Preventing Rust, Polishing & Electronics Cleaning | GCN Tech Clinic

From cleaning your electronic groupset with care to crankset compatibility, rusty chains and washing carbon rims, Jon is back in the Tech Clinic to help you keep your bike in tip top condition!
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[@gcntech]

Remember to leave your questions for Jon using the hashtag #AskGCNTech!

[@majorpeck]

GCN Tech is there a tool similar to a chain gage for gagging wear on chainrings or is the best way still the old way? (Checking for rounded, stretched groves and sharp teeth) #askgcntech

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

"Don't go wild and wacky down there..." wise words, JC. Wise words.

[@MaddieJrockxD]

Spoke prepping - Put a drop of thick oil chain oil into the nipple threads before building, makes truing way easier as it "releases" the friction/stressing which can happen when tensioning the spokes, plus it helps prevent corrosion, which is very important especially with aluminium nipples and carbon rims.

[@The_Cotswold_Cyclist]

For wheel building, the old school way is to dip the thread into linseed oil. It's a drying oil so protects the threads and acts like weak thread lock.

[@JayB-lz6yd]

THANK YOU FOR PUTTING THIS HERE. i was so desperated to see it in the comments. i mean how so few people know that trick? all the old school bike mechanics know that trick.

[@cliffordromina3527]

I do love a silent free hub..

[@GeeFunk84]

I was just thinking of how I could polish my rims. Looked through different tips on the Internet, I open KZbin and this came up.

[@tychoMX]

Dish soap may be very high in sodium chloride! So that may contribute to corrosion. I used to work in manufacture of HSCs (hard surface cleaners) and DWLs (dishwashing liquid), they often have sodium salts (chloride is the cheapest) as agents that help when water may be hard. Give the components a very good rinse, blast air if possible, then lube quickly after washing. I had quick corrosion issues with KMC chains a couple of cross seasons ago when I would leave the bike to drip dry outside. Now I do everything a bit quicker.

[@robbchastain3036]

Those were excellent questions, thanks, everybody. And thanks, Jon, for dispensing knowledge and answers from the Wall of Park Tools. And the last question was my favorite and that's what friends are for--saying I got this old bike, do you want it? And to borrow from Joni Mitchell, her song about a street musician who 'played real good for free', I'd say those bikes roll real good for free.

[@yahyabaali7886]

#AskGCNTech Hi Jon, I have been riding my bike with DI2. Since I wash my bike very often I was wondering if I should be concerned about re-greasing the shifters and the derailleur. I figured the system should be completely sealed since im running electronic and hydraulic disc brake. I know on mechanical it could affect shifting performance but I didn’t know if DI2 (electronic) would also need that traitement. Thank you and love the show.

[@saranhoof8724]

best thing for rust prevention is acf 50 used it for years in the army it's about £15 a can and lasts for ages i find it strange that it's never mentioned, it's safe on everything, google it guys

[@daviddownes9048]

Hi Jon love the show. I have a Canyon Ultimate CF SL and love it except for one thing....the headset, it's the one with the little grub screw to pre-load it. I've adjusted it and serviced it but can't eliminate the chatter when I brake. Is there an after market bearing kit that can convert the top bearings and headset to a traditional one?

[@johngeary99]

#AskGCNTech help i need some advice on tyre pressures for the bigger rider, i am 100kg and ride a specialized diverge, i am riding some of the flanders pave this year as part of a larger cycling holiday. What tyre pressure would you recommend for this? I am using clincher wheels currently. Love the show Jon and enjoy the top advice given.

[@jonathanzappala]

+1 on waxing your bike when the components are off. I’m interested in trying the ceramic coating though that’s supposed to make dirt not stick. I don’t know if it comes in a bottle, I know it was $$$ to have done to my new truck so I didn’t get it.

[@mikef93670]

If you want to wax your matte frame use something like swissvax opaque

[@anandakrishnanm5560]

Hii #AskGCNTech i have seen the video about drilling holes in frame for internal cable routing, like the same way cani drill hole in aluminum aloy frame for panier rack mounts and install rivenut. Thank you. Fan from india

[@vonzipperpunk]

Hey John! Help...I'm riding Vittoria's tanned sidewalls tyres, I'm sure you've ridden and cleaned a fair few pairs in your time.. Please can you tell me how to keep the sidewalls looking sweet? Cheers! #askGCNtech

[@karl-friedrichwassermann6137]

#AskGCNTech Hi. To grease or not to grease? That's the question. At least when mounting a square taper crank on the BB. Had some discussion on this topic lately. "Better" to risk contact corrosion or crank damage? What's your opinion?

