These wheels use good components, the Shimano 105 hubs and Velocity rims are excellent! They do need some love though...
When I receive them, the back wheel was significantly wobbly... To the point they wouldn't roll because of break rub. That was about 5-8 mm off. Front wheel was perfect. Once trued, I went for my first spin. About 30 min, 8 miles with some fast moments (30+ mph), sprints and small hills.
Once back I noticed the rear wheel slightly out of true... So I began tuning the wheels. That's a few hours of work with great attention to detail. Here's my process, based on "Professional Guide to Wheel Building" by Roger Musson (
Oil nipples
Stress relief by squeezing spokes
Lateral True
Check for dish
Check and adjust for even tension (plucking each spoke for tone) balance tension in 1/8 to 1/16 of a turn increments
Increase tension by 1/4 of a turn increments on each spoke
Stress relief
True
Dish
Pluck
Increase tension
Repeated a few more times. I increased tension on those wheels by about 3/4 turns.
On to my second spin the next day... Wheels felt more rigid and were true for the ride. Ride felt smoother than with my previous wheels with same tubes, tires, and air pressure as before. They roll very well.
When going back home, I hit something really hard with my front wheel at about 17 mph... Couldn't tell exactly what it was, I had to focus on traffic... It damaged my front tube (I had a flat)... But the rim was intact and the wheel perfectly true. Definitely a quality set if tuned properly.
Note that I had similar problems with a 29er Shimano set I got for my hybrid. Great wheels but also under tensioned. Perfectly trued out of the box but needed to be aligned after first ride.
Showing posts with label buy bikes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label buy bikes. Show all posts
Monday, March 17, 2014
Sunday, February 16, 2014
Reviews of Topeak Two Up TuneUp Bike Stand
I live in Japan. We have multiple earthquakes each day. I live on the 10th floor of an apartment building. In about a year this stand has never fallen. I trust it enough to keep my 4,000 dollar 5.5 Madone on the top hook. My MTB is kept on the lower hook. The only complaint I would have and the only reason I didn't give it five stars is because I can't rotate the pedals on the bottom hook when doing maintenance because my Gary Fisher 29er is too large for the crank shafts to spin freely. Other than that I couldn't be happier with the space savings and the fact that I can keep my bikes indoors and up off the floor.
**update** I still live in Japan on the 10th floor of my building. Japan was just hit by an 8.9 earthquake. The area I am in was only around a 5.0. However after I got back from a night in the shelter I came home to find my Topeak rack still standing with my Madone in the top cradle. Awesome product!
It is very sturdy and stable even with two bikes loaded.
It actually saves space. (I live in a small apartment.)
Your dirty bikes don't have to touch the floor.
Cons:
You are guaranteed quality with Topeak, and along with that quality a pretty high price tag to go along with it.
For some really stupid reason, this bike stand only comes with one "Topeak Handlebar Stablizer". This is what keeps a bike's front wheel from moving left or right while on the stand. I'd rather pay a little more upfront to have TWO Topeak Handlebar Stablizer for Bike Stands, as opposed to realizing that I need another one, and having to order it separately. So if you have two bikes to load on this stand do yourself a favor and order another one before you get annoyed.
Its clearly made out of quality parts, and some careful thought has been given to its design features.
For example, each leg on the tripod base has support links that run to the center member, making the stand more stable.
The center of the stand is not made out of just one round member. Actually a second member with a slightly smaller diameter, 'telescopes' or protrudes from the first (which is a good design in my opinion). And furthermore right where the member telescopes, they've thoughtfully provided clamps that can be tightened to ensure that the two members act as one solid beam.
All of the clamps are quick release, so the whole thing can be folded up and transported without too much trouble. It's also fairly light at maybe 15 pounds ~ lighter than your bikes probably. This is really the *PERFECT* solution to someone living in a rental apartment who may be moving every few years or so.
The bottom bike clamp is offset a little bit forward relative to the top clamp so that the bikes are not directly on top of each other.
The bike clamps themselves can rotate to accommodate different frame geometries.
