I'm not even going to mention how much it cost! Even bike servicing can work out expensive these days. All I will say is the parts alone came to just over £100!
There were no issues with the bottom bracket, but there was a wobble and noise from the rear freewheeling hub, so that looks to be where the problem lay. It has been replaced.
The chain might have been OK, but it has been replaced, as it was close to its extreme length. Yes! They stretch!
The gear-change (Deraillieur) cables were replaced, as they are exposed to the elements, and subject to corrosion. A generic set cost £20, whilst an OEM Shimano set cost £25 - I opted for Shimano.
My rear Tektro hydraulic disc brakes have been "squealing" for a while, probably caused by brake pad contamination. The mechanic cleaned everything up, ready for me to install the new pads I purchased a while ago.
The headset bearings (the bit where the handle bars go into the frame), were also replaced with a superior (and more expensive), easier to maintain, set.
Rear tyre
Aside from the service, I've also purchased a new 27.5 x 2.25 Maxxis Ardent rear tyre to use on the ride. The original tyre (same make and type), still has plenty of life, but it is the one subjected to the heaviest wear and tear, under heavy braking. So a new one for the trip makes sense.
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| Photo courtesy Maxxis UK |
Fortunately, depending up how you look at it, the total cost of parts and the service, was pretty much what I'd budgeted for, and was still considerably less than buying a new bike.
Touring on a Mountain Bike?
Yes, it may seem a bit extreme to undertake such a long journey on a mountain bike, as opposed to a touring bike, but...
It's the only bike I have, and I can't afford a new one at the moment. Besides, the bike is only just over a year old!
Not all of the route is on paved surfaces, so it's on the "off-road" sections where a mountain bike comes into its own.
It's a hardtail bike (no rear suspension - only front suspension (Suntour XCM suspension forks)), so installing a pannier rack at the rear isn't a problem.
From a completely illogical and slightly emotional point of view - I love my mountain bike! I know its quirks. I know how it handles. I know it, from the ground up. It's not perfect, but it's pretty close!
And, now it has been serviced, it just might be that little bit closer to perfect!
Happy cycling!
Additional information and links
The JustGiving pages for the dementia charities can be found at:
Alzheimer's Society page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martyn-feather-as or text ASDP84 £2 to 70070 (if you wish to donate more just enter a different figure after the £ sign - e.g. £5)
Dementia UK page - https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/martyn-feather-duk or text BIJJ81 £2 to 70070 (if you wish to donate more just enter a different figure after the £ sign - e.g. £5)
We are now also raising funds for a West Sussex based charity, Dementia Support
Dementia Support MyDonate page - https://mydonate.bt.com/fundraisers/martynfeather1
@inmemoryofmymum can be found on both Facebook and Twitter, so you can follow the ride there too. You can also find me on Facebook - Martyn Feather (Skippy), and Twitter - @ZkidooKreativ
The text and photos contained within this blog are the intellectual property of Martyn Feather, unless otherwise indicated. © Martyn Feather 2017
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