[@tokyocyclist2509]

Thank you, Jon, for answering my question! I will go ahead and swap my crank. Regarding my username, I should change it to better reflect my new hobby.

[@JonathanWhoever]

Car polish and car wax are two very different things. Polish, at least here in the US, cuts just a little of the clear coat right off the top. Straight carnuba , non cleaning wax, is not abrasive at all.

[@gcntech]

Yes, you are thinking of T-Cut.

[@anonymousname9499]

Hi gcn , great show as always. I got a couple of questions about Quick release and Trough Axle. I'm planning to buy or build an all road bike. Do i really need TA system for gravel bike ?. Or should i stick with trusty old QR system ?. Is it just for wheel security or is it just the marketing ?. Cause bike manufacturers like surly still using QR system for their disc frame set. Cheers #askgcntech

[@chrisd5986]

Ok, here’s one! I love a clean chain/group set. I can’t keep mine clean enough! Is too clean or cleaning too often bad? Maybe for the hubs or other areas? #AskGCNTech

[@magnusfossland1543]

Great show as per usual Jon! On the subject of using car cleaner for bikes I have just picked up a bottle of turtle wax car schampoo for this purpose. But arriving home I realized its also containing wax (maybe not so surprising considering the name...). Will I be able to use this on my disc brake bike or will I ruin the discs/pads? #AskGCNTech

[@goughgreer-barry1773]

Hi. I'm respraying/building up my Cannondale Slice from scratch. and I've got it ready to spray. any tips on getting a really nice finish on the paint? i want this thing to shine nice a bright in the sun. I'm going for 3 different colors of base and blue pearl then clear over the top. #AskGCNTech

[@sampoultney7373]

Hi Jon, I have a set of 2nd hand Mavic Aksium wheels and looking to renovate the breaking rim surface, any suggestions?

[@georgehugh3455]

#AskGCNTech Jon, are you familiar with any Di2 set-ups using ONLY buttons similar to the sprint or climbing additions, but WITHOUT having shifter handles or TT bar-end shifters present? I'm using TT brakes (in the bar-ends) and would just like to have a simple thumb Up/Down set-up for both Front and Rear Derailleur. Thanks.

[@zzzyzzzyzzzyxxx]

#AskGCNTech! I have ZIPP 303NSWs wheels. The front seems a little out of true. Can these, or any carbon wheel, be trued in the same way as my old alloy rims?

[@JippaJ]

I've ridden waist deep through water with di2. No issues.

[@JayB-lz6yd]

facepalm.

[@garrettborn3117]

Hi Jon, my wife has just purchased a Bianchi Via Nirone 7 (it was the color that sold her 😉) She is just getting in to road cycling, but I’m already planning for several upgrades in case she really falls in love. What can be done with the 8 speed Claris? Is this bike only going to fit an 8 speed groupset or will I be able to fit something like 105?

[@kirylm123]

old kids toothbrush also helps to clean the frame close to the chainset

[@ollyole4560]

Hi Jon, how do you remove dried tubeless sealant from a bike frame? #AskGCNTech

[@davidkoothottilabraham6250]

Shouldn't the uneven surface of a matte frame hold the wax better? Similar to having to make the surface of an inner tube rough, before patching it up, so that it sticks better.. Result may be glossy, but won't it hold the wax better?

[@JasCar1967]

Hi Jon (Good Initials BTW)...is there an advantage of using drive side vs. non-drive side single-sided power meters? #AckGCNTech

[@SamCarleton]

#AskGCNTech I have a secondary bike with Shimano A070 7-speed groupset on it. After installing a 10/11 speed powermeter crankset on it, it doesn't shift well into the lower chainring. Can the shifting be improved by only upgrading to an 11-speed front derailer, or do I need to do the whole groupset to 11 speed?

[@jamessmith5850]

#AskGCNTech I have been unable to ride my bike for a few months, but I did ride it occasionally during winter, so it picked up winter road salt. My disk brake rotors, including the braking surfaces, the chain and are now rusted. How can I remove the rust, particularly from the rotor?

[@desmo5422]

#AskGCNTech Hi John, I recently purchased a brand new Specialized Tarmac that is equipped with Shimano 105 group set. It has the hydraulic disc R7020 levers which seem to vibrate and make an annoying sound while riding on rough roads. I know how they tighten to the handlebars, but is there a way to only tighten the levers themselves to keep them from vibrating? Thanks!!

