FRee! noRtHwest CYClinG aUtHoRitY sinCe 1972 www.biCYClePaPeR.Com Fall 2010 Don’t Be Left Out in the Cold meCHaniC’s CoRneR How to Adjust and Maintain Disc Brakes BY JOE WILSON clocross bikes, where it isn’t so much of a performance advantage as it is isc brakes ushered in a new era a weight penalty — or where rule for cycling, but the learning compliance is a necessity. But, with the curveD was a bit steep for many shop recent Union Cycliste Internationale mechanics and consumers. This led to (UCI) rule change, allowing bikes an initial stigma due to a basic misun- to have them, I imagine they will derstanding of how the brakes were begin to show up at more races. Disc serviced and how they functioned. brakes are a good thing, they work Initially, hydraulic brakes suffered very well in a variety of conditions the most because of the perceived and are available with features that bleeding difficulties; I know many make them simple to adjust and fine people who prefer mechanical brakes tune without the aid of a mechanic. over hydraulics because of a bad The key is setting them up correctly, experience that could have been pre- ales being able to identify when they aren’t s vented. Over the last few years, disc functioning well, and what can be brake refinements and the average done to remedy the situation. consumer knowledge has increased. Hydraulic vs. Mechanical Now, instead of customers leaving There are two types of disc brakes their bikes for brake service, we are currently available: hydraulic, which Photo courtesy of Joe consistently selling sets of pads and requires brake fluid or mineral oil — bleed kits. On any given day cyclocross attracts more participants than the road, track or mountain bike racing events do. Some depending on the manufacturer — to take it seriously, others use it for cross-training, but the majority simply do it for the enjoyment it procures. Today, discs are on many of the bicycles sold, save for road and cy- SEE DISC BRAKES ON PAGE 2 BY CLAIRE BONIN The sport is simple. The short circuits vary in length from 2.5km to 3.5km, of which at least 90% must be ride- PUbliC HealtH xcitement has reached the Northwest’s racing scene able. The courses run through portions of paved and once more — you can feel it, it’s in the air. Thousands of gravel road, country and forest paths, and meadowland The Cycling Healthcare Overhaul riders,E from the beginners to the top athletes, are watching alternating in such a way as to ensure changes of pace their calendar in anticipation of what should incontestably while providing recovery sections. Obstacles that may BY CLARISSA ERSOZ of technology, create the foundation be another memorable cyclocross season. or not require riders to dismount include sets of barri- for an overweight nation. Oregon boasted new attendance records last year ers, run-ups, sand traps and the like. Those obstacles besity is a growing problem in Obesity causes a host of health during the River City Bicycles Cross Crusade series, provide excellent spectator viewpoints and with the the United States. The Centers problems including type 2 diabetes, with 1,446 participants itching to get their turn to race shorter courses, it is possible to see large portions of the forO Disease Control and Prevention coronary heart disease, hypertension, around the Alpenrose Dairy course to officially launch races, making it easy to follow. As the race progresses, (CDC), the World Health Organization stroke, liver disease, respiratory prob- the season. The numbers of newcomers were astonishing, within a couple of laps, riders are spread all around so (WHO), the Surgeon General and other lems and osteoarthritis. The National as 142 beginner men, and most impressively, 92 begin- there is never a dull moment. health institutions and professionals Cancer Institute (NCI) even links ner women, were at the start, while 126 singlespeeders As a family friendly event, every member can find a have labeled it an “epidemic.” Accord- it with cancers of the colon, breast, made an appearance along with the Masters 35+ and category that suits their ability — as long as they can ride ing to the CDC, in 2008 one third of kidney, esophagus, gallbladder and 50+ men and women, combining to make a staggering a bike — and that includes children of all ages, as friendly Americans — 72 million individuals pancreas. The NCI estimates that in 722 riders total. kids races are presented at practically every venue. — were obese, double the estimated 2002 around 3.2%, about 41,000 new The increased popularity of the sport is not limited In order to develop the sport at the grassroots level, amount in 1980. The WHO attributes cases, were