A clean and well lubed drive train will go a long way towards keeping your bike working well. Most people understand this is important but aren’t sure how to go about it. I have a simple system that will save time and keep your parts working better.

Items Needed: Bicycle Chain cleaning device or bristle brush, degreaser and chain lube

Step 1: Shift your chain into the big ring in the front and second hardest gear on the back.

Step 2: If you are using a chain cleaning device, fill the reservoir with degreaser and then clip the chain cleaner onto the bottom strand of the chain below the chainstay.   If you are using a brush, pedal backwards and get a good coating of degreaser on your entire chain.

Step 3:  With the chain cleaner on the chain, hold it in place and pedal backwards 10-20 times. The brushes and wiper in the chain cleaner will get the degreaser all through the chain and clean off the crud.  Remove the chain cleaner and dispose of the dirty degreaser at the appropriate waster material depot.  I keep an old glass jar that I will take to the local auto repair place to dispose of as they deal with waste products like these regularly.  Don’t just dump it down the sink.

If you are using a brush, hold the brush against one side of the chain and pedal backwards 5-10 times.  Repeat this for each side of the chain. Top, bottom, right side and left side.  With a clean dry rag wrap it around the bottom strand of chain and pedal backwards to get all the loose dirt off.  Keep switching to clean sections of rag until you are getting almost nothing more off.

Step 4: Rinse off the chain with rubbing alcohol. A squirt bottle will  make a great applicator for this. Pedal backwards and spray the chain to get the degreaser film off.  Wait for the chain to dry.

Step 5: Re-lube your chain.  Pedal backwards and drip lube on each link.  Once you’ve got the whole chain coated, pedal backwards 10-15 times to work the lube into the chain.  Wipe off the excess with a clean rag.  If you ride in dry, dusty conditions run a blow dryer on the chain for a couple of minutes to make the surface coating dry.  This will reduce the amount of dust that sticks to it.

I suggest a cleaning like this at least once a month or when every you ride in the wet.

An alternative method, if you are a bit lazy, is using Finish Line One Step cleaner and lubricant.  Just apply the lube to the chain, pedal backwards to work it in and then thoroughly wipe off the excess as it also lifts off dirt like magic.

Hey everyone,

As I continue to direct my posts towards bike service and maintenance I found it coincidental that I had a customer in the other afternoon who was in need of some tools in order to service various aspects of his bike. This got me thinking: some people may not even know the tools required, let alone what they are called. I hope to outline the name and functions of these various tools today, as well as some tips which can make their use easier. In the post I will outline a variety of tools  from Park Tool. They are a highly innovative company and have designed many of the tools used in everyday service applications. They are also our tool of choice in the service department at Brauns. There are many other tools available and what I am showing you is only an example of each. Be sure to speak to any of our technicians in the service department to ensure you select the correct tool for the job. A link to Park Tool’s website can be reached by clicking the highlighted name.

Hex Wrenches:

-Hex wrenches are used to adjust and install various components on the bike.
- 2, 2.5, 3, 4, 5 ,6, 8 & 10mm Hex wrenches are the sizes most commonly used in maintenance.
- The Park P-handle Hex Wrench Set(ph-1)is perfect for all service applications.

Pedal Wrench:

-Pedal wrenches are low profile 15mm wrenches used for the installation and removal of pedals
-The Park Pedal Wrench (pw-3) is an excellent tool offering significant torque to free even seized pedals.

Crank Puller:

-A Crank Puller does exactly as its name implies. This tool is used to remove both the drive and non drive crank arms from the bottom bracket spindle. This tool is available both with and without attached handles and for both splined and square tapered spindles.
-The Park Tool Crank Puller (CCP-2C) is a self functioning multi-purpose crank remover.

Bottom Bracket Tool:

-This tool is difficult to describe. We will ignore non sealed bottom brackets and deal with them at a later time because the tools required and procedures necessary are far more difficult. For sealed bottom brackets, there are two types of tools: external bottom bracket tools, and internal bearing bottom bracket tools.
-The Park Bottom Bracket Tool (BBT-9) removes external bearings while the Park Cartridge Bottom Bracket Tool (BBT-2) is designed for servicing internal bearing bottom brackets.

Freewheel tool:

-A freewheel or cassette tool is used either individually or in combination with a chain whip to remove a cassette or freewheel.
-Freewheel tools are used to spin the freewheel off a threaded section of the hub. Cassette tools are used to remove the cassette lockring so that the cassette can be slid off the spline of the freehub body.
-The Braun Cassette Tool has become a personal favourite in the service department!

Chain Whip:

-A chain whip is used in combination with a cassette tool to spin the lockring off the freehub body so that the cassette can be removed.
-The Park Sprocket Remover (SR-1) provides excellent grip on the cassette to aid in removal.

