Pinkbike Poll: Bike Setup - How Picky Are You?

May 23, 2013 at 11:56
by Mike Kazimer  
Head out on a group ride with a bunch of friends and one thing is certain – no two bikes will be set up exactly alike, even if they happen to be the same make and model. Brake lever reach and position, seat angle, bar width, even the level of maintenance a bike sees - they all vary depending on whose bike you're looking at. Some riders barely pay any attention to their bike at all – as long as there's a few psi in the tires they're good to go, squeaky chain, uneven brake levers and mis-shifting drivetrain be damned, while other riders need everything perfectly dialed in before their bike leaves the garage. And there's no correlation between the condition of a bike and the skill of the rider – I've seen some of the most technically difficult trails in the world ridden on bikes I'd be scared to ride to the corner store, and seen riders on $10,000 carbon wonder bikes balk at going off a three foot drop.

While he is undoubtedly one of the top enduro racers out there there isn t the infrastructure for riders like Jerome. Although the SRAM guys help him out as much as they can he does his own prep on the bike for race day right down to measuring out the controls to make sure they re in just the right place.
Jerome Clementz checks and double checks to make sure everything is in its place.

In the racing world, especially at the World Cup level, attention to detail becomes a matter of the utmost importance. Races are scattered around the globe, and bikes are disassembled and reassembled multiple times throughout the season. Because of this, mechanics play close attention to ensure that their riders' setups remains the same at every event. Bar height, lever reach, shifter position - everything needs to be in exactly the same place as it was the weekend before. With races often coming down to hundredths or thousandths of a second, it's feasible that the difference between first and second place could be determined by whether or not a racer is completely comfortable on their bike. Nico Vouilloz, a ten-time winner of the Downhill World Championhips, is famous for being especially particular about his bike setup, an approach that has obviously paid off with one of the most impressive race resumes in the history of the sport.

There's no denying that today's mountain bikes can be complicated affairs. Modern mountain bikes come equipped with hydraulic brakes, dropper posts and suspension components with thousands of possible setup configurations, making it a potentially daunting task, especially for the non-mechanically minded, to get everything set up properly. For some, spending hours in the workshop huffing Tri-Flow and carefully maintaining and examining every component is almost as rewarding as a long ride. Others would rather spend as little time working on their bike as possible, focusing more on the ride itself rather than the componentry that makes the ride possible.

Where do you fall on this spectrum? Are you scrubbing your drivetrain with a toothbrush and busting out the calipers to position the brake levers? Or do you hop on and ride, barely paying attention to the bike's setup, happy just to get out of the house for a few hours?



Take the Pinkbike Poll

On a scale of 1 to 5, how particular are you about bike setup?

1 = A rusty chain and uneven brake levers wouldn't bother me - I just want to ride. 5 = My bike needs to be spotless and totally dialed in before it touches dirt.