associated with excessive to Oregon. Around the region participation numbers the Oregon Bicycle Racing Association is launching the this phenomenon to “consumption of weight and that 14% of deaths from have increased and organizers have created new series first-ever high school cyclocross race series this year. energy-dense, nutrient-poor foods the disease in men and 20% in women and new events to accommodate the demand. Consisting of five events, the high school categories will high in saturated fats and sugars and were linked to obesity. Cyclocross is fun for both the spectators and the run concurrently with the existing Junior Cyclocross reduced physical activity.” Although According to the CDC, the top participants. Although some elite athletes are aiming Series (JCS), allowing riders to score points in both the WHO and other organizations three killers in America — heart for a spot on their respective national teams to go to competitions. The JCS offers eight races, mostly in the understand that genetic makeup de- disease, cancer and stroke — are all the World Championships, for the majority of the rid- Willamette region, and the riders are split within four termines a person’s susceptibility to connected to being overweight. A ers the short 30- to 60-minute races are just a great way age group categories, 10-12, 13-14, 15-16, and 17-18, while weight gain, societal changes such as study released by the Public Library of to extend the cycling season and an enjoyable way to there are two HS class 15-16 and 17-18 for both boys and diets with a higher proportion of fats Science Medicine states that smoking, train. And what’s more fun — playing in the mud with girls. Races are 30 minutes long. The goal is simple: start and sugars, the shift to less physically high blood pressure and obesity are others or being miserable while riding solo on a long SEE CYCLOCROSS ON PAGE 5 demanding jobs and the increased use SEE PUBLIC HEALTH ON PAGE 11 road ride on a rainy day? Reviews HealtH ColleCtinG 101 Two ways to improve your Width, reach, depth and Do it yourself restoration cyclocross abilities: watch Cycle top angle are all important while keeping your budget U’s Boot Camp video or read factors to consider when select- in check. Scott Mares’s book. ing handlebars. PG 3 & 5 PG 4 PG 7 FRom PaGe 1 “DISC BRAKES “ FROM PAGE 1 facturers provide olives and barbs/inserts with Another situation that can create an issue new brake sets to help with this task. Refer to is using six-bolt rotors with center-lock wheels. actuate the pistons in the caliper, in contrast to must be sure that the adapter matches the rotor your user manual or the respective tech area In this case you will need a center-lock adapter, the mechanical type that use standard brake size you will be using, otherwise the brake pads of the brake manufacturers website for further which can usually be purchased for around 20 cables and housing. The majority of hydraulics will not have enough contact with the rotor or instruction. dollars. It should also be noted that companies will have two opposing pistons that approach the wheel will not fit properly. For mechanical brakes, cut the housing to other than Shimano produce rotors and hubs the rotor evenly as the lever is pulled. Most Beginning Brake Setup proper length utilizing cable stops/guides. that utilize the center-lock system, i.e. SRAM mechanicals have a single dynamic piston con- Once the housing is cut, locate the ends in the and DT Swiss. Be sure to tighten the lock-ring or When beginning hydraulic disc brake instal- trolled by the brake cable/lever. One notable cable stops, use the correct ferrules and install rotor bolts to the manufacturers own specifica- lation, mount the levers to the handlebar, route exception, IRD manufactures the Dual Banger and secure the cables. If using full-length tions. Variations to the six-bolt or center-lock the hose/housing on the inside of the left fork mechanical brake that activates two opposing cable housing, install it and then secure it to standard pattern includes Rohloff hubs, which leg and affix the hose at the fork’s crown with pistons simultaneously, but I have not seen it the frame with zip ties or the aforementioned use a four-bolt system with a 65mm BCD. a zip tie. Rear brake hose guides will usually used extensively. brake support guides. be present, which indicate proper routing. Once Pad Check & Wheel Mounting Caliper Mounting Standards again, use zip ties to secure the line. For older Rotor Installation and Standards Warning!! The fitting method to the frame and fork bikes with cable stops, you will either need to At this point the rotors should be installed.