Time for annual service and I need to replace...

CanalRider

Time for annual service and I need to replace my chain and rear cassette.

I have a Boardman FS Comp which I have had on the cycle to work scheme. I have managed to snap the chain twice recently so it obviously needs a replacement, I have been advised the rear cassette should be changed at the same time.

The bike is used daily on canals to and from work and gets a battering most weekends over tracks. So it's doing 150 miles a week.

I, for obvious reasons, won't be taking it to Halfords, instead to Dave's Cycles in Walsall Wood, which comes recommended.

What make and of chain and cassette is both suited to the bike frame and the abuse I give it?

Is it advisable to have the brakes bled and fluid replaced. I would like the bite point of the brakes changing as the travel is too great for my taste.

Any thing else I should be looking at/requesting?

Regards

CR

FunBus

I'd say Shimano cassette and KMC chain.

The brakes dont really need regular bleeds unless you are experiencing problems. If your brakes dont have any reach or bite point adjustment then you can do one of two things:
Bleed them as you suggest and ensure the maximum amount of fluid is put in

OR

Remove the wheel/rotor, squeeze the brake lever to bring the pads closer together and they should stay there (if they get too close just prize them open with a flat blade screw driver) with less pad movement comes less lever movement!

A general service will include all you expect, basically checking everything is tight and running smothly and in some shops, strip and re-grease of components.

If you're taking it into a half decent shop for the service, just tell them what you've written on here and they'll answer you better, as they'll have the bike to look at and suggest work (most bike mechanics arent like car mechanics so you shouldnt get ripped off - unless its a very quiet day in the shop! )

CanalRider

Thanks, not au fait with KMC chains - I'll read up.

I have twiddled with brake adjusters to get the bite where I want it but it is still at about half way, i'd prefer to get some feel after 25% of the travel.

CR