the 'there's no such thing as a stupid question' bike maintenance thread

Thanks I wasn’t sure if the standard was still the same back then.

if anyone fancies the wheels let me know

Just make sure you’ve enough clearance for any muck/gunk that could build up depending what kind of off-road bits you’re doing

Depends on your bike. If you give a make and model, you'll get better info

There's sealed bearings in that headset, so I would rank that as an easy job, with the caveat that I've no idea what your DIY or mechanical skillset is 😁.

Personally, I'd have no qualms about attempting that job.

Park Tool YouTube channel is the usual go to for service videos, but there's plenty of them online, including some older GCN Tech videos, I think.

Im thinking of going for an 11-30t intead of my usual 28t cassette, I'd usually measure the chain off the old one, wondering how many extra links should I add for the 30t? Is there a way of calculating it (front is a 52 36 if this info is of any use, medium cage also)

I’ve found this video helpful in the past using the big-big method

https://www.parktool.com/en-us/blog/repair-help/chain-length-sizing

Thanks guys, yep, usually measured new chain off the old chain and cut, I'm gonna cut it to the same length I reckon, rear derailleur doesn't look overstretched on its current set up i don't want the chain bouncing around on the lower cogs if it's too long.

Is there any difference between Shimano MTB cranks? Looking at a cheap power meter for the MTB, are all non drive side axles the same or is there any differences to be aware of? It's Deore XT 12 speed. Are road cranks the same axle? My cranks are Orbea's own brand, if road cranks are the same axle as MTB then I can test fit the crank arm, if not I'll just scrap the whole idea as I'm not buying Deore cranks too.

My current set up is: 11 speed 50/34 MA and 11-25t. Derailleur is RD-6800 short cage (ss).

I want to change the cassette for some easier climbing (tour de beara, 120km route). Would I notice a big difference in a 11-30t or maybe 11-32t?

The problem is the short cage won’t fit a 30t or 32t. The recommended max is 28t. Is there any way to extend the cage?

I cannot find shimano medium or long cage places to replace the short ones. I have seen a derailleur hanging plate extension like the wolf tooth. Will this do the job? 

Thanks, I was trying to keep the cost down but I think this will be the way to go.

Bike kits like this one from Decathlon can be found on lots of bike shop websites, Amazon etc.

However, they tend to be pricey for what's in them. If you already have screwdrivers and Allen keys, I always found the best way to put a tool kit together was to buy the tools as and when a job requires them.

Changing your cassette. Buy the chain whip and cassette tool. You now have them for future jobs. Pretty soon you'll have a decent kit put together

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Brakes rubbing?

Tyres seated correctly?

Mounted the wheel with no disc rotor. Made no difference to it.

I think it has to be something in the hub / bearing caps as it is fine until the axle is tightened.