[OHPV-list] Sandras "first" Metric - Yeah! - Chains and shifters

[tha_capt]

Congratulations Sandra for finishing your first metric. This should give you 
confidence to go for the big Challada soon ;-))

Regarding chain breaks.

I used to pop a pin in sachs chains when I didn't take the time to make sure 
the pin was centered to be free and flexible. This was the beginning of my 
Bike Wrencher "growing pains"  There are tight tollerances in those little 
pins that have to "beeee just riiight" or it "WILL" come a part hopefully 
without injury. I was really relieved to see Sram/Sachs go to the power 
link. At least taking the chain off now isn't such a hassle and thankfully 
the manufactured links are designed to be as strong as the rest of the 
chain. As for Shamano - A new pin is a must everytime the chain is taken 
off. The only time one should use the old pin is when one is limping in for 
repair. I threw the towel in on Shamano years ago for their "lack of " 
expertise in developing a "logical master link". Chains need easy service so 
a master link is the most logical way to maintain the Dirty Rooten Scandral.

I'm with John C on the topic of cable housings. Buy bulk and don't look 
back. I do favor the Teflon coated inner-liner that are found inside many 
types. I really don't have a favored brand as it's usually some time I need 
cable housings as I turn them 180 degrees to get a double season out of 
them. By turning them the wear path is changed and one can have a new liner 
for the cable to glide on for the second season. As per John - I usually 
change the little short cable out annually regardless. It's just to easy to 
do and not become aggravated by sticky shifting.

Since we are on the shifting subject here - I might mention something about 
the Shamano Rapid Fire shifters -- I would recommend changing the shift 
cable out every 3000-4000 miles. I had to disassemble the shifter to remove 
the little cable end that presides inside the shifter. When this little 
puppy starts fraying out inside "you can't see it" it gives the same 
symptoms as the little rear shorty cable housing previously discussed. By 
changing the cable out regularly one won't have to use dental tools for a 
significant amount of time to extract the cable end that is nested in the 
shifter housing surrounded by sharp little wires that draw plenty of DNA. I 
had a new shifter cable installed last year just before my TransAm Tour. It 
started giving me fits in Idaho. Lubed the shift cable housings with no 
improvement. After I got home and was overhauling the Gold Rush for the 
Bicycle Idaho ride the shift cable snapped on the work stand.  "YES" what a 
place for a break down ;-))) Anyway, I'm not picking on Shamano or any other 
brand - they all have their own idiocentriceys.

tha capt ~