Straddle Cable Bike Hacks

I HATE SETTING UP CYCLOCROSS BRAKES.

I hate setting them up more than installing disc brakes. The straddle cable is the worst part… Centering the pad spacing between the rim, then attaching the main brake cable to the straddle cable… Just ugh. I know I’m complaining, but it’s one of my biggest bike aversions.

I’ve recently kinda stumbled upon a bike hack in order to make it easier. I was being cranky and was trying to find a way to properly align the straddle wire between the left and right side and needed a clamp. Couldn’t find one (inside the house), so I thought I could tie them together… Too much work… I then ran into the tool room and grabbed our smallest elastic band strap (12″).

PERFECTO!

I attached it to one side of the brakes, then over the seatpost for some mild tension, back to the other brake. Tadaa! The brakes were touching the rim, and I could eye things to an accurate adjustment 😀

I know, not the most groundbreaking hack ever, but it did save me about five minutes per set. Yes, I’m typically that terrible at it…

 

 

Do you guys have any other hacks that help set up cross brakes?

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Snow Chains Pt.2

Well, first snow has fallen, so it is another round of trying the snow chains. This year, I have scrapped the external tensioning wire on both sides, saving about 120g,  and the install takes less than 20 minutes for both wheels:

Before

After

The only change I noticed in having the chains being held in place by zip ties alone was that the tension needed to hold them in place created unneeded stress on the sidewalls of the tires. One of the chains where the entire link was not fully aligned ended up rubbing a hole into my rear tire, ending the ride prematurely.

I stopped here for a photo op, and to let the tubeless goo seal the hole:

Click for larger image

One last photo really shows how cold it was outside; all of the grit and water that flew up onto my frame froze. This created an impenetrable fortress of frozen gunk on the bottom side of the downtube:

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Snow Chains / Tire Chains For Your Bicycle!

No more paying $80 for a 700c mountain bike studded tire.

No more worrying about falling or slipping on ice or snow.

No more excuses for gaining five pounds.

The game is up. I have you covered, and it will only cost you anywhere from a Hamilton to a Jackson ($10 – 20 for those who are not from the USA

Tools / Supplies Needed:

For a 700c Wheel:

• 24 ft of Braided Cable. 1/16″ or 3/32″ (I’m sure picture frame wire will work too)
• Braided Cable Clamps x 4 – two for each wheel
• Chain
• Zip Ties
• Adjustable wrench or Crescent wrench
• Needle nose pliers
• Cable Cutter – I used an old pair of Bowden cable/housing cutters from my bike tools. You do have one, right?

Note: You will need a bike with disc brakes for this to work.

Step 1:

Measure your Braided Cable around the edge of where your wheel rim meets the tire. Clip with an extra 2″-4″ for clamping space.

Once you have this piece measured, cut three more pieces to this length.

Step 2:

Measure the length of chain needed to have the chain reach both sides of the rim. Mine were roughly 5.75″ with a 700 x 51/53 (2.1″) Tire. Clip either 32 or 64 sections depending on how spread apart you want the chain.

Step 3

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Saturday Post

As always, more personal nonchalant things on the weekend since they are my off-days.

Got some bike upgrades today.

Avid BB7 Disc Brakes – Front 185mm, Rear 160mm.

What was I using before? Avid BB5’s 160mm F/R.

I like how they adjust from both sides, and that the movement/actuation seems to pull more. Maybe easier modulation while still having nice power.

They seem to have a following on MTBR’s Brake Forum.

I might do a review for them in the future.

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