A new addition to the bicycling stable

[GS1150Pilot]

Trikes actually handle pretty great. I know a number of folks who find them faster down a mountain road than their conventional.

[dorkburger]

New second hand hybrid / MTB in the garage.
My wife’s friend passed on a GT Agressor that his son outgrew to my 13 year old. Looks like a decent bike - aluminum frame, decent parts, etc, but it needs some love. My son was excited to the point that we were in the garage last night working on it by flashlight- we lost power from some nasty storms. The derailleur is twisted causing alignment issues, and the chain was twisted in a few spots. This is same exact thing happened to one of his friends bikes. They certainly aren’t as robust as our old fixed gear BMX bikes...
i got it workable, but will need to replace a few parts. We took a late ride in the darkness that only a power outage can provide around here. It was fun.

[B.C.G.S.]

Toss the derailleur and make it a single speed. Does it have 2 or 3 chain rings up front?

[GS1150Pilot]

Depending on the angle of the rear dropouts, you might have to use a kit to convert it to SS. Bottom line: What will it be used for?

[dorkburger]

Interesting.
My son just mainly rides around town and sometimes in the woods nearby.
3 rings up front, 7 out back.

[GS1150Pilot]

If he rides in the woods, with any hills or ruts and such, keeping it geared may be the way to go. Sourcing that stuff is super easy.

[Buffalo Bill]

Trikes actually handle pretty great. I know a number of folks who find them faster down a mountain road than their conventional.

Until they reach their G limit. No pretty result from over topping a trike.

[B.C.G.S.]

Fixed a flat yesterday. Those quick release axles are scrawny looking. No where but the not so local bike shop carries patch kits .

[GS1150Pilot]

Having ridden with thru-axles and tubeless the past two years, I can't imagine going back.

[exdirtbiker]

... The derailleur is twisted causing alignment issues, and the chain was twisted in a few spots. ...

You --need-- a derailleur hanger fixer. Not hard to make yourself, but alot easier to just buy one. Or ask LBS to ckeck it. it takes 2 minutes. I have 7 bikes, 4 of them needed a tweek.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tXfvW0L3iLM

[dorkburger]

I’ll have to check that out. So far the bike is working pretty well as is.

[dorkburger]

Found out earlier today that the following is not a good combination-
knobby MTB tires, damp paved paths, and speed thru turns... no shocker really.


The bike slid out from under me unbelievably quick. My back just below my right shoulder took the brunt of the impact, I whacked my head on what I thought was the ground, and I slid causing minor road rash. I got up, dizzy and hurting, then attempted to gather my wits and make our way home, but had to stop at a nearby bench. I apparently briefly passed out making my way back to my bicycle according to my son- I only remember bench then sky... We made it home, and I didn’t even protest the suggestion of a hospital checkout.
Concussion, bruised ribs, and an odd cut directly on the top of my head - it’s a small circle of cuts that I don’t think is from pavement. I suspect it’s from some part of the bike. One of the pedals doesn’t have an end cap and the cut seems to be similar in size....
I have been typically lax on gear while riding the bicycle. Seems it’s time for a change.

[GS1150Pilot]

Glen, that's fairly scary. I always wear a helmet and gloves while riding. I hope you heal up fast and get back out there. There are some cool tread patterns that work well on that sort of surface.

[Redman]

Glen! Man! You are not suppose to be doing that.

Bruised ribs can hurt for a while, ( and maybe interfere with your work).

do keep us updated.

[Nessism]

Getting hurt sucks. Hope you heal up fast!

I learned early on the need for a helmet while riding. I'll spare the details but over the years I've busted 4 helmets. When I see guys riding without a helmet, either bike or motorcycle, I hope they are lucky...