Author Info:
mikekazimer avatar

Member since Feb 1, 2009
1,719 articles

176 Comments
  • 102 2
 I'm not particular about cleanliness but making sure the chains lubed and the brake levers have got to be in the right place, kills me when people leave the shop without even checking
  • 54 6
 exact same here a clean bike means a bike that isn't rode hard enough. don't get me wrong I'm not saying i don't wash my girl now and then but I do have to say i like her dirty most the time Wink
  • 59 5
 Wait what's service? You people have shops that fix your bike for expensive rates, when in reality the problem would take 5 mins of your time? What is this madness?
  • 32 4
 that is why you learn it yourself or make a homie at your local shop. It's amazing how far a six pack will get you or some tacos. for example a brake bleed on average is about 30 bucks,or a pack of tacos 10 bucks and you being able to watch and get your brake bled and learn for the future so you can do it priceless. all for the cost of tacos jus sayin. all good mechanics can be bribed with food or beverage! trust me!
  • 61 6
 Sorry but living in Canada, we have not many Mexicans, therefore no f*cking taco shops Frown
  • 109 1
 it depends. my dh bike i like running smoothly and cleanly but have definitely ridden it with some serious problems. my dj bike on the other hand is a loud piece of work. every time i ride it sounds like a whale trying to sweettalk a robot cricket into a threesome with the walrus next door... woooorroogggh chaka chaka chaka criiiiikikikikkk cruuugghhha cheeeeeekeeekeek!!!
  • 7 0
 Pizza works too and it can feed the whole crew at the shop.
  • 3 120
flag scott-townes (May 24, 2013 at 0:29) (Below Threshold)
 BikeNERD- I'm not sure what kind of plastic Wal Mart bike you're running but the shops I go to is for way less for what it would cost for me to buy the equipment to fully service my own rig... You either have unlimited funds by your parentals or they own a bike shop that you're well educated/provided by. Either way I wouldn't really try bragging about it because it makes you look like a spoiled little bastard.
  • 37 2
 @scott-Townes. You should see my 5,000 plastic Walmart bike in my buy sell... I think it's an exceptional build. Ps.. There is a thing called sarcasm... Rolleyes
  • 6 1
 Canada sounds like a great place to live, BikeNERD007.
  • 7 1
 Yeah it's super rad...
  • 6 79
flag scott-townes (May 24, 2013 at 0:41) (Below Threshold)
 bikenerd- I hope that pressing that down vote button made you feel better along with your "5,000 plastic Walmart bike" whatever the Hell that means, hahaha, jeeze... one of the downfalls of mtbing becoming popular again, I guess.
  • 23 0
 as a bike mechanic. even though i am able to get my hands on any tool i want to fix my bike, a proper cleaning station and all the lube and TLC i could want.... my bike is still dirty most of the time. that doesn't mean it doesn't function; brakes, suspension, bearings and drive-train are maintained to a functional order at all times. even though i can get cheaper rates at the bikeshop, im a uni student (POOR) so i still lube and clean old gear cables, sand down my brake pads, re-grease my sealed pivot bearings and do other dodgy, free or cheap fix ups. keeping a bike rolling isn't hard. you just need to know how to make it cheap, simple yet effective. And almost any bike shop here in Australia I've been to is happy to accommodate customers who have a limited budget. there is always a cheap option when fixing something.... (it might be short term, but it'll keep your bike rolling). therefore before you start trying to bribe your way into a bike shop with food and beer. maybe just ask if they can accommodate your financial situation. not that that food or beer is under appreciated Wink
  • 16 0
 People make it sound like keeping a bike running smoothly is some hard task , bearing service 2 times per year at 1 hours for the whole bike , oiling your chain 30 seconds , bleeding brakes 15 mins , turning the adjuster barrel on your shifter 1-2 seconds, tire pressures 2 mins.
  • 2 0
 From a mechanics point of view, you get it!
  • 3 0
 Jimmy0 , you made my day with that one :-) and believe me I started with a ruff morning , i live in Nyc where even thinking about ridding is a great challenge. seeing pics on pink bike and watching videos and dreaming along is done more than getting saddle time. bad weather wind being the worst ,rain, no hills and the work grind.i mean we have hills in the surrounding states but you dont want to ride rocks in the rain.anyways alot of times the comments is the best part of the topic :-)
  • 2 1
 To me that's the right thing do. Refurbishing stuff spares money but costs time so normally your living situation would dictate which way to go: student (no money but, be honest, lots of time) or working (no time but at least a decent salary).

I'm kinda in between, still studying but working as well when study permits and I like wrenching so usually I'll fix things way beyond their normal lifespan, also out of respect for the planet (no matter how terrible that sounds).

