Btwin Rafal 740

Jonesinamilion

RockmonkeySC wrote:

If you aren't interested in off road performance why buy a mountain bike?
That pressure will never work on dirt with any tyre.

I try to ride on trails, towpaths, roads, gravel, mud.... Most things.

I can only warrant one bike so this fits the bill, a bit of a middle ground. Try to stick with Tarmac paths in winter hence the higher pressures. I shoud adjust them if I know I'm riding looser stuff but today was say 30% tarmac, 30 % compacted stone, 30% ash and 10% brown stuff.

What pressures would most ppl riding similar go for?

cooldad

I'm not light, and around 25-28 psi front, 30-35 rear, depending on the bike, the conditions and the size of the tyres.
Generally around the lower end.

Where do you ride ash? The gates of hell?

rockmonkeysc

28psi for everything.

Jonesinamilion

Just done a little outing, only 15 miles. Sadly the chain dropped off the small rear cog, time to read up on setting the low point adjustment (thanks to the guy who stopped to offer help).

I do like this bike!

A slight negative, despite my best attempts I think I've got a bit of silicone spray on front rotor, brakes no longer dead sharp. Have I fucked it or will this dissapear with use?

cooldad

That would be the high stop, not low. As in high gear. That is a strange place to lose the chain though - if the cable is tensioned correctly it's almost impossible to lose it that way. Read Parktools.

Probably farked the pads, buy new ones, clean the rotor with isopropyl alcohol, and don't spray stuff randomly on the bike. No need - if you're trying to put it on the fork stanchions, spray onto a cloth first. But I would use fork oil.

Jonesinamilion

cooldad wrote:

That would be the high stop, not low. As in high gear. That is a strange place to lose the chain though - if the cable is tensioned correctly it's almost impossible to lose it that way. Read Parktools.

Probably farked the pads, buy new ones, clean the rotor with isopropyl alcohol, and don't spray stuff randomly on the bike. No need - if you're trying to put it on the fork stanchions, spray onto a cloth first. But I would use fork oil.

Thank you, might just leave the gears to the lbs, must be the cables streting (new bike)?

cooldad

It's a two minute regular fettle, and something that's useful to be able to do.

97th choice

Jonesinamilion wrote:

cooldad wrote:

That would be the high stop, not low. As in high gear. That is a strange place to lose the chain though - if the cable is tensioned correctly it's almost impossible to lose it that way. Read Parktools.

Probably farked the pads, buy new ones, clean the rotor with isopropyl alcohol, and don't spray stuff randomly on the bike. No need - if you're trying to put it on the fork stanchions, spray onto a cloth first. But I would use fork oil.

Thank you, might just leave the gears to the lbs, must be the cables streting (new bike)?

Learn to do the simpler stuff yourself, it's much more rewarding. Think of all those lovely hours you can spend fettling

Jonesinamilion

Can't get out on if of late

Too much work & not enough time or light.

The Rookie

Lights aren't expensive!

Jonesinamilion

The Rookie wrote:

Lights aren't expensive!

Motivation and time are my enemy at the moment... 10 / 12 / 14 hr days with a young family aren't bike friendly*




*yes, I am making excuses... Bring on summer!

Jonesinamilion

Managed to put 17 miles on it today, simply lovely day here!

Full clean & degrease afterward as always; even cleaned the front rotor & pads (circlip went flying which spoiled the day).

Jonesinamilion

Another 19 miles today, a right little speed machine it is and most enjoyable to ride!

The Rookie

Glad you like it, they are a very good XC machine for the money.

Jonesinamilion

The Rookie wrote:

Glad you like it, they are a very good XC machine for the money.

I'm obvs no expert but for £530 new (with a £10 voucher still to spend) inc delivery and a set of shimano pedals, it feels like I've almost stolen it!

In my eyes, it's amazing and I'm proud to own it... If I were to have gone with "a brand" I'd have had to spend a lot more than this to ride something so lovely (and light)!

Got it to how I like / want it for not much extra spend too (tormented with the idea of a dropper post though).

KEEPER!

Jonesinamilion

22 miles earlier of which a lot appeared to be ankle deep mud, like peddling through treacle!

Puncture exactly 11miles in, not fun given the state of the bike... Enjoyable outing all in all though.



Don't worry, it's all clean & shiny again.

Jonesinamilion

25 miles around canal paths & old railway lines, beautiful day for it nd much less mud than last weeks route!

Love riding this bike.

Jonesinamilion

Input about 300 miles on it s far and I still love it; fast, light, decent components, looks good, efficient, can live with 26 wheels...

I purchased a small as a big of a gamble, I'm a shade under 5'8", frame measures in at 17 inch.

Seat is high and back on the rails, stem is short, high & inverted (flat bars) It's comfortable but I get a niggle that it's a bit "cramped" almost, not noticeably but just an afterthought on occasion.

Is this a normal sensation for an xc bike?
Would a longer stem do anything to improve this sensation? .... Pros & cons of a longer stem?

Relaxitscool

No experience of BTwin MTB but do have a BTwin road bike, the Mach 740 and I have to say its pretty exceptional. The staff are always very friendly and willing to help.

Jonesinamilion

Still loving it 400 miles later (yes I know... But the weather gas been shit!).

18 miles today.

no real problems to report barring 3 punctures., suppose it's to be expected on the standard non aggressive tyres (Hutchinson Python)

Jonesinamilion

Not much use of late

Taken the kids out a few times (3&6 yo) which was great.

Last outing about a month ago, steady 25 miles.

Only upto about 550 miles, no problems apart from my lack of skills & fitness!

Nothing to report really apart from its still ace ... Rear plastics cassette / spoke guard has been removed, new battery to speedo fitted, rotors cleaned, degreaser & reoiled, whole bike spotless and ready to go!

Jonesinamilion

Nothing of significance to report... Slight faint squeak from rear end (thinking the pads are rubbing) but it's still bloody lovely!

I know it's only a 26 er but looking what's on offer for the same money, this was a steal and a good 1 - 2 kg lighter in its range.

18 miles today taking the grand total to only about 700 from new... I'll break it in soon

Jonesinamilion

still going strong... fantastic bit of kit for the money!