And another really good feature, the handlebar holder keeps your front end in one position, preventing the front wheel from scuffing up your walls which is nice. Overall the stand does its job pretty well.
However I do have a few criticisms:
1) As many other reviewers noted, they only provide 1 handlebar holder. Huge oversight, but easily remedied by ordering an additional handlebar holder which Amazon sells. Not a big deal.
2) The stand is sturdy -as in its not going to topple over unless someone basically tackles it -but I have noticed that even slight vibrations will start shaking the entire stand a little. At the base, the stand doesn't shake too much, but at the top it will shake a little more. For example, if you are adjusting the position of your saddle on the bottom bike, you'll notice the top bike shake a fair amount.
I believe this has to do mostly with the telescoping design, and the fact that the bikes are not really clamped in, but rather are sitting in U shaped channels.
To dampen the vibrations a bit more they could have put 4 legs instead of 3. Seems nitpicky, but I think it would have made a difference.
3) Finally, I could have forgiven the other 2 criticisms, but the main reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that what holds the bike clamps against the base member are basically set screws. As in a screw tightens against the outer diameter of the base member, and the clamp is held in place by friction alone. This is a problem because if you press down on the bike too much while you're doing work, (maybe you are tightening something and you don't realize) you can cause the screw (and thus the bike clamp) to slip on the base member.
A really simple thing they could have done to have a MUCH sturdier frame, and make this MUCH more suitable for tune-ups would have been to drill holes up the center member and have the bike clamps actually screw or lock into the holes. This would have also helped a bit with the vibration problem as well and I don't think it would have added much in terms of cost. If they had done this and used an actual clamps to hold even just the bottom bike in place instead of U channels (and used 4 legs as I'd mentioned above), I'd have given this stand 5 stars, and easily shelled out another $50 bucks for this already expensive stand.
As such this is really more of a lightweight transportable bike stand, suitable for basic maintenance as opposed to a real tune-up stand. Without proper clamps holding your bike in place, I really wouldn't recommend this for any serious overhauls where you may have to apply a lot of force to take off or put on a part.
In the end, if all you are looking for is something to hold your bikes and have the luxury of a garage, you can probably go with something a little bit cheaper and heavier like the "Sportrack universal 2 bike stacker".
If you value a stand that is light, transportable, takes up not too much space perhaps, and can hold your front end in place (presumably for some light maintenance), then you won't be sorry shelling out the extra cash for this one.
I am still leaving 3 stars because for lighter bikes this would be great. Even if this was purely for storage in a garage or something, this could be acceptable for heavier bikes left alone, it seems reasonably solid. But because this would be stored in my living space where people will occasionally bump into it, and where I'll be using it daily, I simply can't risk a random collapse, and the cheap plastic connector parts here just don't exude confidence.
**update** I still live in Japan on the 10th floor of my building. Japan was just hit by an 8.9 earthquake. The area I am in was only around a 5.0. However after I got back from a night in the shelter I came home to find my Topeak rack still standing with my Madone in the top cradle. Awesome product!
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
Pros:It is very sturdy and stable even with two bikes loaded.
It actually saves space. (I live in a small apartment.)
Your dirty bikes don't have to touch the floor.
Cons:
You are guaranteed quality with Topeak, and along with that quality a pretty high price tag to go along with it.
For some really stupid reason, this bike stand only comes with one "Topeak Handlebar Stablizer". This is what keeps a bike's front wheel from moving left or right while on the stand. I'd rather pay a little more upfront to have TWO Topeak Handlebar Stablizer for Bike Stands, as opposed to realizing that I need another one, and having to order it separately. So if you have two bikes to load on this stand do yourself a favor and order another one before you get annoyed.
Best Deals for Topeak Two Up TuneUp Bike Stand
Product is well contructed and sturdy. I was able to put two bikes on it, one of which was a tandam and it didn't waver at all.Honest reviews on Topeak Two Up TuneUp Bike Stand
This is a good bike stand.Its clearly made out of quality parts, and some careful thought has been given to its design features.