As to the main question, I'd say between 3 and 4. Technically the bike should be in perfect working order (clean chain, no play, properly shifting and so on) but I don't mind it being a bit dirty if it's not too bad and it'll get dirty anyway in the next few days.
  • 2 0
 I THOUGHT "4" would be the most picked answer....
  • 4 0
 Set it and Forget it!
  • 3 0
 My only complaint of the 2012 fox stuff on my Ibis Mojo HD (Talas 180 and DHX RC4) is the fact there is so many adjustments its daunting! Once I found a sweet spot I left it alone. However, owning a beautiful carbon bike did change my maintenance standards, and she does get washed and picked over far more often than it used to!
  • 10 0
 This makes me laugh abit! I keep my bikes washed up after every ride an maintained how it was before I started. People always mention to me if I even ride my bikes. I'm like yeah I do. Insults me alittle! I like keeping my stuff as nice as possible if it takes a little clearfilm here an there to do, I will.
  • 2 0
 Its called a Grocery store
  • 1 0
 Wrong comment, sorry!
  • 6 0
 My bikes are always, completely DIALED. Brakes, shifting, bearings, dropper, spoke tension, chain tension, everything.. must be on point. I even keep a log of my suspension set ups for different trails haha. Oh, and yes I wash my bikes every time I get the chance to, and has to get lubed right after. Grease.. If I have the time. My bikes make no sound, just the way I like it Smile
  • 4 0
 bigburd - Why don't you come and teach me. Each one of those things you mentioned takes me all night... Don't judge, I'm still learning. Bleeding brakes in 15 minutes. That sounds like a joke to me! (I don't doubt you can do it though)
  • 2 0
 I gotta have the cockpit setup juuust right. Brake levers need to be almost vertical with reach almost all the way out. Also need to be at just the right place on the bar for optimal onefinger braking The shifter also needs to be tucked up by my thumb for fast downshifting. (or into a tougher gear. I don't know the difference between upshift, downshift, highgear, lowgear. yes I know quite pathetic)
  • 1 0
 It's possible! I watched my man at my old LBS in FL do a Hope in about 12, so I know it's possible, no matter the brand, and he was even idly chatting with three different people at the same time!
Remember, there's techs and shop hands that turn out to be the guys that work at SRAM, and they are the ones that compete at the Boxxer Worlds each year. Ya'll watch that, right?
  • 1 0
 I always seem to get sucked into buying the high end model (last one was the Demo II), but RARELY ever twizzle any knobs (unless I'm hucking some SLOW speed drops, or RAILING Sun Peaks). I wish lower end models (like the Boxxer Team) felt as good, but lacked the adjustability of the higher end models (WC).
Brake lever reach and throw are very personal controls and are one of the main things that have to be jusssssst right for me.......
  • 1 0
 Dude.. Mountain Creek lmao
  • 2 0
 I feel ya! Riding bikes 8000$ + I take care of my shit lol
  • 3 0
 How about some poutine then?
  • 4 0
 when i get bored of a trail i'll set up my brakes moto. i always forget to tell someone test riding my bike that the brakes are set-up moto style. it can be entertaining gopro footage, though.
  • 1 0
 HAH. Sick bastard.
  • 1 0
 I just got a new bike after riding what was somewhat a POS, and on my old bike I was fine with anything as long as the bike was rideable and nothing was gonna fall off. On my new rig I'm a bit more picky; if the derailleur skips at all, it's getting adjusted, and if something is out of alignment, I fix it then and there, instead of riding with a misaligned rear brake and an extremely skippy derailleurs.
  • 1 4
 BikeNERD007, Sounds like it! No mexies to deal with, They ride around here and their bikes all have one thing in common,- Something stolen. I can live without tacos.
  • 1 0
 @scott-townes buy the tools once and get your value from them the second time you replace that part. Your right it does take a initial investment but you save money in the long run. Ride on !
  • 1 0
 sufficient brake pads, oiled chains and good tyre pressure and im good to go!
  • 2 0
 @scott-townes...your dumb
  • 4 2
 @joseph kony, ride your bike instead of killing kids bro.. child soldiers arent cool
  • 1 3
 @bullitproof: don't be a f*cking retard. you are not talking to Joseph f*cking Kony. people joke around. and Kony is not a 28 year old from the Netherlands.
  • 1 0
 Whats so funny about naming your self after a monster like him ?
  • 2 0
 For someone who doesn't ride 'moto-style' please explain how you would set them up?
  • 1 0
 i cant ride my mountain bike without all perfectly aligned tightened etc, but my bmx? missing bolt missing washers, bent bars, squeaky pedals, buckled wheels, and rattling that you can never pinpoint. i just say it adds to the charm
  • 1 0
 jhenterprises...
I'd probably punch you in the nose for that comment.
I can live without tacos.......are you crazy?!
But for the mexie comment I'd kick yo when you're down.
  • 1 0
 Jimmy0 : best comment ever!!!
  • 1 0
 Madmax, Sounds like you fight like a mexican too. LOL!
  • 27 2
 Super picky about brake orientation and position, grips, shifter, if there's the single amount of play somewhere, I wont' be biking before I have found where it comes from, if it creaks, same thing, ... But I won't mind leaving dirt and mud on it for weeks Big Grin
  • 4 2
 I was obsessed about creaking until I bought my first external bearing crankset which was meant to stop all the creaking that square taper, Octalink and Isis were doing. After the first ride in the rain bearings on my saint started creaking like square-taper... then I decided that I just hve to live with it. As for play, I was obessed with it until I went through the third reducer headset on my Nomad and it was still developing play every 3rd ride, unlike previous ones which I had to tighten between every ride. Get a personal mechanic or just live with it, life's too short... Big Grin
  • 1 1
 Try the pin bearing kit from Real World Cycles to replace your shock bushing. Makes a huge difference on traction.
  • 4 0
 creaking noise do bothered me... then i found a crack in a pivot bracket
  • 2 1
 cikudh - buahahah good one! True, uh that made laugh. If you hear noises it is always a must to check where do they come from, but once you find the source, you have to ask yourself the most important question: "can it be fixed?" In case of headsets, bottom brackets, hub bearings, sometimes even suspension, the answer is not always: "yes".
  • 2 0
 My seat post either creaks or slips down. Creaking is less annoying, so I live with it.
  • 3 0
 Function has to be perfect. No creaking or clunking, and everything has to be straight and in the correct position. Appearance? Not so worried about dirt and mud. That can stay. But when you're chasing a creak you need to start with a clean bike since a lot of the time your noise might be caused by the dirt.
  • 5 0
 I get a little sad inside when I leave the shop without giving Peggy a tune up. I tune up my rig even when I don't ride, about three times a week.
  • 9 0
 Wow, I'm actually with the masses here. Does that make me normal? I've never been normal before.

I actually just measured how far my brakes are from the edge of the handlebar. The picture of Jerome doing it made me do it.
  • 7 0
 i think that cleaning maintaining and setting up your own bike is just another enjoyable part of the sport. also like doing as much of the mechanical stuff myself e.g suspension setup because its only me who knows how I like my bike to feel
  • 2 0
 I agree, I will say youtube videos help alot for someone just learning. I disassembled my f100 completely after watching a youtube vid twice, and bleeding brakes takes a good while for me but im confident in the end with my work. And sometimes you just have to dive in and get right up in it to learn and figure stuff out. I dont make a lot of money so in the short run yes I might spend more on tools doing it myself but if I can save myself every time after that it makes it worth it.
  • 6 0
 I think maintenance and pay attention to setups are two different things.
Let me give you an example: brakes.
Maintenance: keep them working (no air bubbles, enough pads, etc...)
Setup: lever reach, bite point, etc...

