Quote from: handlebar on March 08, 2024, 01:04:41 PM
I didn't like the 20 x 3.3 tires that came on my Radrunner. There wasn't much else available for those rims.
I've run 1200 miles on the 27.5 x 1.95 tires that came on my Radmission. I replaced the tubes with ones less porous. The tires have been okay. If I need new ones, I'll go to Modern Bike for their online listing of what's available in that diameter and approximately that width.
"Stretching" is usually how chains wear out. It's really a loosening of pin joints. A gauge to check is pretty cheap, but I use a digital caliper. I just checked one. First I checked roller diameters: .300 inch. Then I rolled the pedals to put one straight out in front and laid a board on it to put a bit of tension on the chain. Then, on the top run of chain, I measured across as many rollers as possible with my 6 inch caliper: 5.786. Links are nominally 1/2 inch, so that was 11 links plus an extra roller. So I subtracted 0.3 inch to get the length of 11 links with 11 rollers: 5.486.
A link is nominally 1/2 inch, so 11 links would be 5.500 inches, but chains are often manufactured undersized to have more allowance for wear. Many say 0.5% too long is okay. That would be would be 5.528 inches for 11 links. Most say a chain should be replaced if it's 1% too long. That would be 5.556 for 11 links.
When my bike "skips," it's not the chain but the derailleur. The lower wheel on a derailleur is the tensioner. The upper wheel is the guide. It should be adjusted so that the guide wheel lines up perfectly with the cog wheel for the gear you select. Adjustment instructions depend on what derailleur you have. They're online.
thanks so much! Good info! I will find a place locally to check the chain etc...biking season is here!