[@steph23868]

Hello Jon. I don’t get my front derailleur setup without rubbing on the cage when driving on the smallest sprocket on the rear cassette. If I move it further out it starts rubbing on the drive side crank. Is there something I can do about it? I use an r8000 front derailleur. The issue occurred both with the r8000 crankset as well as with my power2max rotor cranks. #AskGCNTech

[@josephstageberg]

Hey Jon, I’m riding a Trek Domane 4-series with Tiagra andTrek’s press fit BB90. What is Shimano’s BB90 equivalent if I’m going to be be upgrading to 105 R7000? #AskGCNTech

[@olavh469]

#askGCNtech - first of all, super show! My question is related to headset. I have a Tarmac and I cannot seem to adjust the headset so it sticks. I will tighten it up before a ride, remove any movement etc., pretty much following old GCN videos with Si and Dave etc but not by Jon C. When I get back home, the dang headset is loose again. What am I doing wrong? Also, winters can be harsh here so I read a lot inside and I sweat a lot. How to grease The whole headset and expansion bolt system to be safe and sound?

[@samossio4987]

#AskGCNTech hi guys greeting from bolivia! Awsome show! Can i use the cinelli pista handlebar on my old road bicycle using a quill adapter? I use my bike for commuting and some 50k rides thanks a lot!!!!

[@soundrkappa7763]

Heya, I just bought a bargain of a bike with ultegra Di2, stages powermeter (Giant propel 0 2016) but the frame has one or two chips from gravel exposing the carbon underneath, the frame has a matt finish, is there a way to easily fix this as I am a poor college student, or do I have to repaint it ( I would preferably have a glossy finish with a protective clear layer) Cheers from Norway!!

[@jasonsimpson9909]

I've recently bought a set of wheels second hand. The cassette "wobbles" when I free wheel. Is it wheel bearings or the free hub? #AskGCNTech

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Morgan Blue sell a type of waterproof grease (marine quality) which would work well if you want to protect your DI2 connections Some pros add it to their chain if they expect to lose all their Lube during a wet one day race

[@jonathanzappala]

#askgcntech which one lasts longer, a threaded dura ace bb or a threaded ultegra bb? Does dura ace have stainless steel ball bearings?

[@kurttaylorgaubatz1288]

#askGCNTech Mostly, I'm an enthusiast for the bike wash (I've given up on my Olympic time trial dreams, but I continue training toward that day when they add the 5-minute bike wash as an official event). But, while I try to keep my road bike immaculate, this really isn't happening with my commute bike. Could you give us some advice on the minimum maintenance and cleaning routines for the daily beater?

[@robbchastain3036]

I happily do the daily grind, too, and yesterday, before I set out for work, my chain needed some love. So I aimed the spray lube skinny straw, nothing came out. O well, WD40 to the rescue, something is better than nothing and my daily beater doesn't sweat the small stuff. It likes the big picture and, occasionally, some drama, just for kicks. Like, last week, I got a front flat on a severe clear afternoon. But I ride stout Bell-branded tires, kept my weight back, and rode that bad boy for eight miles with no air up front. And I pretended I was a Baja racer nursing my machine to the next check point. And then I fixed that flat during my lunch break and rode home like the wind. Well, more like against the wind, actually, but nobody noticed, so I know I was on a solo break in a night stage of the Tour.

[@mcorbett01]

Hi John, in June I will cycle the first stage of the TdF as a charity ride. It includes some cobbled sections including the famous Muur van Geraardsbergen. I will ride my lovely new Canyon Endurace 8.0 with Ultegra groupset. Should I fit a chain catcher? Also clinchers or tubeless? The DT Swiss wheels are tubeless ready, but currently I am running 28mm GP4000 clinchers. Many thanks.

[@prestachuck2867]

Malcolm Corbett #askgcntech

[@The_Cotswold_Cyclist]

I've heard that putting less viscous oil into free hubs actually makes them quieter since thick grease will move out of the way of the pawls, were as thin oil will stay in place and dampen the clicking. Messy mind unless there are some very good seals in the free hub body!!

[@JayB-lz6yd]

free wheel hubs are made to receive brake fluid. nothing else. the only thing that works great outside of brake fluid is paraffin/wax paste. a very thin layer spread with the finger works nicely.

