensonusa.com/search?q=26%20tire
See if you have a local shop that can do a good tune up on it. Enjoy it.
I cleaned the drivetrain and have it some fresh oil. Shifting is pretty good, and being that I live in the flattest place in Earth, I don’t need to shift too often.
I’m going to order a new pair of grips and enjoy it as is for a while.
My 12 year old likes to ride it, so I may end up having to get myself something new anyway.
if you do change the cables make sure to clean out the cable housing. We use to load it down with wd40 and then blow air thru the cables. wd40 will clean out some of the crude.
wd40 is a great cleaner but not a LUBE (right hoppy). i use 3 in 1 oil or pedros (when I haven't misplaced it )
have fun with it
Website: http://smallwhitestubbies.com/
- toxicavenger
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Re: Bike TLC
nashbar and jenson has a ton of themJP Chestnut wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 9:02 amI was looking for some light foldable 26s recently and the options were shockingly bad.toxicavenger wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 8:58 am26? You can find them easily.JP Chestnut wrote: ↑Thu Apr 16, 2020 7:46 amThe problem with mountain bikes is their planned obsolescence. You almost can’t even buy tires for that rim size anymore.
Website: http://smallwhitestubbies.com/
Re: Bike TLC
Personally, I would take it to a shop. Most have fairly inexpensive tune-ups, and it will basically he as good as new once they go through it completely.
Re: Bike TLC
you and your 12yo ride the same size frame?
either your 12yo is an absolute animal and future nba prospect, or you shortell are aptly last named
either your 12yo is an absolute animal and future nba prospect, or you shortell are aptly last named
Re: Bike TLC
if it has a Pepperoni fork, i'll buy it
- toxicavenger
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Re: Bike TLC
Nice Chris! I am loving my newest hobby. Working today but hopefully gonna ride the next three days. There is a great singletrack near here that i am really enjoying. Not a lot of roots. Most of the other around here are pretty rooty.
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Chase after the dream, don't chase after the money
Re: Bike TLC
I’m over 6’. He’s only 5’5” or so, but he puts the seat all the way down and deals with it.jtbenson wrote:you and your 12yo ride the same size frame?
either your 12yo is an absolute animal and future nba prospect, or you shortell are aptly last named
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
Re: Bike TLC
Check out the Oldshovel channel on YouTube. The guy reworks old bikes like this and makes them better than new.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
- toxicavenger
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Re: Bike TLC
damn that dude must be sponsored to put that much time into some of those bikes. he does killer work
Website: http://smallwhitestubbies.com/
Re: Bike TLC
I think he gets a lot of the components for free, and he recycles what he can. He has donated several bikes to underprivileged kids who need better race bikes.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
Re: Bike TLC
I also have a Cannondale 29 hardtail. Love it!
- toxicavenger
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Re: Bike TLC
I saw he did a video where Paul Components donated some stuff to him. That shit is pricey as hell but super nice. I like what he is doing. I am not sure about the spray panting of the bikes.
Website: http://smallwhitestubbies.com/
Re: Bike TLC
I was skeptical about the spray paint as well. They look good on my phone. I’m not sure how good they look up close.
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins
Re: Bike TLC
That’s a beauty. I’ve been looking at the Trek Marlin 6. I really don’t need anything more high performance than that.SoCal C4S wrote:I also have a Cannondale 29 hardtail. Love it!
"It's such a fine line between stupid, and clever."
David St. Hubbins
David St. Hubbins