For example, each leg on the tripod base has support links that run to the center member, making the stand more stable.
The center of the stand is not made out of just one round member. Actually a second member with a slightly smaller diameter, 'telescopes' or protrudes from the first (which is a good design in my opinion). And furthermore right where the member telescopes, they've thoughtfully provided clamps that can be tightened to ensure that the two members act as one solid beam.
All of the clamps are quick release, so the whole thing can be folded up and transported without too much trouble. It's also fairly light at maybe 15 pounds ~ lighter than your bikes probably. This is really the *PERFECT* solution to someone living in a rental apartment who may be moving every few years or so.
The bottom bike clamp is offset a little bit forward relative to the top clamp so that the bikes are not directly on top of each other.
The bike clamps themselves can rotate to accommodate different frame geometries.
And another really good feature, the handlebar holder keeps your front end in one position, preventing the front wheel from scuffing up your walls which is nice. Overall the stand does its job pretty well.
However I do have a few criticisms:
1) As many other reviewers noted, they only provide 1 handlebar holder. Huge oversight, but easily remedied by ordering an additional handlebar holder which Amazon sells. Not a big deal.
2) The stand is sturdy -as in its not going to topple over unless someone basically tackles it -but I have noticed that even slight vibrations will start shaking the entire stand a little. At the base, the stand doesn't shake too much, but at the top it will shake a little more. For example, if you are adjusting the position of your saddle on the bottom bike, you'll notice the top bike shake a fair amount.
I believe this has to do mostly with the telescoping design, and the fact that the bikes are not really clamped in, but rather are sitting in U shaped channels.
To dampen the vibrations a bit more they could have put 4 legs instead of 3. Seems nitpicky, but I think it would have made a difference.
3) Finally, I could have forgiven the other 2 criticisms, but the main reason I didn't give this 5 stars is that what holds the bike clamps against the base member are basically set screws. As in a screw tightens against the outer diameter of the base member, and the clamp is held in place by friction alone. This is a problem because if you press down on the bike too much while you're doing work, (maybe you are tightening something and you don't realize) you can cause the screw (and thus the bike clamp) to slip on the base member.
A really simple thing they could have done to have a MUCH sturdier frame, and make this MUCH more suitable for tune-ups would have been to drill holes up the center member and have the bike clamps actually screw or lock into the holes. This would have also helped a bit with the vibration problem as well and I don't think it would have added much in terms of cost. If they had done this and used an actual clamps to hold even just the bottom bike in place instead of U channels (and used 4 legs as I'd mentioned above), I'd have given this stand 5 stars, and easily shelled out another $50 bucks for this already expensive stand.
As such this is really more of a lightweight transportable bike stand, suitable for basic maintenance as opposed to a real tune-up stand. Without proper clamps holding your bike in place, I really wouldn't recommend this for any serious overhauls where you may have to apply a lot of force to take off or put on a part.
In the end, if all you are looking for is something to hold your bikes and have the luxury of a garage, you can probably go with something a little bit cheaper and heavier like the "Sportrack universal 2 bike stacker".
If you value a stand that is light, transportable, takes up not too much space perhaps, and can hold your front end in place (presumably for some light maintenance), then you won't be sorry shelling out the extra cash for this one.
Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Topeak Two Up TuneUp Bike Stand
I regret to report that I'm returning this today after roughly 9 hours of use because its just not stable enough to handle two steel road bikes. The clamps that attach the hook mechanisms to the vertical pole are made of a hard plastic that slides or even "pops" out of place, making for a very tenuous situation. Both bikes are under though barely the 40/lb per bike recommended max weight.I am still leaving 3 stars because for lighter bikes this would be great. Even if this was purely for storage in a garage or something, this could be acceptable for heavier bikes left alone, it seems reasonably solid. But because this would be stored in my living space where people will occasionally bump into it, and where I'll be using it daily, I simply can't risk a random collapse, and the cheap plastic connector parts here just don't exude confidence.
