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[Closed] Swapping, adjusting, experimenting vs. just ride it

bikesandboots · 2021-07-11T00:03:22Z

There was a bit of a debate on a recent thread about the amount of tweaking the OP was doing to his new bike. On the other hand I know people who have always run the same model of tyre as came on their bike new in 2014, or don't know what pressure they run. Where are you on this scale, what's worth the time/cost and what isn't? I've always been the type to adjust and tweak (not just bikes). But I'm aware that I'm a mid-30s leisure rider, so having a sub-optimal setup really wouldn't matter as long as it feels ok. And I probably lack the skill to distinguish, let alone choose the better of, some different options and settings. Still, I want it to be as good as it can be to get the most out of it and the satisfaction of getting it "dialed". I do prioritise riding though, and would always spend time route planning over tinkering, and go somewhere new/interesting over somewhere to experiment with settings. Free tinkering examples: suspension settings (up to a point), tyre pressures, flip chip, handlebar height/rotation, brake lever angle/reach, saddle height/fore/aft. Done/doing half these. Minor parts tinkering examples: tyres, brake pads, chainring size, grips, handlebar width, handlebar stiffness, stem length, tyre inserts, saddle, crank length, angleset. These obviously have a cost so I guess most people would only experiment if they have a problem, are particularly keen/sold on something, or something's worn/broken (might take a while) and needs replacing anyway. If there was some kind of parts pool to allow this in a more cost-effective and less waste/hassle way, I'd probably do more.

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DezB

Posts: 54367

Free Member

My son is a just ride it type… thats why his crank arm fell off. Thats why 2 of his spokes fell out of the back wheel. Thats why his shock settings are the same as when he was a skinny 16 year old and now he’s a chunky 18 yo. I say the same, but likely they’ve actually lost air over that time! Embarrasses me how good he is on that bike 😂 BPW trip coming up, we’ll check the sag I guess.

Posted : 12/07/2021 7:12 pm

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