My visit to Conte’s

[lordofthemark]

I had noticed my rear brake seemed a bit weak. Would have taken the time to examine the pad myself, but then noticed a slow leak. When I still had my Dew I had a tune up from Bikenetic every year. I have not taken my Cannondale (Road Warrior) in for anything since it was gifted to me in December. I knew I had a dentist appt this AM, not compatible with my bike commuting, so I figured this was a good time to check out the new bike shop the area where I work, and I took it in yesterday for a free assessment.

They suggest a “level 2 tune up” which includes removing the drive train for cleaning in the parts washer, as well as various adjustments. They specifically said I need new brake pads (not surprised), new brake and rear cabling, and a new chain. Total for the tune up is $210 (including $25 contingency fee) plus $58 for the parts.

I have not heard of this parts washing thing and am skeptical of it. I know my bike looks dirty overall, as I have not cleaned it since the rainy day Purple Line ride. I am thinking I clean it myself, as best I can, and take it to Spokes for new chain (want to protect that cassette) and brake pads. I am kind of skeptical of the new cabling, though I suppose I can check the braking after it has new pads.

Oh, and they said nothing about the leak, and I forgot to ask. I suppose I can check that myself too. I want to get as much done as possible before bike to work week, so that basically means this weekend (and I understand Spokes may be super busy now).

Topic

[Birru]

@anomad 159893 wrote:

You don’t need the presta nut.

Nope, you can remove the nuts and save a couple of grams for a much faster commute! Unless you’re running tubeless, then definitely don’t remove them.

I don’t bin my presta nuts though. They can be useful to temporarily keep everything aligned and secure when installing a replacement inner tube in the field. They also make nice bottle cage spacers if your cage can’t install flush against the frame.

[lordofthemark]

So it turns out that you CAN get a lot of crud off the gears with just an old tooth brush and a paper towel.

[peterw_diy]

@lordofthemark 160390 wrote:

So it turns out that you CAN get a lot of crud off the gears with just an old tooth brush and a paper towel.

That sounds fancy! I clean my derailleur pulleys with twigs.

[dbb]

@peterw_diy 160391 wrote:

That sounds fancy! I clean my derailleur pulleys with twigs.

Which LBS do you get the twigs from?

[Harry Meatmotor]

@dbb 160395 wrote:

Which LBS do you get the twigs from?

I usually go for NOS off of eBay. There’s a couple guys on there selling drillium Italian twigs with added lightness.

[CaseyKane50]

@lordofthemark 160390 wrote:

So it turns out that you CAN get a lot of crud off the gears with just an old tooth brush and a paper towel.

I have found the Finish Line Grunge Brush to be a nice upgrade from the toothbrush. You can get at REI for $13.

[video=youtube_share;75xzHjHrqow]https://youtu.be/75xzHjHrqow[/video].

[lordofthemark]

@peterw_diy 160391 wrote:

That sounds fancy! I clean my derailleur pulleys with twigs.

Then you can use the twigs to make a fire, to render the fat from the animal you have hunted, to make your own lube for the chain. #neolithiccycling

[Author]

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