Cone Wrenches:

-Cone wrenches are available in a range of sizes from 13-19mm and are used for adjusting the cones on hubs for smooth rolling bearings. Cone wrenches are required to be used in sets, and can be double sided for maximum efficiency.
-The Park Shop Cone Wrench (SCW) are the best in the business!

Chain Tool:

-Chain tools are used for cutting and sizing chains, and installing pins for connecting the ends of a chain. The tool required varies depending on the number of speeds the chain is designed for. (10 speed chains require specialized tools in order to remove and install links)
- The Park Screw Type Chain Tool (CT-3) offers excellent feel for pushing pins into chains for a stiff free connection.

Proper Chain Lubricants:

-By proper, I mean to imply that although that synthetic 5W-30 you run through your engine does it wonders, the chain on your bike would beg to differ! Selecting the correct lubricant for your bike chain requires some knowledge of your riding habits, as well as your maintenance habits. A consultation with one of our service technicians can help you select the best lubricant for your riding and service habits!

-Teflon Dry, Wet Based and Wax Based lubricants highlight just a few of those available for use.

-Teflon Dry is our shops house lubricant and is the best “all around” lubricant on the market.

Proper degreasers:

-Proper degreasers are equally as important as proper lubricants as they help to prep the surface and remove grime. There are both citrus and acid based degreasers which will both effectively clean drivetrain components and chains. Aerosol degreasers tend to be most effective in hard to reach areas and liquid degreasers tend to be better with cassette and chain cleaning.

Finishline Aerosol Degreasers simplify the process!

Tire Levers:

-Tire levers assist in removing difficult tires with tight beads from the rim in order to change punctured inner tubes or install new tires. Tire levers are most effectively used in pairs, and are often sold this way.

-Pedro’s makes the best ones on the market! They offer a Lifetime Warranty and have a no questions asked replacement policy! We have trouble keeping these things in stock! A must have for your pack or tool box at home.

Spoke Wrenches:

Spoke wrenches are specialized wrenches that fit in the nipples of spokes to adjust spoke tension and effectively true the wheels on your bike. There are three different standard sizes of spoke wrenches and several specialized sizes for performance and classic wheels. Major wheel truing should be left to trained professionals, however, being able to temporarily straighten your wheel can really get you out of a jam!

-The Park Spoke Wrenches (SW-0 – SW-3) is one of the biggest bangs for your buck when it comes to at home tools!

If there are any tools you feel I should have included, let me know and I will highlight them in one of my upcoming posts. Just remember that not everyone will make use of a Park Tools Bottom Bracket Facing Tool at home.

Until next time…
I hope to see you out there. Drop by and visit at the shop!

Bryan

Hey everyone!

Time has been flying by this summer and it seems like only a matter of days before the rides will become less and less frequent. Keeping that in mind, I figured sharing one of my favourite rides with you while you still have time to check it out would be an awesome idea for this post.

Many of my rides are rushed and hectic (seemingly like most other things in my life) and I am looking for the best bang for my buck when it comes to short sessions after work. I’m sure many of you are in the same situation and may find my advice helpful. For times like these I choose the Hydrocut. The Hydrocut is a network of trails in the west end of Waterloo that traces the edges of the Waterloo Region Waste Disposal Facility (Dump). The “Cut” as it is called by many (including Pat in his riding preference debate post) is known for tight, fast, singletrak and trails of varying difficulty.

There are many entrances to the Hydrocut, the most popular of which being the Glasgow Road entrance (or Glasgow Side). This entrance is often crowded and the trails leading in and out of this area tend to be busy and in many ways slow going. This can be especially annoying when wanting to head out for a short sprint! Heeding this advice, I suggest taking the Snyders Road entrance (The part of the trail referred to as “The Pines”). This entrance is a small parking lot off of Snyders road which tends to be used far less frequently. This means when you are looking for a quick sprint there will be fewer riders in your way and you can focus more on your ride than the others around you.

When heading into the trails from this entrance, you will run along a downhill doubletrack and around a bend. This section of the trail is unnamed . The next section will be a steep climb that banks up and to the right (challenging even the most experienced riders). After the ascent, riders will start onto a trail called “Jessica”. This is a short connecting trail that will lead you to “The Bootleg Trail” another short trail to get you into the heart of the pines. From this point, your options vary depending on the length of you ride you want to go on. My personal route is to shred “Adam’s Run” ( a longer more challenging trail) then head around the back corner of the Pines. A flowing section which consists of: “Sweet Street, Jake’s Attack, Jake’s Breakaway and then Dead Camel Bend.” The return trip requires a bit more climbing, however it encourages you to push yourself through the end. Running back through “Twister” gives you a taste of all styles of riding. From this point, the most exciting way back out is to retrace your steps on “Jessica”, then shoot the berm section of Kamikaze; directing you back onto the doubletrak you rode in on.

