Welcome back to another episode of Ask GMBN Tech, where we try to answer all of your complex, scary, niche, and technical questions about mountain bikes and MTB-related tech!
โฑ Timestamps ๐
00:00 – Intro
00:44 – Should you still buy a new complete or build a bike using new & 2nd hand?
03:40 – Is it normal for dropper post levers to be stiffer when the post is weighted?
07:04 – I’m considering an SRAM Dub crankset and I’m wondering if it will work with my current SRAM GXP bottom bracket?
07:36 – If you use a lot of suspension (Downhill) should a lower point of engagement hub wear better?
08:58 – Can I run 29″ front on a 26″ bike?
10:07 – Do different suspension systems put different stress on bearings?
12:06 – I’m debating stripping my bike but I don’t want to wreck the frame?
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20 Comments
Do you have an MTB-Tech-related question for us here? Use the hashtag #AskGMBNTech with your comment for a chance to be featured on the channel! ๐
#AskGMBNTech
In the last year I have got back into MTB and bought myself a second hand medium sized Boardman MTR 9.0. I have had trouble adjusting from 26" to 29" wheels and feel that a mullet setup might work better for cornering etc as a short 5' 8" rider. Is changing the rear wheel to 27.5" a bad idea? As guessing this will change the geometry and lower the bb. Great show, you have helped me loads this past year, many thanks.
Just an FYI: in north America, your title means you're ๐ing your frame without a condom.
a couple of things to note about painting a bike or stripping one to aluminum.
depending on the grade of aluminum, although aluminum is much more corrosion resistant than metal, that does not mean it wont corrode over time. its always best to treat aluminum with something if your plan is to keep it raw. acid rain and other metals touching it can lead to galvanic corrosion ( metal bolts or parts touching it ).
as for painting a bike? its best to just sand the factory paint, as thats already a primer, theres no need to strip the paint off. however if that is what you chose to do, you want to make sure the aluminum is super clean before paint. aluminum is super sensitive to contaminates.its also a good idea to use some sort of etching primer designed for aluminum instead of just spray painting some crappy primer on there. again, this is why its best to leave the factory paint, because the dirty work has already been done.
fwiw, i am in the automotive paint industry so thats my thoughts.
#askGMBNTech Hi Doddy and Ana. Love the content and synergy between you too. Please keep it coming! I have been trying to understand suspension leverage ratio curve charts as they relate to coil (linear compression) and air (progressive compression) rear shocks. I ride the Spec Turbo Levo, and I read that it has a "fairly linear" suspension, therefore would not benefit from using a coil shock. Conversely, I recently saw what was claimed to be the leverage ratio curve of a VPP suspension (SantaCruz 5010) which appears much the same, albeit a higher average ratio, and that a coil shock would be dandy on this bike. Can you explain the difference?
Despite the 10%-30% price cuts many bikes are STILL overpriced. It's really a sad joke.
I've managed to get a sizable dent in my down tube. Is it something that can be fixed or should I just leave it? #AskGMBTech
Sizeable = a thumbprint pressed into the side of the down tube about 1/4". Frame is aluminum. No paint chipped or creases seem to be visible. Fell off an A-Frame feature and clip did not disengage. Yep, me hanging from the pedal with all my weight on the side of the down tube.
With used and new bike prices the way that they are, this is the best time for the N+1 Rule.
Am looking forward to the bearing and bushings video Doddy. Great work as always guys ๐
#askgmbntech hello I have a nukeproof dissent 290 and I am wondering if itโs possible to convert it to a mullet somehow. If not is it going to be a big problem if I just use a 27,5 rear without any geo changes? Thanks a lot
#AskGMBNTech why are deraileur's pointed downward, has anyone pointed one up instead and if so what would be the pro's and con's of doing so, love the technical chat
I had the exact asame issues with my dropper post. it turns out the inner cable had corroded lots and just needed replaced.
Ong
#askgmbntech have you heard of the Haro extreme x2? I have one, and was wondering if other people have ridden or heard of them.
I still dont know why mtb companies dont use load bearings or aka roller bearings. I know they're more expensive but they already overpricing their bike, might as well include a better bearing.
Iโm having trouble removing the black anodized finish from rims to get that 80โs BMX vibe back. Tried oven cleaner & drain cleaner with modest results. Any advice?
#askgmbntech I have Shimano deore drivetrain and I struggle with removing/fitting the rear wheel with holding the cage to give me slack on the chain and trying to wiggle it through. Any tips on this? My previous bike had the cage lock button which held it in place so was a lot easier
#AskGMBNTech, I have a Giant Trance 27.5 2016 bike and it seems a bit outdated because of its steep headtube angle (67) and the DT Swiss bolt through quick release skewer in the rear(135x5mm). Do you know any ways in which I could change the headtube angle to something like 64 degrees? As I doubt the frame will break with what I'm doing. And do you know any options I could have for using a 5mm QR skewer with something like a 15mm thru-axle wheel? Basically in what ways can I update my bikes geometry and tech so It can support all of todays new tech (good vid idea)? – Gustav
#AskGMBNTech I recently acquired a used steel frame. It's been fairly heavily used, and it has some paint chips on it with some surface rust forming under those chips. How can I do a little touch-up to prevent it from getting worse? I've seen suggestions ranging from soda, WD-40 to specialty surface rust removers. I just want to clean up the mild surface rust and patch up the paint chips. I don't need it to look too nice as the whole frame is painted glossy black which has faded over the years, and I don't feel like it's worth respraying the whole frame.
#AskGMBNTech could you ask the people what the best part of their bike cave is (besides the fridge). I'm building a new cave, and I'm looking for inspiration. I will give you a guided tour soon.