[@andyd8313]

Further to the question about noisy freehub, mine (Mavic Cosmics) used to make a great noise and since I had my bike serviced (by an ex-TeamGB mechanic) its completely silent! I've done around 200 miles since the service with no issues, should I be concerned at all? #AskGCNTech

[@scolex8001]

Andy D how did he do it, I also want A silent hub

[@wouter6307]

#askGCNtech While im accelerating on the bike and I put a lot of load on the pedals I often hear a bang. It's a a new bike, I've ridden around 200 kilometers on it. Anything I can do about this? Thanks for your help!

[@billinhouston3291]

Probably need to re-index the rear derailleur. The cables on new bikes stretch out a little and you just need to adjust them.

[@justincarlson2548]

What is the best tool or product to use to clean tires?

[@gcntech]

soapy water. Cheers

[@TheWaxChainFanClub]

Hi Jon, I like to imagine you're not wearing anything underneath that desk. Is Demonshine or similar foam spray cleaner a bad idea for bike cleaning? #AskGCNTech #CanningsPotY2019 Thanks Thanks

[@gcntech]

Alright mush, Demon Shine or any Snow Foam will be ok from my experience. Thanks, Jon

[@janwillemkuilenburg7561]

A loud freehub? I just applied somewhat more grease in the ratched mechanism and it became more silent. No problems ever since.

[@niharkalolia6561]

#ASKGCNTECH hey there , I recently replaces my two older specialised inner tubes to new continental race 700×25c but both the tubes punctured while installing . What can be the reason for that , they both had similar punctures

[@Rixukiri]

try next time you install inner tubes to apply a little bit of soap water solution on the metal rims, makes installing inner tubes and outertubes like a dream, that is if you have difficulty installing the outerwheels that is :D

[@jdodd1258]

Try to only use your hands while installing the tube and tyre, using a tyre lever can pinch the tube when pushing the tyre onto the rim and create a small hole. If you need to use a tyre lever because the tyre is too tight, make sure the tube is not in between the tyre lever and the rim. Then once the tube and tyre is installed, push the tyre to each side of the rim, what you're looking for is the inner tube, if you can see any inner tube, pull the tyre upwards to try to get the tube back under the tyre. If the tube is not completely in the tyre, the tube will puncture. The puncture could be due to either of these reasons.

[@BikePappyToo]

If your rim tape has shifted then sharp edges can be exposed around the spoke holes. Check your rim tape at every opportunity.

[@JayB-lz6yd]

spray silicon (car plastics) inside the tire and on the inner tube slighty pumped up to open its pores. thank me later. it's like tubulars when you roll them at the right pressure. i'll never ever go back to powder or else. believe me. 2 times. 1 time, let it dry and do another time. it's so good to ride. and to mount of course :).

[@discbrakefan]

The tube is getting pinched or there is a sharp edge on the rim. When you install the tube it is a good idea to have it pumped up a little first - makes it much easier to get into the space and prevents pinching. When you have the tyre fitted, check between the tyre and rim on both sides all the way around to make sure the tube isn't getting pinched in there. Also, check your rim and rim tape to make sure it is smooth and in good condition, the tube will puncture if there are any sharp edges.

[@brakesmadly]

I have an idea for the next GCN challenge! Can Jon present a whole video while sitting on his hands?

[@pauli6570]

Mark Bradley failed attempt at humor....

[@brakesmadly]

Failed attempt at a put-down.

[@murphyspattaya]

Lol 😆☘️🦆☘️🦆

[@jeffbrunton3291]

Definitely check what kind of soap you use. I use shampoo. You could use dishwasher soap - but it contains SALT......

[@CarlForde]

I don't understand the fascination with loud free hubs. Bikes should be quiet. If it's making noise, generally something is out of alignment, worn or not lubed properly.

[@user-bb6xb3cz1k]

the tone used to be a mark of quality, seems like this fad has turned to not having "nice" clicks but rather the loudest free hubs

[@discbrakefan]

I like a quiet free hub too. But I think a lot of people like a louder one because it gets them noticed. Also helps pedestrians know something is coming. A silent bike can be a surprise!

[@tomhattee4276]

Hi GCN, I was wondering if there was different types of tarmac which work with different tyres, as I find it hard to ride my bike with my training wheels rather then my race wheels. Why is this? #AskGCNTech

[@murphyspattaya]

HATE LOUD FREEHUBS 😣😫

[@zzhughesd]

Bees Wax

[@guyd4067]

Calvin uses dish detergent. 'Nuff said.