This network of trails tends to be less tapped than the Glasgow section and time is not wasted getting to this section from the Glasgow entrance. If you are up for an adventure, head out and don’t take a map: eventually you will find your way or a friendly face on the trails who can direct you to another fun section. If you are the safer type: print one of the various maps I have attached (with thanks to the Waterloo Cycling Club, Region of Waterloo and The University of Waterloo) and take it out with you for your adventure.

Satellite Map:

http://rcn.uwaterloo.ca/gps/Hydrocut_Trail_Map.JPG

Rendition Map:

http://waterloocyclingclub.ca/node/46

Unlabelled Trail Directory:

http://waterloocyclingclub.ca/sites/default/files/WCCTrailsMap.pdf

Until next time…
Keep the rubber side down and hope to see you on the trails!

Bryan

Hey everyone,

It has been a busy week at the shop and I have been helping my parents redo their deck, which, with our weather taking a turn for the better leaves me wishing I were out on the trails more. I figured I would offer some advice on how to get your bike back up and running if you happen to have chain problems on the trail.

To begin… as unfortunate as it is… everyone will break or damage a chain at some point in time.  In the case of mountain riding, too much tension on a climb, or catching a log while in the big ring can damage the chain and result in breakage or a stiff link. Not to worry, as both concerns can be resolved.  For the roadie type… an over exerted chain resulting from a missed shift or shifting error can cause similar problems.

-Seen above is an example of a stiff link that can be found in a chain (this will cause shifting and riding difficulties).

Follow these steps and your problems will be solved.

1.) To this problem there is one simple solution… get your rig back up and running at the side of the road without losing too much time off your ride.

2.) In order to resolve this problem you will need the following tools:

-A decent chain tool
-A quick link connecter
-Some patience (the latter of the three being the most important!)

3.) When you have a chain concern, your best option (be it road or mountain) is to pause your ride and stop where you can suspend your bike in an upright position:
-using the surroundings available, i.e. a tree, bench, guardrail, etc.
(This allows work to be more easily performed on the bicycle as it is upright and will function similar as to when you are riding it! (try not to work on your bike upside down.)

4.) Next, using your Park CT-3 (seen above) or similar tool, remove the stiff link, or fabricate two female ends to prep the installation of a quick link. This will allow the fastest, no issue install.
It is easiest to make these adjustments when the chain is not highly tensioned, so shifting the chain into the smallest rings (front and rear) will make it easier to repair the bike.

-When fixing a stiff or broken link it is important to remove the damaged portion (even if it makes the chain too short). This will help to ensure tensile strength in the chain.

5.) Check your regular riding  gears to ensure it will not cause any shifting problems and that you have removed any other stiff links.

*Note* For fixing broken chains: you are best to use a powerlink when your chain is new, however, pushing the pin on a link is better when your chain is aged. On those weekend trips up to the trails it never hurts to bring an extra chain along… just in case you have one of those days!

Until next time, keep your chain stressed, but not your nerves!

Bryan!

ONLY 3 DAYS LEFT in the Braun’s… is BICYCLES 85th Anniversary Sale!  Hurry in for these great specials before it is too late.  Sale ends this Saturday, June 26 at 5 p.m.  

15 – 25% OFF ALL BIKES

Also Beat the HST tax

*Shop early for best selection.  Limited quantities.  Instock only.

CLOTHING:  Purchase 1st item – get 2nd item at 1/2 price

 (includes shorts, jersey, jackets tights)                                     

CYCLING SHOES:  10% OFF 

CATEYE WIRELESS CYCLE COMPUTER:  $59.85 (Regular price $89.98)

SIGMA FRONT & REAR LIGHT SET: $18.85 (Regular price $49.98)   

BLACKBURN FLOOR PUMP:  $25.85 (Regular price $39.98)

BRAUN’S BOTTLE & ALLOY CAGE:  $8.85 (Regular price $18.98)

ONGUARD BULLDOG U-LOCK WITH CABLE: $28.85 (Regular price $49.98)

COMFORT SUPER GEL GLOVES:  $19.85 (Regular price $39.98)

PING BELL:  $5.85 (Regular price $9.98)

ULTIMATE WAIST PACK:  $19.85 (Regular price $49.98)

These are just some of the items that are on sale.  Drop into one of the stores (Kitchener or Guelph) to see all the sale items.  Open Thursday and Friday 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Have you seen the advertisements for Braun’s is BICYCLES 85th Anniversary sale?  There are some pretty amazing deals in there.  But, have you wondered how you were ever going to fit one more thing into your week and still get some riding in?  Well, check out the sale items online under Great Deals.

These Great Deals are the same sale items being offered in our 85th Anniversary sale.  BUT….you can order them online, without leaving the comfort of your own home/office.  It’s easy and quick to arrange to have the items delivered or you can pick them up in either one of our Guelph or Kitchener Stores.

This is a brand new option.  Tell us what you think of it, what you would add and if you would like to see any changes.

Thanks

Kim