You can't skip the first one for a long time. And what you spend in maintenance would save you a lot of money in the long run for replacements.

I like riding in the mud and I love how the bike looks after it but, man it's really 5 mins to clean and lube the whole bike. The next day you'll feel the bike is brand new.
I like my bike to be in good shape and being comfortable on it, I enjoy the ride a lot more.
Not to mention if you plan to sell your bike...
  • 6 0
 I am a beginner and probably this will never change Smile

Anyway, I like the feeling my bike is working for 100%. Honestly, I really do affraid of crashes, my body is getting older and older and I have still more and more responsibilities to people around me, family etc.

So my bike care philosophy is like this: The bike is the only thing that keeps you alive while you fly down a trail - so I care.
  • 7 1
 Nobody really cares about how much i care for my bike, or how I have my levers set up, so I'll just waste my time typing about something else...This morning I woke up early and instead of just getting up and getting on the internet I stayed in bed and thought about real life stuff that didn't involve two wheels, like family stuff and where I'm going with my life, and the future of the planet. I came no firm conclusions about anything except that I should spend more time with my parents while I have the chance. Then my mind began to wander and I realized I want to pedal more instead of shuttling. Selling your DH bike and committing to all-mountain riding is the new cool thing to do for a reason I guess. DH is a blast but it's more rewarding when you earn it, and it's healthier for your body and the planet when you pedal up, especially if you can pedal from your home.
  • 5 0
 I make the fork/shock stanchions and seatpost slider spotless after every ride. Tire pressure checked twice a week. Give the bikes a quick tune every couple weeks. I don't wash my bikes often, but I use a dry rag on the chain, cassette, chain rings and jockey wheels frequently. Drive trains are pretty easy to keep clean when done frequently.

I am ODC when it comes to creaks, rattles or knocks. I have to find the culprit and fix it, or it becomes a mark of shame for me.
  • 4 0
 A clean tidy bike is key to longer days in the saddle. I used to not care about cleanliness of the bike but now i can say that having a clean bike makes for a better functioning bike. also when you clean it thoroughly you notice the things that need to be tuned or replaced.
  • 4 0
 +1 if you're OCD. That doesn't help a rider. I constantly clean, adjust, double check, triple check, et all. I even tune while on the trail when I hear new sounds. My bike may be built, but it is under constant tune and tweak, or as I call it, "OCD TLC".
  • 3 0
 My bike needs to be set up well before i go on a ride. I take pride in how well set up and maintained my bike is, and i also enjoy maintaining it. i do all my own work, but then i am one of the lucky ones and live on a farm so have plenty of tools to do the jobs.
  • 6 0
 just like my girlfriend.....i like my bike to be clean in every nook and cranny before i get down right filthy with her!
  • 3 0
 I am amazed how many people with too much time and too much money bring their $4000 bikes into our shop, and don"t seem to have the time or money to maintain their bikes. Landrover keys in one hand, balking at the cost to replace chain and cassette, when all they needed was to lube and replace the chain at reasonable intervals.
CLEAN YOUR BIKE! LEARN SIMPLE MAINTENANCE!
  • 4 1
 I dont mind a bit of rust on the chain, a grindy gear change and maybe a wonky lever. my bike, like everybody elses, has its own way of doing things and i tend not to fight with it and have everything running super smooth and precise. if I did that, she would throw me off at the first opportunity, break something important and sulk for weeks.
  • 3 0
 I like keeping my rides in top shape. I tend to be hard on components and have broken 3 frames in the past and also don't like to crash. Spending a lot of time cleaning and making sure everything is where it should be just means I can focus 100% on riding when in the dirt. My bikes need to have a specific feel for their intended use and I like having my brake levers set at the same angle and distance inward for comfort.
  • 4 0
 Not sure how cleaning hurts a bike? WC team mechanics power wash the bikes at races all the time. I like my bike cleaned after a dirty ride, it makes it easier to work on and check for wear and damage.
  • 2 0
 As long as you take care not to blast locations with bearings (pivots, hubs, headset) and suspension as this can push dirt and water past seals. Otherwise have at er
  • 4 0
 I check my tire pressure before every ride. I like as little linear rolling resistance as possible. And i always whipe my stanchions clean, to prevent crap getting under my seals.
  • 3 0
 My stuff has to be dialled. I constantly tinker until it gets nearly perfect. Then I pretty much leave it alone and just maintain. But as soon as I notice something working or not working then the process begins again. That's why buying new bikes is so bittersweet: you have to start the whole process over again!
  • 6 0
 i enjoy tinkering on my rig as much as i like riding it dont judge me
  • 1 0
 same here man, most monday nights are spent tinkering
  • 1 0
 I do like a good ole tinker. Especially when a mate buys a new bike and I help him set up (he was a Newb)! Smile
  • 1 0
 i always like to "help setup" new bikes
i'm currently refurbing a kids bike for a guy at work!
  • 2 0
 I live in a flat, wife dictates that the bike is clean before it enters!

