New Bike, what to do before riding?

Felipe2105
Felipe2105 Posts: 68
edited July 2015 in MTB general
I've just bought myself a new Full sus Canyon Nerve and am going to test the thing out at Cannock Chase next weekend. Just thinking if there's anything I need to do before I go?

So far I'm thinking of fashioning a chainstay protector from an old innertube, as well as get some 3M tape for parts of the frame...any others I should be thinking of? :)

Comments

  • reformedfatty
    reformedfatty Posts: 543
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19649973#p19649973]Felipe2105[/url] wrote:
    I've just bought myself a new Full sus Canyon Nerve and am going to test the thing out at Cannock Chase next weekend. Just thinking if there's anything I need to do before I go?

    So far I'm thinking of fashioning a chainstay protector from an old innertube, as well as get some 3M tape for parts of the frame...any others I should be thinking of? :)

    With a clutch mech you probably won't find much need for a chainstay protector, although it does no harm.

    I'd just be making sure you check the bikes setup first - contact points all ok for you, everything tightened up appropriately, gears properly indexed, suspension sag + rebound set..
  • JodyP
    JodyP Posts: 193
    Take a photo of it as it will be the only time it looks new!
  • loudog
    loudog Posts: 136
    Take the bell and reflectors off
    It matters not, win or lose, it's how you ride the bike
  • JodyP
    JodyP Posts: 193
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19650058#p19650058]LouDog[/url] wrote:
    Take the bell and reflectors off

    and the plastic disc behind the cassette
  • Felipe2105
    Felipe2105 Posts: 68
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19650120#p19650120]JodyP[/url] wrote:
    [url=http://www.bikeradar.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=19650058#p19650058]LouDog[/url] wrote:
    Take the bell and reflectors off

    and the plastic disc behind the cassette

    ha, thanks guys! Luckily these came separately so didn't even get them out the bag!

    Slightly going off topic but how does a clutch mech make a difference, will I get less chain slap with one? (I didn't even know I had one!!)

    I've got one of these on the back - SHIMANO DEORE XT SHADOW PLUS, 10S
  • The Rookie
    The Rookie Posts: 27,812
    The spring that controls the chain tension has a damper (in the form of a clutch), this helps reduce unwanted loss of control of the chain tension, for example when landing off a drop the weight of the chain (top and bottom runs) pulling the chain down so that the top run clatters the chain stay.
    Currently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.
  • schmako
    schmako Posts: 1,982
    Grab some spare tubes, a puncture repair kit (if not tubeless) and a quick link or two for the chain as they will come in handy sooner or later.

    Also make sure the QR/axles are done up properly and tires at the right psi.

    Thats pretty much what I done anyway, and enjoy!
    Rocky Mountain Thunderbolt 750
    Orange Patriot 66 FR
    Clubroost XC-4 (retired)
    Pinkbike
    My Biking Videos
  • Felipe2105
    Felipe2105 Posts: 68
    Cheers gents! Tubeless is on my list too at some point, looks like something I can do myself so might be a nice project. I've got Mavic Crosswide Wheels though so need to make sure I get the right kit (and if I can even go tubeless on them!)

    Getting spare tubes etc tonight, as well as a few tools for when I'm out :)
  • kinioo
    kinioo Posts: 776
    Tell your missus you won't be back for dinner....
  • Antm81
    Antm81 Posts: 1,406
    Hopefully you've already got one or its on the list, but you'll need a shock pump.
    Trance 27.5 Hoodoo Her Scott Contessa Daughter's Vulcan
  • Felipe2105
    Felipe2105 Posts: 68
    Yeah, got a shock pump with it!

    So, are there any groups that regularly go up to Cannock Chase on here? If so, I'll see you saturday!!
  • rockmonkeysc
    rockmonkeysc Posts: 14,774
    Get the suspension set up with a sensible base setting.
    I have seen someone go off a 4' drop on his brand new bike with no rebound damping at all and far too much air in the rear shock. It didn't end well.
    Transition Patrol - viewtopic.php?f=10017&t=13070235
  • bigmitch41
    bigmitch41 Posts: 685
    Check your brake levers, caliper bolts and pad pins are in place and correct torque etc
    Paracyclist
    @Bigmitch_racing
    2010 Specialized Tricross (commuter)
    2014 Whyte T129-S
    2016 Specialized Tarmac Ultegra Di2
    Big Mitch - YouTube
  • Felipe2105
    Felipe2105 Posts: 68
    I didn't die at the weekend and loved riding the Canyon I bought, gives you loads of confidence when riding too.

    Anyway, I made my first GoPro vid of my ride so take a look if you've got a few minutes to waste - https://youtu.be/5EZnEbOVfbY

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