Clunk … clunk … clunk

“Well, we always know when Bogdan is catching us” I said as we climbed up the Col de Saxel the other week. Something in his pedal or crank was making the most awful sound.

I’m sure you’ve all been on rides when someone’s bike is making noises that bikes simply aren’t supposed to make.

It might be a disc brake singing a high-pitched tune, or a creaking bottom bracket, or a clicking gear so slightly out of line.

Whatever it is it can have the tendency to drive people slightly insane, especially when climbing and closely grouped together.

In our Geneva group it always used to be Gerry’s bike that seemed to make a different noise every week. The reason for this tending to be his predilection for riding his bike a lot, and very rarely maintaining it. Sometimes I also think it was down to the raw power he put out on every ride that simply couldn’t be handled by any bike known to man.

Personally, I try to give my bike a little wipe down after every ride, ensure the chain is well oiled or waxed, and every season take it into the shop to get it looked after by a specialist.

I realise that getting a mechanic to do a service may seem expensive, especially if it doesn’t sound like anything is wrong, but I’ve learnt over time that these regular tune ups can save money in the long term.

Last year I dropped off my Colnago in the shop for a regular service, and when I picked it up the mechanic told me that my wheel bearings would soon need replacing. He had me touch the axle as he spun the wheel and indeed, I could feel a little vibration coming from the wheel.

However, I declined to get them changed right there and then but soon came to regret it. When I took the bike out again after a long rainy ride my front wheel was making a real racket. Sure enough, those bearings had given up the ghost and needing changing.

To help you all out there’s a great article over on Escape Collective detailing the Things mechanics wish all cyclists knew about their bikes.

To summarise:

Lower tyre pressures are better, to a point – its no longer the age of 23mm run at 110psi. Use a tyre pressure calculator like this one from Silca to figure out the best pressure for you

A clean chain saves big money – wipe down and lube if you use oil. Or get into waxing – I did a year or so ago and haven’t looked back.

Learn about the “trim function” if you have Shimano mechanical shifting – a super easy way to avoid chain rub.

Sudden changes in your shifting mean something is awry – if your gears were working last ride, but today they’re playing up, get it checked out.

Keep an eye on your disc brakes – hydraulic disc brakes are seemingly fit and forget, but make sure you keep an eye on them, brake pads and rotors alike.

Annoying noise and movements need attention – don’t ignore them unless you want an expensive service, or worse when things go very wrong on a ride.

Sweat is corrosive – ensure you check under your bar tape every year, and try to give your bike a light rinse after every ride.

And finally, preventation is the best kind of maintenance – as I mention above, exercise regular cleaning and maintenance and try to get your bike to a mechanic for a once over every 12 months at the least.

So next time you’re out on a ride don’t be that person who everyone else wants to ride away from to save their sanity!

Featured Ride

10 Boulangerie Challenge - 101km 846m D+

https://www.strava.com/clubs/1430805/group_events/2021147

Here’s something a little different. If you’re in or around the Geneva area, make a note to come along on Saturday 15th May.

The 10 Boulangerie Challenge will take us around the Canton of Geneva, passing by 10 fantastic Boulangeries. We'll regroup at each Boulangarie, allowing people to grab a croissant and coffee when they need them.

Keen croissant consumers can attempt the gold standard of eating a croissant at every single bakery. No prizes for this - just the kudos of managing all that pastry in a single ride!

What I’ve been listening to while writing

DangerMouse and Black Thought – Cheat Codes

A must listen for anyone who loves old school hip hop. This is a great album with briliant production that is more than matched by the quality of the rhyming. Black Thought is a member of the legendary hip hop band The Roots, and DangerMouse has produced more great albums than I have the space to write about here. He has such an ear for a perfect funky drum pattern, or a vintage sounding string section. Love Love Love.

Prevention is better than cure

Measuring Up