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Cheap Roadmaster Duo Deck 10-Inch Trike
List Price: $47.99
Sale Price: $43.13
Today's Bonus: 10% Off
After much research and shopping around for a good quality tricycle for my two-year-old, I found this Roadmaster and am very pleased! My main criteria for choosing a tricycle were:
(1) The trike should not be tippy. Several popular models (like the Radio Flyer Fold 2 Go) seem to tip over with the slightest nudge.
(2) The tires should be made of rubber, not hard plastic. Plastic tires provide a rough ride, are loud on rough pavement, and show their wear much moreso than rubber tires.
(3) Value While I don't mind spending more for better quality/features, some models seem overpriced for what they offer.
My 3-year-old son has a Schwinn Roadster 12-Inch Trike (Red) (also highly recommended), but I had been considering the Radio Flyer classic red dual-deck tricycle for my 2-year-old, until finding this Roadmaster model. The quality and features seem comparable to the Radio Flyer (minus the streamers on the handlebars). It has nice solid metal construction, and rubber tires. The trike is nice and stable. Assembly was required, but was straightforward. At the lowest adjustable seat position, my 2-year-old can reach the pedals nicely, and should be able to grow with the trike for some time. And, of course, the ultimate test my daughter loves it! This Roadmaster trike is a great unit, especially at its price point.
Click Here For Most Helpful Customer Reviews >>
We got this bike for our 2 year son for his birthday. It's a great bike all around. You won't be disappointed with this bike.Reasons to buy :
(1) The trike should not be tippy.
(2) The tires should be made of rubber, not hard plastic.
(3) Value Great bike for a great price.
(4) Style great design look like a radio flyer
Best Deals for Roadmaster Duo Deck 10-Inch Trike
We have twin 2.5 year old girls. So we got 2 trikes. The Girls are still a little young for it even at the lowest setting. They are very slightly on the tall side for their age. Probably in another 3 months they will be peddling around.Quality is only so-so.
As the label on the bike says: "designed in USA, made in China".
The design for this bike is pretty good. But every every effort has been made to save money on the parts. There are little things that indicate a lack of attention to detail: low quality hardware, washers that are the wrong size, I had to use some of my own washers in order to properly bolt the main frame to the step otherwise the supplied screws just pass through.
You have to really crank on the steering wheel screw in order to get it to stay in place. Also, the steering wheel on one of the bikes won't go perfectly straight.
The tires that were supplied are not true on the wheel. They are a little warped.
All that said, when this trike is on sale it is worth it. They do seem solid enough. And I like the old school design.
Honest reviews on Roadmaster Duo Deck 10-Inch Trike
Maybe I'm the only person so far that thought this trike is just OK. I purchased it for a toddler as part of a charity Christmas toy drive. I had high expectations for it because of the prior reviews and hope that this makes the little boy happy. But I am a little disappointed with it and wonder if I would buy it again for my son. First off, the bolt that holds the seat in took a lot of effort to screw in-ok, way too much effort. The seat install took about 30 minutes, the majority of the time I spent assembling the trike. Obviously the hole wasn't tapped correctly. Also, the back wheels are a bit wobbly-not enough to be a real problem or dangerous but it bothered me. Worst part in my opinion is the tires. They smell horrible. I just hope the air out soon. To put this in perspective, I have a 3000 square foot house and could smell them everywhere I went. I had to put it in the garage immediately-the trip to work tomorrow with it in the car is going to be a long one. Bottom line, love the retro look, the price was right, but there are enough issues that I may think twice before buying this when my son is old enough.Find helpful customer reviews and review ratings for Roadmaster Duo Deck 10-Inch Trike
I'm very happy we selected this tricyle. Our daughter is two and a half, and on the shorter side, and she was able reach the pedals and ride the trike without any problem. It seems very sturdy and our daughter loves riding it. We love the retro look of the trike and feel the price was very reasonable. We did have one problem but it was resolved to our satisfaction. When we received the product one of the pieces was damaged (from shipping I presume). The seller (JPL Goods) responded very quickly to our issue and we had a replacement part in a matter of days.
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