Which has led to me having a a mobile jet washer in the car to clean the bike. First it started with a Andy Stand to make it easy to spray down, this has led to Muc off, brushes and a chain cleaner...which in turn has led to juicy lubes disk brake cleaner and fork juice ( both great products)

I have found I actually love cleaning it down re lubing the cain, using the various Juicy lube products and even in winter applying a bit of GT85 to the downtube in attempt to keep the British mud from sticking!

Agreed I look a total dick putting my freshly cleaned bike on the car rack yet i'm head to foot covered in Sh*t ! I also disagree with any comment that a clean bike isn't a ridden bike! I trash mine 2/3 times a week, and clean every time. in short I've grown to really enjoy the routine.

Plus not surprisingly mine is trouble free unlike my mates, that constantly have some little issue or complaint during every ride, that we always have to stop and address!
  • 2 0
 2-3 times per week? Id call that light use. 6-7 per week is where its at!
  • 1 0
 you're my hero !
  • 2 0
 I check tire pressure before every ride, wipe down the shock and fork after every ride, will clean and lube the chain weekly, wash the bike probably every two to three weeks and that is more so to get the sweat off it more than the dirt. Once the bike is dialed I take care of issues as they arise, poor shifting etc.
  • 2 0
 Im fairly fortunate being workshop supervisor at crc and work with good quality bikes day to day so I am fussy on how my own bike runs and feels. I have an 06 enduro expert frame and although its been through many builds it still looks new due to some care taken with clear tape and a good maintenance record. Pays off in the long run and most race and on trail mechanicals can be avoided with a good care plan
  • 2 0
 My set-up is perfectly dialled when I build it, and from then on it is only tyre pressure that is tweaked (depending on the terrain and soil). I don't use any of the suspension adjustment out on the trail. Maintenance/cleaning occurs with every ride.
  • 2 0
 I make sure moving parts are clean, fork gets a service according to manufacturer specs, transmission has to be clean and lightly greased, brakes have to be the way I like them, bearings and shit have to be greased or replaced when they feel awkward and tyres need the pressure I want, but I don't pressure clean mud from the frame or anything, my bikes are always dirty, but the things that need to be clean are always clean.
  • 5 0
 Less of a problem for you duel-crowners, but no matter what I do the stem always looks a tiny bit crooked.. It kills me.
  • 1 0
 What gets me is people throw down on $3000+ bikes and don't ask what maintenance needs to be done. Fox and Rockshox say every 30-50 ride hours you need to change seals and oil. That's $150 for both. That interval could be every 6-8 weeks for some. As a mechanic, I can't tell you how many times I've dropped the lowers and said "your f*@ked". You need a new CSU because you let it go too long.
  • 2 0
 40-50 hours can be nine days around here! Really need to learn to maintain things yourself at that rate.
  • 1 0
 I'm too busy fixing other's bikes and doing stuff to fix mine, so the front derailleur is out of adjustment right now... and the chain slaps badly because I'm too broke to buy a clutched rear derailleur. Eh! It goes. I'll fix it. Eventually.
  • 1 0
 I don't care too much about dirt and scratches on the frame. I do thoroughly clean and lube the drivetrain, and I am rather picky about minor suspension and cockpit adjustments. These are set-and-forget but it takes me a several rides to find optimum settings for riding new terrain or a new bike.
  • 1 0
 My pre-ride "checklist":

1. Clean and lube chain
2. Wipe stanchions
3. Tire pressure

I don't sweat the dirt, unless it's causing grittyness in the drive train or hubs. I like my handlebars straight as I don't need any extra help to shoot off the trail. Lever position is not that big of a deal, as long as it's close. Saddle angle is a pet peeve, but it's set and forget.
  • 1 0
 I am pretty much a begginer at riding and taking care of the bikes. I removed my cranks and chain tensioner for cleaning purposes and never got it back together correctly, loud and annoying, the whole thing sparked a chain of events and replacing stuff. Now I have new cranks, bottom bracket, chain guide, pedals ...... I wish I never touched it. Also I am doing my first build on another bike (Intense SS2), tonight I am going to attempt to finish it by putting on the cranks and chaing guide, If it does not go perfect on this first try I may scream and just sale both bikes and quit forever. Both bikes have totally dialed Hope EVO M4s that feel the exact....that I got right.
  • 1 0
 I've gone through stages of this. When I first started riding, I didn't really care too much about the setup, or up keep on a bike, I just wanted to get out of the house and ride my bike. After awhile, I started getting a little bit better and I became really picky about where my levers were, how the brakes felt, running new grips all of the time, and keeping the bike clean. Now, I'm back to the point where it's just about riding. If the brakes feel sloppy, I can deal with it for a day or so. Not really something to bother with. And at this point, I can hop on other people's bikes without getting bent out of shape. Now with my bikes, they get a monthly (maybe) tune up, and I go through everything on them.


Just get out and ride!
  • 1 0
 I try to tune everything up before I go on the trail and make sure no noise is coming from my bike except my seat is beat from drops now it makes a noise (the posts are bent), but yeah a bike should be in working order before you go cause never know when something is gonna bust.
  • 1 0
 Everything on my bikes are maintained, adjusted, cleaned and polished after every ride.
When you have bikes worth too much (2013 Remedy 9.9, 2013 Session 9.9 and a 2013 S-Works Venge) you want to look after them. They're expensive toys.
  • 1 0
 If you're not the guy that spends 15 minutes on maintenance for every hour of riding then you're the guy whose is always breaking down despite your bike's chorus of creaks, screeches, pops and crunches calling out to you for respect. Cockrotters need to get a clue, your friends are sick of waiting for you and fixing your bike. Maintenance is how you make things last, just ask your grandpa.
  • 1 0
 What I'm picky about really is noise. Chain or disc rubbing, headset or BB cracking are killing me. Shifting must be perfect as well.
Psi check before every ride, a bit of chain lube and let's ride!!!
I can leave with some dirt, I'm not washing it after every rides, but from time to time I take pleasures to give it some loves Smile
  • 1 0
 Am I a #2 or #3? I only make sure the saddle is level, brake levers aren't too far, seatpost height isn't too high, and pressure isn't too low. I'd ride with a squeaky chain, but I'd be itching to lube that after back to back squeaky rides. Basically, as long as it's rideable. I rode months on a bike with a worn drivetrain, where the chain would skip if I put too much torque on it. My only peeve is odd noise that I can't shoot down.
  • 1 0
 i have found that a layer of dirty grime on the chain actually prodects it and is continually replenished as you ride, I usually wait until something makes a large noise or hurts me before i repair or fiddle, i find a dirty well used bike much more comforting, like an old paid of shoes, than an immaculate bike that you're scared of dirtying
  • 1 0
 It's all about cockpit for me. I can deal with a slightly worn chain, brakes a little sloppy or a pedal bearing showing signs of play. However my bar set-up needs to be spot on or the bike just feels out of balance. When I travel I am super anal about marking the bar position in the stem and control positions so I can set it up exactly the same when I arrive at my destination. And I could care less about cleanliness unless it is affecting the bike's performance.
  • 1 0
 Living in the PNW things get mucked up and ground down pretty quick if you ride year round. I am sure to clean up my drivetrain after every seriously muddy ride, or after every few normal rides - this keeps everything in top shape longer. I also clean and lube my suspension regularly, properly torque all bolts, etc because I ride hard and break a lot of parts, so I do everything I can to keep unnecessary stresses out of the equation.

Maintaining bikes is fun - modern bikes are a work of art. Being an engineer, I really appreciate how modern bikes are a pretty elegant combination of my favorite engineering subjects, so maintanence is never really a chore (unless you are working on someone else's crummy bike lol).

I enjoy keeping my own bike dialed and often help with friends bikes. However, I have no problem riding a bike in poor condition, just as long as I am confident it won't break/kill me. Sometimes klunking is fun!
  • 1 0
 Depends on the time of year. In winter i clean it after 99 % of rides but don't really do any checks till it's broken. Simply because my garage is freezing and my fingers can't move. But in Sumner i love pulling it apart and servicing it after every ride. Or just after work for the fun of it. So spring is usually pretty expensive time parts wise. But brakes have to be spot on all the time i hate soggy brakes more than anything
  • 1 0
 I dropped too much $$$ into my bike not to have it dailed and lookn good. A clean, cared for bike is a happy bike. Happy bikes ride better.

Post cleaning is seasonal. Summers- light dust, no need for a spray down. Every scratch hurts.

I feel bad for dirty bikes, they seem sad to me. I do as much maintenance as I can and let the guys at mt lbs do the rest. They always appreciate seeing how well I take care of my bike and to knowing it's a rider not an ornament.
  • 1 0
 depends on which bike im about to go shred. if im out on the road, its gotta be clean and dialed. if im about to go session some dirt jumps with some friends or send some XC or downhill trails, as long as the brakes work and there air in my tires im sending it!
  • 1 0
 I like my bike to be setup how I like it, especially levers. I dont really care how clean it is though. On a side note the guys oiling there chains every ride are just killing them more quickly. You're just attracting dirt and grit. You might as well give it a daily rub with sandpaper. Unless you are cleaning it thoroughly beforehand which i doubt. Its better to clean often and lube less often.
  • 1 0
 This is an odd one to answer. When I raced I was INSANELY anal. I cleaned my bike before every race. It was spotless and well lubed. I dialed anything mechanical in to the T and trued my wheels. I don't know if you've ever had a tooth skip or experienced chain suck in a stand up full sprint.... but it sucks. These days... I pretty much just make sure everything is functioning.
  • 1 0
 make sure it shifts, stops, and has air in the tires. takes about 30 sec to check it, as I ride away or put it on the bike rack. unless your taking a trip or racing, I never have understood why people are super picky. I've always though: if it works, then ride it.
  • 2 0
 I triple check everything on my bike, i do a lot of maintenance and cleaning, and I am that type of guy who needs to align the ODI text of the bar end plug perfectly horizontal. I'm a bit fussy.
  • 1 0
 Being a shop wrench, mine don't always have to be polished to perfection, but it does speak for the work I do on others' machines, foremost they must be optimally mechanically sound; my bikes are setup goofy compared to most, but I'm a tall mechanic that rides road, bmx, and everything mountain, so you get a strange blend for my comfort zone in my kits'n'bits
  • 1 0
 I think everyone should be somewhat particular about their set up. Let face it, most of us spend a great deal of money on bikes. Why not take care of them? Why not get them dialed? Why spend all the money on the bike and not get the most out of it?
  • 1 0
 I like my bike to work well enough that I can trust in it... that said I've ridden with guys who's bike barely works and they have no problem... hence this poll is pretty pointless, it purely depends on each individual, you can't make a statistic out of it. That said, it's not hard to do bicycle mechanics if you do prefer your bike in top condition, I've worked as a bicycle mechanic for a while and owned bikes all my life but my main occupation has been working with agricultural equipment, small engines and cars, it makes me laugh to read on this website all the self-professed bike mechanics ranting about their 'expertise' and how they know better, bicycles have to be about the easiest thing ever to work on. If you can't follow instructions well enough to bleed a brake, adjust gears, true a wheel, or even strip down and rebuild a suspension fork... you should pretty much revoke your man-badge!!! haha
  • 1 0
 As both a full-time mechanic and a rider I am often torn between having to work on my bike while I am not "working" and wanting my bike to be absolutely dialed (this gets harder with time as the joy of fixing bikes fades into something more like a chore). The result is usually a compromise where I may leave a bunch of non-critical areas filthy and get everything else perfect. As a rule I don't wash my bikes unless I am going deep and overhauling pivots/suspension etc. If I have a wheel that's on its way out (as I do now) I'll ride it out of true and with poor spoke tension, but otherwise I CANNOT ride if I know something is clearly out of place or out of adjustment.
  • 1 0
 Having a well dialled in bike makes up for my lack of skill... lol When going flat out down a 25 minute descent in the mountains, I want to know everything about my bike, I would rather be intimate with my bike than the rocks at speed. A well dialled bike can get you out of those unexpected moments or help you clean the climbs only done by the few.
  • 1 1
 Brake lever position is the only thing im fussed about when it comes to setup. I do try and clean the DH bike after every ride, but thats only because it lives in the house and I can't be arsed listening to the wife moan. I went for months, I mean like 9 months without ever lubing my chain, when I did finally lube it it snapped on my next ride......coincidence??
  • 1 0
 Seeing as I do pretty much all the maintenance on my bikes, I have to work on them fairly regularly to keep things running smoothly. More so living in a place where you do so much riding. Plus I don't like squeaky bikes
  • 1 0
 More on setup than cleanliness: I'd like to call myself picky. And I do fumble on levers, saddle position, stem lengths and all that. But I have to admit, I hardly can feel a few milimeters difference. So I keep on fumbling.
  • 1 0
 running a bike low-maintenance is actually a stupid ideea from an economic p.o.v. . A well ( even decent ) cleaned drive -train will last longer than a rusty, full of dirt one.
  • 2 0
 i keep the two things i love the most closest to me where I sleep. my bike and my guitar .I disassemble my bike and hang it on the wall above my head CLEAN!
  • 1 0
 Its all preferance, before a race, my bike is rebuilt, torn down after. Once at the races, i adjust angles, tire pressure, if it gets muddy, I leave it, cleaning only drive train and brakes.
  • 2 1
 i really hate riding with the people that are a number five, they are always fiddling with stuff and talking about this and that and compression and rebound and blah, blah, blah... just ride your bike!
  • 1 0
 Proper maintenance and up keep is crucial for the life of the expensive componentry on a mountain bike. Cleanliness is good but not as important. But never leave it excessively muddy.
  • 1 0
 I paid a lot of money for my bike so like to keep it well maintained and running perfectly. Don't religiously clean it after every ride though just make sure the important parts are working.
  • 1 0
 I like it in tiptop shape, was a bike mechanic and do all the work on my bikes myself. But if I am doin 40+mph on a bike and hucking it, then i want to eliminate the worry that my bike isnt dialed in.
  • 3 0
 Pressure wash, re-grease and minor adjustments after every ride. Mild lube and adjustments before each ride.
  • 1 0
 I spend so much time looking at bikes on racks with glazed eyes- Any ride Huffy or S-Works; is still a better day than dreaming about riding one....
  • 1 0
 My bike is usually dirty but meticulously maintained. Clean & lube chain for every ride, accurate tire pressure, levers and setup perfect, etc.
  • 1 0
 I think is important to have a well- maintained bike, and for the person to be riding in a comfortable position to increase safety.
  • 2 0
 The big idea is this, ride WC fast or be uber rich....because then you get your very own mechanic.
  • 3 0
 Uneven brake levers are a bitch haha, feels so weird to me.
  • 1 0
 If somethings sketchy and you eat shit just because you didn't take the 2 minutes to make sure it wasn't.... that's why right there.
  • 2 0
 yeah i want my bike to be set up and functioning correctly, but if its still ridable, its not gonna stop me from riding.
  • 3 2
 I stop by the ferrari dealership to get the bike dialed before and after each ride, because I heard that's how your suppost to do it.
  • 1 3
 Liar!
  • 2 0
 I'm quite a Sheldon-like when checking brakes angle and so. Or let's say I'm Monk.
  • 1 0
 Before every ride I check air pressure in the tires (because they're tubeless) and clean the fork and shock. Otherwise I only do what needs to be done.
  • 1 0
 I couldn't give 2 shits if my bike's clean, but I do like everything to be symetrical. Levers, etc.....I do have OCD though :-)
  • 3 0
 She cant be too ulgy, wet and tight, that is all... thanks
  • 1 0
 Unfortunately, my CCDB has to be just right or im miserable. You need a PHD to tune the damn thing, but its totally worth it when its happy.
  • 2 3
 You won't find a single champion in any sport using a mechanical object, that isn't meticulous about details or fastidious about settings. "The Gods are in the details" rings true from F1 to DH, and just like a champion at heart will push through pain for another mile/lift/push the same person will spend the time and attention to ensure that dedication translates to a very dynamic object one relies on to win.

What's the point of this article again? You'll find riders reaching both ends of the spectrum, and champions only on one.
  • 1 0
 Clean bike, no. Clean drive train yes! I use a wire brush to clean the chain/drive chain parts after every ride. Bike always shifts perfect... XTR parts last forever!
  • 1 0
 This poll is going to be skewed toward the picky side. If you're geeking out on Pinkbike, chances are you will take a more technical approach toward equipment.
  • 1 0
 major OCD with lining my stems up. longest i've spent is about 45 mins and once mounted a laser light guide off a jigsaw onto one to find the elusive 'middle'
  • 2 0
 ooh I actually have my bars aimed slightly to the left as it helps me with right hand corners a bit, I'm majorly UN-ambidextorous and naturally prefer left hand corners, so having the bars 2 or 3 degress off helps me turn right a bit easier as when the bars are straight the wheel is slightly turning right lol, its only subtle but it definitely makes me corner better
  • 1 0
 battle scars and dirt don't bother me for as long as everything works and not about to fall apart.
  • 1 0
 If my DJ bike makes 1 rattle, squeak or clunk noise.... Something is wrong.
  • 1 0
 everything in the right place and working well, no unexplained noises, bit of dirt from the last ride = good to go :-)
  • 1 0
 Proper working order is more important than cleanliness, yet having a clean ride is nice...
  • 1 0
 maintenance is key... if your bike isnt working properly you usually do not have a fun ride
  • 1 0
 How can people not check things are right????? I just cant enjoy my ride as much, if things aren't right
  • 2 0
 Get the vernier calipers out - OCD
  • 2 2
 Any owners of Jekyll or Claymore here? I'd like to hear on-hand reports on reliability of Dyad shock and suspension feel in general.
  • 1 0
 Ride hard and put away dirty. As long as the chain is lubed and the levers are even.
  • 2 0
 what is jeromes crazy left grip about in the pic???
  • 2 0
 I wondered too, I think he runs 1x - so why the Gripshift?
  • 1 0
 yea i realised after posting it was grip shift, i thought i seen a thumb shifter button in board but must be his seat post? then a grip shift to clean up cockpit?

all guesses
  • 2 0
 Dialed? Yes. Clean? No. It's just going to get dirty anyway.
  • 1 0
 forks & chain needs to be clean daily... the rest, keep it away from water!!
  • 1 0
 You can marvel at your machine and tweek it to perfection. You can ride your bike. Two different forms of enjoyment.
  • 1 0
 lubed chain is most important. true disk rotors, second. cable housing with intact cables, third. wtf else do you need?
  • 1 0
 wow, all those that chose anything other than 1, really ought to go out and get some sort of life and loose the hobby -_-
  • 1 0
 my bike lives in my living room so I can play with the bitch while i watch porn Smile ( follow me or some other MTB vid ) lol
  • 1 0
 While training for a race or racing itself, 5 for sure! While going for a spin with frinds a 3 will do it
  • 1 0
 I'm not chasing tenths so as long as it all works and is comfortable all is well.
  • 1 0
 What's the left gripshift cable?
  • 1 0
 i like my brakes being uneven it feels more comfy for me
  • 1 1
 My rear brake don't work........... We don't need them anyways!!!!!!!!!!!! RIGHT?!?!?!?!?!
  • 1 0
 all i really care about is brakes and bar position
  • 1 0
 Am I the only one who puts my brake levers in different positions?
  • 3 0
 Yes

What're your fingers different lengths?!
  • 2 0
 Maybe they are YOU DON'T KNOW ME
  • 1 0
 Brake levers , psi, and bar sweep. I'm good to go.
  • 1 0
 My bike needs to be dialed, but not clean
  • 1 0
 Does anyone else carry a measuring tape on the rides besides me?
  • 1 0
 If it aint broke dont fix it!
  • 1 0
 vernier caliper all the things!
  • 1 1
 If the wheels go round and round I figure all is well.
Below threshold threads are hidden







Copyright © 2000 - 2024. Pinkbike.com. All rights reserved.
dv42 0.037186
Mobile Version of Website